We are so blessed to be able to have access to the Bible whenever and wherever we want. It is at the tip or fingers at all times, if we are not at home with our several hard copies then it is just a click away on the computer or in our smartphone app. We can not only gain access to the Bible whenever we want we also have access to commentaries, concordances, sermons, etc. and often we take these luxuries for granted.
The reality of many Christians around the world is that owning a Bible is not always a possibility. Even in a country like Cambodia where there is a translated version of the Bible in their own language (and is legal to own) it doesn’t mean believers all have access to it. It’s an investment that most people in the rural villages can not afford.
During my latest pastors conference in the village, one of the pastors, who is a consistent and longtime attendee, came up to me and hand me an envelope with a handwritten letter enclosed. At first I was confused on what he was giving me and the purpose of the letter especially because the literacy and writing skills are very low in this area so for him to put in all the effort to write me an official letter means what’s inside must be important. As I probed him for more information regarding the letter he began telling me that there are existing members of his church that don’t own a bible or a hymnal. He then went on to explain he was requesting assistance in attaining Bibles so that these Christians could have daily access to the Word of God. Although I knew about this problem it never hit me as hard as it did at that point. Believers not owning a Bible makes daily devotions a little bit more difficult to say the least and studying in depth is out of the question. The Word of God is wonderful, powerful, and essential to our daily walk with the Lord and all Christians should have access to it. The lack of Bibles also creates another problem, if people can not read the Word for themselves then much of church services and bible studies turn into a story time rather than a devotion. I’ve seen this happen many times where pastors are doing their best to relay the Bible without actually owning one. One church in the village was actually going to a buddhist temple to worship God because they remembered a story in the Old Testament of how the Jews used to go to the temple to pray.
I felt convicted. At that moment when the pastor handed me the letter I had 3 bibles in my backpack! The Lord has been pressing this issue on my heart for weeks now, so here I am taking a leap of faith, please prayerfully consider financially supporting so we can fill this very important need. Bre and I have been donating bibles for a while now but demand is becoming more frequent. Every believer deserves a Bible. We currently have a need of 20 Bibles and 20 hymnals and each cost $5 but the need will continue to grow. If you can help your brothers and sisters in Cambodia, please prayerfully consider purchasing a bible or two (or five!) on their behalf.