BIBLES URGENTLY NEEDED!!!!

I came across a very interesting article about a 90 year old lady in Kenya who is studying at school.  She has various reasons for doing so, but one is that she may learn to read the Bible.  Here is a lady, it seems, who appreciates the importance of being able to read God's Word.  She is making a big sacrifice to learn, but won't it be worth it to gain an education but also to be able to read the greatest book ever produced.  She reminds me even of another man who is mentioned in the article.  We have shared the story of Kimani Maruge with many children here in Northern Ireland over the past number of years as we have explained the work of Feed my Lambs and how we aim to provide Bibles for the boys and girls in Kenya and Uganda.

Yesterday I was speaking to Joyce in Uganda and to Pastor Aringo in Nairobi.  Also, in the last few days, I have had an email from a Pastor in Uganda and also another Pastor in Kenya.  I have also had communication and reports from a number of Schools and Churches in Nairobi where children study our lessons.  The one word which I repeatedly heard from every single one of these contacts was the word "Bible".  Why?  because in each of these countries, these areas, these Schools, these Churches, are children who have reached Lesson 15 of our Feed my Lambs lessons and are now waiting for Bibles in order to continue with the lessons.  Some of these children have been waiting for quite a period of time now and the need is becoming very urgent.

We had asked for donations of used/second hand Bibles and appreciate the fact that so many of you have responded to this appeal.  We are thankful for every Bible that has been received.  We would encourage you however to only pass on used Bibles which are no longer needed rather than spending money purchasing them.  Quite a number of folk have done that and it is definitely appreciated, however, in some instances new Bibles could have been purchased for the same cost as has been paid for the used Bibles. 

The idea of the used Bibles was that just a few could be given to a centre which had reached Lesson 15 in order to allow the children to proceed with the course.  However, the ultimate goal is still that each individual child receives a new Bible of their own.  Therefore, whilst we are happy to accept used Bibles which are no longer needed and can make use of these; yet we feel it makes sense that money is directed towards the purchase of new Bibles.

Joyce informs me that another 500 or so Bibles are needed in Uganda and she expects that number to rise to over 2000 in the next few months.  Pastor Aringo has said that 1792 Bibles are needed in Kenya. 

Bibles can be purchased here in Northern Ireland at anything between £2.00 and £4.50 depending on where they are purchased and the availability.  The lowest price is obviously good, but then we have the issue of getting them to Africa.  Sometimes this can take time and we can't have them there just as quickly as we would like.  On the other hand, we can purchase them in Nairobi.  Stock may be low but the quantity available would be there on the ground and into the hands of children quite quickly.  However, at a cost of around £4.50 depending on quantity and exchange rate; these are more expensive that our cheapest source here in Northern Ireland.

The Word of God is the most powerful book we could ever place into the hands of children.  It is more than just a book.  It is the living word of God.  It is the Word which explains to the children the gift of salvation and eternal life.  It is the Word which guides and directs the Christian child throughout their life and into adulthood.  It is the rule book for the organisation of Feed my Lambs.  It is the very foundation of our beliefs and teachings.

The very first efforts of Feed my Lambs and the very first ministry of the organisation was the lessons which led to the presentation of Bibles.  It was something which many people were excited about in days where so many organisations opt for humanitarian work, we were aiming simply to put the Word of God into the hands of boys and girls.  I wonder as you read this blog each week are you still excited by that?  Do you still pray that God will make his Word available to little children?  In many cases these Bibles are the first to enter a home and a family and so reach many more people than just the individual child who received it.

We would like to ask you to make this a real matter of prayer.  We do not wish to see our Bible Lessons come to a standstill.  We do not want the very core of our ministry to be unavailable.  We do not want Churches, Schools, Teachers and the children themselves to be discouraged because they have made the effort to teach and learn and have not received their Bible.  We do not want our workers on the ground frustrated and in a difficult position as they are continually asked for Bibles and cannot provide them.  We do not want to be in a position were centres and children are turned away from our lessons because we cannot keep up with the demand.

What can you do?  Please pray that God will provide the needed copies of the Word of God.  Please consider passing on your used KJV copies of the Bible which you no longer need but please keep the new copies as a priority when it comes to purchasing Bibles.

Will you consider helping us financially to climb this great mountain and see these Bibles purchased and distributed?  A one off gift would be much appreciated.  Finances can be tight..... what about a small amount each month paid to us by standing order.  Simply £5 a month can make a difference and buy a Bible in Africa and make it immediately available.  Even £2 per month can buy one Bible here in the UK for distribution further down the line.  These small amounts would hardly be missed and by setting up a standing order you would hardly need think about it each month....yet you would be making a big difference.  Also, by committing in this way, it makes it easier for us to plan ahead.  Remember, if you are in the UK and are a tax payer, you can also Gift Aid any donation which will allow us to claim a further 25p in every £1.  It all adds up.   Whether in the UK or abroad, donations can be made via this website.  Simply click on the donation button at the bottom of the home page to donate via paypal.  You don't have to have a paypal account as you can simply use a debit card.  If you choose to give in this way, simply put on a note or send us an email to request a gift aid declaration form.

Perhaps you would like to give as an individual or your Church would like to give.  Perhaps you can encourage the boys and girls in your Sunday School or Children's meeting to bring a small offering each week for this cause.  We would be happy to come and share with them also so they can see where the money goes.  Perhaps you can encourage your own children to tithe their pocket money.  Any amount, not matter how small, is appreciated.

To request bank details to set up a standing order; to request a gift aid declaration form; to request our address to send a cheque; or simply to ask for more information, please email us at feedmylambschildrensministry@yahoo.co.uk or aikens@feedmylambs.org.uk or pamela@feedmylambs.org.uk or call Pamela on (+44) 07711 644209 or William on (+44) 07879 063874. 

I cannot stress enough just how urgent this need is and I cannot stress enough just how much of a difference you can make......simply by praying and giving if you are able. 

Thank you in advance on behalf of the children of Kenya and Uganda.

For your interest.... the article and related video about the 90 year old lady at school can be found by clicking this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-30935874