North AmericAtaking time to hear God

InDepthTransforming lives through God’s Word

Issue 8 • 2011 Biblica.com

Scripture for Heroes

The NIV Bible

Spiritual freedomfor inmates

83

10

For the WORD OF GOD is LIVING and ACTIVE. Hebrews 4:12, NIV®

BRINGING THE BIBLE TO PEOPLE SINCE 1809

CELEBRATING

200YEARS200CELEBRATING

YEARSTM

www.Biblica.com 3

Keith Danby International CEODoug Lockhart CEO North America

Evelyn Lemly President Global Resource Development and Communication

President Biblica FoundationScott Bolinder President Global Publishing

Bob Dinolfo Global CFOBenn Omollo Group Vice President Africa

Stephen Cave Group Vice President EuropeMiddle East & North Africa kept confidential

for security purposesSomporn Sirikolkarn Group Vice President Asia Pacific

Esteban Fernandez Group Vice President Latin America

Dear friends,

Engaging people in the Bible is more is more important

than ever. In North America, millions have the Bible—but are we going deep? I pray that the “eyes of your heart may be enlightened” and you will be transformed by going deep with God’s Word.

We all need God’s Word and presence to direct us, both in times of economic and social turmoil and in times of relative peace and plenty. But current media, culture, and an increasingly hostile world distract or disengage us—even believers—from spending time in the Bible and discovering His will. In this issue, we will highlight opportunities to engage personally with God’s Word and share the hope of the gospel with military personnel, inmates, and people around the world who lack biblical resources.

Let’s ensure soldiers have the comfort and courage of God’s Word. Let’s help free inmates from spiritual darkness. Let’s grow our churches by engaging people in God’s Word to foster spiritual transformation. Together we can provide God’s Word to people in our own backyard, around the world, and go deeper in our own understanding of biblical truths.

In Christ,

Doug LockhartCEO North America

I was a college student when the New International Version (NIV) New Testament was

released in 1973. I remember being struck with the accessibility and clarity of the language. Obscure passages were more understandable. It was so readable compared to the translations I was using then. The group of international scholars responsible for the NIV, the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT), has been translating ever since and their latest update is now accessible on biblica.com and will be published in March 2011. The CBT’s charter committed to this level of diligence because they realized that due to ongoing scholarly discovery and changes in the English language, the work of translation should never end. I’m grateful for the CBT and welcome their latest work on behalf of the NIV.

Since its first emergence as a complete text in 1978, the New International Version

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

WORLDWIDE MINISTRYAfrica

Asia Pacific Europe

Latin America Middle East/North Africa

North America

MINISTRY FOCUSTranslation

Children and Youth Ministry Specialized Ministry Outreach Bible and Church Engagement

Scripture Outreach

The world’s leading contemporary English translation. The New International Version® Bible is easy to

understand, engaging you with the rich meaning of the original text. Most read. Most trusted.

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.

Biblica1820 Jet Stream Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80921-36961.719.488.9200

www.Biblica.com facebook.com/Biblica • twitter.com/BiblicaMinistry

(NIV) has stood as the modern pioneer of a different approach - an approach that mirrors the balance of priorities held by the KJV translators four hundred years ago. The NIV tries to bring its readers as close as possible to the experience of the original audience:

2

BRINGING THE BIBLE TO PEOPLE SINCE 1809

CELEBRATING

200YEARS200CELEBRATING

YEARS

TM

33 year

s

celebrating

of serving thechurch worldwide

Thebible

NIV

Biblica.com

Scott Bolinder President Global Publishing, Biblica

Scott Bolinder

312137

TM

The world’s leading contemporary English translation. The New International Version® Bible is easy to understand,

engaging you with the rich meaning of the original text. Most read. Most trusted.

www.Biblica.com 3

Keith Danby International CEODoug Lockhart CEO North America

Evelyn Lemly President Global Resource Development and Communication

President Biblica FoundationScott Bolinder President Global Publishing

Bob Dinolfo Global CFOBenn Omollo Group Vice President Africa

Stephen Cave Group Vice President EuropeMiddle East & North Africa kept confidential

for security purposesSomporn Sirikolkarn Group Vice President Asia Pacific

Esteban Fernandez Group Vice President Latin America

Dear friends,

Engaging people in the Bible is more is more important

than ever. In North America, millions have the Bible—but are we going deep? I pray that the “eyes of your heart may be enlightened” and you will be transformed by going deep with God’s Word.

We all need God’s Word and presence to direct us, both in times of economic and social turmoil and in times of relative peace and plenty. But current media, culture, and an increasingly hostile world distract or disengage us—even believers—from spending time in the Bible and discovering His will. In this issue, we will highlight opportunities to engage personally with God’s Word and share the hope of the gospel with military personnel, inmates, and people around the world who lack biblical resources.

Let’s ensure soldiers have the comfort and courage of God’s Word. Let’s help free inmates from spiritual darkness. Let’s grow our churches by engaging people in God’s Word to foster spiritual transformation. Together we can provide God’s Word to people in our own backyard, around the world, and go deeper in our own understanding of biblical truths.

In Christ,

Doug LockhartCEO North America

I was a college student when the New International Version (NIV) New Testament was

released in 1973. I remember being struck with the accessibility and clarity of the language. Obscure passages were more understandable. It was so readable compared to the translations I was using then. The group of international scholars responsible for the NIV, the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT), has been translating ever since and their latest update is now accessible on biblica.com and will be published in March 2011. The CBT’s charter committed to this level of diligence because they realized that due to ongoing scholarly discovery and changes in the English language, the work of translation should never end. I’m grateful for the CBT and welcome their latest work on behalf of the NIV.

Since its first emergence as a complete text in 1978, the New International Version

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

WORLDWIDE MINISTRYAfrica

Asia Pacific Europe

Latin America Middle East/North Africa

North America

MINISTRY FOCUSTranslation

Children and Youth Ministry Specialized Ministry Outreach Bible and Church Engagement

Scripture Outreach

The world’s leading contemporary English translation. The New International Version® Bible is easy to

understand, engaging you with the rich meaning of the original text. Most read. Most trusted.

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.

Biblica1820 Jet Stream Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80921-36961.719.488.9200

www.Biblica.com facebook.com/Biblica • twitter.com/BiblicaMinistry

(NIV) has stood as the modern pioneer of a different approach - an approach that mirrors the balance of priorities held by the KJV translators four hundred years ago. The NIV tries to bring its readers as close as possible to the experience of the original audience:

2

BRINGING THE BIBLE TO PEOPLE SINCE 1809

CELEBRATING

200YEARS200CELEBRATING

YEARS

TM

33 year

s

celebrating

of serving thechurch worldwide

Thebible

NIV

Biblica.com

Scott Bolinder President Global Publishing, Biblica

Scott Bolinder

312137

TM

The world’s leading contemporary English translation. The New International Version® Bible is easy to understand,

engaging you with the rich meaning of the original text. Most read. Most trusted.

About the TranslatorsChairman Dr. Douglas Moo, Blanchard Professor of New Testament at Wheaton CollegeVice Chair Mark L. Strauss, professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary Dr. Kenneth Barker, an author and speaker, and one of the original translators of the NIV Dr. Craig Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver SeminaryDr. Jeannine Brown, Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary Dr. Gordon Fee, Professor Emeritus of New Testament Studies at Regent College Dr. Richard T. France, a New Testament scholar and a minister in the Anglican Church Rev. Dr. David Instone-Brewer, a British Baptist minister, holds an academic post at Tyndale House, CambridgeDr. Karen H. Jobes, Professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis at Wheaton College and Graduate School Dr. Bill Mounce, the Vice President of Content and Learning at Olive Tree Bible Software and the president of BiblicalTraining.orgRev. Dr. Paul Swarup, a minister with the Church of North India in the Diocese of DelhiDr. Larry L. Walker, Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. Bruce Waltke, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament Studies at Regent College, Vancouver Dr. Michael Williams, Professor of Old Testament at Calvin Theological SeminaryDr. Ronald Youngblood, served as professor of Old Testament at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Wheaton Graduate School, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Bethel Seminary in San Diego

For more information on the Committee on Bible Translation, and to read full biographies of its members, visit niv-cbt.org.

Biblica.com 5

From the Committee on Bible Translation

Chair Doug Moo Blanchard Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College

I count it a true privilege to serve as the chair of The Committee on Bible Translation (CBT). We are the body of scholars with responsibility for overseeing the text of the New International Version Bible.

The Committee is made up of leading evangelical Bible scholars drawn from various denominations and from some of the finest academic institutions in the world. The CBT was established in 1965 and completed their work on the initial NIV in 1978. They were charged to meet every year to review, maintain, and strengthen the NIV’s ability to accurately and faithfully render God’s unchanging Word in modern English.

Since 1978, then, the NIV translation team has continued to meet, year after year. We review developments in biblical scholarship and changes in English usage revising the translation to ensure that it continues to offer its readers an experience that mirrors that of the original audience. Then, in collaboration with Biblica, we periodically release those revisions in updated editions of the text.

The most recent update to the NIV is the latest fruit of this process. By working with input from pastors and Bible scholars, by grappling with the latest

Biblica InDepth • Issue 8 • 2011

providing the best possible blend of transparency to the original documents and comprehension of the original meaning in every verse.

The NIV is founded on the belief that if hearing God’s Word the way it was written and understanding it the way it was meant were the hallmarks of the original reading experience, then accuracy in translation demands that neither one of these two criteria be prioritized above the other.

The NIV has been published as a full Bible since 1978 and in those 33 years, with more than 450 million copies are in circulation, making it the most read Bible in recent times. Besides the reliability and accessibility of the NIV, its commitment to both international scholarship and English has made it a favorite for the church worldwide. With the growing popularity of English around the world, the NIV is widely used by Biblica in many countries including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India and the Philippines. And it is often combined with other vernacular languages in useful diglot editions (parallel texts side-by-side) providing language training, as well.

At Biblica, we take our stewardship of the NIV very seriously and count it a privilege to be able to provide God’s Word worldwide. Clearly, God has shown favor on the work of the CBT and the NIV Bible. It serves as the standard that influences our translation work around the world. Thank you for your prayers and support for our important global translation work as we seek to transform lives through God’s Word.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV

4

discoveries about biblical languages and the biblical world, and by using cutting-edge research on English usage, the Committee on Bible Translation has updated the text to ensure that the New International Version Bible remains faithful to the original charter.

About the TranslatorsChairman Dr. Douglas Moo, Blanchard Professor of New Testament at Wheaton CollegeVice Chair Mark L. Strauss, professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary Dr. Kenneth Barker, an author and speaker, and one of the original translators of the NIV Dr. Craig Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver SeminaryDr. Jeannine Brown, Professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary Dr. Gordon Fee, Professor Emeritus of New Testament Studies at Regent College Dr. Richard T. France, a New Testament scholar and a minister in the Anglican Church Rev. Dr. David Instone-Brewer, a British Baptist minister, holds an academic post at Tyndale House, CambridgeDr. Karen H. Jobes, Professor of New Testament Greek and Exegesis at Wheaton College and Graduate School Dr. Bill Mounce, the Vice President of Content and Learning at Olive Tree Bible Software and the president of BiblicalTraining.orgRev. Dr. Paul Swarup, a minister with the Church of North India in the Diocese of DelhiDr. Larry L. Walker, Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. Bruce Waltke, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament Studies at Regent College, Vancouver Dr. Michael Williams, Professor of Old Testament at Calvin Theological SeminaryDr. Ronald Youngblood, served as professor of Old Testament at Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Wheaton Graduate School, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and Bethel Seminary in San Diego

For more information on the Committee on Bible Translation, and to read full biographies of its members, visit niv-cbt.org.

Biblica.com 5

From the Committee on Bible Translation

Chair Doug Moo Blanchard Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College

I count it a true privilege to serve as the chair of The Committee on Bible Translation (CBT). We are the body of scholars with responsibility for overseeing the text of the New International Version Bible.

The Committee is made up of leading evangelical Bible scholars drawn from various denominations and from some of the finest academic institutions in the world. The CBT was established in 1965 and completed their work on the initial NIV in 1978. They were charged to meet every year to review, maintain, and strengthen the NIV’s ability to accurately and faithfully render God’s unchanging Word in modern English.

Since 1978, then, the NIV translation team has continued to meet, year after year. We review developments in biblical scholarship and changes in English usage revising the translation to ensure that it continues to offer its readers an experience that mirrors that of the original audience. Then, in collaboration with Biblica, we periodically release those revisions in updated editions of the text.

The most recent update to the NIV is the latest fruit of this process. By working with input from pastors and Bible scholars, by grappling with the latest

Biblica InDepth • Issue 8 • 2011

providing the best possible blend of transparency to the original documents and comprehension of the original meaning in every verse.

The NIV is founded on the belief that if hearing God’s Word the way it was written and understanding it the way it was meant were the hallmarks of the original reading experience, then accuracy in translation demands that neither one of these two criteria be prioritized above the other.

The NIV has been published as a full Bible since 1978 and in those 33 years, with more than 450 million copies are in circulation, making it the most read Bible in recent times. Besides the reliability and accessibility of the NIV, its commitment to both international scholarship and English has made it a favorite for the church worldwide. With the growing popularity of English around the world, the NIV is widely used by Biblica in many countries including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, India and the Philippines. And it is often combined with other vernacular languages in useful diglot editions (parallel texts side-by-side) providing language training, as well.

At Biblica, we take our stewardship of the NIV very seriously and count it a privilege to be able to provide God’s Word worldwide. Clearly, God has shown favor on the work of the CBT and the NIV Bible. It serves as the standard that influences our translation work around the world. Thank you for your prayers and support for our important global translation work as we seek to transform lives through God’s Word.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV

4

discoveries about biblical languages and the biblical world, and by using cutting-edge research on English usage, the Committee on Bible Translation has updated the text to ensure that the New International Version Bible remains faithful to the original charter.

Biblica.com 7

Last fall, members of Immanuel Community Church (Fort Collins, CO) took a deep dive into the New

Testament—together. Immanuel is one of 15 churches to participate in an early launch of Community Bible Experience.

“We needed something to rally around,” says Pastor Brad Gilliland. “And what better focus than the Word of God?”

A bold approach

Participants of all ages spent eight weeks reading the entire New Testament (about 10 pages a day) using The Books of The Bible.

But they didn’t just read on their own. During a Community Bible Experience, individuals met in small groups—more like book clubs than traditional studies—to discuss each week’s reading.

Biblica InDepth • Issue 8 • 20116

Community Bible Experience was born out of a simple reality: people are hungry to hear God speak. According to one study, the desire to understand Scripture is one of the main reasons people go to church. Yet churchgoers want more help understanding God’s Word.

“We’re convinced people are looking for a more meaningful experience with the Bible,” says Paul Caminiti, Biblica’s Vice President of Bible Engagement. “It’s not enough to read fragments of Scripture in isolation. We need a panoramic view of the complete Bible, understood in context, and experienced in community.”

COMMUNITYBIBLEEXPERIENCE

a (not so) new way to hear

god speak "We've never engaged the Bible so much at one time," says Pastor Gilliland.

Engage the 21st century church in the Bible

Sign up your church for a Community Bible ExperienceThousands of churches experience the complete Bible in context and community

“This isn’t a new idea,” he adds. “We believe this is how we were always meant to experience God’s Word.”

Transforming lives

Community Bible Experience has generated powerful stories of transformation at Immanuel. One new believer in her mid-20s read the New Testament for the first

time as part of the program. “For her to be able to get a big picture of what the New Testament is about was absolutely huge,” says Pastor Gilliland. “Now she’s ready to read the Old Testament!”

Immanuel member Janette Heyliger agrees. “Reading such a large amount of Scripture at one time has led me to hear more of what God is really saying,” she explains.

This spirit of transformation was felt throughout the entire church—and beyond. A congregation of 250 people, Immanuel distributed more than 350 copies of The Books of the Bible as members shared the experience with friends and family.

“I feel like we’re the strongest we’ve been in a long time. And we were able to start some new groups,” says Pastor Gilliland.

Biblica officially launches Community Bible Experience this fall. For more information, or to become a part of this exciting journey, visit Biblica.com/cbe.

Biblica.com 7

Last fall, members of Immanuel Community Church (Fort Collins, CO) took a deep dive into the New

Testament—together. Immanuel is one of 15 churches to participate in an early launch of Community Bible Experience.

“We needed something to rally around,” says Pastor Brad Gilliland. “And what better focus than the Word of God?”

A bold approach

Participants of all ages spent eight weeks reading the entire New Testament (about 10 pages a day) using The Books of The Bible.

But they didn’t just read on their own. During a Community Bible Experience, individuals met in small groups—more like book clubs than traditional studies—to discuss each week’s reading.

Biblica InDepth • Issue 8 • 20116

Community Bible Experience was born out of a simple reality: people are hungry to hear God speak. According to one study, the desire to understand Scripture is one of the main reasons people go to church. Yet churchgoers want more help understanding God’s Word.

“We’re convinced people are looking for a more meaningful experience with the Bible,” says Paul Caminiti, Biblica’s Vice President of Bible Engagement. “It’s not enough to read fragments of Scripture in isolation. We need a panoramic view of the complete Bible, understood in context, and experienced in community.”

COMMUNITYBIBLEEXPERIENCE

a (not so) new way to hear

god speak "We've never engaged the Bible so much at one time," says Pastor Gilliland.

Engage the 21st century church in the Bible

Sign up your church for a Community Bible ExperienceThousands of churches experience the complete Bible in context and community

“This isn’t a new idea,” he adds. “We believe this is how we were always meant to experience God’s Word.”

Transforming lives

Community Bible Experience has generated powerful stories of transformation at Immanuel. One new believer in her mid-20s read the New Testament for the first

time as part of the program. “For her to be able to get a big picture of what the New Testament is about was absolutely huge,” says Pastor Gilliland. “Now she’s ready to read the Old Testament!”

Immanuel member Janette Heyliger agrees. “Reading such a large amount of Scripture at one time has led me to hear more of what God is really saying,” she explains.

This spirit of transformation was felt throughout the entire church—and beyond. A congregation of 250 people, Immanuel distributed more than 350 copies of The Books of the Bible as members shared the experience with friends and family.

“I feel like we’re the strongest we’ve been in a long time. And we were able to start some new groups,” says Pastor Gilliland.

Biblica officially launches Community Bible Experience this fall. For more information, or to become a part of this exciting journey, visit Biblica.com/cbe.

Biblica InDepth • Issue 8 • 20118 Biblica.com 9

“My head is all messed up!” screamed “Jim,”* a wounded soldier at a level-three trauma

hospital in Iraq. His body was bruised, heart wounded, and spirit crushed after an encounter with an improvised explosive device (IED), also known as a roadside bomb.

“When the painkillers wear off, I remember,” Jim said, battling severe injuries and his nightmares. A U.S. Air Force senior chaplain sat with the soldier as he shared that after the IED exploded, he was thrown from the Humvee. When he looked back, he saw his buddy trapped in the vehicle, and watched helplessly as he burned alive.

“The chaplaincy is a visible reminder of the holy. We bring God into the room. He’s already there, but we are a visible reminder that God is present,” the chaplain said. He prayed with Jim, but could not stay long. At times like this, the chaplain said, he must trust that God is with soldiers and will stand beside them.

While military chaplains’ responsibility is to represent and respect all faiths, this chaplain was grateful for Biblica’s Scripture resources made available to military men and women. “I have flown 130 sorties across Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “I have yet to be in a single place that did not have your Bibles.”

Quiet faith

Recently, a quiet soldier asked an Army chaplain for a Bible as they were boarding a plane for the young man’s first deployment, headed to a very dangerous area of combat. This chaplain trusted God with his troops: “I could see that God was doing something in his life,” he said.

After a few months passed, the soldier told the chaplain he had invited Christ into his life, and he asked to be baptized. “I give all the glory to Jesus Christ for his salvation, and the power of the Holy Spirit drawing him close, through the written Word of God, to make that step to eternal life,” said the chaplain.

Faith in Christ is the most important gear our military men and women can take into battle. Biblica has provided Scripture to U.S. troops since the War of 1812. The Biblica camouflage NIV Bible is a favorite among military forces. Since military operations

began in Afghanistan in 2002, Biblica has provided more than 1 million camouflage NIV Bibles in English and Spanish to all branches of the U.S. military.

Biblica’s military ministry is conducted in partnership with the U.S. Military

Chaplaincy. In 2010, your gifts enabled Biblica to provide about 100,000 Scripture materials to men and women in uniform and their families. In 2011 we will produce a new biblical resource for soldiers experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Thank you for your generous support of Biblica’s ministry to the military.

Scripture for

HEROES“I give all the glory to Jesus Christ for his salvation, and the power of the Holy Spirit drawing him close, through the written Word of God, to make that step to eternal life,” said the chaplain.

Our military need the spiritual armor of God’s Word

$24 puts a Bible in 6 soldiers’ hands

Peace and hope for more than 1 million soldiers

*Name changed to protect privacy

Biblica InDepth • Issue 8 • 20118 Biblica.com 9

“My head is all messed up!” screamed “Jim,”* a wounded soldier at a level-three trauma

hospital in Iraq. His body was bruised, heart wounded, and spirit crushed after an encounter with an improvised explosive device (IED), also known as a roadside bomb.

“When the painkillers wear off, I remember,” Jim said, battling severe injuries and his nightmares. A U.S. Air Force senior chaplain sat with the soldier as he shared that after the IED exploded, he was thrown from the Humvee. When he looked back, he saw his buddy trapped in the vehicle, and watched helplessly as he burned alive.

“The chaplaincy is a visible reminder of the holy. We bring God into the room. He’s already there, but we are a visible reminder that God is present,” the chaplain said. He prayed with Jim, but could not stay long. At times like this, the chaplain said, he must trust that God is with soldiers and will stand beside them.

While military chaplains’ responsibility is to represent and respect all faiths, this chaplain was grateful for Biblica’s Scripture resources made available to military men and women. “I have flown 130 sorties across Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “I have yet to be in a single place that did not have your Bibles.”

Quiet faith

Recently, a quiet soldier asked an Army chaplain for a Bible as they were boarding a plane for the young man’s first deployment, headed to a very dangerous area of combat. This chaplain trusted God with his troops: “I could see that God was doing something in his life,” he said.

After a few months passed, the soldier told the chaplain he had invited Christ into his life, and he asked to be baptized. “I give all the glory to Jesus Christ for his salvation, and the power of the Holy Spirit drawing him close, through the written Word of God, to make that step to eternal life,” said the chaplain.

Faith in Christ is the most important gear our military men and women can take into battle. Biblica has provided Scripture to U.S. troops since the War of 1812. The Biblica camouflage NIV Bible is a favorite among military forces. Since military operations

began in Afghanistan in 2002, Biblica has provided more than 1 million camouflage NIV Bibles in English and Spanish to all branches of the U.S. military.

Biblica’s military ministry is conducted in partnership with the U.S. Military

Chaplaincy. In 2010, your gifts enabled Biblica to provide about 100,000 Scripture materials to men and women in uniform and their families. In 2011 we will produce a new biblical resource for soldiers experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Thank you for your generous support of Biblica’s ministry to the military.

Scripture for

HEROES“I give all the glory to Jesus Christ for his salvation, and the power of the Holy Spirit drawing him close, through the written Word of God, to make that step to eternal life,” said the chaplain.

Our military need the spiritual armor of God’s Word

$24 puts a Bible in 6 soldiers’ hands

Peace and hope for more than 1 million soldiers

*Name changed to protect privacy

NEED: Children in East Timor, Brunei, and Malaysia need the gospel of peace IMPACT: On Mindanao, 64,167 children and teens pray to accept Jesus as Savior ACTION: Help bring the gospel to more children and youth throughout East Asia

Biblica.com 11Biblica InDepth • Issue 8 • 201110

It was Friday morning at a Los Angeles County prison when Pastor Mike Broyles of Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita, CA, spoke to a group of 180 inmates as part of a volunteer educational program offered by the sheriff’s department.

Broyles, active with prison ministries for three years, saw these men as more than prisoners; he saw them as men made in the image of God. When he finished speaking, he gave an invitation to respond to the gospel. Seventy-five of the 180 men became believers that day. Men were literally running up front to accept Christ!

Two days later, in that same prison, a riot erupted. More than 600 inmates were involved in the planned attack. Many had fashioned broken glass into weapons and were throwing bunk beds and other objects, badly damaging the cell blocks. The inmates asked others to join them in the racially and gang-motivated riot.

BOLD BELIEVERSBut the new believers refused to participate. The men linked arms, refusing to let the rioters pass, while others were on their knees praying for peace. In the midst of this chaos, these bold believers had the greatest weapons of all: the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

This courageous group of men quelled the riot that Sunday afternoon. These inmates have now become men of peace.

“Even though the inmates have done bad things in the past, it doesn’t slow them down spiritually,” Broyles said. “The Lord has done a work in my heart personally to watch Christ transform their lives, bringing wholeness and healing.”

Pastor Broyles is just one of Biblica’s many partners in prison ministry. Biblica works with prison chaplains, Awana Lifeline, Operation

Starting Line, Prison Fellowship and other ministries to bring biblical resources to the incarcerated.

Since 1815, Biblica has shared God’s Word with U.S. prison inmates. Biblica’s Free on the Inside Bible contains notes of encouragement and counsel on following Christ—even in a prison cell. More than 1 million inmates have received this much-loved Scripture resource, and in 2010, Biblica provided over 29,000 inmates with Free on the Inside Bibles in English and Spanish.

FREE ON THE INSIDE

peace

Reach inmates with Biblica’s Free on the Inside Bibles

Your gifts will provide God’s Word and spiritual freedom to prisoners

Inmates who make a commitment to Christ are less likely to re-offend

Criminals transformed intomen of

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11, NIV

NEED: Children in East Timor, Brunei, and Malaysia need the gospel of peace IMPACT: On Mindanao, 64,167 children and teens pray to accept Jesus as Savior ACTION: Help bring the gospel to more children and youth throughout East Asia

Biblica.com 11Biblica InDepth • Issue 8 • 201110

It was Friday morning at a Los Angeles County prison when Pastor Mike Broyles of Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita, CA, spoke to a group of 180 inmates as part of a volunteer educational program offered by the sheriff’s department.

Broyles, active with prison ministries for three years, saw these men as more than prisoners; he saw them as men made in the image of God. When he finished speaking, he gave an invitation to respond to the gospel. Seventy-five of the 180 men became believers that day. Men were literally running up front to accept Christ!

Two days later, in that same prison, a riot erupted. More than 600 inmates were involved in the planned attack. Many had fashioned broken glass into weapons and were throwing bunk beds and other objects, badly damaging the cell blocks. The inmates asked others to join them in the racially and gang-motivated riot.

BOLD BELIEVERSBut the new believers refused to participate. The men linked arms, refusing to let the rioters pass, while others were on their knees praying for peace. In the midst of this chaos, these bold believers had the greatest weapons of all: the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

This courageous group of men quelled the riot that Sunday afternoon. These inmates have now become men of peace.

“Even though the inmates have done bad things in the past, it doesn’t slow them down spiritually,” Broyles said. “The Lord has done a work in my heart personally to watch Christ transform their lives, bringing wholeness and healing.”

Pastor Broyles is just one of Biblica’s many partners in prison ministry. Biblica works with prison chaplains, Awana Lifeline, Operation

Starting Line, Prison Fellowship and other ministries to bring biblical resources to the incarcerated.

Since 1815, Biblica has shared God’s Word with U.S. prison inmates. Biblica’s Free on the Inside Bible contains notes of encouragement and counsel on following Christ—even in a prison cell. More than 1 million inmates have received this much-loved Scripture resource, and in 2010, Biblica provided over 29,000 inmates with Free on the Inside Bibles in English and Spanish.

FREE ON THE INSIDE

peace

Reach inmates with Biblica’s Free on the Inside Bibles

Your gifts will provide God’s Word and spiritual freedom to prisoners

Inmates who make a commitment to Christ are less likely to re-offend

Criminals transformed intomen of

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11, NIV

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HIV THREATYouth in Southern Africa continue to battle with the threat of HIV/AIDS. Since 2007, one of Biblica’s ministry partners World Hope International (WHI) has been working to help young people say NO to the virus and YES to God. WHI is using Biblica’s Scripture-based abstinence program Reach 4 Life to share hope with over 35,000 students in South Africa and Zambia. More than 5,000 youths have given their lives to Christ and 6,600 have committed to abstinence through this life-changing program.

Palesa, a former student from South Africa, comments, “I am sure that if I did not have this opportunity to work with Reach 4 Life, I would have gotten pregnant and probably seen an early grave.”

European OutreachBiblica local staff organized an outreach using games and storytelling, sharing the gospel with over 100 at-risk children in southwest Romania. Partnering with a local church, Biblica provided the children with My First Bible and The New Testament Coloring Book. Children enrolled in a two-year program where the church will use monthly Bible Adventures readers to help them grow in faith and Bible knowledge.

Translation projects COMPLETED Pray for our 33 Bible translation projects underwayTwo highly anticipated translation projects have been released in Asia: the Thai NIV Study Bible and the Tagalog Bible, Salita Ng Dios. Thailand is primarily Buddhist, and the small Christian population needs better Scripture understanding to reach their community with the gospel. In the Philippines, the accurate, contemporary-language Tagalog Bible will help reach the more than 40 million Tagalog speakers for Christ. Many cultures still lack God’s Word in their own language or have outdated, inaccurate translations.

Through our partnerships with local churches, ministries, and donors like you, people worldwide are receiving God’s Word and the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Here are some highlights.

Please pray for Biblica ministry so that through its worldwide reach people are engaged with God’s Word and their lives are transformed

3,000 Children REACHEDRecently, World Vision has been sharing Biblica’s Bible Adventures with 2,000 children in Bolivia and 1,000 children in Mexico and the feedback has been very positive. A local World Vision program director recently said, “[Bible Adventures] is helping our work in the community with parents and the children ... I think this is the most useful Bible material I have ever seen for children.”

In Nicaragua, Colombia, Costa Rica and Bolivia, Prison Fellowship International is using Bible Adventures with children of inmates.

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GLOBAL UPDATES

HIV THREATYouth in Southern Africa continue to battle with the threat of HIV/AIDS. Since 2007, one of Biblica’s ministry partners World Hope International (WHI) has been working to help young people say NO to the virus and YES to God. WHI is using Biblica’s Scripture-based abstinence program Reach 4 Life to share hope with over 35,000 students in South Africa and Zambia. More than 5,000 youths have given their lives to Christ and 6,600 have committed to abstinence through this life-changing program.

Palesa, a former student from South Africa, comments, “I am sure that if I did not have this opportunity to work with Reach 4 Life, I would have gotten pregnant and probably seen an early grave.”

European OutreachBiblica local staff organized an outreach using games and storytelling, sharing the gospel with over 100 at-risk children in southwest Romania. Partnering with a local church, Biblica provided the children with My First Bible and The New Testament Coloring Book. Children enrolled in a two-year program where the church will use monthly Bible Adventures readers to help them grow in faith and Bible knowledge.

Translation projects COMPLETED Pray for our 33 Bible translation projects underwayTwo highly anticipated translation projects have been released in Asia: the Thai NIV Study Bible and the Tagalog Bible, Salita Ng Dios. Thailand is primarily Buddhist, and the small Christian population needs better Scripture understanding to reach their community with the gospel. In the Philippines, the accurate, contemporary-language Tagalog Bible will help reach the more than 40 million Tagalog speakers for Christ. Many cultures still lack God’s Word in their own language or have outdated, inaccurate translations.

Through our partnerships with local churches, ministries, and donors like you, people worldwide are receiving God’s Word and the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Here are some highlights.

Please pray for Biblica ministry so that through its worldwide reach people are engaged with God’s Word and their lives are transformed

3,000 Children REACHEDRecently, World Vision has been sharing Biblica’s Bible Adventures with 2,000 children in Bolivia and 1,000 children in Mexico and the feedback has been very positive. A local World Vision program director recently said, “[Bible Adventures] is helping our work in the community with parents and the children ... I think this is the most useful Bible material I have ever seen for children.”

In Nicaragua, Colombia, Costa Rica and Bolivia, Prison Fellowship International is using Bible Adventures with children of inmates.

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o Train Children Give to provide Scripture-based programs for at-risk children and youth.

Biblica InDepth • Issue 8 • 201114

Millions lack God’s Word and are unaware of His love and mercy. Together, we can extend the good news of the gospel to people around the world. Through an exciting new initiative, Biblica Connect, we can multiply our impact for God’s kingdom.

Join a community of Christians in the privilege of bringing the life-transforming power of the gospel to people worldwide. As a Biblica Connect partner, you will: PRAY for our ministry to reach people worldwide so lives can be transformed, GIVE regularly to Biblica to help people engage with God’s Word, and SHARE your passion for Biblica ministry with friends and business associates to build a network and accomplish more kingdom work.

As a Biblica Connect member, you will receive monthly prayer requests, and your regular gifts will multiply the impact in outreach. By sharing Biblica’s ministry, you will help expand a global network that brings God’s Word to people worldwide.

$16 trains 4 children $24 trains 6 children $36 trains 9 children $48 trains 12 children

HOPE for the FUTURE

$15 trains 2 church leaders $30 trains 4 church leaders $75 trains 10 church leaders

o Provide Bibles Give God’s Word to those in need.

o Equip Church Leaders Equip church leaders in the developing world to lead others in the truth of God’s Word.

$25 $50 $100

o Translate God's Word Translate Scriptures for those who lack God’s Word in their own language

War doesn’t need to be Sudan’s legacy. Let’s give them access to the gospel. Biblica and our ministry partners have shared 1 million Gospels of Luke in Sudan. These scriptures include notes with cultural and historical references to help remove barriers to Muslims’ understanding and acceptance of God’s Word. Pray for peace, courage, and unity among believers. May Sudan be a country transformed because of the gospel’s hope; may Scriptures be available to anyone who wants them.

$16 to provide 4 Bibles$24 to provide 6 Bibles$36 to provide 9 Bibles$48 to provide 12 Bibles

Connectconnect

Dear friends,God is moving in ways that might surprise you. “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3, NIV).In Romania and Latin America, Scripture-based programs are changing not only the children who attend, but their families and communities. In Africa, people are finding strength in God’s Word to cope with AIDS, war, famine, and false religions. In many parts of Asia, resistance to the gospel is giving way to the powerful truth of the Bible. Even in the Middle East, where Islam presents a tremendous barrier, God is softening hard hearts through His Word.While the culture and conditions in North America are very different from other parts of the world, there is one significant commonality: people’s need to encounter Christ through His Word. As noted in this issue, passion for God’s Word can be renewed in North America. Thank you for partnering with us to share the gospel and establish God’s kingdom on earth. Please join us in praying for people in all nations to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior and embrace the Word of God.In His service,

Keith DanbyInternational CEO How To Connect

Complete and mail in the enclosed form orjoin online at Biblica.com/BiblicaConnect ShareGive

Pray

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MID

DLE

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ST&

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o Train Children Give to provide Scripture-based programs for at-risk children and youth.

Biblica InDepth • Issue 8 • 201114

Millions lack God’s Word and are unaware of His love and mercy. Together, we can extend the good news of the gospel to people around the world. Through an exciting new initiative, Biblica Connect, we can multiply our impact for God’s kingdom.

Join a community of Christians in the privilege of bringing the life-transforming power of the gospel to people worldwide. As a Biblica Connect partner, you will: PRAY for our ministry to reach people worldwide so lives can be transformed, GIVE regularly to Biblica to help people engage with God’s Word, and SHARE your passion for Biblica ministry with friends and business associates to build a network and accomplish more kingdom work.

As a Biblica Connect member, you will receive monthly prayer requests, and your regular gifts will multiply the impact in outreach. By sharing Biblica’s ministry, you will help expand a global network that brings God’s Word to people worldwide.

$16 trains 4 children $24 trains 6 children $36 trains 9 children $48 trains 12 children

HOPE for the FUTURE

$15 trains 2 church leaders $30 trains 4 church leaders $75 trains 10 church leaders

o Provide Bibles Give God’s Word to those in need.

o Equip Church Leaders Equip church leaders in the developing world to lead others in the truth of God’s Word.

$25 $50 $100

o Translate God's Word Translate Scriptures for those who lack God’s Word in their own language

War doesn’t need to be Sudan’s legacy. Let’s give them access to the gospel. Biblica and our ministry partners have shared 1 million Gospels of Luke in Sudan. These scriptures include notes with cultural and historical references to help remove barriers to Muslims’ understanding and acceptance of God’s Word. Pray for peace, courage, and unity among believers. May Sudan be a country transformed because of the gospel’s hope; may Scriptures be available to anyone who wants them.

$16 to provide 4 Bibles$24 to provide 6 Bibles$36 to provide 9 Bibles$48 to provide 12 Bibles

Connectconnect

Dear friends,God is moving in ways that might surprise you. “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3, NIV).In Romania and Latin America, Scripture-based programs are changing not only the children who attend, but their families and communities. In Africa, people are finding strength in God’s Word to cope with AIDS, war, famine, and false religions. In many parts of Asia, resistance to the gospel is giving way to the powerful truth of the Bible. Even in the Middle East, where Islam presents a tremendous barrier, God is softening hard hearts through His Word.While the culture and conditions in North America are very different from other parts of the world, there is one significant commonality: people’s need to encounter Christ through His Word. As noted in this issue, passion for God’s Word can be renewed in North America. Thank you for partnering with us to share the gospel and establish God’s kingdom on earth. Please join us in praying for people in all nations to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior and embrace the Word of God.In His service,

Keith DanbyInternational CEO How To Connect

Complete and mail in the enclosed form orjoin online at Biblica.com/BiblicaConnect ShareGive

Pray

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Biblica brings God’s Word to people around the world through translation, publishing and Bible engagement so they can come to know Jesus as their personal Savior. Biblica works in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and North America, is the translation sponsor and ministry publisher of the NIV®, and has translated the Bible into over 100 languages.

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