August 2003

The BfA Update is intended as an encouragement for all those laboring in the distribution of Recovery Version New Testaments throughout America. We hope that, for everyone’s mutual encouragement, you all will send us reports of your experiences.

From the office:

• Bibles for America crew members from the Northwest are traveling in a BfA motor home to Billings, Montana to distribute free Recovery Versions and gift offer brochures at "MontanaFair 2003", August 9-16. During last year’s fair, volunteers distributed 268 Bibles and 1200 invitations in just one day. This year is the first time BfA will have a booth for the entire week. To help in this effort, volunteers from southern California will join volunteers from all across Montana.

• Over the past month, nearly 32,000 gift offer brochures were mailed as part of BfA’s new mass-mailing program. Some of the places that people requested mailers to be sent to were Boise/Garden City, ID; Simpsonville, SC; Manila, UT; McKinnon, WY; Lonetree, WY; Spokane, WA; and Sioux City, IA. To find out how you can participate in the mailing program and send brochures to the zip code(s) of your choice, please contact Emily in the BfA office by calling 1-888-551-0102, extension 305.

From our volunteers:
Here are reports of recent activities in Kansas:

• Manhattan, Kansas—Volunteers of all ages distributed 87 Recovery Versions and 1050 brochures at a Wal-Mart store on July 19. We gave two Bibles to the store managers and 10 Bibles to military personnel. After a little introduction about how to best utilize this study Bible, many people were very impressed with the Recovery Version’s outlines, footnotes and cross-references. A pastor approached our display table to verify that we were really giving away the Recovery Version of the New Testament. He then mentioned that he had the electronic version of the Recovery Version and that he prepares his weekly sermons by reading the text and using the helps in the footnotes.

• Wichita, Kansas—“While working in a home, I overheard the homeowner and a babysitter talking about the Bible, so I offered them both free Recovery Versions. The lady of the house was thankful, but the babysitter said that she was sorry and that she couldn’t take one. As I braced myself for a rejection, she explained that she already has a Recovery Version and that she loves it. When I told her that Bibles for America also has several motor homes and that we volunteers set up display tables at different places, she said that she had seen us at a Wal-Mart. The homeowner asked if this Bible was a paraphrase, and the babysitter explained that it is a new translation and that the best part is the footnotes. I realized that my job of introducing the Recovery Version was done and went back to work as they enjoyed several footnotes together. A few days later the homeowner called and asked if she could have another copy of the Recovery Version as she had given hers to her pastor. She also wanted one for each member of her Bible study group. I happily delivered her new Recovery Version and a dozen brochures to hand out.”

Here is a report of distribution activities in Southern California:

• During the first six months of 2003, the Lord has opened many doors for the direct distribution of Recovery Version New Testaments in Southern California. We visited seven college campuses and eight Wal-Mart stores within eight different communities in the area and distributed a total of 1090 New Testaments and 9275 gift offer brochures. Approximately 135 volunteers enjoyed participating in the distribution. This is a first in this region and we expect the Lord to continue to open more doors by our prayer.

From Bible recipients:

• “Thank you ever so much. I’m studying my Bible every day. It’s so easy to understand. This is an answer to my prayers. It has helped me to understand so much more. Thank you again.” — Monterey Park, California

• “The Recovery Version is just great. My son didn’t understand very much of the New Testament. This has really helped him to understand it and to enjoy reading God’s Word. The extra info is just great. Thanks!” — Mobile, Alabama

• “Jesus, you are so awesome! I love you and I want to get to know you better and to have a relationship with you. Thank you, God, for everything you have taught me, and thank you, Bibles for America, for providing me with a Bible so I can learn more about our wonderful Lord.” — Tooele, Utah

For your prayer:

• Please pray for the distribution of Recovery Versions at "MontanaFair 2003" in Billings, August 9-16. May the Lord bring many who are seeking Him and His Word to the BfA booth.

• Please pray for the distribution of Recovery Versions across U.S. college campuses as classes begin this fall. May the Lord strengthen the laboring ones to scatter much seed.

May God continue to bless America with the Recovery Version!!

Previous Issues:
June 2003, April-May 2003, March 2003, February 2003

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