Story of the Month
A peaceful day quickly changed to panic as air-raid sirens began to wail from the town hall and everyone took cover quickly. The echoes from the sirens reminded Lula, her family, and others in town that today could be their last.
Lula was born in the United States of America, but had moved with her family to her father’s small hometown of Kalamata in Greece. Four years after the move, World War II erupted and the effects of war reached beyond the battlefield to touch the life of this fifteen-year-old girl.
With no money and only raisins and figs left by the previous tenant for food, Lula and her family had to either grow or manufacture everything they needed to survive. Her father planted crops and kept goats for milk. They had no refrigeration, so the pork meat from the pigs they raised had to be preserved in jars of oil. Her mother took apart old sweaters they had brought from the States and turned umbrella spokes into knitting needles so the material could be re-knit into sizes that fit. Lula and her sister made their own shoes from cardboard and braided strips of bamboo. Lula by herself hauled water from three miles away in ceramic jugs which she carried on her shoulders.
Any time not spent laboring and learning to improvise to meet basic needs, was drawn out in boredom. With only one magazine she brought from the States to occupy her time, Lula memorized every sentence. Cold evenings were spent huddled around a single kettle for warmth since they had no heat or electricity. Once the light of day faded into night the family retired to their beds for lack of anything else to do. Their only recreation was going to church where Lula occupied her mind with memorizing scripture.
Five years had gone by and Lulu was grateful to have survived frequent bombings and to have escaped the imprisonment she would have faced had she been betrayed as an American to the Germans who raided their village for supplies. Soon she found work as an interpreter with the United Nations and there experienced one of the highlights of her life. While in Athens, she sat in a meeting and interpreted for General Eisenhower, as he spoke with her boss. She was delighted to find him to be “a wonderful man” who spoke cordially to her.
Soon thereafter, Lula and her family were able to leave Greece and return to her hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Amid exuberant friends and family, Lula knelt down on the pavement and kissed the ground, saying:
“Thank you, God, for allowing me to come back to my birthplace where I belong.”
Many years later, Lula became visually impaired when an infection developed in her right eye following cataract surgery. Sadly, she lost sight in that eye the following day. Combined with the macular degeneration in her other eye, she was left visually impaired and unable to read her Bible.
Referred by her local library, Lula contacted Audio Bibles for the Blind and was able to get an entire Audio Bible loaded on a cartridge for use with her Digital Talking Book player. Audio Bibles for the Blind has nearly 25 different languages available for the library’s Digital Talking Book format, including Greek which we are providing for Lula along with an English version.
Lula is thrilled to not only have access to God’s Word again but in such an easy-to-use format as well. Speaking on behalf of all those who have received Bibles from Audio Bibles for the Blind, Lula wants us to know “how much joy it brings us to be able to listen to the Bible when we are cooped up and don’t know what the future holds.”
Lula’s story may be unique but not her joy and gratitude. We hear all the time from those who have suffered the loss of their vision and, in many cases, can’t afford an Audio Bible. These grateful recipients are simply overjoyed to receive their own Bible from Audio Bibles for the Blind in a format they can easily use.
That’s why I feel hopeful asking you to offer your faithful, generous gift to Audio Bibles for the Blind. Your gift will help place Bibles into peoples’ hands all around the globe. Whatever you send will make an eternal difference in the lives of people living with visual impairment.
Will you send a generous gift of God’s healing, sustaining Word today? Thank you for your interest and for your prayerful consideration.
Dear Friends,
Janice loves music so dearly that she used to not only sing in, but conduct choirs.
But the “wet” variety of macular degeneration––the fastest moving and most destructive––has changed all that. From fuzzy vision in 2000, she has now lost all of her central and most of her peripheral sight.
Today, she can no longer see well enough to read music at all. The only songs she can sing are those she memorizes.
Janice once sang duets with her husband, Harvey, and had done so ever since the couple were young adults. Today, they do so infrequently, due to the difficulty of memorizing music without seeing it.
Janice loved to sew, but now she can’t see the needle and thread. Macular degeneration has made impossible all but the smallest tasks in her life.
Most of all, Janice always cherished God’s Word. She had a shelf-full of Bibles which she loved to read, compare and contrast with each other. She has read the Bible so often, she could at one point in her life flip to any book and chapter at a second’s notice. But macular degeneration…
… Well, you know what I’m saying.
Actually, macular degeneration hasn’t kept Janice from holding the Bible at the center of her life. Not at all.
You see, in 2004 Janice’s local library contacted Audio Bibles for the Blind on her behalf. We were able to help send Janice her very own Audio Bible on cassette tape––a free gift for her to keep and never have to return to any library.
The gift “opened up” Janice’s Bible once again. Yet there was a problem. Janice’s specific vision challenges made it difficult for her to locate specific books and chapters on cassette tapes. And for a “power user” like her, that limitation made an enormous difference.
Once again, we were able to help. That’s because we had just introduced our Audio Bibles on MP3/CD. Our MP3 Bible was so simple that even without sight, she could navigate with the single click of a computer key. Janice was now able to easily find specific books and chapters quickly!
“It had been a year since I had been able to read my own Bible,” Janice tells us. “Thank you for your ministry. God is providing for my needs!”
As technology continues to advance, Audio Bibles for the Blind has advanced as well. Since releasing our MP3/CD’s in 2004, we produced and distributed our first Digital Talking Book version in 2010. No longer does it require a computer to quickly navigate and easily find specific books and chapters. The Digital Talking Book version allows everyone a simpler way to “read” their Bible.
But we are not done yet! We are currently working on the next version of Audio Bibles to work even better with the Library of Congress Digital Talking Book player. Behind the scenes, we are programming our Audio Bibles to allow navigation by book, chapter, and verse!
This will give “power users” like Janice even greater access to God’s Word!
And friend, supporting Audio Bibles for the Blind truly is a ministry. Our faithful donors may not think of their generosity in those terms, but a ministry it is. Through their faithful financial gifts, God is providing for the needs of dear brothers and sisters who love His Word.
And yet, countless more “Janices” are depending on us, awaiting their own Audio Bible. Together, we can be the instruments of God’s provision of His gracious reply to their prayers.
Will you join the ministry of Audio Bibles for the Blind?
Thank you for your interest, and for your prayerful consideration.
P.S. For Janice and so many like her, Audio Bibles for the Blind has meant the difference between losing a previous link with the Scriptures and keeping the presence of His Word in their lives. Thank you for caring.
“If God can hold up all those stars in the sky, then He can hold me up too.”
Comforting herself with this thought as she gazed up at the starry skies outside her home in Nebraska, five-year-old Linda cradled her broken arm. “ If God can hold up all those stars in the sky, then He can hold me up too.” She gathered up courage to go back inside her house, still wondering what she had said or done to deserve such a punishment. The years passed and the abuse continued, yet Linda still clung to her hope in a heavenly Father.
After turning 14, a neighbor invited her to help teachVacationBibleSchoolat her church. Not even knowing what VBS was, she accepted and quickly realized she should be one of the attendees rather than one of the teachers. Seeing the enthusiasm of the kids as they learned Scripture, she asked them why they loved Jesus—and was introduced to the gospel!
Conditions at home began to get worse after her father fled from home, never to return. She too found a way to escape a year later. Now at sixteen and on her own, she turned to a youth pastor for help. He found her a place to stay for a few days and she spent her high school years moving from home to home, never staying longer than two weeks in the same place.
After meeting a godly man, her “perfect match,” at college, they got married. Linda soon began suffering from illness after illness, odd illnesses, and when she became pregnant, both she and her unborn son nearly died during the pregnancy.
Then came what Linda called “The Event.” She was in the hospital again, this time with kidney stones. After receiving a stent she was sent home. The next morning her husband quietly kissed her before leaving for work at 5 am, being careful not to wake her. He was totally unaware that an infection from the kidney stones was already raging through her body, causing major organs to shut down. She began having strokes, the first of which took her sight. Her brain shut down and she went into a coma and within an hour and a half she had a heart attack. As she began to develop pulmonary embolisms, help was still 10 hours away.
Linda’s husband didn’t return home until 9:30 that night, because of a Bible study after work. Finding her “asleep” and not wanting to disturb her, he went to a guest room to sleep until he was awakened by Linda’s screaming as an embolism burst.
By the time emergency personnel got to Linda, they found her oxygen level near the point at which she would be left brain-dead. She was later told by the attending doctor that she arrived at the hospital with less than five minutes to live.
At the hospital, her husband began to pray that the Lord might intervene and spare his wife’s life. A Christian doctor joined him in prayer as it seemed nothing more could be done for her. A miracle began to happen. Linda’s vital signs began to improve, enough so that she could be moved to ICU where she would remain in a coma for two months.
Once out of the coma and recovering from her ordeal, Linda faced the problem of not being able to see to read. Needing to rely on others to read her Bible to her, Linda found herself deprived of her quiet time in God’s Word.
Learning of Audio Bibles for the Blind through a braille institute across the street from her husband’s workplace, Linda was able to get her own Audio Bible at no cost to her. Linda told us:
“(Audio Bibles for the Blind) gave my time alone in God’s Word back to me and I didn’t ever think I would have that back again.”
With her husband out of work and her disability payments not coming through, there was no way Linda could have afforded to buy an Audio Bible herself. Thankfully, faithful supporters of this ministry continue to help ensure that people like Linda will be able to re-gain access to God’s Word despite the inability to afford it themselves.
Linda left us with these words:
“If any of the donors think the little check they write is insignificant, they need to remember that the next Bible going out could be for someone just like me. Some may be reluctant to share their stories but they are no less glad.”
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“The spiritual vision I have now, I don’t know that I would trade it for real vision.”
Struggling with family issues involving an alcoholic stepfather during what he describes as a rough childhood, Jesse found a reprieve and purpose when he was 12 years old and a church bus came through his neighborhood, picking up kids to take them toGospelLightBaptistChurch.
During the hour-long bus ride to the church, he enjoyed getting to know other kids and through his experience attending church, his life quickly changed. He found the people to be loving and open.
One summer, the church was offering a camp for kids, but his family couldn’t afford to send him. The church, however, was offering free admission for anyone who brought three people with them to church, so Jesse did just that. It was at that camp at the age of 14 that Jesse made a profession of faith in Christ.
At 17, Jesse’s parents moved away, but he decided to stay behind and quit school so he could work. It was during this time that Jesse’s social circle changed and he descended into a life of substance abuse.
Four years later, Jesse met the woman he would marry and, through her influence, he changed the crowd he associated with. He left behind a dead-end life of drugs and alcohol, found a new job working for Christian people, and over the years he and his wife had two children.
In 2006, his oldest son graduated from high school and decided to join the Marines. Jesse and his wife were very proud of their son and his accomplishments.
Life was seemingly good, but Jesse, his wife, and family would soon face not one, but two horrific tragedies.
While home for a few days to visit his family, Jesse’s son went for a jog and only about 200 yards from their home, was struck and killed. Ironically, the vehicle that killed Jesse’s son was a church van that was bringing kids back home from a Wednesday night service. Sadly, Jesse and his family hadn’t been walking with the Lord, despite Jesse’s profession of faith when he was 14, and even the death of his son didn’t turn them back to Him.
Eighteen short months after the tragic loss of their son, while driving home, their lives changed forever. Their truck collided with a dump truck. The impact destroyed the dump truck and bent Jesse’s truck into the shape of a horseshoe. Though Jesse’s wife suffered only a sprained ankle, Jesse was trapped in the truck and needed to be cut out by emergency personnel. His left leg was broken in five places, all but two ribs were broken, and worst of all, battery acid from the dump truck hit his face and blinded him. It was during this time in his life that Jesse describes:
“a surreal feeling, like a shove; my last calling, stronger than I’ve ever felt to come to the cross.”
Jesse can now look back and see how, even through the difficulty and sorrow in his life, the Lord was bringing him to this point of decision. It is now Jesse’s desire to follow the Lord in whatever He would have him do. He is enjoying fellowship with others at his church, something he had turned his back on for years, and seeking to understand his Bible better, though he told us he misses being able to physically read on his own.
Access to Scripture is vital for drawing nearer to God, yet presents a difficulty for visually impaired people. This is where Audio Bibles for the Blind, along with our faithful donors, can come alongside people who can’t see to read and provide them with their own Bible in a format they can use. As Jesse told us:
“Audio Bibles for the Blind has helped so much to strengthen the calling I have.”
This is an exciting time for Audio Bibles for the Blind as new technology has made available products that give visually impaired people even easier access to God’s Word. At the same time, with a sluggish economy, our financial need has never been greater. Any gift you are able to give, will help us put an audio Bible in the hands of someone like Jesse.
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Wendy, a visually impaired person, wanted to serve God. Her church had a 24-hour prayer ministry, and she felt called to offer her services for the wee hours of the morning—the hours the church had difficulty enticing others to cover. She was excited to be able to serve in this way . . . until she found out she couldn’t do what was being required of her.
Each prayer warrior was asked to read portions of a particular prayer book, but Wendy’s vision impairment made it impossible for her to read. She was devastated and wanted badly to do this important work for her church!
But she didn’t give up. Instead, she prayed that the Lord would provide some other way for her to meditate on His Word and to still be equipped for the prayer ministry.
That same week, as Wendy and her husband returned home, they noticed a package from Audio Bibles for the Blind. Neither of them could recall placing an order for anything. At first they thought they should send the suspicious “thing” back and refuse to pay for its contents, but then, encouraged by her husband, Wendy decided to open it.
Imagine her delight when she found an Audio Bible tucked inside! Even though she couldn’t read the prayer book, she could listen to and reflect on God’s Word. God had answered her heartfelt prayer. She could join the prayer ministry after all!
From Wendy’s perspective, it had taken God less than a week to answer her prayer. But God had actually “started” the process long before she lifted her request to the Lord—before she even knew of her own need.
In fact, years earlier, Dr. Snell, Wendy’s ophthalmologist, stopped by our Audio Bibles for the Blind booth at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting. She was intrigued by our ministry, and we later sent her an Audio Bible. Dr. Snell’s office even placed a display explaining our ministry in the patient waiting room.
Since then, God has given Dr. Snell numerous opportunities to introduce her visually impaired patients to Audio Bibles for the Blind. But for some reason, when Wendy stopped by her office for a routine exam, Dr. Snell forgot to tell her about our ministry.
Knowing that Wendy could really use an Audio Bible, she ordered one for her and had the Audio Bible sent to Wendy.
When Wendy returned to Dr. Snell’s office for a follow-up appointment, they each shared their own side of the story and were both able to appreciate the beautiful way God weaves our lives together to accomplish His will.
But there is another part of the story that goes back even further. Before we could ship that Audio Bible to Wendy, someone like you had to help support our ministry.
Wendy, like so many others, wasn’t able to afford an Audio Bible, but because of help from friends, like you, we didn’t have to turn her away or add her to some long waiting list. We were able to send her an Audio Bible at no cost whatsoever. Our desire is simply to ensure that our Audio Bibles reach the people who really are in need of them … regardless of income.
Your gift today could be an answer to prayer for a blind or visually impaired person tomorrow, next week, or maybe even years from now. But whenever and however God uses your gift, you can be assured that it will help change the life of a blind or visually impaired person for all eternity!
Please give generously as God leads you. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sharon’s statement is a testament to the peace and joy the Lord has given her through her faith in Him—a peace she didn’t always believe possible.
After losing her mother at a young age and suffering through an abusive childhood, Sharon took comfort in being self-sufficient. By the age of 25, however, her vision had deteriorated to the point that she lost her driver’s license. The Stargardt’s Disease that robbed her of her vision left her angry and questioning how God could do this to her.
A few years later, she made perhaps the most difficult decision of her life. She had to leave her young son with a friend for 10 months while she attended a school for the blind. There she acquired the skills to not only live independently but to be able to work and support her son. In all this she learned that:
“Christ does things not to hurt us but to help us grow.”
Twenty-five years later, though at times the tears come and she still feels the hurt, the peace God gave her remains. In all Sharon has gone through, she can look back and see God’s providence; how He had to “pull the rug” to keep her from wallowing in self-pity over her past, so that now she can simply say:
“Look at all He suffered, all He went through, and I’m going to complain because of my eyesight. I don’t think so.”
Though Sharon lives by herself, she’s not lonely. She told us, “I’m in my apartment, there’s nobody here but I’m not alone because God is here with me.”
In a very real sense He is there through His Word, given to Sharon in cassette tape format in 2004 by Audio Bibles for the Blind. Though thankful for the gift, she admitted that the cassettes would “mess up” a lot, needing to be wound with a pencil.
Sharon is now enjoying the Bible on a digital cartridge we sent her, which gives her access to God’s Word in its entirety on a single cartridge, with no tape that can break or unwind.
Unfortunately, Sharon’s story is not unique. Though the details may differ, there are 3.4 million stories of visual impairment in the United States alone. Nearly three and a half million people are facing a crisis in their life that could plunge them into fear and despair, like what Sharon experienced. Also like Sharon, they can only be delivered through God’s Word and a right relationship with Him.
Your generous gift to Audio Bibles for the Blind helps us put an audio Bible in the hands of each visually impaired person who requests one—an audio Bible that allows them independent access to God’s Word; that places within their reach encouragement during a seemingly hopeless time; or that perhaps introduces them for the first time in their lives to the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dear Friends,
Arthur Shaw became blind at the age of seven. He later regained his sight only to lose it completely and permanently less than a year later. Holding to the above verse, Arthur has kept a positive and encouraging spirit despite the difficulty he has faced. Seeking to better himself, he attended a School for the Blind where he learned to read Braille and he continues to attend Bible courses when they are offered.
“You are such a blessing and tell everyone who helps with Aurora Ministries that they should never give up either. You reach so many people.”
Having recently received a digital audio Bible from this ministry, Arthur told us it “brought (him) out of the darkness and into the light.” He now enjoys having independent access to God’s Word and uses it to prepare for Wednesday night Bible studies at church.
Arthur often speaks of how far the Lord has brought him in his walk and what an important part his audio Bible has played in his growth. He has asked that we convey his gratitude to our generous supporters, like you, who helped make it possible for him to have his own Bible.
Did you know, not only do we serve individuals like Arthur, who are qualified as blind or visually impaired, but we also provide Audio Bibles to those who are qualified as “print-handicapped”? Print-handicapped simply refers to those whose vision may be fine but who can no longer hold and manage books … sometimes, these are people who struggle with cancer, those who suffer with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Downs Syndrome, Paralysis, and others.
“I am writing to say how much I appreciate your sending the Bible to me. This has been a real blessing.
I am a quadriplegic since 1975 and a Christian so being able to listen to the Scriptures is wonderful. I do have a automatic page turner, but many days I must stay in bed twelve or more hours and cannot be up to use it.
May the Lord bless your ministry for indeed His Word is the means by which men can be reached and born into a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Being able to get a copy of God’s Word in an audio format is such a vital and appreciated service for those who have no other means to access a Bible and, in many cases, would not be able to afford one.
In fact, this year your gifts to Audio Bibles for the Blind have helped produce and send over 2,000 Audio Bibles all across the world! There are no words to describe our gratitude for your financial support. Thank You!
“For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100:5, King James Version (KJV)
Dear Friends,
This verse from Ruth’s favorite Psalm serves as a reminder of the Lord’s goodness and blessings as she recites it daily. Though her physical sight has deteriorated rapidly over the last year, she continues to walk in the light of God’s Word.
Fifteen years ago, Ruth was diagnosed with macular degeneration but still had some ability to read. In March of last year, though, she woke up one morning and everything was a blur. Though left with only the ability to perceive light and shapes, she is grateful to the Lord that she can still look out her window and discern the trees, remembering Psalm 100:4a which reads:
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.”
Now, listening to the reading of Scripture by her husband of 67 years, Ruth is reminded of her early years memorizing Scripture verses in school. She considers herself blessed to have attended public school at a time when Scripture was taught.
Though the world has changed much since those days and even more for Ruth as her physical world has grown dim, she is reminded as she listens to God’s Word, to consider her many blessings. She rejoices in the words of Psalm 100:2:
“Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.”
Ruth’s visual deficiency is an all too common condition that affects millions in our country today. The Macular Degeneration Association (M.D.A.) states that macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 65 and 9.1 million people in the United States 40 years and older suffer from macular degeneration. The M.D.A. also tells us that women, like Ruth, are more likely to develop macular degeneration than men.
While millions find themselves no longer able to read their Bibles, Audio Bibles for the Blind provides a means for them to enjoy continued, independent access to God’s Word. Though the world they live in may grow darker by the day, their audio Bible provides hope and a reminder to:
“Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4b
We recently sent Ruth a free Audio Bible on MP3-CD that she can listen to at anytime without needing her husband to read for her. While they may continue to enjoy the Word of God together as he reads to her, she is now comforted to know that she can hear the Scriptures, day or night, all on her own. And it is gifts like yours that make this possible. As a partner of Audio Bibles for the Blind, you put a Bible back into the hands of someone who has lost the ability to read for themselves.
As you know, Audio Bibles for the Blind receives hundreds of requests for Audio Bibles from people around the world each week, but we are only able to provide them because of the generous support of friends like you.
Every $20 you give will put an Audio Bible into the hands of a blind, visually impaired or print handicapped person. And who knows how many lives will be touched by your generosity?
“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”!
Christmas is a time for sharing with family and friends. It is a time to show our gratitude by sharing our blessings with others. For those who know Jesus Christ as Savior, it is a time to remember the “Reason for the Season,” and the gift that God gave. The Christmas Story comes alive! As we gather together, we reflect upon the importance of the meaning of that day so long ago.
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 – (KJV)
Skylar, an eight year old boy who was born blind, had a life long desire: he simply longed to read the Word of God!
Last December, Skylar and other visually impaired individuals were guests at a local Lions Club Meeting. There were informed of the various programs and services available to them. Skylar was particularly interested when the presentation was made for Audio Bibles for the Blind.
Skylar got really excited when he heard that Audio Bibles were available for people just like him! Skylar exclaimed, “That’s what I want for Christmas!”
His family, pleased that their son wanted to read the Word of God, inquired as to how they might get a free Children’s Audio Bible. Knowing the time was short, we assured them that Skylar’s gift would be on its way the next day.
What a joy it was for us when we heard it did arrive in time for Christmas!
A child with a Christmas wish is not unusual. When a child’s wish is for their own Audio Bible, it reminds us of why we celebrate this joyous season, and makes the work we do worthwhile.
For boys and girls like Skylar, Christmas will come alive, because you cared enough to give. On their behalf, we thank you, and wish you a blessed Christmas Season.
Luke 2:1-14 (King James Version)
1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
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