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Equipping Leaders Issue 5 2010 www.Biblica.com InDepth Transforming lives through God’s Word

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Page 1: InDepth · to people worldwide. Sincerely in Christ, Doug Lockhart CEO North America Biblica More than 98 million people inhabit the Philippines’ 7,100-island chain. It is one of

Equipping Leaders

Issue 5 • 2010 www.Biblica.com

InDepthTransforming lives through God’s Word

Page 2: InDepth · to people worldwide. Sincerely in Christ, Doug Lockhart CEO North America Biblica More than 98 million people inhabit the Philippines’ 7,100-island chain. It is one of

www.Biblica.com 3

Keith Danby International CEO

Doug Lockhart CEO North America

Evelyn Lemly President Global Resource Development and Communication

President Biblica Foundation

Scott Bolinder President Global Publishing

Bob Dinolfo Global CFO

BIBLICABiblica provides God’s Word to guide people

into a spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ. Our purpose is to help people mature in their spiritual

formation through translation, publishing, and Bible engagement.

MISSIONTransforming lives through God’s Word

VISIONThe work of Biblica will be complete when every person in the world is given the opportunity to

encounter Jesus Christ through God’s Word and be transformed.

CORE STRATEGIESTranslation • Publishing • Bible Engagement

MINISTRY FOCUSBible and Church Engagement

Children and Youth Ministry Scripture Outreach

Specialized Ministry Outreach Translation

WORLDWIDE MINISTRY Africa Asia Pacific Europe

Latin America Middle East/North Africa (MENA) North America

BRINGING THE BIBLE TO PEOPLE SINCE 1809

CELEBRATING

200YEARS200CELEBRATING

YEARS

TRANSLATIONSPONSOR

Translation sponsor of the English-language New International Version® (NIV®) of the Bble, the most widely read contemporary English translation.

Celebrating more than 200 years in ministry, Biblica provides God’s Word to people through translation, publishing and Bible engagement so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Dear Friends,

Imagine having to learn a second language just to read and understand God’s Word. Consider the challenge of leading new Christians in their faith, even though you have no Bible training and no resources—not even a Bible.

Millions of people worldwide find themselves in these situations. Many Bible translations are more than 100 years old, inaccurate, and hard to understand. And pastors in poorer nations often lack the means to obtain Bible training or study resources.

Biblica’s mission is to transform lives through God’s Word. One way we accomplish this is by providing clear, accurate, contemporary Bible translations, so people can receive God’s Word in language they can easily understand. We also provide pastoral training, study Bibles, and training materials for church leaders who will never have access to formal schooling.

This year, Biblica translators are working on 30 translation projects in 27 languages, and we have 12 training seminars planned for 18 countries. Your unwavering prayers and generous gifts are crucial. Please join us in this important work to make God’s Word accessible to people worldwide.

Sincerely in Christ,

Doug Lockhart CEO North America Biblica

More than 98 million people inhabit the Philippines’

7,100-island chain. It is one of just two predominantly Christian nations in East Asia. However, Muslim insurgency in the southern Philippines is an ongoing threat to the nation’s stability.

God’s Word is essential in bringing truth and transformation to Filipinos’ lives. Extending the gospel to Muslims is crucial in bringing peace to the region. But until recently, the 22 million Tagalog speakers and 16 million Cebuano speakers of the Philippines—its two largest language groups—only had old Bible translations available to them. The outdated language was difficult to follow.

To increase Bible readership and understanding, Philippine church leaders asked Biblica for new Bible translations based on the same translation principles used for the New International Version® (NIV®) Bible.

An 18-YEAr CommiTmEnT

It took 18 years to complete the Cebuano and Tagalog translations. Filipino

translators and linguistics staff worked tirelessly from the Bible’s original languages and texts to create accurate, clear translations.

On May 3, 2010, Biblica celebrated the launch of the Cebuano and Tagalog Bibles in Manila. Award-winning author Philip Yancey joined Biblica International CEO Keith Danby, Biblica Asia Pacific Group Vice President Somporn Sirikolkarn, and Biblica East Asia Executive Director Leo Alconga for the celebration.

“The launch of our Tagalog and Cebuano Bible editions were blessed by God through His mercy and grace, said Alconga. “About 630 Christian leaders attended, and our translations were well received.”

These new translations, which we could not have accomplished without your support, will help Biblica and ministry partners bring Filipinos to a spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ. Thank you for your partnership in sharing the life-transforming gospel.

NEED: Filipinos need to be introduced to these two contemporary Bible translations.

IMPACT: more than 38 million Filipinos will have the chance to be transformed by God’s Word.

ACTION: Give to support 30 translation projects worldwide

Biblica1820 Jet Stream Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80921-36961.719.488.9200

www.Biblica.comwww.facebook.com/Biblica

www.twitter.com/Biblicaministry

God’s Word in Modern Language Comes to the Philippines

Page 3: InDepth · to people worldwide. Sincerely in Christ, Doug Lockhart CEO North America Biblica More than 98 million people inhabit the Philippines’ 7,100-island chain. It is one of

Biblica InDepth • Issue 5 • 20104 www.Biblica.com 5

NEED: A clear, modern Bible to help Ugandans receive the transforming power of God’s Word

IMPACT: God’s Word brings Ugandans out of spiritual darkness.

ACTION: Give today to complete the Luganda Bible.

Since the mid-1970s, evangelical Christianity has exploded in

Uganda. Unfortunately, so have Islam, witchcraft, and traditional religions. Devastating civil wars, the AIDS epidemic, and poverty have driven desperate people to seek help wherever they can find it.

Traditional healers, once outlawed, are now free to advertise their services. However, some of these services come at a horrific cost. Child mutilation and murders have surged, as children’s body parts are thought to bring prosperity to the person offering the sacrifice.

For lack of biblical grounding, Ugandans are vulnerable to false religions. Many who visit witch doctors are nominal Christians.

TrUTh AnD TrAnSFormATion

Twice a month, Biblica translators travel 30 or more miles over congested and badly paved Ugandan roads to work together on the Luganda Old Testament. They work from early morning until late at night, often in poor lighting and uncomfortable conditions. When the inevitable power outages occur, out come the flashlights, and the team continues its work without a moment’s hesitation.

For years, as funding allowed, these translators have been working on a clear, accurate Bible translation for the 5 million people who speak Luganda, Uganda’s official language. The existing Luganda Bible is outdated and poorly comprehended by Ugandans, 60 percent of whom are under age 35.

An accurate, contemporary Bible translation would greatly help churches and ministries to ground Ugandans in the transforming truth of God’s Word.

EAGEr For ChAnGE

Uganda’s Christian community eagerly awaits a new, contemporary Bible translation. With adequate funding, we can complete the Luganda Old Testament in 2011. In a nation devastated by decades of civil war, AIDS, and superstition, this new translation can come none too soon. Please help bring God’s Word to Uganda.

Currently, Biblica is working on 45 translation projects in 33 languages. These projects include New Testaments, Old Testaments, study notes, and discipleship materials. But translation work can take place only as we receive funding. Please give generously today to help our translation teams continue their vital work. Together, we can provide people around the world with the timeless hope of God’s Word in their own language.

After a stellar career as Oxford teacher, advisor to the king of Baganda, top government official, and head of the country’s YMCA, Ernest K.K. Sempebwa could have chosen to enjoy a leisurely retirement. Instead, the 91-year-old pastor has dedicated nearly 30 years to the Luganda Bible translation.

“Bible translation work is sometimes like climbing a mountain,” Pastor Sempebwa said. “With each mile you cover, you discover the distance remaining is steeper yet and more taxing. We as the Biblica Luganda translators have come a long way, but we still have to climb higher to reach our mark.” The end is in view, though, as the translation team hopes to complete the Luganda Bible by the end of 2011.

Like the other team members, Pastor Sempebwa manages translation work between other obligations. He still preaches at his local church, where he uses some of the translated manuscripts. Many church members have come to know the Lord in a fresh way through these passages.

In 2009, Ernest Sempebwa was honor-ed by the current king of Baganda for his years of service to the nation. For this indomitable man, the greater honor would be to see the Luganda Bible translation completed and presented to the Ugandan people.

LIkE CLIMBING A MOUNTAIN

From Civil War

to Child Sacrifice:

Uganda’s Need

for Christ

Page 4: InDepth · to people worldwide. Sincerely in Christ, Doug Lockhart CEO North America Biblica More than 98 million people inhabit the Philippines’ 7,100-island chain. It is one of

Biblica InDepth • Issue 5 • 20106 www.Biblica.com 7

NEED: An Arabic niV Study Bible to support the spiritual growth of believers in mEnA.

IMPACT: God’s Word brings the transforming truth of the gospel to the muslim world.

ACTION: Give today to complete the Arabic NIV Study Bible.

Worldwide MinistryAnnual Report 2009-2010

Leaving Islam in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region

of the world is a big deal. People from a Muslim background who accept Christ are subject to social ostracism, workplace discrimination, and even physical harm. Often they are expelled from their homes and rejected by their families and friends. They face constant pressure to leave Christianity and revert to Islam. It is no wonder that so many Christians in this region emigrate to more faith-friendly countries.

New Arabic-speaking believers need all the support they can get. First, they need an accurate Bible translation in modern Arabic that speaks to their hearts and minds. Second, they need Bible study helps to engage at the deepest possible level with God’s Word. That way, they can grow deep spiritual roots that won’t be choked out by the “thorns” of Islam.

A Pivotal Moment

Biblica already has a Bible in modern Arabic that is accurate and easy to understand. It is popular and widely used throughout the Arab world. To make this Bible even more useful, we are translating study notes into Arabic. This Arabic NIV Study Bible edition will be the first-ever study Bible in Arabic specifically targeted to meet the needs of seekers and new believers.

It is a pivotal time in the history of world Christianity for the production of this study Bible. More and more Muslims are rejecting Islamic extremism and are coming to Jesus like never before. A Bible that clearly speaks to new believers in the Arab world and facilitates their spiritual growth is critical.

Scripture Support for Embattled Arabic Believers

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

Dear Friend,

The Bible’s theme of redemption and salvation for all nations resounds through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Celebrating more than 200 years in ministry, Biblica provides God’s Word to guide people into a spiritual encounter with Jesus Christ to help them mature in their spiritual formation. Biblica accomplishes its mission through its core strategies of translation, publishing, and Bible engagement.

This past year God opened doors for Biblica to share His Word with more than 120 million people in 53 countries and six regions worldwide. Our ministry focuses are Translation, Children and Youth Ministry, Specialized Ministry Outreach, Bible and Church Engagement, and Scripture Outreach. By partnering with local churches and worldwide ministries, we provided 32.2 million biblical resources that brought people the life-transforming gospel of Jesus Christ.

As Biblica begins its third century, we have a fresh sense of urgency for the work God has called us to do. I am deeply thankful for the global staff, board members, ministry partners, and donors who so faithfully serve God in proclaiming the gospel by sharing His Word worldwide. We are grateful for your commitment to God’s Word and to the Great Commission.

We are honored that you have come alongside Biblica with your prayers and giving. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness to sharing the gospel.

In His service,

Keith DanbyInternational CEO Biblica

Page 5: InDepth · to people worldwide. Sincerely in Christ, Doug Lockhart CEO North America Biblica More than 98 million people inhabit the Philippines’ 7,100-island chain. It is one of

Annual Report 2009-2010

Worldwide Ministry In 2009, Biblica staff in 53 countries worked with local churches and ministries to provide children, men, and women with God’s Word.

Africa Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe

As many as 3.1 million people reached with the gospel through 773,294 Scripture resources in 12 countries. Social, economic, and political crises threaten Africa.

Many respond to the gospel in sub-Saharan Africa, but lack of resources hinders maturity in faith. This dilutes the Church’s effectiveness as it addresses the needs of individuals and society, including HIV/AIDS infection ravaging countries and the increase in Islam and tribal religions.

Reach 4 Life (R4L), Biblica’s Scripture-based HIV/AIDs prevention program, gave thousands of youth in South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda hope and guidance in living God’s way. We provided 180,260 R4L New Testaments—which include a 40-week Bible study, testimonies, and frank discussion of teen issues.

Impoverished, rural, at-risk children learned about Jesus in Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Senegal, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Biblica’s Children for Christ (C4C) program and children’s resources, 333,582 in all. C4C is a Vacation Bible School-type program that engages children with God’s Word. In Tanzania, C4C was broadcast on radio.

Biblica extended Bible and Church Engagement ministry into Ethiopia, training 63 pastors, many of whom had never had theological training. In Uganda, Biblica trained 60 church leaders in Bible knowledge and leadership skills essential for guiding congregations vulnerable to animism or Islam.

Biblica InDepth • Issue 5 • 20108 www.Biblica.com 9

Annual Report 2009-2010

Africa

ministry FocusTotal ministry

resourcesimpact

Bible & Church Engagement 211 844

Children & Youth Ministry 513,842 2,055,368

Specialized Ministry Outreach 245,710 982,840

Translation 13,531 54,124

Total 773,294 3,093,176

Regions Full Bibles New Testa-ments

Scripture portions

Biblical resources

Other books

Audio/visual

Internet **

Totals (minus internet)

Impact*

Africa 170,559 179,107 90,532 33,056 0 300,040 1,125,000 773,294 3,093,176

Asia Pacific

754,888 164,400 90,051 5,594,991 1,101,876 139,236 5,111,844 7,845,442 31,381,768

Europe 253,732 120,842 88,240 147,373 3,451,261 154 3,375,000 4,061,602 16,246,408

Latin America

515,605 719,186 142,260 736,840 3,531 27,160 1,012,500 2,144,582 8,578,328

Middle East

19,551 326,536 419,376 0 21,942 675,000 866,504 3,466,016

North America

4,038,529 2,183,520 1,582,798 1,816,561 6,311,178 505,281 34,903,434 16,437,867 65,751,468

FY2010 5,752,864 3,446,154 2,320,417 8,748,197 10,867,846 993,813 46,202,778 32,129,291 128,517,164

FY2009 6,702,839 2,978,049 2,011,695 6,084,626 10,561,105 901,558 41,000,000 29,239,872 116,959,488

Ministry totals include: Summer Camp and VBSChildren at RiskHIV/AIDSCrisis and DisasterPrisonMilitary

Unreached peopleSubsidized BookstoresContent DeliveryUnderserved and Forgotten PeoplesCampus/StudentsEquipping LeadersSports Ministry

*Each Scripture reaching 4 people based on external research.**Internet numbers refer to unique visitors to Biblica website. 80% are searching the Bible.

128.5 Million People Worldwide Impacted By God’s Word

Fiscal year 2010(March 1, 2009 through February 28, 2010)

Reaching people in 53 countries in six regions worldwide ministry conducted with local churches and worldwide ministry partners

Page 6: InDepth · to people worldwide. Sincerely in Christ, Doug Lockhart CEO North America Biblica More than 98 million people inhabit the Philippines’ 7,100-island chain. It is one of

Annual Report 2009-2010

Europe Belarus, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom

As many as 16.2 million people in 10 countries receive more than 4 million Scripture resources and encounter Jesus through outreach programs.

Post-Christian Western Europe has succumbed to humanism, secularism, and relativism. The Church has been in decline for decades. In Eastern Europe, in spite of hopes for spiritual revival after the fall of communism, a host of social ills—crime, drugs, prostitution, family dissolution, and AIDS—ravage the region. Reaching the younger generation with God’s Word is crucial to reviving Europe.

In many countries, teens are the most effective ambassadors of the gospel to their peers. In Germany, we produced 2,500 German New Testaments developed for New Generation teen peer ministry to non-Christian youth.

Children and youth in Ukraine, Romania, Belarus, Russia, and Moldova attended ministry programs at schools, camps, orphanages, and other venues and received 74,422 Biblica Scriptures and Scripture-based booklets, including 43,490 copies of Biblica’s interactive Scripture magazine, My Monthly Bible Reader. For many children, these programs and Scripture resources are the only spiritual training they receive and the only children’s resources remote village churches have.

We also provided 9,638 Reach 4 Life (R4L) New Testaments for students in Romania and Russia, partnering with local churches and ministries to encourage youth to live a God-honoring life and avoid HIV/AIDS infection.

Annual Report 2009-2010

Asia Pacific Borneo, Brunei, China, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, North Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

The hope of the gospel comes to as many as 31.4 million people in 15 countries who receive more than 7.8 million Scripture resources.

Asia Pacific is the most densely populated world region. The gospel is restricted in many countries, yet God is opening doors for Biblica to share His Word. Ministry in some areas is sensitive, and specific project information must remain confidential.

In 2009, children in Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, and the Philippines attended Children for Christ (C4C) and other programs, for which we provided leader training and 134,606 Scripture resources, partnering with local churches and ministries. Many programs were held in Muslim communities.

Asia Pacific

ministry FocusTotal ministry

resourcesimpact

Bible & Church Engagement 63,968 255,872

Children & Youth Ministry 134,847 539,388

Scripture Outreach 76,767 307,068

Specialized Ministry Outreach 7,569,066 30,276,264

Translation 76,767 307,068

Total 7,845,442 31,381,768

www.Biblica.com 11Biblica InDepth • Issue 5 • 201010

Europe

ministry FocusTotal ministry

resourcesimpact

Children & Youth Ministry 96,560 386,240

Specialized Ministry Outreach

3,960,042 15,840,168

Translation 5,000 20,000

Total 4,061,602 16,246,408

In Thailand, high school students attended Biblica’s HIV/AIDS prevention program Reach 4 Life (R4L), and many teens gave their lives to Christ. We provided 241 R4L New Testaments and volunteer training.

Pastors in the Philippines, Indonesia, East Timor, and Thailand received 62,968 Scripture resources and training through Bible and Church Engagement programs. In the Philippines, jail ministries received 2,015 Scripture resources for prisoners, and typhoon survivors received 13,864 Scripture-based crisis booklets.

In India, 3,000 Scripture booklets enabled mission pastors to share the gospel in unreached areas. At the launch ceremony for the Hindi New Testament translation, we gave 794 copies to church leaders to share with their communities.

In a closed region in Northeast Asia, Biblica partnered with ministries to provide 15,000 print and video Scripture resources to the Church and engage seekers in the Word.

Page 7: InDepth · to people worldwide. Sincerely in Christ, Doug Lockhart CEO North America Biblica More than 98 million people inhabit the Philippines’ 7,100-island chain. It is one of

North America Canada, United States

As many as 65.7 million people receive 16.4 million Scripture resources to give them the hope of the gospel.

With each generation, more North Americans turn from their Christian

heritage to put their faith in money, possessions, and power. Burgeoning prison populations, addictions, and dissolving families reveal an eroding society without solid moral foundations.

In 2009, Biblica gave 30,111 English and Spanish Bibles and New Testaments to prison chaplains for outreach to prisoners. Biblica also gave 12,691 Journey of Recovery New Testaments and DVDs to treatment centers, churches, and ministry partners to guide addicts in their recovery. And Biblica gave military chaplains 45,975 military Bibles to give deployed troops.

Through CityReachers, Biblica brought God’s Word in contemporary language and approachable formats to residents of Hialeah, Florida, and Fort Worth, Texas, providing 272,402 New Testaments, English/Spanish Gospels of John, and English/ Spanish Who Is Jesus? DVDs.

Hurricane survivors in Galveston, Texas, and two churches in crisis received 31,110 Scripture crisis and disaster resources providing encouragement and comfort. Biblica also published Employing Hope, a downloadable, online Scripture resource for the unemployed.

To help people engage with God through biblical resources, STL Distribution North America, a ministry of Biblica, offers Christian products, selling more than 8 million Scripture resources in 2009, of which more than 1.4 million were Bibles, New Testaments, and Scripture portions. Sales helped offset costs of giving free Scripture resources and conducting programs in developing nations. Biblica also publishes Scripture resources at low ministry prices through BiblicaDirect.com. This ensures churches, ministries, and individuals have easy access to Scriptures to use in outreach.

Annual Report 2009-2010

Latin America Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela

Adults and children in 15 countries receive spiritual encouragement and 227,357 Scripture resources.

In many Latin American regions, poverty,

crime, and social instability cry out for the power of the gospel. At-risk children face abuse and abandonment. The Church struggles to meet the overwhelming needs of its communities.

In 2009, Biblica shared the gospel with at-risk children in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Haiti, giving 48,660 Scripture resources through outreach programs in cities and rural areas.

To strengthen the Church, Biblica equipped pastors in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Argentina through Bible and Church Engagement workshops and 10,880 Scripture resources.

Biblica InDepth • Issue 5 • 201012 www.Biblica.com 13

Latin America

ministry FocusTotal ministry

resourcesimpact

Bible & Church Engagement 10,880 43,520

Children & Youth Ministry 48,660 194,640

Specialized Ministry Outreach 2,079,042 647,268

Translation 6,000 24,000

Total 2,144,582 909,428

North America

ministry FocusTotal ministry

resourcesPotential

impact

Children & Youth Ministry 188,323 753,292

Specialized Ministry Outreach 16,249,544 64,998,176

Total 16,437,867 65,751,468

In Argentina, Biblica reached 2,000 prisoners with Scriptures through jail ministry, plus 50 full Bibles to inmates who accepted Christ.

Middle East & North Africa Locations are kept confidential for security purposes

As many as 3.47 million people hear the gospel through 866,504 Scripture resources.

Conversion from Islam often places converts at risk, yet many Muslims in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) respond to the Holy Spirit. The small Christian minority is increasingly persecuted, yet shares faith and Bible resources as it is able.

In 2009, Biblica provided 691,852 Scripture resources to church and ministry partners in various formats and via Internet for outreach. Through Biblica’s Children for Christ (C4C) program, 144,643 children and teens in three countries heard the gospel and received 174,652 Scripture resources. Annual Report 2009-2010

Middle East & North Africa

ministry FocusTotal ministry

resourcesimpact

Children & Youth Ministry 174,652 698,608

Specialized Ministry Outreach 686,077 2,744,308

Translation 5,775 23,100

Total 866,504 3,466,016

Page 8: InDepth · to people worldwide. Sincerely in Christ, Doug Lockhart CEO North America Biblica More than 98 million people inhabit the Philippines’ 7,100-island chain. It is one of

Biblica InDepth • Issue 5 • 201014 www.Biblica.com 15

Sometimes it’s the small things—literally—that are most

encouraging.

When Biblica Guatemala held a Church Engagement seminar for church leaders in the country’s interior, the first attendee to arrive was Jeremias Ordoñez, age 11. This young boy plans to become a pastor one day. He begged his father and Biblica staff to allow him to start his training now.

“There are moments [in ministry] when one gets discouraged,” said Biblica Guatemala National Director Rev. Benjamin Orozco. “I was feeling that way when we received a call asking if [Jeremias] could attend the seminar. This convinced me that all effort is worthwhile, even if just for one person who wants to become a good pastor.”

But Jeremias was far from being the only attendee. Biblica’s pastoral training seminar attracted 250 Christian leaders. We provided them with training, Bibles, Scripture booklets, and manuals on how to bring people to Jesus Christ and

encourage their spiritual growth.

“The reaction of pastors was very positive and thankful, because they will be able to apply what they learned in their churches,” Orozco said. “Many of the pastors have not been able to finish their education, but are anxious and have the passion to serve the Lord the best they can.”

This year, as funding allows, Biblica Guatemala will conduct 20 Bible training and outreach seminars for 1,800 church leaders. Please help us equip church leaders and pastors to build a strong Church in Guatemala.

Pastors in many Asia Pacific nations struggle with the daily

pressures of poverty and often-hostile Muslim communities. In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim nation, Christian churches are increasingly being driven underground by radical Islamic factions.

Pastors suffer exhaustion and burnout as a result of the pressures they face. They need the support of Christians worldwide to strengthen them for the work of the gospel.

For this reason, Biblica Indonesia conducts pastoral training seminars in Indonesia and other Asian nations to equip church leaders and help refresh their vision.

morE ThAn A ConqUEror

Indonesia’s constitution provides for religious freedom, but in practice, the nation has become increasingly radicalized by Islamist factions since the 1990s. Persecution against the Christian

minority is worsening, with churches being burned or regulated out of existence. Pastors need God’s grace and empowering to extend the gospel of peace to often-hostile communities.

“The topic ‘Triumphant in Christ’ strengthened my heart again, to know that in Christ I am more than conqueror,” wrote one Indonesian pastor who attended a recent Biblica seminar. “I don’t care how great is the problem I might face in my ministry, because Christ is with me.”

From inDonESiA To BornEo

This year, Biblica will provide 8,300 church leaders in Borneo, Brunei, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines with crucial training, Bibles, and training materials to support them in their ministry. Please join us in strengthening local church leaders who seek to transform their communities for Christ.

NEED: Funding to train 1,800 church leaders in Guatemala.

IMPACT: 250 present and one future pastor are equipped to bring the gospel to communities.

ACTION: Give today to strengthen the Church in Guatemala.

NEED: 8,300 Asian church leaders in six nations receive essential pastoral training.

IMPACT: The local Church grows stronger through their pastors’ renewed vision and training

ACTION: Please give to encourage Asia Pacific churches in gospel-resistant nations

Serving the Persecuted Church in Indonesia

Biblica Trains Guatemala’s Present and Future Leaders

Page 9: InDepth · to people worldwide. Sincerely in Christ, Doug Lockhart CEO North America Biblica More than 98 million people inhabit the Philippines’ 7,100-island chain. It is one of

1820 Jet Stream Dr • Colorado Springs CO 80921 • 1-800-987-35956134

BIBLICA

Celebrating more than 200 years in

ministry, Biblica provides God’s Word to

people through translation, publishing,

and Bible engagement.

Biblica’s ministry extends worldwide, with

outreach in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe,

Latin America, Middle East and North

America. Biblica has translated the Bible

in more than 100 languages and is the

translation sponsor and ministry publisher

of the New International Version® (NIV®) of

the Bible, the most widely read and trusted

contemporary English translation.

Through its worldwide reach, Biblica

engages people with God’s Word so that

their lives are transformed through a

relationship with Jesus Christ.

TRAnSlATIOn • PuBlIShIng • BIBle engAgeMenT

You can place Scripture in the hands of people around the world hungry for God’s Word. Please use the reply card and envelope enclosed for your convenience. Your gift will make an eternal difference in the lives of people who desperately need the hope of Scripture.

Thank you for your gift today.

PLEASE GIVE TODAY

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