It has been another amazing month, with much work in all fronts. I am actually physically tired and my brain sort of ‘fried’ with so much thinking and computing and all that comes with running an online ministry. Most people at my age are ‘enjoying’ retirement. I am enjoying this work for the Lord.

Taxing is to hear the constant buzz of the media, the frenetic drive to ‘debunk’ and move old landmarks and replace them with new ones, new values, change the times and the seasons, not in one country or region, but basically everywhere. Recently I was sent an online youtube joke about praying before meals, (the blessing), a parody by a very talented comedian where he basically makes fun, clean but caustic, about people who pray before their meals. Personally I think it is such a waste of talent, because so much in the world that could be fixed, and humor could contribute to point out wrongs and encourage rights. Praying before meals, giving thanks for the food, or the blessing, should be respected and encouraged, if nothing else for the simple reason that it is not doing the world any harm and those who, because of feeling ridiculous, stop praying before their meals, are not going to make the world any better. “Pray without ceasing”, Jesus said, “in everything give thanks”.  Jesus prayed a blessing for the loaves of bread He gave to His disciples. Anyway,  praying or not praying before meals is not the issue, the constant erosion and poking fun at “old” traditions is the issue, especially when there are a lot of important matters that need to be tackled, and are not. I don’t know if it is just my impression, but this kind of media seems to be straining the gnat and swallowing the camel.

some people have more reasons to pray and be thankful than others. 

On another note: We have finished the recordings of the Tamil Audio Bible. Raj, who holds a secular job and does the Bible work on his spare time, did an excellent job and it is has been a long road with some long hours of recording and editing but it is finally completed. We have already placed the audio to some SR600 players, ready to be sent to India, which should happen very soon, as Raj is having some visitors who are to take some back with them. But the audio is already reaching India through this wonderful means to reach the world with the Gospel.

Raj and family with Donna

Meanwhile, from Uganda and Kenya we received news and some more pictures concerning  the distribution of SR600 going on there. This is still a small effort, but if repeated many times, can become a big effort. “For who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zachariah 4:10). So, we are praying and planning the manufacture of more devices to send not only to Africa, but also to India and Europe. This is a great time to invest in this production as the contacts are here ready and willing and, so far, we find no impediment. PTL.

Here are some  recent images of the distribution in Kenya and Congo:

Pictures received this month from Africa

The online work has been intense this past month as we improved several pages on the site. We also created some new pages containing a Chick Tract called “This was your Life”. We have included the tract, which contains the full message of Salvation, in several languages, such as Arabic, Persian, Japanese, Korean, Amharic, Bengali, and now available here: https://www.wordproject.org/bibles/resources/tracts/index.htm

This was your life in Persian

We have worked on the text and updated thousands of files and we are now building the updated files for our online app for multiple display in Mobile phones. WP continues to be in demand from countries such as S. Arabia and Emirates, where Bibles are obviously not available in any other form. For many, our site is a easy and inconspicuous way to get connected to the Word of God, anytime and anywhere in the world. Here is an email we just received:

Dear Web Administrator, This is really a great job. I am very much happy that people like you are really done good job. I am from Pakistan but living in Scotland, I want to share a little views about the website and specially URDU Language which is really not in good shape. I would be obliged if you upgrade your website for Urdu language I can help you out in writing the biblical verses very clearly in Urdu Language. If you people would like to involve me in this project would be a great. I am happy to help you in this regards. God bless you. L.D.

We are, of course, accepting the offer, as we usually do, we hope to make further improvement.

In what concerns our APP, here is an encouraging comment we received this month:

I want to say – from a grateful heart – how much I am enjoying your app . . . it’s on my phone and my laptop.  Not a day goes by that I don’t listen to the Word of God – the power to save to the uttermost – and praise Him for your dedication to His calling.  I am especially grateful for the topical verses, one right after another.  I use these daily.  My favorite?  Love.  For He IS and ever shall be.    Thank you again to this lovely family – the pictures are a delight! – and my brothers/sisters in Christ.  Blessed be the Name of the Lord! [K.B.]

New Page on our website

In a month traditionally associated with Thanksgivings, we admittedly are on the receiving end of a multitude of mercies graciously bestowed upon us. We can in no wise confine our giving of thanks to one particular day, but are constantly in need of expressing our gratitude to the One who has given us everything! In Him we live, in Him we move, in Him we have our being! Actually, I think God delights in  perfecting in us the art of being thankful. The Bible instructs us to thank God for His goodness and loving-kindness.  “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His mercy endureth forever.” Psalm 136:1. It actually instructs us to be thankful for everything.  “ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks ALWAYS FOR ALL THINGS, unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ .Eph 5:19,20.  Could that include thankfulness even when our activities are limited due to physical restraints; thankfulness even when we are separated from loved ones; thankfulness for life itself although it doesn’t always take the shape and form we expect it to? Job summed it up perfectly; “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1: 21

Thanksgiving dinner on a Sunday –

This month we were so happy to receive a precious gift from God naked out of her mother’s womb! A beautiful baby girl was delivered into her mother and father’s arms on Saturday, December 1st at 10: 26 am, in Seattle, Washington. Julie was blessed with a very easy and short labour. The delivery proceeded without any complications and the nurses were so impressed with Philip’s aptitude as a coaching support that they allowed him to assist in the receiving end of the delivery! Both mommy and baby are doing well and returned home the very next day and we were able to see them on Skype! God is gracious, and as grandparents and uncles and aunties we are anxiously awaiting the next family reunion!

Philip and Julies’ precious bundle of joy.

Back at home, we continue learning.  Jason continues with his Chinese studies. Also, after studying about viruses and bacteria in Biology class, he came down with a very high fever and it was no longer only academics on how pathogens wreak havoc in our body systems. After recurrent knee issues, Donna is researching natural sources to replenish cartilage, synovial fluid and collagen in joints. Gloria continues to study anatomy in Portugal everything from the nerves of the brain to those in the tips of the toes. Emanuel has one last exam to pass and we are all looking forward to Christmas holidays!

Jason with his Chinese teacher

With friends on Sunday morning fellowship

Playing with local football team