Bible Power

MEXICO:
When a girl turns 15 in Latin America, there is usually a celebration. Her mother wanted to give Elia a party, but she didn't feel like celebrating. Her father had just died and she felt abandoned.

"My mother and I continued to go to church," Elia remembers, "but I had no joy in my heart."

Elia and her mother reached a compromise. Instead of a big party, Elia would go on a camping trip with her church. It was a trip where she would find God as her Father.

As she grew in the Lord, Elia developed a passion for reaching others with the message of salvation. Her God-given gift of evangelism was helped by Bible League training.

Her training came at a time when her church was going through a struggle. "We had forgotten that the world needs God's Word," says Elia.

When Elia first put her training to work, she was nervous. But the first woman Elia visited was open to studying the Bible with her. This was a huge encouragement to this young woman who was so excited about sharing her faith.

"You have come at just the right time," said the woman to Elia. "My daughter has been raped and she wants to kill her attacker." Through the Gospel of John, Elia was able to share the love of Jesus with this hurting family.

A lonely woman with no family or friends was also visited by Elia. "As we talked," says Elia, "she admitted to me that she had become a prostitute." This woman was certain that her sin was too severe—she could never find forgiveness.

Elia showed the woman from the Bible that Jesus can and will forgive any sin. "We talked for a long time and she cried inconsolably as she realized she needed Jesus in her life," says Elia.

Today, Elia and her husband serve God as they lead people to Christ by studying God's Word. She sees the lives of those in the studies changing as they learn more about Jesus and His love for them. "But my life has changed, too," says Elia, "as I continue to study for myself and I come to know God more through His Word."

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MIDDLE EAST:
Power in God’s Word
“I was the Imam of a Mosque,” says Faroq*. “I decided to examine the life of Jesus in the Injil [Gospels]. I searched until I found a Christian who gave me an Injil—covertly transported into the country by the Bible League.

“I read it and came across ‘Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest,’ and I cried. Such wonderful words! I prayed, ‘If Jesus is God, I want to see you.’ It was a prayer of desperation and deep searching—I really wanted to know! After three days Jesus appeared to me, and I believed.

Jesus Restores and Heals
Faroq recited passages from Scripture to his wife, a devout Muslim. She asked him many questions about the Bible, and then she also become a Christian.

Muslim authorities learned that Faroq is a follower of Christ. He says, “I was interrogated and tortured to give up my Christianity and return to Islam. Everyone, including our family, was against us.”


Then one day a cousin of Faroq came to him in great pain from kidney stones. Faroq said to him, “If a Muslim is able to heal you, I will return to Islam. But Jesus can heal you.”

“How?” his cousin asked. Then Faroq prayed for him in Jesus name.

His cousin left, but then came back early the next morning, and said, “I am healthy again. After I left you, the pain stopped. I went to my doctor and he told me that the stone was gone. He asked what happened. I told him that someone had prayed for me and Jesus had healed me.”

Both were so moved by this event, that they asked Faroq, “What must we do to follow Jesus?” So Faroq led them to Christ.

Loving the Ones Jesus Loves
So far, 36 people in Faroq’s family have been baptized. This has brought overwhelming hardship on all of them. All are now poor since they lost jobs and business because of their Christianity. One cousin was beaten to death by police because he would not renounce Jesus and return to Islam.

But, training and a supply of Scriptures from the Bible League help Faroq remain faithful, “Now I share the Good News of Christ with my countrymen in whatever way I can.”

*Name changed for security reasons.

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HUNGARY:
I used to frequent clubs, smoke whatever came my way, and date many wild girls. My body piercings would draw plenty of attention as I often showed them off. I was very belligerent to my parents and everyone around me, except my party buddies.
I enjoyed everything I could and with zest. But, when I reached the age of 21, my life turned so crazy and messed up, I had to move away from my home and live with relatives in another city.

A change of scenery brings new perspective
I found work but my life was still confusing. My aunt and cousin were both Christians, but I didn't know what that meant. Sometimes, my cousin would invite me to a Bible study but I would refuse each time she asked. Then something odd occurred and made me curious about God and the Bible.

My aunt's Bible sat on the table and I thought to pick it up and read, but didn't want anyone to know so I just left it alone. The same day, I was visiting my cousin and she had a Bible sitting on her table, too. I thought it was odd that I would see two Bibles in a day. That's when I felt a stirring inside to know more.

I decided to go to a Bible study with my cousin. After a few visits and studying the Scriptures, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and was baptized right away.

After my conversion, I completely turned my back on my old life. I even began to preach the Gospel to everyone I met.

My parents didn't like what happened to me. They thought I joined a cult. But they had seen a change in me and eventually they also received Jesus Christ.

My life is so different now and I am so grateful that the Lord saved me from my sins and gave me this new life. I am also thankful to the Bible League for the Bible study books that help me understand and remember the things I learn from God's Word.

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KENYA:
This small village in Kenya didn't know God's power until a humble Christian named Anderson was sent to break the strongholds of fear and bring Truth into lives.
Anderson the church planter.
Anderson was a church planter in Samburu, Kenya. He would travel throughout the region evangelizing and sharing God's love to lost souls, yet ill-equipped to follow up a new convert's spiritual journey after he left their village. Then he joined the church planting training through the Bible Networks ministry in Samburu.

Bible Network equips the church planter

"I was now prepared to evangelize and to make strategic follow up with the aim of making any new believer become an active member in a church," Anderson says. "Within six months, I managed to plant a church with the Bibles and skills the Bible Network provided."
Moving forward with his passion for serving the Church, Anderson set his sight toward another village called Supati Ingejek. "All the skills I learned through Bible Network training had proven profitable. I was moved by the Holy Spirit to start a church in this small village of 400 people," he says.
A village with Satan's stronghold

"I surveyed the area and noticed that no pastor or evangelist dared plant a church in this village." It was home to a famous witchdoctor consulted by the old and young.

He controlled the affairs of the people and instilled fear among them. Christians feared to venture into this village.
Anderson claims the village in the name of Christ

"I took time to seek God's intervention and guidance before stepping in and setting up a church." As I began to introduce myself to the people of the village, the witchdoctor confronted me when he realized I spoke of Jesus Christ. I told the people that they can overcome the powers of darkness, including the power of witchdoctors.
The battle rages
"He threatened me and commanded me to leave that village with his assurance that if I attempt to preach or plant a church, I will die!"
Members of the community surrounded the two, telling Anderson that he must plead for mercy from the witchdoctor. "I was filled with power from heaven and said, 'You must repent and accept Christ as your Savior or you will die in your sin!'" he recalls.
Victory is the Lord's
Days later, to Anderson's amazement, "When I came back to follow up on people who had responded to the Gospel, those in the village told me the witchdoctor had collapsed and died—that very same day."
"When the people saw me, they approached me with thanksgiving for many had suffered under the evil influence of this man," Anderson says.
Glory to God for the healthy church Anderson planted in the village of Supati Ingejek, with over 100 people and growing.

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Karth awakened from a deep sleep and immediately felt a strong sense of urgency overcome his body. What he had experienced could not have been a dream. It was too real, too lifelike. No, it must have been a vision straight from God.
In the vision, Karth had been clothed in white and sitting in the middle of the desert. Yet he did not feel a single drop of sweat underneath the intense sun. Instead, he was cooled by falling rain and comforted by a soft music playing in the distance.
Karth kneeled by his bedside and began to pray. "Oh God, I have suffered so long. But I know it is you who brings comfort. Come into my heart today-be my rain in the midst of the desert."
Thrown into warIn the years preceding junior high, Karth had lived a peaceful life. He grew up in a happy Cambodian home, and his parents had always provided good care.
But his life was turned upside down in 1975-under the rule of the Pol Pot regime-when the people of Cambodia were thrown into a brutal civil war. It would rage on for more than two decades, and misery, destruction, and death were to become a daily reality.
The memories from the war are painful for Karth to recall. "My whole family had lives of hopelessness, and we no longer saw anything beautiful-only blood, death, and hearing the sounds of weapons. After Pol Pot's regime ended in 1979, only four members of my family were still alive."
God's Word at workAs Karth grew older, he resolved to become a valued employee in the workforce.
He believed that if he worked hard enough, the government would be less likely to draft him into the military and face more death and misery on the Khmer-Thai border.
It was as a manager of a restaurant that Karth first met Pastor Dara, a Christian trained for evangelism by the Bible League. Pastor Dara was well liked and respected by all the employees of the restaurant-in all his visits he always exhibited joy and integrity.
Pastor Dara regularly shared the Gospel with Karth, and even led him through a Bible study. When Karth completed the Bible study, Pastor Dara gave him a brand new Bible to take home. In it he wrote, "May you find wisdom and knowledge in this treasured book."
Transformed by graceIt wasn't long after receiving the Bible, that Karth had his life-transforming vision. God had been working on his heart for quite some time, and he could no longer deny that it was Christ who could fill the void in his life.
After Karth had asked God to forgive him of his sins, he felt a sense of peace and joy that was beyond all worldly explanation. Unable to keep it inside, he began to praise God through song. He vowed to follow the Lord, wherever He might lead.
Hope for lost soulsToday Karth is serving God as the National Coordinator of Evangelism and Discipleship for Bible League in Cambodia. He has a passion for reaching his country through these Bible studies, that others may also know the hope that only comes from the Lord.
"I am bringing lost souls to Christ," he says, "to the One who brings love and fellowship, and unites people, and does not bring division to the people.
"I thank the Lord, who saved me from the wickedness of the world. And for Pastor Dara, who brought salvation to my life-and also my whole family."

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Thi Moi, 22, was raised in a family that worships its ancestors—an ancient tradition practiced in Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia. “We kept idols and burned incense on our ancestors’ altars to have more blessings,” she explains.
But the ancestors could not protect Thi Moi’s family from tragedy. “When our house recently burned down, my mother suffered severe burns and died at the hospital,” she says. “I felt so miserable—I saw no future for myself, and was near suicide because of deep sorrow.”
A divine meetingThen one day at the market, she met someone she hadn’t seen in a long time. This old friend listened intently as Thi Moi shared her troubles. “She told me that she had also known misery like me until she found the Lord Jesus,” says Thi Moi.
As her friend explained that God was the creator of the universe and humankind, and that His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, had come to earth to make atonement for the world’s sins—including hers—Thi Moi became curious. “She urged me to receive the Lord Jesus into my heart so that I, too, could have happiness in this world and everlasting life for my soul,” she says.
Repentance brings His abundant mercyTo learn more, Thi Moi followed her friend to an evangelical church. There the pastor helped her seek repentance for her sins so she could welcome Jesus into her heart.
“I feel a real peace because now it seems the Lord is bearing all of my heavy loads,” Thi Moi rejoices. “I see how the light of the Lord Jesus can lead me in this new life, and I praise Him through sincere prayers and by reading the Holy Bible. I will always remember how wrteched I was before. But now I am a child of God and nothing can compare with His abundant mercy!”

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HAITI:His life was one of poverty, crime and violence. Maybe Ricardo's life was doomed from the beginning.
Born into a Port-au-Prince neighborhood, Ricardo's family was poor. As he grew up, Ricardo was desperate for change. Ricardo attended school and his family tried to teach him right from wrong. But by the time he reached 18, Ricardo was ready to make his own way, to make his own choices.
Richardo fit right in"At 18 I abandoned my family and I got involved with drugs and prostitution," remembers Ricardo. With government turmoil dominating so many aspects of Haitian society, it wasn't long before this wayward young man identified himself with the violence on the streets, all in the name of political activism.
"I killed, I broke bones, I blackmailed, and I raped young women," Ricardo says. He made life decisions that he knew would end his life at an early age.
But God took hold of him When he came into contact with the director of the Bible League in Haiti, Jean Bilda Robert, it was a new experience for Ricardo. This troubled young man wasn't used to people expressing love to him or being patient with him.
"Bilda was very tolerant with me," says Ricardo. "After a time, he began talking to me about Jesus." Bilda showed Ricardo that the Bible says he could become a new person.
Ricardo had already decided that his "old person," his old way of living, had no hope or promise for a positive future. He decided to keep listening to the hope-filled words of his new friend.
Slowly but surely the walls came down Ricardo did not come to Christ immediately. But Bilda did not give up. He continued to show the love of Jesus to Ricardo regardless of his response.
But Ricardo could not resist the claims of Christ to make him a new man. "It is with much pride that I announce to the world the changes God has made in my life," says a beaming Ricardo. "I am no longer a slave to drugs or alcohol. I am no longer feared by people. Thanks to God, the Bible League, and my pastor."
Ricardo continues to grow in his new faith. He has been freed of the past and God is using him to share His love with other Haitians who see no hope.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Cor. 5:17.

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God's Word stops AIDS
Hope for today.

The African pastor sighs, looking around at the faces in his community. “If there is a place where HIV is tough,” he says, “it is this place.” He hears their stories, their heartaches, on a regular basis. People who have never set foot in a church come to him because they have heard he offers a listening ear—and a message of hope.
His message is consistent—God loves them, and He wants to build a relationship with them. The pastor says, “God’s church is doing a great work here. [The infected] are taught from the Word of God that they have a reason for living—to serve God for the short period that God has given them.”
A losing battleAccording to the UN, AIDS is now the number one cause of death on the African continent. Thousands are dying every day. Currently, more than 20 million Africans suffer from HIV/AIDS, and the overwhelming majority of the world's AIDS orphans live on the African continent.
This mounting health crisis has led to an outpouring of humanitarian assistance from countries around the world. Secular and Christian organizations alike are furiously seeking to halt the disease’s spread through contraceptives, sex education, and medical care.
Try as they might, though, it all seems a losing battle—at least on a human level.
A better wayThere is, however, hope for the people of Africa. African Christians are witnessing a miraculous transformation as God’s Word takes hold of communities. According to one such Christian, the Bible has had more of an impact on HIV than any well-meaning organizations or trained professionals.
The Massai, a tribal group of eastern Africa, have been particularly influenced by the teachings of the Bible. Within the Massai culture, sexual behavior is traditionally very open. When men are away from the tribe for hunting, it is perfectly acceptable for other men of the village to sleep with their wives. In addition, it is normal for the men who are away to have intercourse with women outside of their village. Because of this promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases—including HIV/AIDS—spread rapidly.
However, as the Massai are receiving Bibles and instruction from Bible League-trained Christians, incredible changes are taking place. They learn that God intends sex to be a holy act, celebrated between one man and one woman within the boundaries of marriage. As the Massai accept Christ, God changes their hearts, their thinking, and ultimately, their behavior.
A Massai pastor explains, “The Bible has helped us understand more about AIDS and overcome it. It has prevented us from following the former ways of doing things. When people are born again, the Bible instructs them to better ways.”
What’s more, when a Massai turns to God, people of other villages are astounded by the changes. One African Christian explains, “It amazes them and they say, ‘Anybody can give their life to Christ!’ Just the testimony that he was a Massai, that he has changed, and has given his life to Christ moves hundreds to come to know Christ!”
Power of GodGod’s Word is doing what no effort of man has been able to do—God’s Word is stopping the spread of AIDS. The Bible offers Africans hope; the Bible offers Africans instructions; and the Bible offers Africans the fulfillment of living a life in Christ.

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Miracle in Monterrey

Encircled by criminals One by one, Paloma watches gang members walk out of the warm Monterrey sun, and into her tiny home. She catches her breath as she contemplates the situation in which she suddenly finds herself—Paloma has heard the gruesome stories. Now, as the last member steps into her living room, she softly clears her throat.
“Tonight,“ she announces to the circle, “we will be studying from the book of Matthew.“
Paloma's growing problemNot even two years ago, Paloma was terrified of the neighborhood in which she lived. As a middle-aged woman, she felt defenseless in a community characterized by hatred, drugs, lust, and violence. But God did a mighty work in Paloma's heart, and soon she held a passion for outreach that transcended any remnants of fear.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Paloma invited a few local gang members to meet within her home. Then using Bible studies, she told them about the love and forgiveness that only Jesus could offer.
It wasn't long before word got out on the streets. Driven by curiosity, several more young men wanted to hear the Message that this brave woman had to share. Each week the attendance grew a little bit more.
Today, Paloma is dealing with a whole new problem-finding a location that can house the 45 to 50 ex-gang members that turn up every week.
500,000 Scriptures placedAs God is changing individuals, He's building bridges to their families... and to their friends... and to their communities through the outreach of many like Paloma. The ripple builds into a mighty wave that is sweeping throughout the city. Over the past two years of Bible League's ministry, one-twelfth of the city's population has heard the Gospel—and a half million Scriptures have been placed—through these Bible studies.
Sometimes, Paloma's group members continue to struggle with deep-rooted addictions even after they accept Christ as their Savior. But these former gang members have formed a support system of prayer and encouragement for each other's success.
And Paloma has taken an additional step by helping to find these young men jobs and job training. She says, “I love these young people, and it breaks my heart to see them throwing their lives away. I want them to become men of integrity.“
It is this communal aspect of Bible study that is slowly turning Paloma's neighborhood around. Her house—the only one on the block not covered in graffiti—has become an oasis from the troubles of the world.
In service to GodThank God, with us, for the revival He has begun in Monterrey. Only He could use a heart of fear to reach an entire community.
Pray also that others will recognize God's call to reach the world with His Word. God is waiting to pour out His blessing on those who make themselves available.

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I thought you might like to read this true, heart-warming story which I received recently.

"Before I met Jesus, my life was very difficult, chaotic, and meaningless," says Ekaterina Apostolova, a 65-year-old widow from Batak, Bulgaria. "I wandered through this world trying to find joy and happiness, but I couldn't find either."

As she wandered, she began to think about God. "Who really is He?" she wondered. She needed to know. She wanted to learn more about Him. Ekaterina found what she was looking for in a Bible study led by a Bible League-trained worker. She found joy in God's Word!

"I liked the Bible studies because I was able to learn more about God in a systematic way," Ekaterina says of the Bible Networks evangelism and discipleship studies. "The study booklets were very clear and well-ordered, making it easy for me to enter the spiritual realm.
"I learned about the greatest tragedy in the history of mankind—man falling into sin and God sending Jesus, His own Son, to die on the cross for our sins."

Ekaterina continues, "After I finished the Bible studies, I accepted Jesus and became a Christian. It was then that I found meaning and purpose in my life. Most of all, I found the source of all goodness. I understand that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. "
"I also received my first Bible when I finished the studies. I am very happy now. I want to read and get to know more and more about the life of Jesus."
"For me, the Bible is my guide. I trust what it says. God's Word inspires me and makes my heart softer. It gives me joy."

"Now I have a great desire to share the Good News with many other people as my service to the Lord," she concludes. "Thank you, Bible Network, for the spiritual food that I received through God's Word."

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HUNGARY.
I used to frequent clubs, smoke whatever came my way, and date many wild girls. My body piercings would draw plenty of attention as I often showed them off. I was very belligerent to my parents and everyone around me, except my party buddies.
I enjoyed everything I could and with zest. But, when I reached the age of 21, my life turned so crazy and messed up, I had to move away from my home and live with relatives in another city.
A change of scenery brings new perspectiveI found work but my life was still confusing. My aunt and cousin were both Christians, but I didn't know what that meant. Sometimes, my cousin would invite me to a Bible study but I would refuse each time she asked. Then something odd occurred and made me curious about God and the Bible.
My aunt's Bible sat on the table and I thought to pick it up and read, but didn't want anyone to know so I just left it alone. The same day, I was visiting my cousin and she had a Bible sitting on her table, too. I thought it was odd that I would see two Bibles in a day. That's when I felt a stirring inside to know more.
I decided to go to a Bible study with my cousin. After a few visits and studying the Scriptures, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and was baptized right away.
After my conversion, I completely turned my back on my old life. I even began to preach the Gospel to everyone I met.
My parents didn't like what happened to me. They thought I joined a cult. But they had seen a change in me and eventually they also received Jesus Christ.
My life is so different now and I am so grateful that the Lord saved me from my sins and gave me this new life. I am also thankful to the Bible League for the Bible study books that help me understand and remember the things I learn from God's Word.

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CENTRAL ASIA:

“My name is Hamel and I live many miles away from my county’s capital city. My brother became a Christian and spoke to me about a God who has a wonderful plan for my life. I told him that Islam was enough for me. Still, I closely observed my brother’s life. His actions and words convinced me that there is a transforming power that can make a difference.”

Where could he turn?
“I longed to learn more about God but was afraid to ask questions. I wanted to understand Him and know Him. For three years, I thought a lot about Jesus and about being a Christian. But during those years when I didn’t know how to live a Christian life, I worshipped Mohammed and lived like the rest of the world.”

Jesus provides the answer
“One day, as I was thinking about Jesus Christ, He appeared before me, and called me to follow Him.
Shortly after that, someone invited me to a new house group. We read God’s Word and sang songs. There I realized that God can have a personal relationship with a person—with me! My desire to serve Him and live for Him grew daily.”

Pray for Hamel’s vision.
Longing to serve the Lord, Hamel learned about the Bible Networks training at his church. The training has helped him to put God’s Word into action. And it’s given him a big vision—to establish a church in his town!
He says, “After being trained by the Bible Network, I began two Bible study groups. Now I want to start a church. Please pray for the growth of my Bible study groups and for a new church.

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This is a true story, which I hope you will enjoy, from the country of Bulgaria.

"Before I met Jesus, my life was very difficult, chaotic, and meaningless," says Ekaterina Apostolova, a 65-year-old widow from Batak, Bulgaria. "I wandered through this world trying to find joy and happiness, but I couldn't find either." As she wandered, she began to think about God. "Who really is He?" she wondered. She needed to know. She wanted to learn more about Him. Ekaterina found what she was looking for in a Bible study led by a Bible Network-trained worker. She found joy in God's Word! "I liked the Bible studies because I was able to learn more about God in a systematic way," Ekaterina says of the evangelism and discipleship studies. "The study booklets were very clear and well-ordered, making it easy for me to enter the spiritual realm. "I learned about the greatest tragedy in the history of mankind—man falling into sin and God sending Jesus, His own Son, to die on the cross for our sins." Ekaterina continues, "After I finished the Bible studies, I accepted Jesus and became a Christian. It was then that I found meaning and purpose in my life. Most of all, I found the source of all goodness. I understand that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. " "I also received my first Bible when I finished the studies. I am very happy now. I want to read and get to know more and more about the life of Jesus." "For me, the Bible is my guide. I trust what it says. God's Word inspires me and makes my heart softer. It gives me joy." "Now I have a great desire to share the Good News with many other people as my service to the Lord," she concludes. "Thank you, Bible Network for the spiritual food that I received through God's Word."

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Bible Power

Welcome to our Bible Power blog where I plan to post heart-warming stories of how God's Word can change lives for eternity.

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