Volume 14, Issue 2, Fall 2009
Shipping problems bring spiritual blessings
In June of this year five boxes of books were sent to Arturo in Mexico. In the middle of July he contacted us to say that the boxes had not arrived. A portion of his email read:
“The major disappointment was that after going to the post office on a daily basis and asking for the packages you kindly sent us, I found out that they had been sent back to the United States! It seems that it was too much work for someone to carry them up to the second floor of the Mexican post office where I could receive them.
The major encouragement or praise is that although we were really disappointed for the delay, we know that the Lord is in control… so, rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice, no matter what.”
This was major disappointment to EBI also, not just because of the loss of time and substantial postage, but also the worry of whether the books, after such an extended journey, would arrive back at EBI in good shape.
Well, Arturo’s assessment of the situation was exactly right – God is in control and He works all things out for His glory! When the local Mexican postmaster was informed of this regrettable situation he invited Arturo into his office where Arturo was told that he could file charges against the negligent postal workers for their mishandling of the books. Arturo graciously declined to press charges expressing concern even for those whose carelessness caused such problems. This forgiving attitude made such an impression on the postmaster that he inquired about Arturo’s faith. Sensing that God was at work, Arturo shared John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” In short order Arturo was able to lead the man to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The story continues… EBI replaced the first two boxes. [Eventually all boxes were returned to EBI and resent.] While Arturo stood in line to retrieve the books a second time he met and chatted with a young couple. To his excitement this young man also put his trust in Jesus Christ and made plans to attend a Bible study.
We may never know how God has worked to bring glory to Himself through other shipping problems. One of our customers from Bolivia stopped by our office last week to replace a shipment that never arrived at its destination. Only the Lord knows where the books actually went, but we believe that God works supernaturally to put them into the hands of people in whose life He desires to work.
Sometimes strange things happen to packages even in the States. Recently a customer called to inquire about a Bible that he had just received. He could not remember having placed the order. Upon investigation it was discovered that he had ordered a Bible some time ago. Since it never arrived, we had sent him a replacement.
Now 3 years later the original Bible was delivered. Where was it for those 36 months? Only God knows where it was and only God knows why it was delayed.
Some lost shipments are due to poor postal systems and others are due to the growing animosity to Christian endeavors in some Latin American countries. Whatever the reason, we know that God is in control and that He distributes EBI materials in accordance with His plan. Please continue to pray for our books to arrive safely so that the Gospel can go forward and that believers can be strengthened in the faith and in their service to the Lord.
Thank you!
Faithful supporters deserve to hear words of encouragement, so we want to pass along to you a comment we recently received from one of our customers. They write, “Thank you for all you do to keep materials coming to Peru.” We want to thank you for making the ministry of EBI possible.
Remembering Joan Stephens
On Tuesday, April 28th, our friend and colleague, Joan Stephens, went to be with her Savior. Joan was a real gift to the ministry of EBI. In the fall of 1993, her husband Marv, joined EBI as Business Manager. Joan always supported Marv wholeheartedly wherever the Lord led. And so, she came to EBI with a joyful and willing spirit.
Joan truly had the gift of hospitality. Her home was always open to guests visiting the area. Visitors felt not only welcome, but that their visit was eagerly anticipated. She was a master at planning events and ladies meetings, seeing to the decorations, arrangements for meals, etc. As a bonus, the EBI ministry team benefited from her sense of décor when fitting out the new building in 2002.
Though Joan did not speak Spanish, she found a perfect fit in the shipping department. She not only packed and sent out orders with great care, she also prayed for each recipient – that the materials would arrive safely and be used greatly in God’s service to reach the lost and train the believers.
Joan’s gift for writing also shined. She helped in editing the English Junior Sunday School materials in preparation for the Spanish translators. For a number of years she was in charge of writing for and editing the Vision. She also wrote a tract that EBI has printed in English and Spanish: “A Drop of Joy”. We have had many excited responses from people who use this tract to reach out to those who are suffering.
The tract “A Drop of Joy” [Una Gota de Gozo] is available through EBI in both English and Spanish.
English: EL-731-E; Spanish: EL-731; Package of 15 – $2.00
Cell Phones…grrrrr
Have you ever been late for church because you were driving behind someone going 45 miles an hour in a 65 mile per hour no passing zone? When you can finally passand drive up alongside they are talking on a cell phone.
We joke about losing our “sanctification”, but the truth is, such circumstances can be truly aggravating. Could this irritating instrument be used to fulfill the Great Commission? We ask that question facetiously, but an anecdote from a recent mission conference reminded us of how God is using modern technology to spread the Gospel.
While manning the EBI book table after the service, a pastor’s wife approached the table with cell phone in hand. We thought it somewhat strange that she would be on the phone while in such a public place until we heard her ask, “Now which books and how many of each would you like me to purchase?” Later she informed us that she had been talking to missionaries her church supports. The call enabled her to determine the exact resources that the missionary needed and to purchase them immediately.
Looking for People to Serve
The Lord has given our Staff members Gary and Bernie Hilliker the privilege of traveling throughout the United States to represent EBI. Long hours in meetings and many miles of travel make it a tiring ministry, but it also has its rewards. It’s a blessing to be able to encourage Hispanic churches with study and teaching materials that are true to God’s Word.
At times they will take the back roads home to enjoy the slower paced traffic and the scenery as they travel. But another reason for taking the back roads is to find Hispanic churches in the towns along the way. The Hillikers carry sample packets of EBI’s publications and when they see a Spanish church they try to talk to the pastor to encourage the church to use our publications.
We mention this to let you know that we are constantly looking for new customers. Would you help us by letting us know of Spanish congregations in your area? If you know of any please send us the name of the church and any information that will help us contact them. Thank you! We appreciate your prayers, support and help!
Needs
We are frequently asked about current needs for the ministry.
To satisfy the interest of churches and individuals who are looking for opportunities to invest their resources in Latin American missions we are including a list of current projects and needed materials.
- Four office chairs – $60 each
- Three trays for posting cards – $80
- 1 Storage cabinet – $400
- Postage for pastor’s libraries – $120 per library
- Primary SS lessons – $4,000 per quarter [12 quarters in all]
- W.W. Wiersbe’s “Be Dynamic” – $3,000
Prayer requests:
1. Pray that God would provide a General Director.
2. Pray for several projects currently under development:
- Wiersbe’s commentary on Acts;
- Primary Sunday School Quarterlies 4, 5
- Men’s Bible Study – “When God Chooses – the Life of David”
- Theological Curriculum courses
- Bible Doctrine 1, 3, 4
- Christian Family
- Evangelism and Discipleship
- John Whitcomb’s chronological chart “Patriarchs and Judges”
3. Pray for safety in travel.