South Africa
Closing the gap
After 30-plus turbulent years under “apartheid,” South Africa held its first national democratic elections in 1994. Under the rule of the previously all-white government, the political and economic gap between whites and the black majority had expanded at a rapid rate. Now, though racially motivated laws have been repealed, the black population continues to struggle in getting back on their feet.
To assist in the recovery process, the government of South Africa has set up several mini-villages outside of urban areas. These settlements are a long way from glamorous. In fact, according to the Director of African Ministries, residents are on “the edge of survival.” He says, “This is a new kind of hunting and gathering society with evidence of this in the ‘houses’ and on the streets; in the clothing they wear, or often the lack thereof.”
But at least these settlements are allowing people—who were previously residing illegally on the property of others—to have land they can call their own.
“Blessed are the poor”
In the midst of these small-budget villages, God is opening big-opportunity doors. Trained by the Bible League, South African Christians are establishing evangelical churches in these brand-new, unreached communities. As the physically and spiritually deprived pour in, church planters are sharing the hope of the Gospel with them.
It’s not an easy task for church planters to reach a group that has been neglected for so long. Faced with unemployment and hunger, it’s hard for many to look beyond their circumstances. South Africa’s church planting coordinator says that they are asked, “If Jesus loves me, why I am like this?” He responds, “God loves us—even in our poverty. And he can change our lives.” (To read the testimony of this church planter, click here.)
Over the course of time, church planters continue to share this message through their actions and through God’s Word. One by one, the impoverished of South Africa are coming to know the spiritual wealth of a life in Christ. And slowly but surely, Christ’s Church is growing in these shantytowns.
In truth and love
It’s not just among the poor that Christ’s Church is growing. Bible League-trained workers are laboring faithfully to establish new churches throughout South Africa—in areas where there was no previous evangelical presence.
Bible League-trained church planters are succeeding in their endeavor for two reasons. First, they are founding churches on the basis of God’s Word. While churches are plentiful in this country, many neglect the teachings of the Bible. God is blessing the work of church planters who point Africans to the Truth.
Moreover, South African church planters are succeeding because they use a strong relational approach in ministry. Many of them continue to work in normal jobs—even after they have completed church planter training. Through everyday conversations, church planters are building evangelistic bridges to their co-workers.
A matter of prayer
Remember South Africa in your prayers. While many steps are being taken forward, this country has a long way to go towards healing. Poverty abounds, racial tensions remain, and millions still don’t understand what it means to have Jesus as their Savior.
Please Click Here to visit our website
Wednesday, 4 April 2007
Monday, 2 April 2007
bible power
KENYA:
It was definitely the Holy Spirit. Mutua Kitoma had no other reason to attend an informational meeting about the Bible League’s ministry in Kenya.
At that point, his faith level was enough, he thought. Being called an “average Christian” was contentment for him.
But Mutua went home from that meeting and experienced God’s Word in action. He drank deeply from his Bible, exploring it anew through the Bible League’s study materials. At the conclusion of his study, Mutua said to himself, “This is not just for me; it’s for my wife, too.”
Mutua repeated the Bible study along with his wife, getting more enthusiastic.
At the conclusion, he spoke for both of them: “This is not just for us; it’s for our whole family!”
Once more, Mutua studied the Word, leading his children and extended family members. The Spirit nudged again. Mutua declared, “Our church council must go through this!”
And they did, together with Mutua. The same study. Fresh revelations from the Word. Do you see where the Spirit-led momentum is taking this story? That’s right. Mutua, his pastor, and the whole church council carried their renewed passion for God’s Word out to the entire congregation.
“That church is on fire for God and the Bible as never before,” says Mwaya Wa Kitavi, the Bible League’s Associate Director of Africa Ministries. “They were churchgoers, but had no previous discipleship. Every person who studied the Word received a Bible, and they are now making new connections far beyond their church.”
It’s the Bible’s power unleashed! God’s Word in action in Kenya—and around the world—leads people to a relationship with Christ and transform lives.
Please Click Here to visit our website
It was definitely the Holy Spirit. Mutua Kitoma had no other reason to attend an informational meeting about the Bible League’s ministry in Kenya.
At that point, his faith level was enough, he thought. Being called an “average Christian” was contentment for him.
But Mutua went home from that meeting and experienced God’s Word in action. He drank deeply from his Bible, exploring it anew through the Bible League’s study materials. At the conclusion of his study, Mutua said to himself, “This is not just for me; it’s for my wife, too.”
Mutua repeated the Bible study along with his wife, getting more enthusiastic.
At the conclusion, he spoke for both of them: “This is not just for us; it’s for our whole family!”
Once more, Mutua studied the Word, leading his children and extended family members. The Spirit nudged again. Mutua declared, “Our church council must go through this!”
And they did, together with Mutua. The same study. Fresh revelations from the Word. Do you see where the Spirit-led momentum is taking this story? That’s right. Mutua, his pastor, and the whole church council carried their renewed passion for God’s Word out to the entire congregation.
“That church is on fire for God and the Bible as never before,” says Mwaya Wa Kitavi, the Bible League’s Associate Director of Africa Ministries. “They were churchgoers, but had no previous discipleship. Every person who studied the Word received a Bible, and they are now making new connections far beyond their church.”
It’s the Bible’s power unleashed! God’s Word in action in Kenya—and around the world—leads people to a relationship with Christ and transform lives.
Please Click Here to visit our website
Saturday, 31 March 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? Click here to donate now.
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? Click here to donate now.
Click Here to visit our website
.
Thursday, 29 March 2007
Bible Power
Middle East
A crack in the door
In the Middle East, many doors are tightly closed, locking Middle Easterners in with the darkness.
But Bible League-trained Christians eagerly watch for a crack in the door—a small opening through which to spread the light of the Gospel.
Sometimes the door opens on one group of people, and not another. But Middle Eastern Christians patiently wait, ready to implement careful, extra-sensitive approaches when the Spirit makes a way.
In some places, ministry is just beginning. In other places, long-suffering Christians have been glowing steadfastly for years. And despite the suffocating darkness, it is the light of God that shines through them.
The darkness comprehends it not
Islamic hostility—combined with the threat of terrorism and the added heat of international pressures—has made the Middle East an undeniably volatile mission field.
In many places, sharing the Good News about Jesus with Muslims is forbidden, and the authorities often strictly enforce laws designed to keep Christians in their place.
Brokenness and openness among Muslims, where it can be found, is often held in bondage, fearing backlash from angry neighbors, families, and friends.
Not a spirit of fear
But Christians in the Middle East long to see God illumine the darkness in their lands. They work comfortably and dynamically among their own people—in places that are tightly closed against the efforts of anyone else.
One soul at a time, the Spirit is using the Word of life to transform lives and break spiritual bonds. The body of Christ in the Middle East is growing.
While there are stories of restrictions and persecutions, there are also stories of breakthroughs over the radio airwaves and in personal relationships.
Christians face countless risks, including death, yet they continue to discreetly share Jesus with their countrymen. The "veils of mystery" surrounding God are falling away, as many come to know Jesus as their Savior.
Making dark places light
In spite of overwhelming odds, many churches have been planted. New bodies of believers are being established in areas where there were none before. And these Middle Eastern Christians are being further trained to take the Light of Jesus with them wherever they go.
Their firm conviction: Open the door a crack, and the light pours in.
A ray of hope
Please pray for the brothers and sisters seeking to establish and shepherd new bodies of believers in the Middle East, who face overwhelming persecution and resistance to the message of hope that they long to bring to their fellow countrymen. And petition God to open the doors in the hearts of Middle Eastern peoples, and to flood their weary, dark lands with His Light.
“The ‘veils of mystery’ surrounding God are falling away, as many come to know Jesus as their Savior.”
Give Now
To send Bibles to pierce the dark in the Middle East, Click Here
A crack in the door
In the Middle East, many doors are tightly closed, locking Middle Easterners in with the darkness.
But Bible League-trained Christians eagerly watch for a crack in the door—a small opening through which to spread the light of the Gospel.
Sometimes the door opens on one group of people, and not another. But Middle Eastern Christians patiently wait, ready to implement careful, extra-sensitive approaches when the Spirit makes a way.
In some places, ministry is just beginning. In other places, long-suffering Christians have been glowing steadfastly for years. And despite the suffocating darkness, it is the light of God that shines through them.
The darkness comprehends it not
Islamic hostility—combined with the threat of terrorism and the added heat of international pressures—has made the Middle East an undeniably volatile mission field.
In many places, sharing the Good News about Jesus with Muslims is forbidden, and the authorities often strictly enforce laws designed to keep Christians in their place.
Brokenness and openness among Muslims, where it can be found, is often held in bondage, fearing backlash from angry neighbors, families, and friends.
Not a spirit of fear
But Christians in the Middle East long to see God illumine the darkness in their lands. They work comfortably and dynamically among their own people—in places that are tightly closed against the efforts of anyone else.
One soul at a time, the Spirit is using the Word of life to transform lives and break spiritual bonds. The body of Christ in the Middle East is growing.
While there are stories of restrictions and persecutions, there are also stories of breakthroughs over the radio airwaves and in personal relationships.
Christians face countless risks, including death, yet they continue to discreetly share Jesus with their countrymen. The "veils of mystery" surrounding God are falling away, as many come to know Jesus as their Savior.
Making dark places light
In spite of overwhelming odds, many churches have been planted. New bodies of believers are being established in areas where there were none before. And these Middle Eastern Christians are being further trained to take the Light of Jesus with them wherever they go.
Their firm conviction: Open the door a crack, and the light pours in.
A ray of hope
Please pray for the brothers and sisters seeking to establish and shepherd new bodies of believers in the Middle East, who face overwhelming persecution and resistance to the message of hope that they long to bring to their fellow countrymen. And petition God to open the doors in the hearts of Middle Eastern peoples, and to flood their weary, dark lands with His Light.
“The ‘veils of mystery’ surrounding God are falling away, as many come to know Jesus as their Savior.”
Give Now
To send Bibles to pierce the dark in the Middle East, Click Here
Wednesday, 28 March 2007
bible power
"He heard our fears and prayers"
Nearly two years after the establishment of anti-conversion laws, Indian Christians are celebrating the effects of their repeal. Only time will tell the long-term blessings of this legal change, but several resulting miracles have already taken place. In the first month alone, a group of 50 Indian church planters reports having baptized over 1,200 new Christians!
Christians throughout India were stunned when the pro-Hindu government was overturned in the Spring 2004 national election, and several state governments annulled local anti-conversion laws.
Said one local Bible League-trained Christian, "I praise God for enabling us to spread the Gospel in our country .He heard our fears and prayers regarding the election .God gave us an extra bonus when He made our state government remove the anti-conversion law which was in force until now. Hallelujah!"
Undeterred by fear
Indian Christians have faced many hardships in sharing the Gospel. Bible League-trained Christians in India report that they or fellow believers have faced threats, physical attacks, and jail time for sharing their faith.
Baptisms, in particular, became a significant challenge for local churches. Under the anti-conversion laws, anyone who chose to become baptized was legally obligated to seek permission from the government, as well as provide them with the name of the person performing the baptism. Fearing repercussions, many new Christians did not make this outward profession of faith until after the laws were repealed.
Still, thousands of Indians were undeterred in their faith. A local Bible League-trained Christian, while under the anti-conversion law, wrote, "We continue to encourage Christians through the Word of God. We remind them of the promises (Matthew 28:20) and the testimonies of the great martyrs . We are encouraged to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ, regardless of what happens to us. We are prepared for imprisonment, punishment, and even death for the sake of Christ."
Relying on God's faithfulness
Continue to pray for the Church in India. The repeal of state anti-conversion laws has been a tremendous miracle-but challenges still remain. One state continues to uphold anti-conversion laws, and persecution persists throughout the country.
Yet God has been faithful to His children in India, and they are recognizing Him as their Savior by the thousands. Praise God for increasing opportunities to share His Word with the lost.
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:19-20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Please visit our website by Clicking Here
Nearly two years after the establishment of anti-conversion laws, Indian Christians are celebrating the effects of their repeal. Only time will tell the long-term blessings of this legal change, but several resulting miracles have already taken place. In the first month alone, a group of 50 Indian church planters reports having baptized over 1,200 new Christians!
Christians throughout India were stunned when the pro-Hindu government was overturned in the Spring 2004 national election, and several state governments annulled local anti-conversion laws.
Said one local Bible League-trained Christian, "I praise God for enabling us to spread the Gospel in our country .He heard our fears and prayers regarding the election .God gave us an extra bonus when He made our state government remove the anti-conversion law which was in force until now. Hallelujah!"
Undeterred by fear
Indian Christians have faced many hardships in sharing the Gospel. Bible League-trained Christians in India report that they or fellow believers have faced threats, physical attacks, and jail time for sharing their faith.
Baptisms, in particular, became a significant challenge for local churches. Under the anti-conversion laws, anyone who chose to become baptized was legally obligated to seek permission from the government, as well as provide them with the name of the person performing the baptism. Fearing repercussions, many new Christians did not make this outward profession of faith until after the laws were repealed.
Still, thousands of Indians were undeterred in their faith. A local Bible League-trained Christian, while under the anti-conversion law, wrote, "We continue to encourage Christians through the Word of God. We remind them of the promises (Matthew 28:20) and the testimonies of the great martyrs . We are encouraged to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ, regardless of what happens to us. We are prepared for imprisonment, punishment, and even death for the sake of Christ."
Relying on God's faithfulness
Continue to pray for the Church in India. The repeal of state anti-conversion laws has been a tremendous miracle-but challenges still remain. One state continues to uphold anti-conversion laws, and persecution persists throughout the country.
Yet God has been faithful to His children in India, and they are recognizing Him as their Savior by the thousands. Praise God for increasing opportunities to share His Word with the lost.
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:19-20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Please visit our website by Clicking Here
Monday, 26 March 2007
Bible Power
Cambodia
A scarred past
In Cambodia, a church might consist of 10 Christians gathered beneath a sugar palm—its trunk still bearing shrapnel scars from the battles that have been fought around it. Or it might be 40 worshippers who congregate in the house of a Bible League-trained church planter.
In either case, Cambodian Christians cannot erase the deep scars that have been left by decades of brutal violence.
Years of atrocities and political turmoil have gouged out a spiritual void in the hearts of Cambodians. It is a void that the national religion of Buddhism—with its unattainable path to enlightenment—has failed to fill.
Picking up the shards
In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Cambodia was left with socialist groups fighting for control. Millions of innocent people were executed, and civil war raged for decades.
Although a democratic government has begun with the help of the UN, the painful scars still remain. And the wounds reopen every time another mine explodes, planted years ago by the warring factions.
The vast majority of Cambodians have looked to Buddhist rites to try to heal their wounds. But Christians in Cambodia know that the peace their country aches for is a peace that only Jesus Christ can impart.
A different explosion
Eager to impart that peace to their fellow countrymen, Cambodian Christians are enthusiastically entering church planter training. And church growth is exploding.
Cambodia is the first Buddhist country in Southeast Asia to show such a mass movement toward accepting the Gospel message. In a country shrouded so long by Buddhism, it is remarkable to see hearts being opened, one by one, to the light of the truth.
The people of Cambodia are on their way to discovering that the only true refuge from turmoil and trouble is found in the saving blood of Jesus. And Bible League-trained church planters long to shepherd them with an eternal, unshakable comfort.
Fire burns their heart
Cambodian Christians have a vision for their nation and a heart for the whole world. “Fire burns in our heart!” one pastor says. “We long to bring our nation, every community, into His heavenly kingdom.”
And God is using them to do just that. As they impact their communities with the love of Jesus, their nation is changing, one soul at a time. The body of Christ is growing, as local gatherings of believers are established in areas where there were no churches before. We are excited to be a part of what God is doing in Cambodia.
“The Lord uses the Bible League here in Cambodia,” another pastor explains. “It is really a great help to our hungry nation and us. His living Word enables us to be fully fed, and will help us bring our whole nation to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ our Lord in the near future. May the Lord bless the Bible League to carry on this good ministry until we reach the whole world for Jesus. Amen!”
Cambodia’s future
As more Cambodians are brought into fellowship with Jesus Christ and His Church, please pray for the shepherds who care for this tender new flock. Pray that God would call more Christians to labor in this teeming harvest field, as the indigenous church planting movement spreads throughout the country.
Please Click Here to visit our website
A scarred past
In Cambodia, a church might consist of 10 Christians gathered beneath a sugar palm—its trunk still bearing shrapnel scars from the battles that have been fought around it. Or it might be 40 worshippers who congregate in the house of a Bible League-trained church planter.
In either case, Cambodian Christians cannot erase the deep scars that have been left by decades of brutal violence.
Years of atrocities and political turmoil have gouged out a spiritual void in the hearts of Cambodians. It is a void that the national religion of Buddhism—with its unattainable path to enlightenment—has failed to fill.
Picking up the shards
In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Cambodia was left with socialist groups fighting for control. Millions of innocent people were executed, and civil war raged for decades.
Although a democratic government has begun with the help of the UN, the painful scars still remain. And the wounds reopen every time another mine explodes, planted years ago by the warring factions.
The vast majority of Cambodians have looked to Buddhist rites to try to heal their wounds. But Christians in Cambodia know that the peace their country aches for is a peace that only Jesus Christ can impart.
A different explosion
Eager to impart that peace to their fellow countrymen, Cambodian Christians are enthusiastically entering church planter training. And church growth is exploding.
Cambodia is the first Buddhist country in Southeast Asia to show such a mass movement toward accepting the Gospel message. In a country shrouded so long by Buddhism, it is remarkable to see hearts being opened, one by one, to the light of the truth.
The people of Cambodia are on their way to discovering that the only true refuge from turmoil and trouble is found in the saving blood of Jesus. And Bible League-trained church planters long to shepherd them with an eternal, unshakable comfort.
Fire burns their heart
Cambodian Christians have a vision for their nation and a heart for the whole world. “Fire burns in our heart!” one pastor says. “We long to bring our nation, every community, into His heavenly kingdom.”
And God is using them to do just that. As they impact their communities with the love of Jesus, their nation is changing, one soul at a time. The body of Christ is growing, as local gatherings of believers are established in areas where there were no churches before. We are excited to be a part of what God is doing in Cambodia.
“The Lord uses the Bible League here in Cambodia,” another pastor explains. “It is really a great help to our hungry nation and us. His living Word enables us to be fully fed, and will help us bring our whole nation to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ our Lord in the near future. May the Lord bless the Bible League to carry on this good ministry until we reach the whole world for Jesus. Amen!”
Cambodia’s future
As more Cambodians are brought into fellowship with Jesus Christ and His Church, please pray for the shepherds who care for this tender new flock. Pray that God would call more Christians to labor in this teeming harvest field, as the indigenous church planting movement spreads throughout the country.
Please Click Here to visit our website
Bible Power
We talk a lot about the power of the Bible, so here is a verse and a short comment on the Word.
Galatians 2:20 -- I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NLT)
When you feel overwhelmed and everything seems out of control, remember that Jesus lives in you. He loved you enough to die in your place, and He is strong enough to save you each day. When did you first trust Jesus?
Please do take a moment to visit our website by Clicking Here
Galatians 2:20 -- I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (NLT)
When you feel overwhelmed and everything seems out of control, remember that Jesus lives in you. He loved you enough to die in your place, and He is strong enough to save you each day. When did you first trust Jesus?
Please do take a moment to visit our website by Clicking Here
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