International (MNN) — A Christian radio station in Illinois, WBGL, is partnering with Christian Resources International to collect Bibles for people overseas.
CRI is tapping a huge source in the United States, because the average American owns nine Bibles–most of which are not being used. The ministry gets more than 400 letters a month from pastors and Christian workers in developing countries whose churches own no Bibles or Christian books.
In fact, their research indicates that the pastor of a typical developing church has access to one copy of the Bible, often shared with other pastors, and perhaps one or two theological books. Many have less than that; CRI regularly receives requests for help from pastors who do not have even a New Testament to use in their pastoral work.
So far, WBGL has collected over 27,000 Bibles. Various community businesses and churches have gotten involved throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Many of them are wrapping up their campaigns at the end of this month.
However, the collection drive isn't limited to Illinois. CRI Executive Director Fred Palmerton says getting involved is easy. "When someone goes to the Web site, they just enter their name, address and denomination."
With that information, CRI, which provides Christian resources in English to 180 countries, prepares free mailing materials to send back to them, including information on a specific pastor or Christian worker overseas.
Click here if you want to participate.
