Jim Latrel – February 2012
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19, King James Version (KJV)
Last year was a difficult year at Audio Bibles for the Blind, as we said goodbye to four dear friends and co-workers because of the tough economic times. However, this isn’t a story of sadness, but a story of joy and happiness for what God has provided. We praise Him for the wonderful volunteers He sends to help us continue this ministry of providing Audio Bibles to the blind and print-handicapped.
Jim and Jean have been coming to volunteer at Audio Bibles for the Blind for over 6 months. Without them, the hundreds of Audio Bibles we send out each week would never get packed and mailed. Their commitment to doing God’s work brings joy into so many lives all around the world.
I want to introduce you to Jim, who will share with you his story.
“My name is Jim. However, it could be Jose, Abner, Mary or Isabelle. We would all have something in common – we would be blind or, to some, just not seeing very well. I was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is a disease that robs you of your sight. For some, it is sudden, but, for most, it is gradual. I was first diagnosed at age 13, and was told by those in the know that I would never be completely blind. Well, as we all know, those in the know don’t always know what they are talking about as I now have been completely blind for 25 years.
I have managed to do many exciting things in my life, in spite of my lack of seeing. Through God’s grace, I was employed at the U.S. Postal Service, ran a small business, got married–all the things a sighted person does during a lifetime.
One of the things I am most grateful for is technology. The convenience of digitized material which can be played on MP3 players and Digital Talking Book players gives greater access for the blind and other individuals.
That brings me to today. I now have the privilege of living in a Christian community called il Villaggio (www.ilvillaggiohomes.com) in Bradenton Florida, where Aurora Ministries/Audio Bibles for the Blind is located.
I now have a part in sending Audio Bibles and other materials all around the world! So, if you are enjoying an Audio Bible, and you received it in the last few months, I may have had a part in getting it to you.
Listen, knowing that there is one who is aware of your world, its limitations and its possibilities. Along with many other people around the world who take advantage of these Biblical Materials, I am thankful for the service Audio Bibles for the Blind provides. I am thankful that I have the privilege of getting the Word of God into a person’s hands in a format that is edifying to them.
Let him who has an ear…”
Jim, thank you for sharing your story with us. We, as well as the many others who are reading this right now, thank you and Jean for all that you do for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Through generous financial support from ministry partners and hours of service from volunteers like Jim and his wife Jean, we can provide God’s Spoken Word to the blind and print disabled. When men, women and even children lose their sight, many of them feel that they have lost everything.
Your gift will make an eternal impact in the life of someone who has lost the ability to read their Bible and prays daily to once again have a Bible they can keep and “read”!
