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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Thursday, 15 February 2007
Wednesday, 14 February 2007
Bible Power
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.
Please visit the Bible Network website before you leave
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.
Please visit the Bible Network website before you leave
Monday, 12 February 2007
Bible Power
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.
Please visit the Bible Network website before you go
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.
Please visit the Bible Network website before you go
Sunday, 11 February 2007
Bible Power
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.
Please visit Bible Networks website
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.
Please visit Bible Networks website
Saturday, 10 February 2007
Bible Power
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."
Please take a moment to visit the Bible Network website
"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."
Please take a moment to visit the Bible Network website
Friday, 9 February 2007
Bible Power
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.
Please visit our Bible website before you go
Back
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.
Please visit our Bible website before you go
Back
Wednesday, 7 February 2007
Bible Power
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.
Please visit the Bible Network website
“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.
Please visit the Bible Network website
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