The Bible League assists Christians and churches worldwide, so that people prepared by the Holy Spirit will be brought into the fellowship of Christ and His Church. Specifically, they provide Bibles and related materials, promote personal, family and small group Bible study, partner with churches and mission organizations, supplying them with Bibles, related materials, and training in church planting and Scripture placement. Where there is no local church, Christians are trained to establish new churches.
http://www.bibleleague.org/about-us
info@BibleLeague.org
Download the Bible in Your Language (free — many languages)
http://www.bibleleague.org/resources/bible-download/
- The Bible League – January 2022 January 17, 2022
A Lifelong Calling
Pastor Lucas has felt a calling from the Lord since an early age. “At 10 years old, I was different than my friends,” he says. “I liked going to church. I loved the Bible.”
His passion didn’t fade with time. At 20, he was working for the government as an engineer in his home country of Argentina. But despite his success, he felt empty. He was making good money in a steady job, but Lucas’ passion to share the Gospel was still there. He finally quit his job and attended seminary, then continued to follow the Lord on a long and winding path that landed him in Visalia, California.
Visalia is an agricultural town in central California. In this town of 133,000 people, more than half the population is Hispanic. Many work 12-16 hours a day in the fields to support their families. They came to the U.S. to find a better life, but still carry the baggage they brought with them.
“The Hispanic community here is damaged emotionally because of people’s backgrounds and childhoods,” Lucas says. “Some of them ran away from their countries to get here. There are single moms. Abuse. A lot of bad backgrounds.”
Through Bible League’s Church Planter Training, Lucas learned how to plant a thriving church and how to host Project Philip Bible studies in homes, places where people are more likely to open up to others. “I think the way to show Jesus’ love in Visalia is to open house churches, to hold Bible studies in houses,” he says. “Our vision is to transform this town.”
But Lucas can’t do it on his own. He feels blessed to be trained by Bible League because so many other church leaders lack that guidance. “We are in an area where people are not prepared biblically,” he says. “Most of the Hispanic pastors here do not have biblical training. Many churches have closed because they don’t continue to train leaders.”
It may seem odd that churches and church leaders in the U.S. lack training, but this is not uncommon in many communities around the country. In Visalia, there’s also a lack of Bibles. According to Lucas, only about six percent of the Hispanic community has access to God’s Word.
“The Bible is healing the people and closing the wound. We are giving people hope,” Lucas says. “The Lord can transform a family. Then, they can transform another family. The entire city can change. The Gospel must go outside the church. Everybody needs to meet Jesus.”
FEATURED STORIES
A Flea Market Encounter
Terry and her husband, Ezequiel, are joyfully living out their faith in the mostly Hispanic community of Williams, California. Ezequiel has only been a believer for about three years, but the energetic couple is proof God is working in the hearts of people of all ages. Terry notes, “I am 70 and my husband is 75. God doesn’t care how old you are. He wants you saved.”
Each week, the couple works at the local flea market. Their table was right behind Rosa’s table—a Christian woman doing ministry in the flea market. Terry notes, “When we were working, we would listen to her praying for people.”
Terry believed in Jesus, but her faith wasn’t very strong. She notes, “When I listened to Rosa pray, it stirred something in my heart. One day, while I was working at the flea market, God told me to kneel, and I began praying.”
Soon after, Terry’s friend invited her to church. When she and her husband arrived, they were surprised to see a familiar face—Rosa. She says excitedly, “I came, and I saw Rosa! I said, ‘My goodness, it’s the lady from the flea market.’”
Since then, Terry and Ezequiel have been going to Iglesia Sinai. Terry can’t keep from smiling as she says, “I feel God wanted us at this church. We have been very, very happy here. I 100% feel like my faith has grown since being at this church. Every week, I’m excited to go. Every minute feels like heaven to me.”
Recently, Terry and Ezequiel attended a Project Philip Bible study training at Rosa’s church. They are looking forward to putting into action what they learned. Terry explains, “The training was beautiful. Sometimes you need to learn a better way to do things, and that’s what the training was for us. This has made my life and my husband’s life clearer. Now, we can work better outside of the church.”
Answered Prayers
Years ago, Keyla accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She was the only Christian in her entire family. “For many years, I have prayed for the conversion of my family members,” she says.
In 2017, Keyla and most of her family moved from their home in Venezuela to Chicago where she got involved in a local church. This year, she attended a Project Philip Bible study leader training in both Spanish and English. In this course, Keyla learned how to teach Bible studies in small groups.
“Project Philip is an answer to my prayers,” she says.
Once she finished the training, she immediately put her new skills to work and started a small group Bible study. Her first student was her mother, who still lives in Venezuela. Keyla hosts her classes online so that her mother can participate.
In July, Keyla started leading Bible League’s Project Philip discipleship Bible study with a small group. At the end of the first lesson, another of Keyla’s prayers was answered. “My beloved mother received Jesus as her only Lord and Savior for the glory of God.” Praise the Lord!
SMARTER WAYS TO GIVE
Giving Through your Will
Know the peace of mind that comes from having a plan in place. When it comes to your Will, keep these things in mind:
1. Your Will lets you determine the next stewards of your God-given resources. It allows you to care for your loved ones and also continue to support Bible League and other favorite ministries. Does your Will reflect your values, passions, and priorities? It should reflect what matters most to you. 2. Life changes, and your Will should, too. If it’s been more than three years since you looked at it, it’s probably time to give it a thorough review.
3. Inform your family or personal representatives about your plan. Be sure to let them know where they can find your important documents and anything they’ll need to access them.
To learn more, call Jim Prock, Director of Planned Giving, at (405) 205-8343 or email him at jprock@bibleleague.org.
Bible League International Prayer Calendar
Join Us in Prayer This Month: Download the January 2022 Prayer Calendar
Additional Prayer Requests
As the year begins, let’s pray over all of the opportunities God will provide this year. Let’s pray for all the Project Philip Bible studies He will organize, the Church Planter Training classes He will start, the Bible-based Literacy programs He will facilitate. Let’s pray for each person who will be reached by this ministry and pray that He would open their hearts to the truth of the Gospel.
These last two years have been difficult for the entire world. We pray God’s blessing over 2022. Pray for healing—both physically and spiritually—for every nation. Pray for unity and peace among all. Pray for believers who are persecuted, believers who struggle to share the Gospel in their communities, believers who feel stagnant in their faith. Pray that all believers would experience God this year in new, life-giving ways. Finally, pray for those who do not know Jesus, that this year would be the one that changes everything for them.
Continue reading →Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Your gifts to Bible League International help provide Bibles and training to a world in need. - The Bible League – December 2021 December 21, 2021
In West Papua, a province of Indonesia, the term Christianity is used as a label. Whether a person believes the Gospel or not, they are identified as a “Christian” because of cultural tradition. But in many parts of the area, people who are labeled as Christians have never even heard the Gospel. Some don’t even have access to Bibles.
This was the case in Urundupi Village. The village was started by a group of Papuan tribes around 10 years ago. A simple, wooden church building stands in the center of the community and is a place of gathering and singing, but there was no pastor or Gospel-centered preaching.
There’s no public transportation in the village, but it’s become a shortcut for cars traveling to other areas. Because of the traffic, local children realized they could profit off of these passing cars. Young people would block the roads, often wielding weapons, to rob the drivers. They would drink alcohol and steal from their parents, even damage their own homes.
This community was desperate for the Gospel, and thanks to your support, they got it.
A local pastor who was raised in Papua was trained to teach Project Philip Bible studies and spread the truth of the Gospel across his country. “Bible League programs are the answer to the spiritual challenges I’ve faced in the mission field,” he says. He trained members of his church to lead Bible League’s Project Philip Bible studies and sent them out to villages just like Urundupi. One of those members, Frida, visited Urundupi for two months to host a Project Philip Bible study for kids and adults.
“When I started to come to Urundupi, there were no Bibles available at all,” she says with tears in her eyes. She encouraged the villagers to attend the Bible study held in the local church building. After they completed the study, each graduate received their own Bible. “When it was time to give them the Bible, they were so happy,” she says. “They cherish their Bibles and they want to keep reading them.”
The impact of your generosity continues still today, well after that graduation day. Parents in the area report that their children have changed completely. The kids are no longer drinking and robbing the travelers; now, they are welcoming and friendly to the visitors. Parents say the children are now well-behaved, and it’s all thanks to the Bible stories they are studying.
Thanks to your continued generosity, entire villages and communities are changing through the Gospel. This Christmas, know that your support allows children in Urundupi Village and around the globe to read the Christmas story from their very own Bible. Thank you.
Fleeing from Idolatry
Angela idolized pop stars and celebrities. She was disrespectful and rude to her parents and friends. But all that changed when she started studying the Bible.
“My parents were worried about my behavior, but they had no solution for me,” begins 15-year-old Angela in Armenia’s Zoravan village. “They wanted to help me, but I refused to listen to their advice. Things went from bad to worse, life became a drag to me, and I didn’t trust anyone anymore.”
Angela had idols among Armenian and international pop stars. She dreamt about them and was passionate about them. This obsession somehow made Angela disrespectful to her parents, rude to her friends, and violent to her sister.
Then one of her friends invited her to a Christian Christmas event. It turned out to be a fantastic event for Angela, and she felt that the people there were loving and sincere. They gave her a booklet called Questions and Answers from Bible League Armenia. Angela loves reading, so she was glad to start studying something new. Indeed, it was full of exciting questions and answers for Angela. She learned more about the love of Jesus, the One deserving a “superstar” title compared to her other idols. While learning more about Christ’s love and greatness, she felt hunger inside to know more about Him, so she continued to study the Bible.
Her heart full of questions, Angela joined a Bible League Project Philip Bible study group. “I haven’t missed a single meeting,” she says. “The first booklet we studied was called, Who is God. It made me discover that God has a plan for my life. I also understood why Jesus died for me. I learned to pray, and I learned many things about Jesus that I hadn’t heard before. During the Bible study, I decided to give my life to Jesus. He has changed my life through His Word. One of the things I learned was that we need to flee from idolatry. I realized that people could also be idols. I asked God to help me and to free me from those pop idols that I had. God heard me and helped me.”
Angela also finally realized how important it is to respect her parents. She went to them and her sister to ask for forgiveness. They were touched and realized that God had changed her life. God filled her empty life.
“I thank all those people who are helping to provide these amazing booklets from the Bible League. Many thanks to all of you. Through these study materials, my eyes were opened to see God and to receive Him in my life. I am sure that these can be helpful for others also. May God bless all of you. Thank you for the wonderful Project Philip Bible study program.”
Yvan’s Faith Grows Stronger
Yvan is a 17-year-old student at Mwaro Secondary School in Burundi. He’s the firstborn in a family of two children. His family is traditionally religious, and Yvan grew up going to church. Though he describes his parents as loving and excellent, they were also quite strict.
“My parents were so strict to the point I grew up afraid of making mistakes,” he explains. “If anyone did wrong, my father would punish them seriously. But I feel blessed still to have both of my parents. I know many young people orphaned by the civil war that lasted more than 20 years in Burundi.”
He admits before he gave his life to Jesus, he was very rebellious. “I avoided places where people talked about God. I would try to show a good side to people and be a different person alone.” However, Yvan’s life changed when a Christian friend invited him to church. He says, “I fell in love with the Word of God. I understood God is so gracious to us.”
After hearing the Gospel at this church, Yvan gave his life to Jesus. He notes, “My life changed. Now I desire to please God and walk in holiness.” Since then, Yvan has continued to grow in his faith through a Bible League Project Philip Bible study at his school. The teen explains, “The program strengthened me in my Christian life. It helped me understand how much God cares about us and God’s will in my life. I felt challenged to read the Bible.”
Yvan is also grateful for the Bible he received, and he believes it will help him to grow in knowledge of God’s Word. He now feels God is calling him to share the Good News with his friends and family.
Five years ago, Mexican authorities captured El Chapo—one of the most powerful drug traffickers in the world. Today, the Sinaloa Cartel kingpin is serving his life sentence in a U.S. prison. For years, a man named Pablo was on this very same path to destruction until he found the narrow path that leads to life.
On this Action Podcast, join host Michael Woolworth and his Bible League colleagues, Ryan and Denisse, as they share the amazing story of this former cartel hitman who now proclaims, “Seeing Sinaloa’s mountain range transformed by Christ is our vision. We want Sinaloa filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”
Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe so you get updates and leave a rating so others can find the Action Podcast!
Listen: https://www.bibleleague.org/stories/action-podcast-ep16/?show=true/
Bible League International Prayer Calendar
Join Us in Prayer This Month: Download the December 2021 Prayer Calendar
Additional Prayer Requests
In the last year, more than 2 million people studied God’s Word through Bible League’s Project Philip Bible studies, Church Planter Training, and Bible-based Literacy. Nearly 100,000 people were trained to share the Good News in their communities. Praise God for the amazing work He is doing!
Over the next year, people in more than 55 countries around the globe will study God’s Word. Plans are underway to launch ministry for the first time in Pakistan. The Lord continues to create opportunities to draw people to Him. As we look to the end of the year, let’s pray over the opportunities He is creating and over the people He will reach.
Continue reading → - The Bible League International – November 2021 November 4, 2021
Equipped with the Gospel
Charles was born in the Geita Region in the western part of Tanzania. He is a member of the largest ethnic group in the country, the Sukuma, with an estimated 10 million members. The Sukuma people are known for traditional dances and music and their practice of witchcraft and magic.
“The conviction of this society is that the youth must follow the tribal culture and not foreign cultures,” he says. “They believe Christianity is a foreign culture.” But praise God, Charles was introduced to the Gospel as a teenager when his sister married into a Christian family. He accepted Christ as his Savior and wanted to join a church, but his parents were against it. Every Sunday, they made him work in the field early in the morning to try and keep him from church. But their plan failed. He would do his work, then walk almost seven miles to worship God.
Today, Charles serves as a pastor in Tanzania’s Mara Region, not far from where he grew up. He was excited to learn about Bible League’s Project Philip Bible study and leader training that was being held in his area. “I have 86 members in my church; only 14 had Bibles,” he says. “Some of them had old Bibles that were missing books. We were thrilled to receive Bibles on the day of the Project Philip graduation.”
In addition to receiving new materials, Charles gained a deeper understanding of the Gospel and evangelism through the training. “Previously, my life in ministry was hard because I doubted if everyone could understand my teachings,” he says.
Charles is eternally grateful for the support of Bible League friends like you. “I have vowed to live for Christ and help others just as I have been equipped through others. I want to use the help from Bible League to reach many people with the Gospel,” he says. “Thank you for this important support. We don’t have enough words to thank you, but may our Lord protect you and multiply your vision to help more lost people.”
FEATURED STORIES
ACTION PODCAST
Haiti has been a hot topic on news outlets for months. The president was assassinated. The country was rocked by a devastating earthquake. Violence and crime dominate the headlines. And Bible League partners in the area aren’t immune to the struggles. Recently a pastor of a Bible League partner church was kidnapped and there was a shooting in another partner church.
While the situation in Haiti seems impossibly dark, the Lord continues to shine His light. On this episode of the Action Podcast, Bilda, the National Director of Bible League Haiti, discusses how God is moving in his country. As he says, “He has rescued us from the darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His Son.”
Listen now! Be sure to subscribe so you get updates and leave a rating so others can find the Action Podcast!
GIVING TUESDAY
Giving Tuesday was started in 2012 as a simple idea–let’s designate a day that encourages people to do good. What better thing could you do than share the Gospel with someone? On November 30, you’ll read about a pastor preaching with a torn Bible; he’s just one of thousands of church leaders who needs the Word of God. You’ll have the opportunity to join the movement by sending a Bible to someone just like him.
But it’s more than making a monetary gift. Giving Tuesday is also about doing good for your neighbor, your coworker, your friend, or a stranger on the street. This Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to share the Gospel with someone. Pray that God will lead you to the right person so you can tell that individual about the love of God. Let’s use this day to be more than a day of generosity. Let’s use it to tell more people about Jesus.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for Giving Tuesday updates and to hear the latest Ministry News and encouragement!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Bible League International Prayer Calendar
Join Us in Prayer This Month: Download the November 2021 Prayer Calendar
Additional Prayer Requests
Please pray for believers and churches across Venezuela. Despite economic and governmental crises, the people of Venezuela are finding hope in the Gospel. Pray for the children whose parents have emigrated to other countries to support their families. A few weeks ago, one partner held a Project Philip Bible study graduation for 300 children! Praise God! Pray for pastors and church leaders who are reaching the country’s most impoverished communities. Pray for peace and healing in that nation.
There was a recent break-in at a partner church in Albania. Nothing was stolen, but things were destroyed. Islam is the majority religion in this area and church leaders believe this was the work of extremists. The church members are not afraid; they still gather, deciding that love should be their answer to the hatred. Pray for their safety as they continue to meet. Pray that the Lord would touch the hearts of these extremists so they will see the love of Jesus through these church members.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Your gifts to Bible League International help provide Bibles and training to a world in need.
Continue reading → - The Bible League – July 2021 July 17, 2021
Backlash doesn’t stop Dereje
Dereje, a 30-year-old in Ethiopia, is one of few Christians in his family. He was raised in a traditional Muslim home; his parents and three of his brothers still practice Islam.
At one time, he and his brother hated Christians. “Many times, we went to the church compound with other Muslim friends and stoned the roof of the church while the believers worshipped,” he says. “We alienated the students from a Christian background. We considered them foolish.”
But all that changed in 2002 when two missionaries shared God’s Word with him. It wasn’t the first time Dereje had heard the message of salvation, but it was the first time the message resonated with him. After that, he received a Bible League Project Philip Bible study booklet. “I started to read it in secret,” he says. “It was forbidden to do such things—both in my family and in the Islamic religion. I couldn’t even share it with my eldest brother.”
He felt pulled to accept salvation, but he was hesitant. His cousin, a believer, encouraged him. “Because I feared backlash from my family and the challenges I would face from all Muslims, I didn’t accept his request,” he says. “But as time went on, I decided to receive Jesus Christ and asked my cousin to take me to church.” That night, he stood before the congregation and confessed his sins and received salvation. “That day was so special. I felt different and joy filled my heart. But the days after were not easy for me and my family.”
Dereje’s closest friends shunned him. Even his extended family began harassing him, trying to convince his own father to throw him out. When his father would not, relatives turned on the whole family, even refusing to provide a burial site when Dereje’s brother tragically died. Despite the pushback, Dereje continued to grow in his faith. He joined a Project Philip Bible study and learned more and more about Jesus. He developed a passion for supporting needy people and sharing the Gospel.
Today, he is a youth fellowship leader at his church and he’s introduced Project Philip to his students. “Project Philip Bible study booklets impacted the youth and children and became a means of Christian fellowship in the church,” he says. “The materials helped the youth know each other and help each other. They also developed a desire to evangelize and share the Word of God.”
Dereje is extremely grateful to Bible League supporters who provided materials that changed his life and his community. “Now, I am strong in my faith and find refuge in the Lord. There’s no more fear of persecution or death,” he says.
FEATURED STORIES
Former Life Changed by the Gospel
Growing up in a traditional Muslim home in Albania, Stiljan knew little about the Christian faith, and he hated Christians. All that changed.
https://www.bibleleague.org/stories/life-changed-by-the-gospel/
Yousef Finds Hope
Yousef, 32, serves as a Bible teacher in the Middle East, where sharing the Gospel is not permitted. Even though it’s against the rules, Yousef is still dedicated to his mission.
https://www.bibleleague.org/stories/yousef-finds-hope/
ACTION PODCAST
Nepal, in south Asia, is home to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak situated in the Himalayan Mountains. The prevalence of Hinduism and the influence of communism within the country means stiff opposition to Gospel evangelism. In fact, new anti-conversion laws make it difficult for Christians to share that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Despite these challenges, the Church is blossoming. Bible League International programs are vital to this growth as you’ll hear from host Michael Woolworth and his guest, Ram Hari (last name withheld for security reasons) in this 17-minute Action Podcast.
Listen Now: https://www.bibleleague.org/stories/action-podcast-ep11/?show=true
PRAYER REQUESTS
Bible League International Prayer Calendar
Join Us in Prayer This Month: Download the July 2021 Prayer Calendar
Additional Prayer Requests
Christians in Muslim areas are shunned, isolated, even harmed for their faith. Pray for believers who are fighting to share the Gospel in Muslim-dominated areas around the world. Believers like Pastor Bento in Mozambique fight every day to share the Gospel in their communities. Pray that God would strengthen them and change hearts.
In the Middle East, where God’s Word is not always welcome, women and children are learning the Gospel through Bible League’s Bible-based Literacy ministry. These people learn the saving grace of Jesus and learn to read and write in areas that are closed off to God’s Word. Pray for changed hearts in the participants and for their safety as they learn about God
Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Your gifts to Bible League International help provide Bibles and training to a world in need.
This email was sent by: Bible League International, 3801 Eagle Nest Drive Crete, IL, 60417, US
Continue reading → - The Bible League – October 2020 October 5, 2020
The Gospel City
Located on the coast of Indonesia, Manokwari is the capital city of West Papua. Unlike the rest of the Muslim-dominated nation, the majority of the residents there identify as Christians. In the 1800s, Christian missionaries brought the Good News to people in the area. At the time, people there were known for worshipping nature and practicing black magic.
Despite being known the “Gospel City,” few there know the true meaning of salvation, or are engaged in the Word of God. Instead, Christianity is more of a tradition or a label than a lifestyle. “These people know who Jesus is; however, that doesn’t mean that they recognize Jesus as their Lord and Savior,” says Romi, Bible League International’s communications specialist for the area.
But, thanks to people like you, pastors and religious leaders in the area are working to change that. Local churches in Manokwari are now introducing Bible League’s Project Philip Bibles studies and Bible-based Literacy to help residents learn about true salvation. Bible-based Literacy is especially appealing to people in the capital city, one of the poorer towns of West Papua. Many there have limited educational opportunities, so they embrace the opportunity to learn English. They know it’s a skill that can open many doors. But even more important, the adults and children taking part in Bible-based Literacy are learning the Gospel.
The government of Manokwari is supportive of Christianity, and even helps build churches around the city, especially in under-resourced areas. But buildings aren’t what make believers. Thanks to your support, people in Manokwari are learning the true meaning of Christianity.
LATEST STORIES
A New Church in Haiti
When Pierre was growing up in Cornillon, Haiti, life was by no means easy. His commune is in a very neglected area without infrastructure or sanitary systems. Many are farmers or people who sell goods on the streets. He notes, “We don’t have good roads, hospitals, or drinking water.”
While Pierre was able to go to school, he had to walk an hour and a half every day to do so. “But I didn’t think it was a problem,” he explains. In high school, he left his community to go to Port-au-Prince to attend a public school.
Though Pierre grew up going to church, he didn’t see God at work in his life until he went to a friend’s church. He explains, “That day, the Holy Spirit persuaded me, and I received eternal life. From that moment on, I made it a priority to serve God and go to school.” Pierre finished college and got married. He’s been married for nine years. After college, he returned to Cornillon to work.
Pierre felt God calling him to plant a church in his hometown, but he wasn’t sure how he would do it. Then, a friend told him that he was going to Bible League’s Church Planter Training. He notes, “So, I felt encouraged to enroll as well.”
As he began, Pierre realized his true mission in life and how he could work for the Lord. His pastor helped him implement the skills he was learning in the training.
Pierre has successfully planted a church that now has about 150 members. He’s using what he learned through Bible League to help his church members engage in the Word. “Today, we use Bible League International’s materials because they are very easy for our people to understand,” he beams. “Many people here have received eternal life through Bible League’s programs.”Influencing His Family
Elidio, a 24-year-old in Mozambique, grew up in a Christian family. But he admits that at one time he was a “backslider.” Brothers and sisters from the local church kept inviting him to Project Philip Bible studies, but he wouldn’t go. He had no desire to go to church. But one day, that changed.
“I thought to myself, ‘No, this is not happening by mistake. It is God who is encouraging me to come to this program. Today, I’ll go and see what’s going on at that church,’” he remembers.
He headed to the church that day and found people learning about God through a Project Philip Bible study. He had always thought that his family’s church was the only good church, but he soon learned that it was not about the church itself, but about God. “Until that moment, I was living according to my own desires. But when I came to this church, I discovered that Jesus wants us to live according to His will,” he says.
For years, Elidio was very judgmental. “I even judged my own parents,” he says. “But since I’ve been here, I have discovered that the Bible says to not judge. I was looking down on other churches and believers. Here, I learned it is not about the churches. No, it’s about Jesus who called people to be in the Church. We have to live according to the will of God.”
Today, Elidio is praying for his father, a Christian who has now gone astray. “My mother and I are battling to change his mind,” he says. “It’s not easy to live in harmony as a family.”
Despite his father’s resistance to the Word of God, Elidio doesn’t stop. Many days he sits with his father and his Bible, trying his best to share the Good News. “Often, he says he doesn’t want to speak with me about that, so I’m limited,” he says.
Still, Elidio is thankful for the materials that changed his life and will hopefully change his father’s life. “The Project Philip materials are like gold. We are receiving so many good things from those booklets.”
Give While You Shop!
Did you know that you can have a portion of your Amazon purchases donated to Bible League? The AmazonSmile Foundation recently surpassed $200 million in donations to charities worldwide, including Bible League International! With holiday shopping quickly approaching, be sure to head to smile.amazon.com, choose Bible League International as your charity, and a portion of your purchase will be donated directly to the ministry. Thank you!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Bible League International Prayer Calendar
Join friends around the world in prayer! Click here to download the October prayer calendar.
Additional Prayer Requests
Bible League Brazil is providing 1,500 Bibles to doctors and nurses across the country. Pray that these health care workers would find comfort and rest in the Lord through this initiative!
Praise God for nearly 2,000 people in Ethiopia who recently completed Project Philip Bible studies and received Bibles! Pray that they would continue to study the Word of God and draw nearer to Him each day!
Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Your gifts to Bible League International help provide Bibles and training to a world in need. Continue reading →
- The Bible League – August 2020 August 9, 2020
Seeing God in Everything
Longpre longs for people in her village to know the hope that she has found in God’s Word. This 23-year-old wife and mother lives with her family in a remote area of southern Bangladesh. There are no vehicles and no public transportation. She must walk two hours to reach the closest market.For years, Longpre and her family worshipped nature.
But when her daughter got sick, a local pastor—and Bible League-trained church planter—began to comfort her family. “Pastor told us that Jesus would heal our daughter, and I believed him,” she says. “Miraculously, she was healed.”
The pastor continued to visit the family, teaching them God’s Word. Longpre began to worship God, and she saw major changes in her life. “We had many struggles in our family. Our marriage was not very easy,” she says. “Now, we have a lot of peace and understanding between us.”
She credits the change to her family’s time in the Word. “Jesus has transformed my life and my character,” she says. “My neighbors did not like me, as I was known to pick fights for small issues. But God taught me peace.”
Longpre no longer worships nature, but the one true God. “My house is just below the mountains and is made of bamboo. We do not have electricity; only the sun gives us light. When I look at the mountains, the hills, the sky, and everything, I know that God created it all.”
Her hope for the future is that people in her village could know Jesus. “This really is a changed life,” she says. “Many women like me in the village are struggling. My prayer is that Jesus changes their lives as He changed mine.”
LATEST STORIES
Overcome with God’s Love
Woman in Armenia Accepts Jesus
July 13, 2020
Metaqsya, pictured with her children, was born and raised in Armenia. She remembers growing up in a prayer-filled household. She explains, “When I was still a kid, my parents became believers. I remember my father and mother would read passages from the Bible every night, after which we prayed together as a family.”
As she got older, she began to neglect her faith. Then she fell hard for a boy. She reveals, “As a teenage girl, I fell in love with a boy who was not a believer. My parents weren’t happy about that. I neglected their advice and married him. I was blinded by love; I thought my boyfriend was the perfect man. But I was wrong.”
After having two children of her own, Metaqsya discovered her husband was not the kind man she thought. He became physically violent with her. Eventually, he left the family for another woman. A friend heard about the situation and came to see her. “I have a close friend who is a believer,” she says. “When she heard about what happened to me, she tried to visit me several times, but I refused to listen.” In her frustration and despair, Metaqsya fell to her knees and cried out, “Oh God, please help me!”
She says right at that moment her friend showed up. “She told me about Jesus Christ,” Metaqsya says. “Then she invited me to join something she called ‘Choose Life,’ a Project Philip Bible study. The name of that program sounded so attractive to me. I decided to participate. I loved it!”
She goes on to share how she realized she’d been against the Lord for years. She says softly, “I felt how God gave me peace. Day after day, I experienced God helping me. I’m telling you, it’s because of the study group that I am growing in my Christian life. Thanks to all of you who are supporting the Bible League ministry in Armenia!”
Imprisonment Brought Freedom
Man accepts Christ through Prison Ministry
July 6, 2020
Peter (left) had a good life. At 26 years old, he owned a welding business and had a working farm in his village in Zambia. He and his wife had children and they were building a house.
One day, as he was returning home from work, Peter was attacked by three men. In an act of self-defense, Peter hit one of the attackers with a pole, killing him. Peter was arrested and sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.
During his sentence, Peter decided to join a Project Philip Bible study for inmates. “I found most of the inmates being so serious with the Word of God, studying nearly every day. I decided to be born again and gave my life to Jesus Christ before I was released,” he says.
Peter learned so much about the Bible through discussions in his Project Philip group and the lessons in the Your Journey to Freedom Prison Bible he received. “It was really interesting to meet as a group and discuss the questions together as a team,” he says. “We could help each other and agree in conclusion after each topic. I thank God for such arrangements.”
Peter was released after eight months in prison. But he didn’t receive the welcome home he had hoped. His wife had remarried and his children were now living with her and her new husband. “I was in shock and fell into depression,” he remembers. “My farmland and house were being occupied by someone else and nothing was left.”
But Peter kept hope. “I am grateful and inspired, having received a free copy of the Bible from Bible League during my imprisonment. It was my tool and weapon to overcome such challenges in life,” he says. “I learned not to repay evil with evil, but good for evil. I am now using the same Bible to share the love of God with other people and my family. I am now a changed person and thank Jesus for setting me free through Project Philip.”
Peter reflects on the personal changes he’s seen since accepting Jesus as his Savior. “Previously I was short-tempered, even when I was in jail. But after receiving the Word of God, I am now a changed person and my temper is gone.”
He’s using his knowledge of Christ to share the Gospel with others, including his children and family. “What is different now in my life is that I have managed to bring back my children and I am moving on with my new life,” he says. But he’s not stopping there.
“I feel that God is leading me to minister with His Word to many people. I would like to take part in the prison ministry so that I can help inmates as well,” he says. “By spreading the Good News about Jesus and what He did in my personal life, I can contribute towards growing His kingdom.”
Bringing God’s Word to Japan
Young people in Japan have embraced the print and digital versions of the bilingual (Japanese and English) Alive New Testament easy-to-read translation. This generation is learning that their heavenly Father loves them and wants a relationship with them. Watch the video to see how this translation is transforming lives.
“Who is Jesus?”
Today, if you were to ask that question of people in Japan, especially young people, few would have a clue. Some might say, “Is He an American? Is He a movie star?”
For many years, Jesus and the Bible felt distant and stern to the Japanese people, especially among the younger generations. The only Japanese Bible translation available made Jesus seem to be a strict teacher or drill sergeant who commands people.
Today, young people in Japan have embraced the print and digital versions of the bilingual (Japanese and English) Alive New Testament easy-to-read translation, released in 2017. This generation is learning that their heavenly Father loves them and wants a relationship with them.
Now, our team is working on the Old Testament translation so that the people of Japan can have a complete Bible in a language they can understand. Believers in Japan are eager for the Old Testament.
Your support will help complete the Old Testament so that the full Bible will be available to all Japanese people. Help bring the Word of God to Japan.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Join friends around the world in prayer! Click here to download the August prayer calendar.
Additional Prayer Requests
Praise God that in the Correctional Services of South Africa, some Project Philip Bible study leaders will be able to resume their prison ministry programs. While only few will be able to start now, the rest will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Pray for the health of all involved, that the rest of the programs could start soon, and that God would use these Bible studies to change lives.
Pray for the online Project Philip training in the Philippines with 50 people starting soon. Pray for stable internet and for Pastor Eli who is conducting the training.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Your gifts to Bible League International help provide Bibles and training to a world in need.
This email was sent by: Bible League International, 3801 Eagle Nest Drive Crete, IL, 60417, US
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Continue reading → - The Bible League – May 2020 May 2, 2020
Literacy teachers in Indonesia are seeing the benefits of Bible-based Literacy materials. Grace is a Bible-based Literacy teacher who manages a team of literacy teachers at her large church. For years, she struggled to find a suitable curriculum that was easy for teachers to follow and would keep students engaged.
“Not all of us on the team are teachers by profession. Everyone is just a volunteer,” she says. “To regularly provide materials for eight different classes is a big challenge that we faced until we learned about Bible-based Literacy training [from Bible League International].”
Now, her programs are running much more smoothly for both teachers and students. For some of the teachers, leading the class is helping them master the English language right alongside their students. Grace has already witnessed progress.
“I saw how the students gave up on studying English before,” she says. “But now, their interest and excitement to learn is back. Everyone is so enthusiastic about participating during the class. We started this semester with the Bible-based Literacy program, but we have already seen many improvements from the students.”
Beyond the language skills, students and teachers are actively engaging in the Word of God.
“I read the Bible because I want to know more about Jesus. But in our area, that is not always the case,” Grace says. “Even here in a Christian community, people sometimes take reading for granted. Most of the Christians are content attending the church and listening to the sermon. But I explain to my students that they can’t replace reading the Bible with attending the church every Sunday. I make sure that they read their Bibles every day.”
Latest News
https://www.bibleleague.org/bible-based-literacy-is-making-a-difference-in-china/ https://www.bibleleague.org/life-changed-in-haiti/
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Be Encouraged: Good News Never Stops
Are you in need of a daily dose of positive?
Bible League has started a new initiative called Be Encouraged: Good News Never Stops. We’ll deliver devotions from global staff and stories of God’s faithfulness right to your inbox.
Sign up for our Verse of the Day email and you’ll start seeing these encouraging stories in the next few days. We can all stay positive during this time knowing that God is in control!
» Join Us in Prayer This Month: Download the May Prayer Calendar Additional Prayer Requests
Pray for the health of our world. As we continue to navigate this global pandemic, pray that leaders around the world would go to the Lord for wisdom in every step they take. Pray that God would use this pandemic to bring people to Him.
Pray for those affected by the virus. Pray for the sick and the families who have lost loved ones. Pray they would find comfort in God. Pray for people who have been affected by the isolation. Pray for those who have lost jobs, for those who struggle with mental health issues or addiction, and those experiencing domestic violence at home. This pandemic is much bigger than the virus.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Your gifts to Bible League International make it possible for our ministry to provide God’s Word to a world in need. This email was sent by: Bible League International
3801 Eagle Nest Drive
Crete, IL, 60417, US.
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Continue reading → - The Bible League – April 2020 April 10, 2020
Special Edition: In the Midst of Crisis, God is there. 
Continue reading →The worldwide impact of COVID-19 presents uncharted territory for all of us. For a global ministry like Bible League, the pandemic touches nearly every aspect of our ministry: partners, donors, staff, and ministry recipients. Amid this chaos, ministry is still happening. Bibles are still being delivered. Believers are still being trained. The Gospel is still spreading. Our ministry is affected, but it’s not stopping.
Throughout the Bible, we see stories of people surviving tragedy and chaos. We see God working miracles in midst of storms. And in this issue of your eNews, you’ll read the stories of three children who are fully trusting in God, despite their circumstances—and God is showing Himself faithful over and over. These young people can be an inspiration to us in times like these.
As the news changes every day, we encourage you to stay focused on the One who is in control. None of this surprises the Lord, and we as Christians can have peace as we reflect on His promises.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
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Rejected by Everyone but God
April 1, 2020
Nanthini is an 18-year-old from Sri Lanka. She was raised by her grandparents alongside her two sisters and two younger cousins. While her grandparents did their best to raise five children while working in the tea gardens, Nanthini and the other children were often left alone, feeling neglected. “There were times where we yearned for parental love and protection that no one could provide,” she remembers.
But that wasn’t the end of Nanthini’s struggles. She was unable to walk, stand, or speak on her own for nearly eight years. Her mental development was not on track with others her age. Her reproductive organs were not developing, and doctors said she would never experience puberty. Friends and family ridiculed and rejected her. “I would overhear people say really mean things, like ‘she is a curse to the family, nothing good will come from her’ and ‘she will never be a woman, she will not live long,’” Nanthini remembers sadly.
She was often left home alone when her grandparents and family would go out. She quit school at 15. She was discouraged and sad.
One day, a pastor and Bible League-trained church planter visited Nanthini. He introduced her to the Bible, telling her about the healing power of Jesus. “I said to myself, ‘I’m going to trust Jesus, the miraculous healer,’” she remembers. “I started with the Gospel of Mark, trusting Jesus word by word. I felt hopeful after reading the Bible and placed my whole trust in Jesus.”
The next month, Nanthini went to the hospital for her monthly checkup. Doctors were amazed to find healthy development throughout her body. Everything was improving. Nanthini knew it was because of God. “I was very interested and hungry to learn more of the Word of God,” she says.
She began praying for her father who struggled with alcoholism and showed no signs of repentance. For weeks she prayed, knowing the power of God. Her father became ill and gave up drinking for good.
The more she saw God work, the stronger Nanthini’s faith became. Her father has since come back into her life and her mother has promised to do the same. “I am thrilled and grateful for the ministry of Bible League International,” she says. “I was disabled, rejected, and cursed, but now the love of God has changed my life and blessed my heart. Thank you.”
Crisis Brings Boys to Jesus
April 1, 2020
Abel, 11, and Yoangel, 14, are two of the millions of people affected by the Venezuelan refugee crisis. Their families, both from Venezuela, were forced to join households and live together because of the economic crisis in their country. But even the new living arrangements didn’t help the families enough, and they decided to emigrate to Colombia.
After weeks of travel, the families finally landed in Bogotá, Colombia. They found a place to stay, but sadly, the long travel had been too hard for Yoangel’s mother. She was suffering with lung issues and the trip made those worse. She passed away in Bogotá. Devastated, the two families decided to move again to escape the sad memories.
Heading south towards Ecuador, they stopped in Santander de Quilichao, a violent city in southern Colombia. But despite the violence, the families felt welcome. A local pastor showed them support and love, so much that they decided to stay. They found a place to live—and they found Jesus!
Yoangel says God’s Word has changed his life and brought comfort to his family. “Becoming part of the church has been very good for my family and me. Before bed, I read my new Bible and take it to every Bible study,” he says. “I know today that Jesus Christ is my Savior!”
Abel has found comfort and peace in Jesus. “I found God’s help through His Word here,” he says. “Jesus gave His life for us, and He gives us love and strength to continue our lives.” Currently, both boys are studying the Word through a Project Philip Bible study in their church.
At such young ages, these boys have suffered more than many adults, but their mature faith has brought them peace and comfort. Please pray for them.
Are you in need of a daily dose of positive?
Bible League is starting a new initiative called Be Encouraged: Good News Never Stops. We’ll deliver devotions from global staff and stories of God’s faithfulness right to your inbox.
Sign up for our Verse of the Day email and you’ll start seeing these encouraging stories in the next few days. We can all stay positive during this time knowing that God is in control!
Online Shopping During Social Distancing?
Share the Good News When You Shop Online with Amazon Smile!
Each time you place an order on Amazon, you can engage someone in the Word of God! Here’s how:
1. Start your shopping at smile.amazon.com. This is the same Amazon you know, just with the option to give back.
2. When prompted, designate Bible League International as your charitable organization.
3. Go shop!
That’s it! Each time you make a purchase, Amazon will donate 0.5% back to Bible League International, providing Bibles and Bible study tools to believers around the world. Thank you for your support by providing God’s Word!
» Join Us in Prayer This Month: Download the April Prayer Calendar Additional Prayer Requests
Around the world, we see God using this scary pandemic as an awakening. In Albania, a Muslim-dominated country, Bible studies are starting because people are looking for hope. Pray that God would continue to soften hearts to the Gospel and use this time of uncertainty to bring people to Him.
We’re seeing leaders start new initiatives to continue their ministry. Praise God that He’s provided many non-traditional opportunities for believers to worship, pray, and share the Gospel together. Pray that ministry leaders around the globe would stay encouraged and continue to serve.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support. Your gifts to Bible League International make it possible for our ministry to provide God’s Word to a world in need. This email was sent by: Bible League International
3801 Eagle Nest Drive
Crete, IL, 60417, US.
Update Profile | Manage Subscriptions - The Bible League – March 2020 March 4, 2020
A person’s lifetime commitment to Jesus can impact hundreds. That’s the story for Victor.
Twenty years ago, Victor graduated from Church Planter Training. He had volunteered for Bible League Mexico for years and finally planted his own church. He led the church for four years, then returned to farming. But, being a pastor was his calling, so soon after, he offered to care for an abandoned church in a nearby community.
With the guidance of the Lord, what started as a small gathering of Victor’s family soon turned into a full congregation. Victor served there for 18 years, then passed the torch to another Bible League-trained church planter. He is now in the process of starting another church, one he will eventually pass down to another graduate.
In all his time serving, Victor has watched the Lord work over and over. “I have seen many people receiving our Savior, Jesus Christ, in their hearts. I have seen the restoration of many families and transformation of individual lives. I have seen brothers grow up to be leaders, many who were freed from alcoholism and excruciating poverty,” he says. “God entrusted me to be loyal to the ministry. I have gone through many obstacles during the decades, but God has never left me.”
Through his Church Planter Training, Victor has impacted so many lives across Mexico. He has led churches, mentored leaders, and was even involved in translating the New Testament to the Mixe indigenous language. Praise God for his lifelong commitment!
Finding Faith in Prison
A man’s time in prison leads him to Christ
February 10, 2020
Though 27-year-old Oscar grew up in a Christian family in the Upper West Region of Ghana, he didn’t understand what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus Christ—until he went to jail. A few years ago, Oscar worked for a mobile phone company, and he got into trouble when he made the wrong decision to replace a friend’s sim card. Unfortunately, Oscar’s friend lied.
He recalls, “That wasn’t his card, but it was his employer’s. He then went and withdrew a large amount of money without the employer’s permission.” When the truth came out, Oscar was liable and charged with aiding and abetting. He notes, “I tried to find the man, but the efforts deemed fruitless. At the time, I couldn’t repay the money. Therefore, I was taken to court.” Oscar pled guilty and was sentenced to 27 months in Tamale Central Prison.
One day, a pastor came to the prison to share the Gospel, and he encouraged Oscar to join a Project Philip Bible study there. He regularly began going to the study and really enjoyed the Prison Bible he received. He says, “What I liked the most about that Bible is that it’s easy to read and the lessons are easy to understand. Having the lessons in the Prison Bible has helped us to understand what we are reading and equipped us with how to share God’s Word with other inmates.”
Oscar served 18 months in prison before he was released. Though he still faces stigmas for being in jail, he was able to get a new job through believers who helped to lead Project Philip Bible studies within the prison. But above all, the greatest blessing to him is God’s Word. He beams, “The Prison Bible has changed a lot of Ghanaian inmates, both spiritually and mentally. It’s the Prison Bible that brought hope and transformation to those who felt rejected.”
God’s Word is her Inspiration
Project Philip Bible studies change Albanian woman’s life
February 3, 2020
Natasha, 40, comes from a Roma Muslim family. She is married with three children and lives in Albania. “I tried to follow the rules of Islam, but I found it very difficult to do it all,” she says softly. “However, it was the only way I knew how to seek God. But I didn’t find peace.”
She reveals their money problems led to quarrels at home. “My husband started to hang out with his old friends. This situation caused a lot of stress for me. One day, while I was at home, a woman came and knocked on my door. She talked to me about Jesus. I had never heard that message,” she explains.
Her husband did not want to hear about it. “I was very determined,” she says, “and eventually, I convinced him to go to church with me. As soon as we got in there, we felt a presence that I could not explain but I could tell it was God’s presence. People from the church invited us to be part of a Bible study group. We went regularly and completed the whole Project Philip Bible study.
“Through those studies, God completely changed my life and that of my family. I realized how much God loves me, that He died for me on the cross, and I accepted Him as Lord and Savior of my life. I started reading the Bible every day at home.”
Although uncomfortable at first, her husband also became a believer and the family’s situation changed completely. “We are blessed and happy,” Natasha reports. “The Bible is the inspiration for my life and my family. Through studying and believing in the Word of the Lord, my family and I were saved. Thank you for giving it to me for free because we couldn’t afford it. I like to share the Word of God with my friends. Please, keep on giving all Albanians the opportunity to learn and know about the true God through the Scriptures, as you did with me. May the Lord bless you!”
2019 Ministry Map
Throughout 2019, God’s Word was strategically sent across the globe. Thanks to your support, more than 2 million people were reached with the Word in 40 different countries. Take a closer look at the impact map to see details!
Join Us in Prayer This Month: Download the March Prayer Calendar
Additional Prayer Requests
May the Lord bless the upcoming Project Philip training in Jakarta, Indonesia, among 60 Christian education teachers. Pray that this training will equip these teachers to become more effective in sharing God’s Word with their students. Continue to pray for the residents of this area as they recover from devastating floods in the city last month.
A Bible League-trained Philip (Project Philip Bible study leader) in Mamelodi, South Africa, was murdered recently. Pray for comfort and peace for his wife and two daughters as well as the rest of his family. Please ask the Lord to protect the Philips and trainers as they work in dangerous places.
Continue reading →
Robert T. Frank
President and CEO