Volume 3, Issue 2, July, 1998

Keeping Our Focus

From time to time we need to reflect on our purpose. EBI’s mission statement defines that purpose: “Creating a spiritual heritage for the Hispanic world.” In a recent staff prayer meeting, one of our staff brought a devotional from Philippians 4:13-19. Paul reminded these believers that their needs would be supplied because they had shared in his support. We, too, were reminded that God supplies EBI’s needs as we continue give for the purpose of meeting our goal.

Books to Resource Center in Mexico

In June, EBI donated reference books and Sunday school materials to help start a pastoral resource center in Mexico. Pastors and laymen will use the books and Sunday school materials to prepare for their ministry in the local church. Materials like this are not available to most them. If someone wants to purchase a book, he will be assisted by the center staff in placing an order and in converting his currency into U.S. dollars. Resource cen-ters like this one, developed throughout Central and South America, could aid many pastors and laymen who do not have access to adequate study materials. These centers do not replace a personal library, but they are one step in introducing pastors and laymen to the literature that is available. Pray for this center and for the development of others.

Building Fund Grows, Slowly

Since the last issue of The EBI VISION, $10,000 has been added to the building fund. This brings our total to nearly $50,000. It also means that we still need $110,000 more before we can implement the second phase of our expansion. For those who have been praying for this need, praise God for the additional amount. However, there is still the need to keep praying.

Some who receive The EBI VISION have not become a partner in this effort. Reconsider how the passage in Philippians applies to you. Paul reminds us that God supplies the needs of those who reach out to meet the needs of others. We would encourage you to become a partner by stepping out by faith and sending a gift to EBI’s building fund.

Youth Group Responds

We are thankful for a youth group from Carroll, Iowa who gave their time to help in the ministry of EBI in June.

Fiscal Year Ends with a Record

June closed out EBI’s fiscal year in record fashion. We experienced such significant growth that records were set in several areas. Income from sales increased 28%. (And this does not include any income designated for the building fund.) Expenses increased even more (32%). But even so, our cash reserves still increased by 12%. There were two other very important increases. The sales of EBI’s publications increased by 20%, and foreign sales increased from 67% to 77% of total sales. All of this means that literature being used in making disciples is reaching more Spanish-speaking people. It means EBI enters this next fiscal year in good financial condition. Most importantly, it means we can continue to offer our literature at reduced prices, often below cost. Take time to praise God for this good year.

TEE Books Near Completion

Two more TEE books are closer to publication. The third Old Testament Survey book is being edited and will go to press this fall. The Doctrine of Christ is undergoing its final edit in English before going to the translator. This book still needs to be field tested, so it will be at least winter before we can expect to see its printing. In addition to the TEE books, a new Christmas program is being printed, and a new Wiersbe “Be” book on II Corinthians is also nearing completion. This news ought to bring a chorus of “Amens”.

Enthusiastic Response to Needs

In the last issue we listed items needed to assist in our ministry. We received gifts in excess of the amount needed to purchase all of the items listed. Thanks to those who responded with those special gifts.

After this enthusiastic response, we are encouraged to include additional items in this issue, some a little more costly than last time.

1. Additional tables for assembly — $150 each
2. Fire extinguishers (new building) — $150 each
3. New office chair — $125
4. New computer for editor — $1800
5. Bulk mailing software — $150/issue
6. Accounting software — $7000
7. Plain paper FAX — $300

If someone could help with any of these items or only a portion of one, EBI would appreciate it.