Central Asia—Help the deaf ‘see’ the Gospel
According to the World Health Organization, 50% of deafness is avoidable through early diagnosis and medical care. It is telling that 80% of deaf and hearing-impaired people live in low- and middle-income countries—because they don’t get this needed medical intervention.
In Kyrgyzstan, there are several hundred thousand deaf people. Across Central Asia, the deaf are labelled as “invalids”. They have few opportunities to seek education or professional careers. Many also suffer from social isolation. Fewer know about God and His Word.
"I saw the Gospel!"
says a deaf person.
"The demand is high - 60 churches recently requested translators of their own!"
Observing this huge need, Bible League workers are “showing” them the truth. In a program that began five years ago in Kyrgyzstan, Christians are being trained by Bible League to become sign-language translators for the deaf. So far, 30 translators are actively signing during church services nationwide.
They also offer Bible studies that encourage social interaction, as well as nurture the faith of their “listeners”. The demand is high—60 churches recently requested translators of their own.
Nearly 1,000 deaf people in Kyrgyzstan have been lifted out of isolation through the efforts of Bible League-trained translators. Sixty-two Bible study groups and eight worshipping groups have also begun in the last five years.
“These dedicated Christians have become vital links between the deaf and the hearing,” says Bible League’s Director of Central Asia Ministry.
Will you join us to help “show” God’s Word to the deaf people in Central Asia? Click here to donate now.
Tuesday 12 June 2007
Thursday 7 June 2007
Bible Power
AFRICA:
Known by his deeds
Emmanuel’s life was characterized by using black magic, stealing, cheating people, lying, and fornicating. Then, he says, a strange thing happened.
A Christian from the local church visited Emmanuel and told him about Christ. Emmanuel reacted in anger. How surprised he was when the Christian returned the next day.
This Christian came four times, each time sharing with Emmanuel the love of Jesus through God’s Word. After the last visit, Emmanuel decided to go to church to hear the truth about God.
“I attended a church service with mixed emotions, and I was very confused,” says Emmanuel. “When the pastor began to preach, I felt shock—for the pastor was the person who had come to my house and preached Christ to me. The same one! I could not believe it.”
The pastor had been trained by the Bible League to do outreach in his Nigerian village. It was through the persistence of this believer that Emmanuel’s mind was opened to the true God.
Emmanuel made a decision to put his faith in Christ. “I have joined the church,” he says. “Now I can sing and clap and dance and I have a biblical understanding of salvation. God speaks to me through His Word. Praise the Lord!”
Click Here to visit our website
Known by his deeds
Emmanuel’s life was characterized by using black magic, stealing, cheating people, lying, and fornicating. Then, he says, a strange thing happened.
A Christian from the local church visited Emmanuel and told him about Christ. Emmanuel reacted in anger. How surprised he was when the Christian returned the next day.
This Christian came four times, each time sharing with Emmanuel the love of Jesus through God’s Word. After the last visit, Emmanuel decided to go to church to hear the truth about God.
“I attended a church service with mixed emotions, and I was very confused,” says Emmanuel. “When the pastor began to preach, I felt shock—for the pastor was the person who had come to my house and preached Christ to me. The same one! I could not believe it.”
The pastor had been trained by the Bible League to do outreach in his Nigerian village. It was through the persistence of this believer that Emmanuel’s mind was opened to the true God.
Emmanuel made a decision to put his faith in Christ. “I have joined the church,” he says. “Now I can sing and clap and dance and I have a biblical understanding of salvation. God speaks to me through His Word. Praise the Lord!”
Click Here to visit our website
Tuesday 5 June 2007
Bible Power
Nepal—Reaching remote mountain areas
Early this month the Nepalese Parliament voted to change the country to a federal state. This move, together with the political violence during April last year, has drastically altered Nepal’s status as the world’s only Hindu Kingdom. It is now a secular state. The king no longer is revered as the incarnation of the Hindu god and there is freedom for all religions.
The political change creates a climate of receptivity to the Gospel. “God has blessed the churches in Nepal with much growth through Bible League,” says Bible League's National Director in Nepal.
Bible League is currently the only source for Scriptures for Christians in the remote areas in central and northern Nepal. Many of these areas are only accessible by long hikes on difficult mountain trails, making it a challenge to locate and minister to churches here. Yet, Bible League is actively searching out new churches to provide them with Scriptures, Bible study materials and training. At present, Bible League is able to partner with more than 800 churches in these areas.
“Despite much difficulty, we praise the Lord that 2,649 new Philips (Bible study leaders) were trained last year. We also saw more people than we had anticipated who became members of a local church,” says the National Director. Last year, Bible League baptised a total of 7,450 new believers, trained 10,784 Bible study graduates and placed 60,000 Scriptures in Nepal.
“The local churches remain strong and optimistic. Nepali Christianity has an enthusiastically evangelistic flavour,” says the National Director. These ambassadors of Christ need God’s Word to equip them for evangelism and discipleship. Will you help expand God’s kingdom in Nepal by providing them with God’s Word?
Please Click Here to visit our website
.
Early this month the Nepalese Parliament voted to change the country to a federal state. This move, together with the political violence during April last year, has drastically altered Nepal’s status as the world’s only Hindu Kingdom. It is now a secular state. The king no longer is revered as the incarnation of the Hindu god and there is freedom for all religions.
The political change creates a climate of receptivity to the Gospel. “God has blessed the churches in Nepal with much growth through Bible League,” says Bible League's National Director in Nepal.
Bible League is currently the only source for Scriptures for Christians in the remote areas in central and northern Nepal. Many of these areas are only accessible by long hikes on difficult mountain trails, making it a challenge to locate and minister to churches here. Yet, Bible League is actively searching out new churches to provide them with Scriptures, Bible study materials and training. At present, Bible League is able to partner with more than 800 churches in these areas.
“Despite much difficulty, we praise the Lord that 2,649 new Philips (Bible study leaders) were trained last year. We also saw more people than we had anticipated who became members of a local church,” says the National Director. Last year, Bible League baptised a total of 7,450 new believers, trained 10,784 Bible study graduates and placed 60,000 Scriptures in Nepal.
“The local churches remain strong and optimistic. Nepali Christianity has an enthusiastically evangelistic flavour,” says the National Director. These ambassadors of Christ need God’s Word to equip them for evangelism and discipleship. Will you help expand God’s kingdom in Nepal by providing them with God’s Word?
Please Click Here to visit our website
.
Saturday 2 June 2007
Bible Power
Kenya—Churches ‘mushroom’ among least evangelised communities
In 2006, a total of 31,050 Scriptures were placed in the hands of believers in the three north-eastern regions of Kenya where a number of the least evangelised communities are located.
These communities have a population of more than 5 million but less than 0.5% are Christians. Some tribal people in these remote areas in Kenya are still practising traditional animism and Islam. They are waiting to know God’s Word.
“By the grace of God we were able to train groups of Church Planters in the three areas. The Church Planters trained had planted 82 new churches and there were 3,998 new believers baptised!” says Bible League’s National Director in Kenya.
We are excited to see the power of the Gospel transforming the whole community and people are leaving behind their pagan ways of life. This transformation is made possible because there are many Church Planters who have been ‘fired up’ by God to participate in His mighty work in this land.
“I realised that God is working mightily through Bible League’s Church Planting Program, which is bringing great revival to the area. After the first three months of training, I went to the targeted areas to practise the skills that I learnt. The harvest was great in which 150 people gave their lives to Jesus!” exclaims Lekurayo, a 67-year-old Bible League-trained Church Planter.
Lekurayo was able to begin five Bible study groups which later came together to worship under a new church. By the time he was graduating, Lekurayo had already planted three new churches. “I feel fired up by God and I am well equipped to plant more churches. Praise Jesus!” says Lekurayo.
When God’s Word continued to spread across the land of Kenya, churches began to mushroom in every village. More and more people were being brought into fellowship with Jesus.
“Please pray for the three Church Planting groups as they continue to minister to these remote areas, we trust the Lord for more breakthroughs,” says the National Director. We invite you to support our workers in Kenya prayerfully and financially. They desperately need God’s Word to continue this important ministry. To place Scriptures in Africa, Click Here
In 2006, a total of 31,050 Scriptures were placed in the hands of believers in the three north-eastern regions of Kenya where a number of the least evangelised communities are located.
These communities have a population of more than 5 million but less than 0.5% are Christians. Some tribal people in these remote areas in Kenya are still practising traditional animism and Islam. They are waiting to know God’s Word.
“By the grace of God we were able to train groups of Church Planters in the three areas. The Church Planters trained had planted 82 new churches and there were 3,998 new believers baptised!” says Bible League’s National Director in Kenya.
We are excited to see the power of the Gospel transforming the whole community and people are leaving behind their pagan ways of life. This transformation is made possible because there are many Church Planters who have been ‘fired up’ by God to participate in His mighty work in this land.
“I realised that God is working mightily through Bible League’s Church Planting Program, which is bringing great revival to the area. After the first three months of training, I went to the targeted areas to practise the skills that I learnt. The harvest was great in which 150 people gave their lives to Jesus!” exclaims Lekurayo, a 67-year-old Bible League-trained Church Planter.
Lekurayo was able to begin five Bible study groups which later came together to worship under a new church. By the time he was graduating, Lekurayo had already planted three new churches. “I feel fired up by God and I am well equipped to plant more churches. Praise Jesus!” says Lekurayo.
When God’s Word continued to spread across the land of Kenya, churches began to mushroom in every village. More and more people were being brought into fellowship with Jesus.
“Please pray for the three Church Planting groups as they continue to minister to these remote areas, we trust the Lord for more breakthroughs,” says the National Director. We invite you to support our workers in Kenya prayerfully and financially. They desperately need God’s Word to continue this important ministry. To place Scriptures in Africa, Click Here
Thursday 31 May 2007
Bible Power
Pray for migrant workers in China. These migrant workers are in search of jobs to feed their families. But because they are not documented and do not have the permission of the government to live in Beijing they live in very poor conditions. Their children are not accepted in the public schools and they do not receive healthcare. They tend to live in poor ‘suburbs’ outside of Beijing. Although the city needs them because they do many jobs in the city, their living conditions are very harsh. In one village of about 30,000 people, named Tianzhu, there is a need for Bibles. They are very grateful for the BL to help. Pray that Christians in these poor communities can radiate the love of Christ.
Click Here to visit our website
Click Here to visit our website
Saturday 26 May 2007
Bible Power
From the National Director
May 26, 2007
Dear Praying Friend,
“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5 NIV)
China—Children’s Story Bible's bless the whole family
Increasingly, God has used the Children’s Story Bible to bless more and more families in China. “There is a very high demand for the Children’s Story Bible. Many churches are using it to train their own children and to reach out to non-Christian families through these believing children!” reports our National Director in China.
In 2006, Bible Network was able to place 164,926 Children’s Story Bibles in China. These resources have created a unique opportunity for evangelism into the wider community.
“Children who have read the stories and turned to Jesus have brought their friends, parents and even grandparents to churches,” says the National Director.
Many of these people, especially the women, were then invited to engage in the study of God’s Word using the Project Philip Bible studies. “Many of them have turned to Jesus. They were encouraged to study the Bible together with other women and eventually many more in their wider network of relationships was influenced by God’s Word,” explains the National Director.
God’s Word changes individuals. It also brings about transformation within the family dynamics and relationships.
“The Word of God saved my family,” says Ling, the mother of a 14-year-old son. Before Ling became a Christian, she used worldly values to raise her son. She thought that success meant having her son go to university. Under pressure, her son became rebellious and the relationship with his parents was strained.
Touched by God’s unconditional love after she studied God’s Word, Ling finally understood what the Bible says about true success. Today, she loves and accepts her son just like God has accepted her. She also tries to instruct her son using biblical principles and values. Having seen changes in the life of his mother, the son has stopped rebelling and has started behaving better.
“Getting along with teenagers is a difficulty facing all parents. But I have found the secret—bring yourself and your child before God. Accept Him as the Lord of your family and let Him help you so that you can instruct your children with His Word," says Ling.
“If I didn’t know God, I would not have that endless love for my son!” she adds.
God’s endless love was shown most clearly as He gave His own Son—Jesus Christ—to die on the cross for sinners. Jesus, the resurrected Saviour, the living Word of God, will continue to bring true life to more mothers and children in China.
As the number of children born in China each year grows from the current 78,000 to the projected figure of 140,000 in 2010, these children—the future leaders of China—will need God’s Word more than ever.
To join us in providing God’s Word to China, Click Here
*******************
Albania—Bible Network partners with Campus Crusade for Christ to reach the youth
Bible Network and Campus Crusade for Christ will partner with local churches in Albania this July in an evangelistic campaign to reach the youth in Tirana—Albania’s capital and largest city. Through this campaign, Christians in Tirana will demonstrate their passion for Jesus Christ as they cover this city with God’s Word.
Albania has Europe’s youngest population, with more than 30 percent of its 3.5 million people under the age of 18. “The youth and their families are in desperate need of the transforming power of God’s Word,” says our Ministry Director for Central/Eastern Europe.
Bible Network will help meet that need by providing 10,000 Bibles, 100,000 New Testaments and 120,000 Scripture portions. Combined with supporting evangelistic and discipleship materials, these resources will help equip local churches to evangelise the youth and disciple them in follow up Bible studies. They will be encouraged to join a local community of believers.
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word." (Psalm 119:9, NIV)
“We have been using the Project Philip Bible study materials in an evangelistic Bible study and have led five teenagers to turn to Christ!” says a local pastor. God’s hand is definitely at work here since all of these teenagers come from one of the most resistant cities of Albania.
Since 1997, we have graduated 55,811 Albanians through organised Bible studies, baptised 2,445 new believers and planted 72 new churches. We currently partner with 135 (out of 180) evangelical churches in Albania.
“Bible Network is excited for the opportunity to come alongside the churches in Tirana—together obeying the Great Commission,” says the Ministry Director. But there is still much work to do in Albania where less than one percent of the population declare themselves Christian.
Will you join us in reaching the youth this July, so that more young people would live according to His Word and keep their way pure? To place Scriptures in Central & Eastern Europe, Click Here
*******************
Finally, if you could forward this on to any interested friends, then it would be most helpful.
Every blessing
John Savage
Director
May 26, 2007
Dear Praying Friend,
“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5 NIV)
China—Children’s Story Bible's bless the whole family
Increasingly, God has used the Children’s Story Bible to bless more and more families in China. “There is a very high demand for the Children’s Story Bible. Many churches are using it to train their own children and to reach out to non-Christian families through these believing children!” reports our National Director in China.
In 2006, Bible Network was able to place 164,926 Children’s Story Bibles in China. These resources have created a unique opportunity for evangelism into the wider community.
“Children who have read the stories and turned to Jesus have brought their friends, parents and even grandparents to churches,” says the National Director.
Many of these people, especially the women, were then invited to engage in the study of God’s Word using the Project Philip Bible studies. “Many of them have turned to Jesus. They were encouraged to study the Bible together with other women and eventually many more in their wider network of relationships was influenced by God’s Word,” explains the National Director.
God’s Word changes individuals. It also brings about transformation within the family dynamics and relationships.
“The Word of God saved my family,” says Ling, the mother of a 14-year-old son. Before Ling became a Christian, she used worldly values to raise her son. She thought that success meant having her son go to university. Under pressure, her son became rebellious and the relationship with his parents was strained.
Touched by God’s unconditional love after she studied God’s Word, Ling finally understood what the Bible says about true success. Today, she loves and accepts her son just like God has accepted her. She also tries to instruct her son using biblical principles and values. Having seen changes in the life of his mother, the son has stopped rebelling and has started behaving better.
“Getting along with teenagers is a difficulty facing all parents. But I have found the secret—bring yourself and your child before God. Accept Him as the Lord of your family and let Him help you so that you can instruct your children with His Word," says Ling.
“If I didn’t know God, I would not have that endless love for my son!” she adds.
God’s endless love was shown most clearly as He gave His own Son—Jesus Christ—to die on the cross for sinners. Jesus, the resurrected Saviour, the living Word of God, will continue to bring true life to more mothers and children in China.
As the number of children born in China each year grows from the current 78,000 to the projected figure of 140,000 in 2010, these children—the future leaders of China—will need God’s Word more than ever.
To join us in providing God’s Word to China, Click Here
*******************
Albania—Bible Network partners with Campus Crusade for Christ to reach the youth
Bible Network and Campus Crusade for Christ will partner with local churches in Albania this July in an evangelistic campaign to reach the youth in Tirana—Albania’s capital and largest city. Through this campaign, Christians in Tirana will demonstrate their passion for Jesus Christ as they cover this city with God’s Word.
Albania has Europe’s youngest population, with more than 30 percent of its 3.5 million people under the age of 18. “The youth and their families are in desperate need of the transforming power of God’s Word,” says our Ministry Director for Central/Eastern Europe.
Bible Network will help meet that need by providing 10,000 Bibles, 100,000 New Testaments and 120,000 Scripture portions. Combined with supporting evangelistic and discipleship materials, these resources will help equip local churches to evangelise the youth and disciple them in follow up Bible studies. They will be encouraged to join a local community of believers.
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word." (Psalm 119:9, NIV)
“We have been using the Project Philip Bible study materials in an evangelistic Bible study and have led five teenagers to turn to Christ!” says a local pastor. God’s hand is definitely at work here since all of these teenagers come from one of the most resistant cities of Albania.
Since 1997, we have graduated 55,811 Albanians through organised Bible studies, baptised 2,445 new believers and planted 72 new churches. We currently partner with 135 (out of 180) evangelical churches in Albania.
“Bible Network is excited for the opportunity to come alongside the churches in Tirana—together obeying the Great Commission,” says the Ministry Director. But there is still much work to do in Albania where less than one percent of the population declare themselves Christian.
Will you join us in reaching the youth this July, so that more young people would live according to His Word and keep their way pure? To place Scriptures in Central & Eastern Europe, Click Here
*******************
Finally, if you could forward this on to any interested friends, then it would be most helpful.
Every blessing
John Savage
Director
Tuesday 22 May 2007
Bible Power
CHICAGO—Bible League ministry results reveal over 1.4 million children’s Scriptures provided worldwide in 2006. From Albania to Zimbabwe—lives of hundreds and thousands of children were impacted and transformed by the power of God’s Word.
Sudha, a young girl from a remote village in India, is one example of Bible League’s worldwide impact. Sudha became affected by chicken pox. The result: she lost her sight and was unable to continue with her education. Her parents took her to many doctors—only to lose money and see no results. When Sudha and her family were left helpless and broken hearted, they met a Bible League-trained Christian. He conveyed the Scriptures to Sudha, and soon her entire family came to know the love of Jesus. The wound in the eye of Sudha is cured and little by little she is regaining her sight. Sudha has expressed that, through her faith, she believes God will heal her completely.
“Throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America alone, 40% of the population is age 15 or under,” said Mike Southworth, Executive Vice President of Bible League Ministries. “Some studies suggest that 85% of those who will receive Christ will do so before age 25. This means there are billions of boys and girls around the world who are in the most spiritually influential stage of life—they are the future.”
Southworth continued, “Bible League has a unique opportunity, working with local churches worldwide, to equip believers with Scriptures and training. Many children live in areas where they will not have access to God’s Word any other way, either because Bibles are too expensive or just not available. We are so grateful for our partners who, through their gifts, help us make these Bibles and materials available.”
By placing God’s Word in the hands of these children, and teaching Biblical truths worldwide, Bible League is witnessing precious lives being transformed forever.
“Some studies suggest that 85% of those who will receive Christ will do so before age 25. This means there are billions of boys and girls around the world who are in the most spiritually influential stage of life—they are the future.”
Give now
To send Bibles to Christians worldwide, click here.
Significant regional growth in Bible studies completed during 2006
Nearly 3.3 million Bible studies were completed worldwide during 2006 in areas with active Bible League ministry. That’s an average of 9,032 completed every day, or 376 every hour.Find out more
In their own words
To listen to stories of lives changed through God's Word, click here.
Click Here to visit our website
© 2007
Sudha, a young girl from a remote village in India, is one example of Bible League’s worldwide impact. Sudha became affected by chicken pox. The result: she lost her sight and was unable to continue with her education. Her parents took her to many doctors—only to lose money and see no results. When Sudha and her family were left helpless and broken hearted, they met a Bible League-trained Christian. He conveyed the Scriptures to Sudha, and soon her entire family came to know the love of Jesus. The wound in the eye of Sudha is cured and little by little she is regaining her sight. Sudha has expressed that, through her faith, she believes God will heal her completely.
“Throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America alone, 40% of the population is age 15 or under,” said Mike Southworth, Executive Vice President of Bible League Ministries. “Some studies suggest that 85% of those who will receive Christ will do so before age 25. This means there are billions of boys and girls around the world who are in the most spiritually influential stage of life—they are the future.”
Southworth continued, “Bible League has a unique opportunity, working with local churches worldwide, to equip believers with Scriptures and training. Many children live in areas where they will not have access to God’s Word any other way, either because Bibles are too expensive or just not available. We are so grateful for our partners who, through their gifts, help us make these Bibles and materials available.”
By placing God’s Word in the hands of these children, and teaching Biblical truths worldwide, Bible League is witnessing precious lives being transformed forever.
“Some studies suggest that 85% of those who will receive Christ will do so before age 25. This means there are billions of boys and girls around the world who are in the most spiritually influential stage of life—they are the future.”
Give now
To send Bibles to Christians worldwide, click here.
Significant regional growth in Bible studies completed during 2006
Nearly 3.3 million Bible studies were completed worldwide during 2006 in areas with active Bible League ministry. That’s an average of 9,032 completed every day, or 376 every hour.Find out more
In their own words
To listen to stories of lives changed through God's Word, click here.
Click Here to visit our website
© 2007
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