The Need for Bibles

The need for Bibles is great, particularly in areas where poverty abounds. The Bible shown here is of a Malawian pastor who had been using this tattered Chichewa Bible until a new copy was given to him — his old copy started at Leviticus 9 and ended at 1 Thessalonians 4.

The reprinting of the TBS Chichewa New Testament and the publication of the entire Chichewa Bible are greatly awaited. Four conferences were recently held in Malawi and about 450 people attended. Unfortunately, it was only possible to distribute 200 English Westminster Reference Bibles (with TBS booklets on the scriptures); because of recent printing problems, it was impossible to obtain a larger quantity of the small and less expensive Ruby Text Bibles. This left about 250 participants who did not receive a Bible. Contact details were taken for all registered attendees so that they can receive a Bible when available, God willing. Everyone was given at least one piece of literature. Understandably, there was a disappointment (but acceptance) amongst those who did not receive a Bible at the conferences. Lord willing, they will receive a Bible.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give  seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off." (Isaiah 55:8-13)