CHICAGO—Bible League and Campus Crusade for Christ partner with local churches in Albania this summer in an evangelistic project to reach Tirana—Albania’s capital and largest city. Through this project, which begins in July, believers in Tirana will demonstrate their passion for the Lord Jesus Christ, as they blanket this city with God’s Word.
“Albania has Europe’s youngest population, with more than 30 percent of the 3.5 million total population under the age of 18,” said Reverend Robert Martin, Director of Bible League’s Central/Eastern Europe Ministries. “Youth and their families are in desperate need of the transforming power of God’s Word.”
This summer, Bible League will help meet that need by providing 10,000 Bibles, 100,000 New Testaments, and 120,000 Scripture portions, equipping local churches to mobilize in Tirana—putting God’s Word into action.
But it doesn’t stop there. With less than one percent of Albania’s population declaring themselves Christian, the initial campaign is only the first step in transforming lives through God’s Word. Beyond the summer, Bible League will follow up the campaign through these local churches in Tirana as they engage people in Bible studies, train leaders, and lead them to a local body of believers.
“Bible League is excited for the opportunity to come alongside the churches in Tirana—together obeying the Great Commission,” concludes Martin.
Click Here to visit our website
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Saturday, 5 May 2007
Bible Power
May 5, 2007
Dear Praying Friend,
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Central Asia—16,925 Bible studies completed despite severe persecution
In 2006 God has led Bible Network to organise 16,925 Bible studies, placed 644,778 Scriptures, baptised 1,324 new believers and plant 50 new churches in many unchurched areas in Central Asia. “Each new church and new worshipping centre established across Central Asia is truly a ‘miracle’. We praise God for all that He accomplished,” exclaims our National Director in Central Asia.
This result is truly a miracle because persecution of Christians across Central Asia is harsh and real. Governments pass laws to restrict the spread of the Gospel and the registration of new churches. Many new converts who have a Muslim background are often beaten and isolated by their families who attempt to bring them ‘back to their senses’. Many more are fined, imprisoned, stoned or even killed.
The opposition is partly due to the misconception that Christianity is an intrusive import from the West. But recent research discovers that Christianity was practised long before Islam or Zoosticism throughout Central Asia.
This fact has gradually attracted more Central Asians to seek God’s truth. “The Holy Spirit is clearly moving in the hearts of people here,” says the National Director. This is evident in the fact that in one Central Asian country, the number of Bible Network Bible studies completed in 2006 has doubled compared to 2005.
Through the Project Philip program Bible studies, Central Asians are engaged in the study of God’s Word and they receive their own copy of the Bible upon the completion of the study. It is in encountering the Living Word of God that these new believers receive the strength to persevere in their suffering.
“As former Muslims who are now committed to Christ, we have taken a strong stand. Death threats, poison, loss of land and home will not deter us,” says a Bible Network-trained Church Planter. “We must go on to live a Christian life,” he declares.
This declaration can be realised because Jesus Christ, the Risen Saviour, has broken the power of death. We invite you to stand by our suffering brothers and sisters in Central Asia by providing them with God’s Word. Your gifts would help them know the comfort and the power of God’s Word. To place more Scriptures in Central Asia, Click Here
Action Points for Central Asia
. Praise God for the work He has accomplished in Central Asia.
. Pray that God's Word will continue to bring comfort & strenght to persecuted Christians.
. Pray for protection and perseverance for Bible Network workers in Central Asia.
. Place more Scriptures in Central Asia - Click Here
*************************
China—God’s Word reaches non-evangelised areas
During 2006, God has opened opportunities for Bible Network to develop new contacts in the north-eastern part of China. For the first time, God’s Word was made available to advance outreach into areas where there is no presence of the Gospel.
In this remote region of China where terrain is rough and poverty is severe, life is difficult. Sometimes there is no rain for a whole year. Not all areas have electricity. “People have been thirsty for rain every year but they are thirstier for the Word of God,” says our National Director in China.
God has heard their yearning and now He is watering this vast but dry land with His precious Word. “This was the first time many people had heard about Jesus Christ,” says a local Christian. “They cried and cried. They pleaded for us to come back to help them,” he recalls.
Slowly and gradually several small churches have been established. But these dedicated Church Planters have paid a high price. Three of them were put in jail for planting churches.
It is true that China is changing. People in the main cities can go to church openly. A recent article from China Vision Online published by Christian Communications also reveals that there is a growing trend even for non-Christians to attend church services during Easter or Christmas time. They are curious about Christianity and they want to ‘taste’ what it is like.
Nevertheless, the risk of harassment or arrest in certain areas of China is still real. According to a news report by Christian Today in early March, 34 Chinese house church leaders in a north-eastern province of China were arrested during their Bible study.
Despite these difficulties, Christians have not stopped sharing God’s Word. “We as God’s children have to preach the salvation of the cross,” says a Bible Network-trained Christian. It is due to these faithful Bible trained Church Planters that 465 new churches—95 more than that in 2005—were planted last year in China.
We are committed to support these persecuted Christians in China who need God’s Word so desperately. Our Risen Lord, the Living Word of God, is their source of strength. Will you join us in sending them God’s Word, so that they may ‘drink’ from this source of strength? To place Scriptures in China, Click Here
Action Points for China.
. Thank God for bringing His own Word to the Chinese people in remote areas.
. Pray that God will protect the Church planters who are faithfully ministering to new converts in their churches.
. Place more Scriptures in China - Click Here
John Savage
Bible Network
Dear Praying Friend,
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Central Asia—16,925 Bible studies completed despite severe persecution
In 2006 God has led Bible Network to organise 16,925 Bible studies, placed 644,778 Scriptures, baptised 1,324 new believers and plant 50 new churches in many unchurched areas in Central Asia. “Each new church and new worshipping centre established across Central Asia is truly a ‘miracle’. We praise God for all that He accomplished,” exclaims our National Director in Central Asia.
This result is truly a miracle because persecution of Christians across Central Asia is harsh and real. Governments pass laws to restrict the spread of the Gospel and the registration of new churches. Many new converts who have a Muslim background are often beaten and isolated by their families who attempt to bring them ‘back to their senses’. Many more are fined, imprisoned, stoned or even killed.
The opposition is partly due to the misconception that Christianity is an intrusive import from the West. But recent research discovers that Christianity was practised long before Islam or Zoosticism throughout Central Asia.
This fact has gradually attracted more Central Asians to seek God’s truth. “The Holy Spirit is clearly moving in the hearts of people here,” says the National Director. This is evident in the fact that in one Central Asian country, the number of Bible Network Bible studies completed in 2006 has doubled compared to 2005.
Through the Project Philip program Bible studies, Central Asians are engaged in the study of God’s Word and they receive their own copy of the Bible upon the completion of the study. It is in encountering the Living Word of God that these new believers receive the strength to persevere in their suffering.
“As former Muslims who are now committed to Christ, we have taken a strong stand. Death threats, poison, loss of land and home will not deter us,” says a Bible Network-trained Church Planter. “We must go on to live a Christian life,” he declares.
This declaration can be realised because Jesus Christ, the Risen Saviour, has broken the power of death. We invite you to stand by our suffering brothers and sisters in Central Asia by providing them with God’s Word. Your gifts would help them know the comfort and the power of God’s Word. To place more Scriptures in Central Asia, Click Here
Action Points for Central Asia
. Praise God for the work He has accomplished in Central Asia.
. Pray that God's Word will continue to bring comfort & strenght to persecuted Christians.
. Pray for protection and perseverance for Bible Network workers in Central Asia.
. Place more Scriptures in Central Asia - Click Here
*************************
China—God’s Word reaches non-evangelised areas
During 2006, God has opened opportunities for Bible Network to develop new contacts in the north-eastern part of China. For the first time, God’s Word was made available to advance outreach into areas where there is no presence of the Gospel.
In this remote region of China where terrain is rough and poverty is severe, life is difficult. Sometimes there is no rain for a whole year. Not all areas have electricity. “People have been thirsty for rain every year but they are thirstier for the Word of God,” says our National Director in China.
God has heard their yearning and now He is watering this vast but dry land with His precious Word. “This was the first time many people had heard about Jesus Christ,” says a local Christian. “They cried and cried. They pleaded for us to come back to help them,” he recalls.
Slowly and gradually several small churches have been established. But these dedicated Church Planters have paid a high price. Three of them were put in jail for planting churches.
It is true that China is changing. People in the main cities can go to church openly. A recent article from China Vision Online published by Christian Communications also reveals that there is a growing trend even for non-Christians to attend church services during Easter or Christmas time. They are curious about Christianity and they want to ‘taste’ what it is like.
Nevertheless, the risk of harassment or arrest in certain areas of China is still real. According to a news report by Christian Today in early March, 34 Chinese house church leaders in a north-eastern province of China were arrested during their Bible study.
Despite these difficulties, Christians have not stopped sharing God’s Word. “We as God’s children have to preach the salvation of the cross,” says a Bible Network-trained Christian. It is due to these faithful Bible trained Church Planters that 465 new churches—95 more than that in 2005—were planted last year in China.
We are committed to support these persecuted Christians in China who need God’s Word so desperately. Our Risen Lord, the Living Word of God, is their source of strength. Will you join us in sending them God’s Word, so that they may ‘drink’ from this source of strength? To place Scriptures in China, Click Here
Action Points for China.
. Thank God for bringing His own Word to the Chinese people in remote areas.
. Pray that God will protect the Church planters who are faithfully ministering to new converts in their churches.
. Place more Scriptures in China - Click Here
John Savage
Bible Network
Friday, 4 May 2007
Bible Power
CENTRAL EASTERN EUROPE:
“My name is Pavlinka, and I live in Bulgaria. I’m married, and I have two daughters.”
Empty dreams
“When I was a student, I had a friend who would talk to me about God. But back then I was interested in a completely different lifestyle. I thought it would limit my perspective on life and be boring to be a believer. I thought I would be happy when I had my own family and children. But when I finally had all that I had dreamed of, I felt unsatisfied and empty inside. I had two wonderful kids, but still my life seemed meaningless.”
A Bible of her own
“Then Jana [a Bible League-trained worker] gave me a Bible study booklet from the Bible League. When I finished that first booklet, I received a New Testament. When I completed another three-part study, I received a Bible and became part of a Bible study group.”
Living by the Word
“My favorite passage from the Bible became Jesus’ words in John 8:31-32—‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ When I read those verses I finally understood that only the truth of God’s Word could bring me joy and peace.
“Now I am a member of the local evangelical church. I go there together with my two daughters. Right now they are taking part in a Bible League Bible study for children.”
Click Here to visit our website
“My name is Pavlinka, and I live in Bulgaria. I’m married, and I have two daughters.”
Empty dreams
“When I was a student, I had a friend who would talk to me about God. But back then I was interested in a completely different lifestyle. I thought it would limit my perspective on life and be boring to be a believer. I thought I would be happy when I had my own family and children. But when I finally had all that I had dreamed of, I felt unsatisfied and empty inside. I had two wonderful kids, but still my life seemed meaningless.”
A Bible of her own
“Then Jana [a Bible League-trained worker] gave me a Bible study booklet from the Bible League. When I finished that first booklet, I received a New Testament. When I completed another three-part study, I received a Bible and became part of a Bible study group.”
Living by the Word
“My favorite passage from the Bible became Jesus’ words in John 8:31-32—‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ When I read those verses I finally understood that only the truth of God’s Word could bring me joy and peace.
“Now I am a member of the local evangelical church. I go there together with my two daughters. Right now they are taking part in a Bible League Bible study for children.”
Click Here to visit our website
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
bible power
CENTRAL ASIA:
Born and raised in a Muslim family in Central Asia, Batma had long felt sad and empty as she struggled to find answers to questions like, “Who am I?” and “Why do I exist?” Then a Bible League-trained worker showed her the Injil—God’s Word.
The power of the Word
“I was shown where to begin reading,” Batma says. “It was fascinating. As I read, I believed in Jesus Christ. I was thrilled to know I had a Savior, and wondered if there were others who believed as I did.”
New person, new pressure
The friend who gave Batma the Injil then invited her to church, where she publicly placed her faith in Jesus Christ. “I was a new person,” she says confidently. “I confessed my sins and professed my faith in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son and my Lord and Savior.” But her parents were irate.
Batma’s family turned against her. The pressure was so great, that she left the church and her Christian friends, and broke contact with all believers. But she kept her Injil hidden, and read it daily.
A return to Christ
One day, as she read 2 Peter 2:20-22, Batma knew she had to return to Christ. Leaving behind her job, family, and friends, she went to another town and was baptized. “I know that God’s Word was written for me,” she says. “I know Jesus Christ and why He came, and I am waiting for His return. Jesus Christ forgave me of my sins, changed me, and adopted me as His child. Today I am happy in Christ and want to live in and serve Him.”
To visit our website Click Here
Born and raised in a Muslim family in Central Asia, Batma had long felt sad and empty as she struggled to find answers to questions like, “Who am I?” and “Why do I exist?” Then a Bible League-trained worker showed her the Injil—God’s Word.
The power of the Word
“I was shown where to begin reading,” Batma says. “It was fascinating. As I read, I believed in Jesus Christ. I was thrilled to know I had a Savior, and wondered if there were others who believed as I did.”
New person, new pressure
The friend who gave Batma the Injil then invited her to church, where she publicly placed her faith in Jesus Christ. “I was a new person,” she says confidently. “I confessed my sins and professed my faith in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son and my Lord and Savior.” But her parents were irate.
Batma’s family turned against her. The pressure was so great, that she left the church and her Christian friends, and broke contact with all believers. But she kept her Injil hidden, and read it daily.
A return to Christ
One day, as she read 2 Peter 2:20-22, Batma knew she had to return to Christ. Leaving behind her job, family, and friends, she went to another town and was baptized. “I know that God’s Word was written for me,” she says. “I know Jesus Christ and why He came, and I am waiting for His return. Jesus Christ forgave me of my sins, changed me, and adopted me as His child. Today I am happy in Christ and want to live in and serve Him.”
To visit our website Click Here
Monday, 30 April 2007
Bible Power
We have some FREE copies of the Robert Murray McCheyne Bible Reading Plan which will take you through the New Testament & Psalms twice, and the rest of the Bible once, each year.
If you would like a copy please send your name and address to BibleCampaign@aol.com
Just quote the Bible Power blog so that we know where you are coming from.
If you would like a copy please send your name and address to BibleCampaign@aol.com
Just quote the Bible Power blog so that we know where you are coming from.
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Bible Power
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
Thousands of them. Row after row. Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered craftsmen to create the famed terra cotta warriors to serve him and help him rule another empire in the afterlife.
Today, flesh and blood spiritual Christian warriors need Bibles to stand strong in the face of persecution. And right now, you can provide twice as many Bibles through a matching gift opportunity.
Spiritual Warriors
An estimated 80-100 million Chinese Christians live in China today. And their number grows daily. But fewer than half have a Bible. What a grim reality! They need God’s Word to help them withstand persecution. Chinese Christians are not alone. There are many other countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith.
The Word’s Strength
God’s Word will embolden Chinese Christians, and elsewhere in the world, to not fear persecution, imprisonment, separation, pain, or death. It will bolster one of the most formidable forces of the kingdom of God in today’s world.
Double Their Bible Supply
Persecuted Christians around the world are boldly claiming victory for Jesus Christ. They know that one day they will serve their King in eternity.
The Bible is the key to victory. And right now—for a limited time only—you can provide two Bibles for the price of one. Through a special matching gift opportunity, you can double the impact of your gift to countries where Christians risk persecution.
Stand up for Jesus alongside these soldiers of the cross. Please give them the Bibles they need—today!
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
THE WARRIORS ARE READY.
WON’T YOU JOIN THEM?
Click Here to visit our website and Send a Bible
Thousands of them. Row after row. Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered craftsmen to create the famed terra cotta warriors to serve him and help him rule another empire in the afterlife.
Today, flesh and blood spiritual Christian warriors need Bibles to stand strong in the face of persecution. And right now, you can provide twice as many Bibles through a matching gift opportunity.
Spiritual Warriors
An estimated 80-100 million Chinese Christians live in China today. And their number grows daily. But fewer than half have a Bible. What a grim reality! They need God’s Word to help them withstand persecution. Chinese Christians are not alone. There are many other countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith.
The Word’s Strength
God’s Word will embolden Chinese Christians, and elsewhere in the world, to not fear persecution, imprisonment, separation, pain, or death. It will bolster one of the most formidable forces of the kingdom of God in today’s world.
Double Their Bible Supply
Persecuted Christians around the world are boldly claiming victory for Jesus Christ. They know that one day they will serve their King in eternity.
The Bible is the key to victory. And right now—for a limited time only—you can provide two Bibles for the price of one. Through a special matching gift opportunity, you can double the impact of your gift to countries where Christians risk persecution.
Stand up for Jesus alongside these soldiers of the cross. Please give them the Bibles they need—today!
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
THE WARRIORS ARE READY.
WON’T YOU JOIN THEM?
Click Here to visit our website and Send a Bible
Tuesday, 24 April 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.
.
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.
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