The EBI Vision

Volume 3, Issue 3, October, 1998

Keeping Our Focus

“Where are we going to find the staff we need?” This question has been asked more than once. When we needed someone with experience in the pre-press area, it was asked. When a new business manager was needed, it was asked. Now it is asked about our need for Spanish editors and another printer. Moses must have had similar questions going through his mind as God gave him the instructions for building the tabernacle. Where was he going to find the men who would know how to do all the work needed to build this intricate building with all its furnishings? However, God knew who He needed, and we find His plan as revealed to Moses in Exodus 31. As we continue our search for the right individuals, we can be encouraged that God knows who they are and will reveal them to us in His time. We asked the question before, and God supplied. Pray with us that He will give us patience to wait until He is ready to show us again whom He will send to fill these positions.

Books to Venezuela

Most of our orders are relatively small, usually only a few pounds, so we do not report our shipments by weight. However, when we send out over 6,000 pounds of books in one shipment, it is a big thing. That’s over three tons! 179 boxes! Praise God for the impact this literature will have.

This shipment went out the middle of September to Venezuela for three customers who shared the costs of shipping. We delivered it to Miami, where it was transferred to pallets and then loaded on a ship. Shipping in this manner saves time and costs. The shipment will be in Venezuela about ten days after we dropped it off at the shipping company. Normal delivery time for a small package is 1-2 months. Shipping will cost about 2-3% of the value of the order. Small shipments, using normal mail, will run from 10-50%. In previous issues we have mentioned our desire to establish distribution centers within each country. These are the types of savings we expect if distribution centers are established. Continue to pray that this might be accomplished through others who catch the vision.

Building Fund Grows Slowly

Since the last issue of The EBI VISION, only $5,000 has been added to the building fund. This brings our total to nearly $55,000. For those who have been praying for this need, praise God for this additional amount. However, the need for the new building gets more acute with each new book we print. Our warehouse is FULL! The overflow is being brought over to the new office area, and stored in the room we use for assembly. That hampers our assembly process and also makes shipping more difficult. Pray with increased vigor that the funds for the building will come in soon.

We are renewing our efforts to locate donors who may be able to help in a larger way. To attract businesses and foundations, we are preparing a business plan describing the operation of EBI. If you know someone who might respond to this need, contact us, and we will provide the necessary information.

Print Shop Near Capacity

With the large order going out, it overshadowed the new books that were completed. The final quarter of the junior high Sunday school series is complete. Another quarter of the adult series is done. The Christmas pro-gram book is also done. Much of the print shop time these last few weeks has been dedicated to reprints. We are always glad when our titles sell out, but it does put an added burden on the print shop to keep up.

Enthusiastic Response to Needs

We continue to marvel at the response to our need for the smaller items we have listed. Praise God for each one who has sent money to purchase items.

We have added several new items. Some of these items are small enough for a Sunday school class or a women’s missionary group project. 1. New office chair — $200
2. New computer for editor — $1800
3. Bulk mailing software — $150/issue
4. Accounting software — $200
5. Tape machine for print shop — $100
6. Bulletin board — $50
7. Set of tools for office — $50
8. Computer disk caddies (4) — $10 each

New Grandsons for Staff

Marv and Joan Stephens became grandparents for the first time in May with the birth of Ethan William to Craig and Jennifer Winsor. Gary and Bernie Hilliker became grandparents for the second time in September with the birth of Garrett Ray to Brian and Janet Hilliker.