November 2011

“In those days, the word of the Lord was rare” 1 Sam 3; 1

In OPAL, we sometimes comment that there are two contrasting famines in

our world in relation to the word of God with which we are confronted. In the

West, the famine is in the hearts of the people. We have so many different

editions and translations of the scriptures.

Our Bibles come in all shapes, sizes and colours. But there is

relatively very little appetite for the bread of life! By contrast

in the majority world, there is often a huge hunger for the word

of God. But for a lack of money or supplies, that

hunger remains unsatisfied. What a privilege it is therefore with

your help to be able to do a little to meet these needs and to

see lives changed and the kingdom extended under the impact of the word

of God. Let us bring you up to date with our news.  

FOR PRAISE

For a large pallet of resources which had been held up in Karachi for

many months and was finally released and delivered to Lahore after we

had almost given up hope.

For the regular orders which we receive for Bibles and books from

our warehouse.  To give you a flavour of the varied locations to which we

send, here are some of the recent destinations to which materials have

gone: India, Myanmar, Kenya, Tanzania, Benin, Cyprus, Zambia,

Botswana, Antigua and Romania.

For three profitable and encouraging overseas visits over

the summer period. Geoff Ruston attended the

5^th International Brethren Conference on Mission

in Strasbourg in June which was attended by over

500 delegates from 90 different countries. He and John Lewis then attended the International Christian Resources Convention in Atlanta, Georgia in July. Then in August they were joined by George Munro for a visit to Zambia where

they attended the OM / ProChristo conference and visited a number of

situations in the Copperbelt including our OPAL store. They also spent a

short time in Nairobi on the return journey. Each of these visits

presented different opportunities of meeting with existing ministry

partners, identifying new situations for help, and spending time with suppliers.

For those who have faithfully supported us prayerfully and financially

making it possible for us to maintain the level of grants for free literature

and increase funds committed to ongoing Bible projects.

For excellent donations of books from private libraries allowing us to continue

our support of Bible Colleges and Training Centres in the developing world.

As a result we have been able to give substantial help among others to

Bible schools in Myanmar, India and southern Africa.

For Pieter Kwant who has joined our Council of Reference. As an

established publisher and international director with Langham Partnership,

Pieter brings a wealth experience in the Majority World.

FOR PRAYER

For a successful conclusion to negotiations with copyright holders which

will enable us to progress with further reprints of vernacular Bibles.

For all associated with OPAL. For Geoff Ruston as he runs the warehouse

and represents the work. For Janet Ruston as she runs the OPAL office.

For John Lewis as he sources Bibles and appropriate Christian books. For

Paul and Angela Lewis as they manage our printing and publishing projects.

For trustees and council members as they give advice and support in

various ways.

For John Lewis who has a health issue causing some concern that this might

be successfully treated.

For Kelvin Samwata as he oversees our Zambian store and for Ian Campbell

and his staff at Chingola Bible Centre who look after day to day matters for us.

For the continued development of our Publishing programme (see following).

PUBLISHING UPDATE

The response to John McQuoid’s book ‘Knowing and Doing’ has been overwhelming with requests to translate this into a number of different languages. There is also a request to produce 70,000 copies in different languages in a magazine format for Africa. We are including overleaf some of the comments that have been received. Many here in UK are also using this in discipleship groups and outreach. Copies are available for £1 each to the majority world and £2.50 for others. Earmarked gifts may be sent to help fund other language editions.

10,000 copies of ‘Journey of Life’ by Jonathan Newell have

just been printed. This is a beautifully illustrated African

version of Pilgrim’s Progress and is available at £3 per

copy. Jonathan continues to work on the Blessings

Minibus series. Book 2, ‘the Jealous Passengers’ is due from

the printers shortly and Books 3 & 4 are ready to publish as

and when finance is available.   

There is a real need to reprint the Lunda Bible, also the older version of

the Bemba Bible and a new translation of the Bemba New Testament,

all of which are presently unavailable. Please pray that current negotiations

will be successfully concluded and contracts awarded.

There is also demand for a set of good evangelistic leaflets. We are in

contact with others interested in such a project and we hope to progress

this shortly.

CONCLUSION

We do appreciate your interest, prayers and encouragement. We trust you

feel a real sense of partnership with us in the various aspects of our ministry.

You are an indispensable part of our work and we praise our great God for

each one of you. We conclude with just a sample of comments received

with regard to ‘Knowing and Doing’.

‘What a great little book and so so useful, so so accessible, so so easy

to follow, and for those starting out in their faith or even those who

have been long in the faith, what a great help and encouragement.’  TANZANIA

‘I believe it will be an excellent text book to use with the new

believers here.’   ROMANIA

‘It does seem to be an excellent production...........the author himself

would appear to be a master of “full-blown brevity”!’  SPAIN

‘It is just such an accessible and easily read book........exactly the

sort of thing we are wanting to cover with the Bible Class.’ N IRELAND

‘It is a well written work and in English understandable to

Japanese learners of English!’  JAPAN

‘It will be excellent for the needs here......either to be used with new

converts or in fact anyone interested in Christianity.’  ZAMBIA

“The unfolding of your words gives light” Psalm 119:130