Projects

50,000 New Testaments For France

From Aurelien Lang, Toulouse, France

The following is a testimony I received from Liam, who received Christ this year at GBU. (Groupe Biblique Universitaire). He’s majoring in biology at the University of Paul Sabatier in Toulouse (southern France).

The two New Testaments (Parole Vivante) given to me by the GBU staff have in turn been given to my two best friends, because since my conversion, they are much more interested in the Bible. They wanted to find out more of the story of Jesus Christ in order to choose whether or not to accept if for themselves. Both come from nonreligious families, so they don’t know much about the true message of the Bible.

Since receiving the New Testaments, they’ve begun reading the Gospel of Luke and are learning little by little about the life of Christ. At least one of them has become very interested in it and is open to the idea of Christ as Savior and Son of God. We discuss passages of the Bible, their meaning, some possibilities of their application to our daily lives, and how best to decide if this application is better than our present habits. I’ve also helped them understand the message by explaining the context of certain passages, guiding them in their questioning, and sharing my view of the issue.

Thomas R., pastor of Evangelical Protestant Church of Firminy, France writes;...

Some time ago we received 25 New Testaments to distribute without charge. Two of the missionaries helping with the distributions write as follows:

I distributed one copy to a person who has been coming to the food bank we manage. Once a week this food bank distributes packages of food to needy people in the area. This particular woman didn’t have a Bible and was very happy to receive not only food for the body, but also spiritual food in the form of God’s Word.

A young couple who knew nothing of the Christian faith asked me to perform their marriage ceremony. I do this kind of ceremony with non-Christians only if they study with me the meaning of the blessing of God on their union. I guided this couple through the basics of the Gospel and both are now at the point of giving their lives to Jesus. Because they didn’t have a Bible, I gave them one of the New Testaments.

A very great thank you (as they say in French) to all who have financially supported this project, FREE New Testament distribution. May the Lord bless you and may each copy bear much fruit for eternity.

Sarah Durrenberger, GBU (Groupe Biblique Universitaire) of Marne-la-Vallee

We have already handed out six copies of Parole Vivante, so would like to share the following with you!

We gave the first one to a person who came to GBU through a "chance meeting." He is, in fact, a Buddhist, though seemingly uncommitted. We have had good discussions on Romans with him and we gave him the New Testament so he'll be able to continue to go toward the Christian faith.

We gave the second to an acquaintance who was very curious and for whom the easy-to-understand text was a real benefit.

The other four copies have been given to non-Christian friends (or at least non-practicing) who came to our end of year meeting. We hope to see them again.

Eric Dettwiler, France for Christ (Henin-Beaumont, Pas-de-Calais)

I gave out five copies of the New Testament, Parole Vivante at a recent gathering of the FEU in Lille where I gave a short message. There were 10 students present at this meeting who had never before heard the Gospel. Among these students, I gave one of the New Testaments to a Chinese student who expressed interest in reading it. Thank you for the gift of these Paroles Vivantes!

Jean-Jacques Herrmann, France for Christ (St-Remy)

Lydia and I had the joy of receiving a young woman in our home at St-Remy recently. This woman, married with two children, was a school friend of our daughter Rebecca. In those days she was often in our home as there were major problems in her family (her mother was an alcoholic). While talking with her we quickly understood that she was under the control of occult powers and that her married life was in trouble. It was an occasion to speak to her again about Jesus and about the possibility of a new life. It was with joy that she received a copy of Parole Vivante and now we are praying that she will read it and that she will discover a personal Savior!

With my greetings and a big THANK YOU for these Parole Vivante to give away!

Narivola Radanielina, GBU (Christian University Students) of Compiegne

I received eight copies of Parole Vivante. Good news: yesterday I was able to give one to one of my best friends! She is from the Muslim culture, but outside of the fact that she doesn't eat pork, she isn't a practicing Muslim. For some time, she has been going through a very difficult period in her personal and family life, which doesn't seem to improve, and she is asking many questions about the values of what she has leaned until now. The day before yesterday she asked me, "What is your secret for doing well even when things aren't going well?" I seized the opportunity to give her a New Testament. She was a little disconcerted and I imagine she was wondering, ‘why now’, when we have known each other for years. I explained to her that she had asked me a question about my "secret" and that I was providing her the answer by sharing with her "the secret place" where I go for a refuge and where I seek answers when I have questions. She is someone who loves to read. I truly hope that the Holy Spirit will work in her so she will be curious to open her Bible and to read it, and I pray that she will not pass by the meaning of the message, but that she will be saved.

Thank you for putting these copies of Parole Vivante at our disposal to witness to our friends. May God bless you! Keep up the good work and may God accompany you in whatever you undertake!

Following are two of New Testament distribution in the pedestrian zone of our city while manning a booth belonging to "A Bible in each Home"…

Hans-J. Kupfer, Pastor of the Evangelical Protestant Church of Beauvais

Today I met David K. He has already experienced many difficult situations due to alcohol and drugs, and he is thinking about converting to Islam because, to his understanding, they take care of people who have lost everything. However, when he was a child, he went regularly to mass and was interested in catechism etc. I witnessed to him about the similar problems I had had with alcohol and about the way Jesus delivered me and taught me his Word. I gave him a free New Testament from BLF and advised him to seek the will of God.

David thanked me and said I had brought him great encouragement. He promised to come see us in our assembly the next day, but he didn't come. Let's keep him in our prayers. He has a girlfriend with three children.

~~~

Today I made contact with an African family very interested in the books displayed at the booth. One mother accepted a free New Testament from BLF. She was attracted by this modern translation, as well as the attractive cover. She thanked those who had given so we could give them away. Like David K., the family promised to join us for our worship service, but didn't show up. May God remind them of the flyer I gave them (with the church contact info) and the brochure of FEF "Who Are the Evangelicals?"

Following are the testimonies of two brothers who work at the market of Beauvais . Each was given a carton of New Testaments from BLF...

Hans-J. Kupfer, Pastor of the Evangelical Protestant Church in Beauvais
Sandy lives in a home for young workers. He attended our assembly for some time, but we hadn't seen him for several months. When he came to church last Sunday, we were astonished at the change in him. He was much more calm and serene than before. He spoke to us about his home and about his Bible that he had bought in our church, and is now making its rounds in his home! I gave him two more free New Testaments from BLF to give to those who want to read the Bible seriously. We’ll see what happens...

Pierre-Andre Devins, Pastor and missionary with France for Christ in Loos, France

After the distribution of free copies of Parole Vivante at a Gospel Concert in Seclin, France

Anecdote #1:
On our literature table were various versions of the Bible to buy on one side, and on the other side, free Gospels of John, free calendars, and free copies of Parole Vivante. People willingly took the Gospels of John and the calendars (over 40 Gospels of John and more than 80 calendars). But only one person ventured to take a New Testament, Parole Vivante. Why? Perhaps they were embarrassed to take a gift that is clearly more costly than the others. This seems totally unreasonable to me. So, when the concert came to an end, I quickly went to the front, took the microphone, and before the people could leave, I again explained in detail the reasons for this, stressing that it was free for those who didn't own either a New Testament or a Bible. We then had the joy of seeing 10 people take a copy. Thank you, Lord. Let's pray that the message will save these people.

Anecdote #2:
One of the ten who took a New Testament after my announcement after the concert was a woman whom we knew well, as we had already been invited to her home. Her husband is a practicing Catholic with whom we study regularly, and she is an Education Proffessor. This is a couple with means to buy a New Testament - her husband already has several different versions of the Bible - but Amelia understood the donors’ purpose for these New Testaments. And so she took a Parole Vivante because she didn't have a Bible of her own, even though her husband had several. Amelia now has her own copy of Parole Vivante, knowing that this translation is more "modern," which is probably what attracted her.

I pray that Amelia will be touched by the message of the Word. This couple lives parallel lives, especially concerning their faith. There is much suffering in the heart of Dominique, her husband, who has not yet been able to separate himself from Catholicism.

Anecdote #3:
During today’s door-to-door evangelism (the first for me in a very long time) I was able to give free New Testaments, “Parole Vivante”, to three people. Thank you, Lord!

Initially, I began by giving them the brochure telling about the New Testament. Some took the brochure with reasonable interest and said they’d think about it.

Then I told myself that since I had the New Testaments with me in my backpack, I should use the brochures only to put in the mailboxes of those who weren’t at home or didn’t open the door.

I then unpackaged the first New Testament and offered it to the next person. The impact was immediate! I saw they were looking at the New Testament with great interest, and were visibly surprised by the quality of the book. In this way I was able to give three free New Testaments in an hour and a half!

Anecdote #4:
It’s always difficult to persevere! So for my second attempt at giving out New Testaments, I engaged the services of my wife, Patricia. Together we were able to give out 10 New Testaments “Parole Vivante”! Thank you, Lord!

Patricia: “After a series of polite refusals, several young people took them without needing much persuasion, leading us to believe that young people have broader minds than their elders. Even so, a man in his sixties with little education was won over by my joy and my frankness (at least that’s how I felt).”

Pierre-Andre: “I had the joy of giving a New Testament to a baker’s wife who confessed she didn’t have time for everything, but asked countless questions. This New Testament in a modern translation came at a perfect time. I was amazed to see that during the four minutes I was there, not one person came into the bakery, giving me just enough time for a brief private conversation with this overworked baker.

Later in the day, we spoke to a man in his 30’s, working on his house. He excused himself for not being able to invite me in, but received the New Testament with visible interest.”

Thank you to all who sponsor these New Testaments “Parole Vivante.” May God bless you!

Restaurant Evangelism

Our church decided to eat together at a restaurant where each person would pay his/her own meal (13 Euros ($20) each) as an evangelistic outreach. We had 14 adult unbelievers of whom four were neighbors. I was able to give a message of 25 minutes because my audience was truly attentive and receptive. The theme was "The Meaning of Life." Each guest left with his own copy of Parole Vivante (BLF¹s N.T.) and a scripture calendar. Inside I placed a complete copy of my message. The evening was really encouraging! THANK YOU, LORD! One couple wants to speak again with me.

Francis Aschbacher, France for Christ missionary, Armentieres, France.

Gospel Concert in Seclin, northern France.

We had a table of literature at the Gospel Concert; several versions of the Bible were for sale on one side, and on the other side, free literature, Gospels of John, calendars called "Hidden Treasures" and free copies of Parole Vivante (BLF¹s N.T.) People were willingly taking the Gospels of John or the calendars (more than 80 calendars and 40 Gospels of John were taken). But only one person ventured to take a N.T., Parole Vivante. Why? Perhaps they were embarrassed to take a gift that is clearly more costly than the others. I found this really strange. When the concert came to an end, and the musicians had finished their Œencore¹, I quickly went to the front, took the microphone, and before the people could leave, I again explained in detail the reasons for the gift of this beautiful book, and I insisted that it was free for those who didn't own either a New Testament or a Bible. They didn't need to deny it to themselves. We had the joy of seeing 10 people take a copy. Thank you, Lord. Let's pray that the message will save these people.

One of the 10 people who came to the table to take a New Testament, after my announcement, was a woman whom we know well. We have already eaten in her home. Her husband is a practicing Catholic with whom we study regularly. She is a teacher of future professors in the schools. This is a couple who has plenty of money to buy a New Testament. Her husband even has several different versions of the Bible. But Amelia completely understood the purpose of those giving these New Testaments. And so she took a Parole Vivante because she was one of the people who doesn't have a Bible, even if her husband has several of them. Amelia now has her own copy of Parole Vivante, knowing that this translation is easier to understand which is probably what attracted her. I pray that Amelia will be touched by the message of the Word. This couple lives two parallel lives, especially concerning the faith. There is much suffering in the heart of Dominique, her husband, who has not yet been able to separate himself from Catholicism.

Pierre-Andre Devin, missionary with France Pour Christ

Giles Georgel, a missionary with France for Christ, has authored two of BLF's books. He distributes a card, which offers a free copy of Parole Vivante, (BLF's New Testament) in Gauchy, a village in northern France. A number of missionaries and other individuals also distribute this offer as a way to make contact with interested folk.

Two people have returned the card to receive a copy of the New Testament. Giles wrote about them:

--The first person to receive one (N.T.) had just arrived in town, having retired from his work. He called himself a believer and was interested in the Bible. He asked me for an appointment to discuss the matter (Bible). This is a contact I want to follow up.

--The second wanted just the New Testament (N.T.), but didn't want to engage in conversation on the subject. A reaction very typical of the French!

Here are three anecdotes about the distribution of Parole Vivante. All three took place at the time of the Christmas Market in 2006, the place where I haven¹t been able to sell any Bibles for 3 years. I had the joy of giving over 80 New Testaments in 2006.

A young man of about 30 years returned to the market to tell me his joy in reading the New Testament in a language that he understands. He has come back since then, is growing in his spiritual search and is attending once again the Catholic church.

The mayor of Douai accepted it with joy asking me to assure him that his wife will not oppose the reading of this New Testament, knowing that she is in the Catholic charismatic movement.

A young woman about 30 years of age has been coming to the bar (a place where one can buy a snack and something to drink, NO alcoholic beverages) since September 2006. The reading of the New Testament and our witness at the bar have impacted her, and after several explanations to clarify points she hadn’t understood, she has been converted. She shared with me the other day that she continues to read the New Testament in the version Parole Vivante, and she understands much better.

Andre Schwab, missionary with France For Christ

Christmas 2007
Our church celebrated Christmas on December 9, 2007. We were able to hand out 11 copies of Parole Vivante to those visiting who don't normally come to church. One widow has begun to read it. Her son, as well as her daughter, also received a copy. We will stay in touch with them.

Eric Dettwiler, FPC

From a physics student:

Returning home from school with Anne Schmidt, we were sharing our activities of the week. I told her that my main activity was a prayer meeting at my church. Astonished that I could be both a Christian and a physics student, she was interested and asked many questions. I gave her a Gideon New Testament.

Several days later during another discussion on faith, she told me that she had lost hers. The same evening at the university Bible study meeting, someone gave me a copy of Parole Vivante (BLF's New Testament which is easy to read) in which I found some of the same questions raised by Alfred Kuen (the author of P.V.) that I had discussed with Anne earlier that day. Coincidence? ... So I gave it to her the next day but haven't talked to her since.

As far as Eva Ferreira is concerned (another contact), I take a math class with her this year as well as a practical work class. I have also discussed (faith) with her and I have suggested to her that I'll give her a New Testament also. She has many questions (her mother has cancer).

Editor: Please pray for Anne, Eva and her mother?

We met Fabrice in downtown Liege while we were taking a poll on the street. He agreed for us to visit him. This man, in his 30's, was overwhelmed and we shared his sorrows, his pains and his burdens. We had him read Matthew 11:28-29. Then he said to us, "I believe that the Lord has spoken to me." We gave him the New Testament. We need to return to see him and to do a short Bible study.

Rejean et Pierrette

During a door-to-door visit, we met an older couple, very open to listen to the Word of God. After we shared the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ, the man made a profession of faith. His face was radiant. We left them a New Testament so that they can grow in their faith. When we were leaving the house, the wife told us aside, that her husband had only a short time to live. He has brain cancer.

Andre and Gilles

We were going door to door when we met this man. He showed a lot of interest in the gospel and said he believed in Jesus. We left him a New Testament.

Claudette and Banza

I was touched, while going door to door, by how many people are thirsty to hear about God. Alex made a profession of faith, after we explained the Good News. We left him a New Testament. Afterwards we met two other people who wanted to have the Word of God. We need to visit them again and take New Testaments for them.

Georgina

The town of Chenee doesn't have an evangelical church. During one week, our team was going door to door in order to make contacts for beginning a Bible study group. During this week, I gave five New Testaments: --one to the owner of a leather shop downtown. --one to a Muslim hairdresser of 22 years. His name is Imao. --one to a widow named Yvonne. --one to the son of Yvonne, Steve who is very open to the gospel. --one to a couple who are artists. The husband is a well-known sculpter. The wife is named Trudy.

Pierre-Alain

During an evangelistic meeting one evening, a woman lifted her hand when the call was given. After having spoken with her a short time, I made an appointment to visit her. This woman's name is Miccella. She is 73 years old. Her two daughters are Christians, but she had never understood salvation in Jesus Christ. After I had explained it to her and showed her the verses from the Word, her face was illuminated. She had understood how to have forgiveness from her sins and a relationship with God. She said to us, "No one has ever explained it to me before." It is with much joy that she accepted the New Testament.

Francoise and Abbie

I am so excited to share with you .... Something very AWESOME just happened!

About 3 weeks ago a women came to visit our print shop. Marissa* lives just down the street, and said she had often driven by, wanting to know more about what went on inside, but not until now did she actually stop and come in.

Marissa is terminally ill and wants to die. Philip (Europe Director) talked with her and gave her a Parole Vivante (a New Testament in Modern French). He suggested she read it and promised someone would come and see how she was doing. The next week the New Testament was back in our mailbox. Françoise (Chief Editor) and Bill (Evangelist) went to see her, again handing her a New Testament. They talked and prayed for her, but this time she didn't seem very open.

The following week I suggested to Françoise that maybe we should give her an Illustrated Bible. It's a little less intimidating for someone who's searching and not a scholar. So today as I was cleaning under the press I noticed Françoise talking with someone. I peered out farther and noticed it was Marissa. I started to pray, hoping she would be open and that the Lord would provide the right words for Fraçoise. Later Françoise explained that she talked to Marissa about being a child of God and asked if she wanted to be His child. and to her surprise, Marissa said O yes'! She prayed with Françoise and excitedly accepted the Illustrated New Testament.

Please pray that Marissa's heart will be open and that she will be filled with joy as she reaches out to Jesus.

- Submitted by Angela Vories, short term missionary from MO, July 2006

* Not her real name.

BLF has been given the wonderful opportunity of putting 50,000 French New Testaments into the hands of Europeans!

This is a special version of the N.T. with a distinct cover, for FREE DISTRIBUTION only. This version has another unique aspect; at the back of the book, several pages have been added to help the readers with the following questions; how to read the Bible, how to accept Christ, etc. These additional helps make this version a more user friendly N.T.

An Ethiopian proverb says, “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.” As one small organization we may not be very strong, but together with others we can make a profound difference. We’re thankful for the following organizations who will be distributing these New Testaments: France For Christ • Operation Mobilization • Mission of Evangelism to North Africans • Mission One Bible Per Home • University Bible Group of France & Belgium • France Mission • Vision France • Les Semailles (Evangelism among children) • Cedef (Prison ministry) • Association Chantre (Music ministry) • Entente Evangelique • Several Internet evangelism sites

To learn more about the cost of this project, click "here".

We would value your help in getting these New Testaments (Parole Vivante) into the hands and homes of Europe’s French population. The total cost of the project is $176,000. Obviously, we don’t all have the same financial means, but whatever you feel God directing you to do would be tremendously appreciated. Breaking it down into bite-size pieces

• Each N.T. costs $3.52
• $35.20 will pay for the printing of 10 New Testaments
• $352 will print 100 copies
• $3,520 will print 1000 copies