THE TALKING BIBLE

FOR TIRED EYES – A TALKING BIBLE

2012-01-31T10:58:00.000-08:00

Just this week a 93 yr old lady inquired about getting a Talking Bible.
She said her eyes were tired. She wanted her favorite King James Version. I told her we had a KJV Talking Bible with one of the finest narrations done by Don Wagner. We never got to talking about costs.

I picked one up in the office for her and showed her how simple it was to use. I said, “Just push any of the buttons and discover how easy it is to move from book to book or to select the book and chapter you want to listen to.” I told her, “You cannot break it, so don’t be afraid to experiment with those few buttons.”

Before I left, she said, “I’ll be making a contribution for the ministry.” Jokingly, I responded to this friend saying, “And I’m going to be worrying every night about your doing this.”

Guess what! Two days later, there was a note in my box with a check made out to Talking Bibles for $500.00. A couple of days ago, she told me how pleased and happy she was to have her own, personal Talking Bible.

Yes, for anyone with tired eyes for whom reading has become more difficult, a Talking Bible is the answer. You can request either the KJV or the ESV narrations of the entire Bible. I love them both.

I hope you’ll pray for the ministry and help with finances. Your donations mean someone, unable to read or blind, will receive a Talking Bible in a requested language. This is a marvelous gift for a Christian in an oral culture who wants and needs a Talking Bible to grow close to Christ and to be equipped to share the gospel with others, winning them to faith in Christ and growing His church. Thanks be to God for such a time and opportunity to be faithful in His mission to make disciples of all the nations.

One can donate on line, www.talkingbibles.org or you can send your contribution to Talking Bibles International, PO Box 906. Escondido, CA 92025. Feel free to call 1-800-318-7262 for more details.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES.

HOW WE DID AN ORAL TRANSLATION OF NT

2012-01-27T15:22:00.000-08:00

This is a brief sketch of how we did our oral translation of several books of the New Testament. We did some years ago during the cassette era when I was a resident missionary in SW Ethiopia.

To do this oral translation, two persons were involved. One was a non-literate, completely bilingual person who spoke the Amharic language almost as fluently as his own Shako language. The other, an Amhara speaking person read the text from the Amharic language Bible. Any conversation was in the Amharic language.

Such a completely bilingual person is essential to do an oral translation of the New Testament. In our case, this native speaking, bi-lingual person knew the Amharic language of the NT text well, but did not read it. The person reading the Amharic language Bible knew how to read it well but knew nothing of the informant’s language. While doing this oral translation, as each verse was read, any conversation that ensued was in the Amharic language before that verse was spoken into the mike by the informant and recorded in his own native tongue. Each verse or part of a verse was recorded with that routine.

Doing an oral translation, the bilingual person sits facing the reader, listens carefully, and asks whatever questions he may have. He nods when he’s ready to have his voice with his translation recorded. This simple method or procedure is used until an entire verse and then an entire chapter and finally an entire book has been translated and recorded.

In our situation, the person reading from the printed Bible had also been taught how to do audio recordings. So instead of a normal three person team, only two persons were needed. It went extremely well and efficiently because the bilingual person knew Amharic, the language of the text, nearly as well as his own native tongue. But, normally, three persons would be involved, one of whom would be doing the computer recording.

I am confident that such bilingual persons can be found among almost every people group. My own experience convinced me that such oral translations under conditions described are very doable, communicate accurately and effectively and greatly bless the people who are given early access to Scripture because of such an oral translation of a NT in their mother tongue.

The compelling reason to do such oral translations is that, alternatively, Christians without a Bible will be denied access to God’s translated Word in their own language for ten years or more. In this new audio-digital age this barrier to having early access to the translated Scriptures can readily be overcome by doing oral translations while waiting for traditional written translations to be undertaken and completed.

For more information read the appendix in Mark’s book which describes all of this in much greater detail. Or, to learn more, visit www.talkingbibles.org.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES IN 2012 AD.

CHRISTIANS WITH NO BIBLES

2012-01-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

Today let’s talk about Christians with no Bibles. I’M talking about Christians for whom no Scripture has until now been translated into their language. Many of these became Christians following the showing of the Jesus Film. Others are Christians because someone from a neighboring language group bridged the linguistic barrier and they heard the good news about Jesus. Etc.

Here is the challenge and my question. Every Christian should have access to the content of the New Testament in his or her own language. They need someone to translate the NT. in their language. Well and good. But, let’s face it, if someone begins that translation effort today, it will be another ten years before it is completed and available in print. And, additionally, these are non-readers, oral culture people.

Must such Christians wait those many years before they have access to their translated New Testament in their own mother tongue? Here’s what I think should be considered. Why not explore the possibility of doing an oral translation of the NT? Using a backpack recording studio’s equipment and method, such a NT translation could be completed in somewhere between one and two years time.

I know that such a credible, accurate, oral translation is doable because I have done it myself. Years ago, while serving as a missionary in Ethiopia, we did an oral translation on cassettes of several books of the NT in the Shako language. I can still see in my mind’s eye, that group of twelve or fifteen listeners meeting to hear their oral translation of the NT on cassette. Following that listening time together each Sunday morning, they made their way down the trail to the church building for their worship service.

This kind of oral translation and listening experience is needed for the thousands of Christians in oral cultures for whom no traditional translation of their NT exists. In my next blog, I hope to tell you how it can be done.

For more information call 1-800-318-7262 or visit www.talkingbibles.org

Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES THIS YEAR, 2012 AD.

THE JESUS FILM AND TALKING BIBLES

2012-01-26T10:51:00.000-08:00

The viewing of the Jesus Film has brought tens of thousands of previously “hidden people” to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. The wonderful truth is that the Jesus Film has been shown among countless numbers of people who are oral culture people. This means that many, probably the vast majority of these new Christians, do not read.

For a significant number of these non-reading Christians who come to Christ in response to the Jesus film, the New Testament has already been translated and printed in their languages. This is good news indeed.

Therefore, among our high priority unfinished global mission tasks is to make these translated New Testaments into audio Bibles. Talking Bibles International is ideally positioned to participate in this global effort. The backpack recording studio and its method of audio recording is a proven way to produce Talking Bibles for our brothers and sisters who came to faith through the Jesus Film.

I hope leaders among these oral culture Christians will learn about Talking Bibles and explore with us how Talking Bibles can be produced for them. Perhaps the Jesus Film people can play an important role in helping establish contacts. Also, it may be some mission having a special interest in a certain people group that will get in touch with us. The Lord has a way of putting all the pieces together to make it happen according to His will. I’ve often said, “The Lord frequently swings His large doors on small hinges.” And He delights to use just ordinary people wanting to be available to Him.

For more information call 1-800-318-7262 or visit www.talkingbibles.org
And remember to pray!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org;
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

FROM A PASTOR FARMER’S REPORT

2012-01-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

This comes from a farmer pastor living in SW Ethiopia. “These Majangir people have a small number of Talking Bibles and are asking for more.”

Here’s more from what this pastor in a community of farmers reported, “I was only listening with my family, but as people came in from working in the field they would gather, so 30 or more of us will listen to the Talking Bible in the evenings.”

When asked what he feels the Majangir People of Ujunta have learned most from listening to the Talking Bible, Pastor Nebit was quick to respond that by listening to the Gospel of John, many people have learned what it means to have a second birth. The pastor explained, “As people heard John’s account of Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night and Jesus responding that people must be born again to enter the kingdom of God, there was a great response from the listening group.” The pastor said, “That is when many people received that good news and the second birth that brought religion into their lives.”

Though he has listened through the four gospels several times, Pastor Nebit said every time he hears the account of John, it brings him peace and he desires that peace for all the people of area. The pastor said, “This simple message of Jesus has given me hope in my belly, I now know I will join the New Jerusalem and I want others to have this hope in their belly.”

Please pray for these listening groups now listening daily to the for gospels.

Please pray for James Kim and his team as they continue translating the remaining books of the NT. When the translation is completed, we will be providing additional Talking Bibles having the entire New Testament in the Majangir language.

Pray for God to lead many individuals, churches and foundations to provide the finances for this promising, needed additional effort. To God be the glory and praise.

For more information call 1-800-318-7262, or visit www.talkingbibles.org

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

TALKING BIBLES AND “HIDDEN PEOPLES”

2012-01-24T16:18:00.000-08:00

A primary focus of the Talking Bible ministry is the provide God’s Word in audio for non-reading people, especially those who are people of an oral culture. We have a passion to provide this ministry for people that no one else is reaching.

I recall how, years ago, when I was doing my postgraduate work a Fuller’s School of World Mission, I took some classes under Dr. Ralph Winter. I recall vividly how he spoke with passion about “hidden peoples,” i. e. unreached people that weren’t on the radar screen of any missionary sending organizations. These “hidden peoples” were the unreached who were a forgotten people. No one seemed to be aware or to have plans to reach them. They were identified as being “hidden people.”

Our Talking Bible ministry has that passion displayed by Dr. Winter. Not only so, but we have the technical equipment and method for a ministry to bless otherwise “hidden peoples.” I’m thinking of people for whom the New Testament has been translated and printed. Only a few can read. They probably live far from where there is an available professional recording studio. Using a professional studio is impractical and probably too costly. Their New Testament will have to be recorded where the narrator is available. Here is how it takes place.

Mark has put together a backpack in which is all the needed recording equipment and the manual he has written describing each step the person using his backpack recording studio will use to do an audio recording to make a Talking Bible in that language. The person or persons going out with the backpack, will locate a room in a quiet place convenient for the narrator. That will become a temporary recording studio. Blankets on two walls or their equivalent will give an excellent acoustical accommodation. Sometimes closet doors are opened and mirrors or smooth headboards of beds are covered to deaden otherwise reflected sounds. And I know that a small, mud-walled house with a grass roof is almost perfect in which to do an excellent recording.

We’ve trained people who have done these kinds of recordings on numerous occasions. The end result is as good as a recording done in a professional studio.

Talking Bibles International is a servant ministry. Pray for people to catch the vision and embrace the passion. Perhaps your mission or your church has a special people for whom you want to provide God’s Word in audio. Check it out with our office and explore how it can be accomplished. With God nothing is impossible. God hears and answers prayer. God has whatever is needed to make it happen. Trust Him.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A SPECIAL, TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES AND FOR THE BLIND.

THAT NAME TALKING BIBLE

2012-01-23T16:28:00.000-08:00

In 2000AD when the world's first listening device was produced having an entire New Testament in it on one cassette, the question arose: What should this unique listening device be called?

Because it was designed to be shaped like a book and have the appearance of Bible, the name best suited would be "Talking Bible." To protect the name and the form this unique listening device was trademark as being a "Talking Bible."

They wanted anyone receiving this book shaped listening device that looked like a Bible to know that it contained the exact words of the Bible. When the digital listening device superceded the former cassette technology, the name "Talking Bible" was its appropriate, continuing name.

And when Audio Scriptures International and the Adopt-A-Village organizations merged, the must suitable name for this ministry was recognized to be "Talking Bibles International."

The primary focus of this ministry is to provide Talking Bibles for its own global ministry and to make them available to other ministries under agreed upon terms.

Talking Bibles International has a heart to get Talking Bibles into the hands of people who are still identified as "unreached people." Our experience testifies to the marvelous fact that people receiving Talking Bibles become strong disciples of Christ who reach out with their Talking Bibles and again make new disciples of Christ. Churches are planted and the Christian community of believers continues to increase in numbers.

And it all happens as the Lord leads His people to partner with Talking Bibles International in this ministry and undergird it with finances and prayer. Let God be thanked and praised.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES THIS YEAR ADDING TO THE NUMBER OF UNREACHED PEOPLE WHO WILL RECEIVE TALKING BIBLES IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE.

2012-01-18T13:20:00.000-08:00

Only the four gospel accounts from the New Testament have been translated into the Majangir language and then recorded for the Talking Bible, but just hearing that scripture potion has greatly changed Abera Kergekan.

Coming from rural village of Dunchei in highlands of southwestern Ethiopia, Abera, like the vast majority of people from his rejoin has never learned to read. Illiteracy has not stopped him from hearing the gospels on his Talking Bible and has given the 30-year-old farmer, and father of four, a deep knowledge of God and His love. Holding his Talking Bible Abera explained how he usually rises with the sun to begin his day in the field. Before leaving to work he sits with his wife and children to listen to the Word of God and pray. He said, “I know there is more revelation from God, but I only have this part and it has set me free. I know His love and want others to know it as well.”

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES IN 2012

A TB SUNDAY ADVOCATE IN OTHER CHURCHES

2012-01-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

I’m hoping some who volunteer to be a Talking Bible Sunday Advocate in their own church will be inspired to do the same in other churches.

It’s a great opportunity to be like a missionary without going overseas. Being an Advocate in other churches extends your ministry. What you do reaches out to bless people you’d like to go to if you were able to go out as a missionary.

Being such an Advocate is a wonderful opportunity and privilege to serve Christ in a unique and special way. Why not pray and ask the Lord to show you if this is something He would like for you to do? I’d love to discuss this possibility with you.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

ADVOCATES FOR A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY

2012-01-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

A Talking Bible Sunday is a Sunday that a local church designates on which its members hear how Talking Bibles are used. And a special offering is taken to provide Talking Bibles for non-readers. Any local church can designate such a Sunday on a convenient date in their congregation’s calendar of events.

Normally, an Advocate is given ten or twelve minutes during a regular worship service. An Advocate shares about the Talking Bible ministry and shares several stories from people in India, Africa or elsewhere. These are exciting testimonials from people who tell what their Talking Bible means to them and how they use it to reach others for Christ. An Advocate shows the congregation the Talking Bible and demonstrates how it functions. That Talking Bible is given to this participating church for it to use in its own Care-giving ministry among its own members.

Needed is an advocate in a local church to inform and encourage its leaders to observe a Talking Bible Sunday. Such a person can be an Advocate in his/her own church. The office provides each Advocate with a helpful Information Packet. Useful information about a Talking Bible Sunday is also available on www.talkingbibles.org Or one can call the office to inquire further. Tel 1-800-318-7262

Thank you for praying for the Talking Bible Sunday movement. Perhaps God wants to bless you to bless others by your being that Advocate in your church.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES IN 2012.

A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY AND THE GIDEON BIBLE SUNDAY

2012-01-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

A Talking Bible Sunday is probably modeled after the Gideon Bible Sunday.

I’m no expert on the Gideon Bible Sunday. But I do recall vividly that the church I attend observed an annual Gideon Bible Sunday. On that Sunday a spokesman on behalf of Gideon Bibles came to our church. He spoke about the ministry and told several stories about how Gideon Bibles had blessed those who received a Gideon Bible. He asked for prayer for the Gideon Bible ministry and a special offering was taken to help them provide printed Gideon Bibles to be placed in hotels, motels, schools and other strategic locations.

On that Sunday our church was reminded of the Gideons’ important ministry and given the opportunity to share in that ministry. It was good for our church and good for that ministry.

I’ve been advocating an annual Talking Bible Sunday for similar reasons. The difference lies in that Talking Bibles are intended for non-readers. On a Talking Bible Sunday, a congregation hears reports on how non-literate people become Christians by listening to their audio Bibles speaking their languages. They learn how non-reading Christians with their Talking Bibles are winning new converts to Christ and starting new churches. Until now it is often it is a member of the local church, that gets information from Talking Bible’s International’s Information Kit and makes the report on that church’s Talking Bible Sunday.

My blog is meant to highlight the importance of a Talking Bible Sunday. With a Talking Bible Sunday, churches become aware and informed and partner in the ministry through their prayers and through their special offering taken on that Sunday.

Please pray with me for the Lord to move thousands of churches to observe a Talking Bible Sunday in 2012. Every church doing this will be providing Talking Bibles for additional non-readers who will otherwise not receive this most precious gift.

And remember that every church that sets its date for when it will observe its Talking Bible Sunday, can request the Information packet which includes a free Talking Bible. This Talking Bible makes it possible for the presenter to show it and demonstrate how it functions. Then this free Talking Bible is kept by this congregation and used in its own Care-Giving Ministry among its own people.

For more information visit the website, www.talkingbibles.org. Or you can call 1-800-318-7262 to learn more.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

TALKING BIBLES ON THE CUTTING EDGE

2012-01-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

A Talking Bible is on the cutting edge of technology. It’s book shaped design with the appearance of a printed Bible sets the stage for the message it communicates. Its Bible like appearance creates an awareness that it is about God. This listener is anticipating something from God before it verbally communicates the very word of God. Its unique Bible like appearance provides the perfect setting in which its message, the inspired Word of God is heard and embraced. The listener, inspired by the same Holy Spirit, is given understanding to believe and know that this Talking Bible is speaking God’s Word.

A Talking Bible is on the cutting edge of Church Planting. Talking Bibles are going out to the very edges of the Christian movement. Christians among so called hidden peoples are not only hearing and being blessed themselves, but they reach out to new peoples who have yet to hear. And frequently with their Talking Bibles they reach out to neighboring peoples who have never heard about Christ. It happens when a bilingual person hears and translate the message from the Talking Bible for his people who do not yet have Talking Bible in their language.

Conclusion: People with Talking Bibles are making new disciples, becoming planted churches. God is blessing all of this because it represents an obedience to Jesus final instructions to his followers when he said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:18a

Blog Reader: It all happens because people like you and people in your churches catch the vision and partner with this global ministry of Talking Bibles International. You prayers and financial support are blessed of God to make it happen.

For more info visit the website, or call 1-800-318-7262.

Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCH LEARNING WHAT GOD IS DOING THROUGH TALKING BIBLES AND BECOMING PARTNERS IN THIS GLOBAL MINISTRY

“COME, READ TO ME FROM THAT BOOK”

2012-01-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

I hear your plea from India, Africa and elsewhere. I would come but I am too old at 91 years. I would come but your country is far from mine. I would come but I do not speak your language. I would not be able to read from your printed Bible because it is in your language, not mine.

What can I do? My heart goes out to you. I know you want to know what God says in His book, the Bible.

I have good news for you. There is a way for someone to come and read to you from that Book. I will send someone who speaks your language and will be right there with you, reading from that Book. Here is what makes it possible:

Long ago, some people spent years translating that Book into your very own language. Knowing this had been done, we sent someone to audio record that NT translation and we made it into a talking book that speaks your language.

When that book comes to you, you will see that it looks just like a printed Bible. It is a talking book, i. e. a Talking Bible. The difference is that it has no pages to turn. Instead you just push a button and immediately it speaks God’s Word to you in your language.

I am sorry I cannot come, but I will do what I can to have someone send you that book, a Talking Bible. This Talking Bible will become your treasured possession. I know that you will listen to it again and again as God speaks to you in your very own language. And I know, too, that others in your family, neighbors, relatives, friends and even people in distant villages will be wanting to listen with you.

I’m glad you asked me to come. I, like many others, would love to do that. But, I think you will agree that we are doing something even better than that. We are sending you your very own special Book, the Word of God, a Talking Bible in your language. You will learn how God sent His only Son, named Jesus, to show us how much He loves us. Your heart will be glad beyond any words I can write to tell you. I hope your Talking Bible arrives safely and soon. I’d love to hear from you again. You will be in my prayers.

Blog reader: To send a Talking Bible or several Talking Bibles, you can make a tax deductible donation easily on the website, or mail in a check to Talking Bibles International, PO Box 906, Escondido, CA 92033-9721. And to learn more call 1-800-318-7262

I am praising God for you and I thank you on their behalf

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: THAT THERE BE A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHUCHES IN 2010, HELPING SEND OUT THAT BOOK, THE TALKING BIBLE.

REVISITING THAT MAKING OF 2012 BUDGETS

2012-01-07T17:40:00.000-08:00

I grew up on the farm in Minnesota. I still recall an old, from the farm expression, “The squeaking wheel gets the grease.” As I share my thoughts, I don’t fault you for, perhaps, thinking of that old saying. Yes, I realize that you’ve heard it before. But, I feel burdened to say it again.

January is an important month. Many mission committees are looking at where they want their church to focus its mission programs in 2012. I’m saying again, “Put the Bible translators and Talking Bibles at the top of the list. Make these ministries your high priority activities that you want your people to support with prayer and finances in this new year, 2012.

As God’s people and our churches provide the finances, Talking Bibles International will place Talking Bibles among oral culture, non-reached people, especially Christians who have no Bibles and cannot read. This is a marvelous way to help disciples become informed and strong in their faith. Not only, so, but these Christians, inspired and instructed by what they learn as they listen to their Talking Bibles, prompted by the Holy Spirit, boldly visit non-believers to share their witness to Christ.

Many, who would otherwise be resistant, welcome the opportunity to hear a Talking Bible speaking God’s Word to them in their own language. The very appearance of the Talking Bible, creates a reverence and an expectation. The Bible is, in fact, the inspired Word of God. It speaks the Word of God with power. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible that was translated into their language, now empowers listeners to understand, repent and believe this good news from God.

Giving such non-reading, oral culture people Talking Bibles is a sure way to make strong disciples who, in turn, make new disciples of Christ. Churches are planted by otherwise ordinary people who are empowered and emboldened to reach out to others because they have in their hands a Talking Bible in their own language.

Hundreds of testimonials from India, Africa and elsewhere confirm the truth I have just affirmed.

Pray with me for churches everywhere to catch the vision and to include the Talking Bible ministry in their 2012 budgets. Thank you for praying fervently and giving generously to enable this to happen. To God be all the praise, thanksgiving and glory. Hallelujah! Amen!

To learn more call the office 1-800-318-7262.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES IN 2012 PARTNERING IN THE TALKING BIBLE MINISTRY.

A TALKING BIBLE SUNDY IN 2012

2012-01-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

Observing a Talking Bible Sunday helps a local congregation become aware and motivates engagement.

Many local congregations remain unaware of the tremendous new way we can now give non-readers the same access to the Bible as have those who read. We’re in an entirely new era. Ours is an information, digital age for communication. Our challenge and opportunity is to make every translated New Testament available in audio. Doing this, we give everyone, non-readers as well as readers the marvelous opportunity to learn what the Bible says. And this is done in each people group’s own language.

A Talking Bible Sunday gives church people the information they need and the opportunity to take a special offering to help provide Talking Bibles. Often a church can designate the people group for whom they want their special offering to be designated to provide that particular people group Talking Bibles in their own language.

Churches observing a Talking Bible are richly blessed and they in turn richly bless people who would otherwise not receive those Talking Bibles this church could send.

Pray with me that 2012 will be a year to be celebrated because of a great awakening in our churches through their observing a Talking Bible Sunday. And remember that every church doing this receives a Talking Bible to demonstrate on their special Sunday and then to keep for its own Care-Giving Ministry among its own people.

Call the office: 1 800-318-7262 and ask for their information kit with its Talking Bible.
To God belongs the praise and glory.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES IN 2012 TO BECOME AWARE AND TO BECOME ENGAGED IN THIS IMPORTANT MINISTRY

DO YOU STILL WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL?

2012-01-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

“There’s a story about two monks, one aged and the other a novice, walking together one morning in the monastery. The novice turned to the saintly old monk and asked, ‘Tell me, Father, do you still wrestle with the devil.’

“ ‘Oh, no, my son,’ he answered. ‘I’m much too old and too wise for that! You see, now I wrestle with God.’

“ ‘With God?’ the young novice exclaimed. ‘But Father, how do you hope to win?’

“ ‘Oh, no, no, no, my child,’ said the old monk, ‘I hope to lose.!’”
- from forty Days to a Closer Walk with God, published by Upper Room books

Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org, http://www.talkingbibles.org/

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

BUDGETS – BUDGETS – BUDGETS

2012-01-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

Everywhere, except perhaps in congress, 2012 budgets are being considered and approved.

I’m thinking of each of the Mission Outreach Committees in our churches. How I wish I could be part of their deliberations. I’d do my best to persuade them to include the work of Bible translators and the ministry of Talking Bibles in their final budget.

Both of these ministries are essential. Normally, the Bible translators do their work first. When a translation is finished, Talking Bibles of their costly, sacrificial effort can be made.

But, for that to happen, donor support is critically important. Without it, no Talking Bibles can be made.

That’s the reason why, I’m urging Mission Outreach Committees in every church to include these two high-priority ministries in their World Mission Budgets for 2012.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: IN 2012 A SPECIAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES

A DISCIPLE MAKING MINISTRY

2011-12-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

Among Jesus’ final instructions to his disciple was what we all refer to as His Great Commission. His instructions are as clear as crystal. Jesus said, “… go and make disciples of all nations…” He was talking to disciples who were to go out and make disciples.

The global church is what it is because His disciples have been making disciples or failing to do so these two thousand years since Jesus spoke his final instructive words telling his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.”

I thrill to think how the Talking Bible ministry represents our response of obedience to those instructions from Jesus.

In a few words, this is how I see it. Talking Bibles in languages with authentic translations of the New Testament are produced and provided, focusing on doing this for non-reading, oral culture people. I see two wonderful results following. Existing believers, i. e. disciples become informed, grounded in their faith and experience a closer fellowship with Christ. These disciples, because of their having a Talking Bible, are motivated and equipped using their Talking Bibles to go out and make new disciples. Again, these new disciples also receive Talking Bibles, grow strong in their faith and, similarly, go out with their Talking Bibles and make new disciples. This is so simple yet so profound. It is doable and repeatable. Thanks and praise be to God.

This pattern is marvelous to see happening and it challenges us to enable this way of making disciples to be extended over and over until every language group has been discipled just as Jesus commanded when He said, “… go make disciples of all nations…”

I challenge and invite all who read my blog to pray for and join in this marvelous global ministry.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN ALL OUR CHURCHES TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN EVERY LANGUAGE FOR EVERY PERSON WHO DOES NOT READ AND FOR THE BLIND.

A THIRD TIME – THIS FINAL WEEK

2011-12-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

You will recall that someone said, "You should do it at least three times." This individual was speaking about appeals for year end donations. He said that during this busy season churches and God's people need to be reminded up to three times.

So this is my third reminder that year end donations make a tremendous difference in what Faith Ministries like Talking Bibles International can do each year.

The Talking Bible Ministry has one primary mission to fulfill. We are called to do whatever is required to put Talking Bibles in the hands of non-reading, oral culture people. The Talking Bible is a digital listening device of choice for this mission task.

We focus on doing this among Christians who do not read. Having a Talking Bible such non-reading Christians become strong in their faith with a close bonding with Christ. Not only so, but with a Talking Bible they go out, win new people to faith in Christ and thus plant new churches among previously unreached people. And, we have seen numerous instances when Christians with Talking Bibles, reach out to a neighboring language group. They find a bi-lingual person who relays in his people's language the gospel spoken by the Talking Bible, telling the good news about Christ. In this way a neighboring group hears the gospel in its own language. Non-literate Christians become missionaries to their neighbors and effectively cross linguistic barriers when they have Talking Bibles.

That is why I am making this third appeal for a year end donation for the Talking Bibles Ministry. It is not too late. We have still have a whole week to do it. And it will take only a few minutes if you will only follow the leading of God's Spirit. Learn more from the website, www.talkingbibles.org. My heartfelt thanks for all who have already made your year end donation. And let me thank all of you who will be making your year end donation this final week . Let God be thanked and praised.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

A CONCOMITANT FACET OF TALKING BIBLE’S MINISTRY

2011-12-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

The primary focus of the Talking Bible Ministry is to provide Talking Bibles of the translated Scriptures in needed languages to give non-reading oral culture people the same access to God’s Word as is enjoyed by those who read. This is made possible, primarily, through donor contributions from those whom God leads to support this ministry with prayer and finances.

With this primary focus clearly understood, I want to share some additional good news for every local congregation. Every church has people among its members who spend some time in a hospital, nursing facility or who may be ill at home. The Talking Bible makes a marvelous, comforting bedside companion for those hurting members of a local church.

I’d love to see every local congregation having one or more Talking Bibles they can loan to their own members when hospitalized, in a nursing facility or ill in their own home. While providing Talking Bibles for such Care-Giving ministries is not the focus of the Talking Bible Ministry, it offers and additional blessing that every local congregation would do well to take advantage of.

I’m trying to persuade churches everywhere to do this because I learned from my own hospital days when I was ill with pneumonia how greatly I was blessed by having beside my bed God’s Word in audio. During those long hours, when I didn’t have the energy to read, with just the push of a button I heard God speaking to me from His precious Word.

I commend, without reservation, that every church incorporate using the Talking Bible in its Care-Giving ministry among its own members. The Talking Bible is available in English and many additional languages. Check it out on www.talkingbibles.org.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

WISHING YOU ALL A “MERRY CHRISTMAS”

2011-12-20T18:10:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that here in America, some people are forbidden the right to say, “Merry Christmas.” Who could ever have predicted that this would happen in America?

Being under no such limitation, let me wish all of my blog readers your best Christmas ever, i. e. a merry Christmas. When I think of the angels singing that first Christmas and of all the songs created across the centuries to praise Jesus, God’s costly gift to save us from our sins and to deliver us from the power of Satan, saying “Merry Christmas” is the least that we can say this Christmas and all the Christmases that follow.

I want to say it again, “Merry Christmas.”

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

TOLD TO SAY IT UP TO THREE TIMES

2011-12-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

Someone on the internet was giving his opinion on “Year End Donations.” He said one should probably appeal for year end donations up to three times. I have no way of knowing if this person is right or wrong in his assessment. But, what he said encourages me to write this short blog to say it once more. Here it is:

Donor supported ministries need year end donations. Donor supported, Faith Ministries like Talking Bibles International thank God for all who are led to make a special year end donation this year.

If you’ve read my blogs, you’ll recognize that this is the second time at least that I have discussed the need for and the importance of “year end donations”

So let me thank you for pondering this blog and praying over it. There is still time to do it. Ask God if this is something He would have you do -- a year end donation for the ministry of Talking Bibles International. A year end donation means someone will receive a Talking Bible who will otherwise be left waiting. Such a year end donation is like a special Christmas gift for a non-reading person, longing to have a Talking Bible with God’s Word in his/her own mother tongue. A year end donation makes an essential difference. Thanks be to God for what He will enable.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

A SPECIAL YEAR END DONATION

2011-12-11T21:17:00.000-08:00

Donor supported, Faith Ministries like Talking Bibles International thank God for all who are led to make a special year end donation this year.

I’m on the mailing list of quite a number of donor supported ministries. I am blessed to know how God is leading and providing for them. I’m not able financially to do that much, but their mailings keep me informed and I can pray more knowledgeably.

As I’ve been reading these various mailings from a number of Faith ministries, I’ve noted a common thread in nearly all of them. With thanks to God, nearly all are appealing to their donors -- churches, individuals and other institutions -- for a special, year end donation. Some tell of how nearly thirty percent of their yearly support comes in through these special, year end donations.

If you’ve been reading my blogs, you will recognize that I, too, have highlighted the importance of year end donations. It is no secret that in today’s economy, such year end donations are more difficult to make, while at the same time being needed more than ever.

Thank you for pondering this blog and praying over it. Ask God if this is something He would have you do -- a year end donation for the ministry of Talking Bibles International. If there is one thing we know, it is that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think. Knowing that, I close with thanks and praise to God.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

A REVOLUTIONARY NEW AGE

2011-12-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

It’s a revolutionary new age – the information age! Digital technology, microchips, spectacular listening devices – cell phones, iphones, ipads and numerous types of excellent small, easy to carry listening devices. Ours is identified as a trade-marked Talking Bible.

It has the appearance of a printed Bible -- was designed to be the best possible listening device for a non-literate, oral-culture person or group to use easily. Mark and Paul who both grew up in Africa had a good understanding as to how oral-culture people think. They designed a listening device for the kind of people they knew from having lived among them. They believed that a listening device having the appearance of a Bible would also come to communicate a non-verbal message that this was indeed a Bible with the Word from God. They had their listening device trademarked with the name “Talking Bible” so that everyone would know that in this listening device was the exact Word of God – nothing added and nothing missing. Normally the Talking Bible has a single voice narration of the translated Scripture.

Testimonials from many parts of the world confirm that the Talking Bible does what it was designed to do. People love it. To have a Talking Bible is like having someone come to read to you from the Bible. Many tell how their lives have been changed as they hold this beautifully designed listening device in their hands and hear God speaking His Word to them in their own language. Testimonials indicate that non- literate Christians listening to the Talking Bible grow stronger in their faith. Many tell how sinful, pagan customs are abandoned and how their lives are changed to become more like the person Christ wants them to be. Many go out to near and far away places and invite others to listen with them to their Talking Bible. Those who listen hear God speak to them in their own language and many hearts are touched.

It’s a new age. With Talking Bibles, otherwise ordinary Christians, become strong and true disciples of Christ and are inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit to win others to faith in Christ. New churches are planted. Let God be thanked and praised!

And I thank you for your strong prayers and financial support for this marvelous, effective, global Talking Bible Ministry. To God be all the honor, glory and praise!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

“WHY HAVE WE NEVER…?”

2011-12-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

This haunting question is indelibly etched on my heart. I heard this serious question raised by an elderly Majang woman more than 40 years ago. Her question was “Why have we never heard this before?”

It was late in the afternoon on a market day in Teppi in SW Ethiopia. Lavina and I, each of us on a horse, accompanied by 10 young Majang believers who helped by carrying our sleeping gear and food stuff, were nearly sixty miles from home. We’d been trekking through various Majang villages, sharing the good news about Jesus wherever we stopped. We were as far as Teppi and the next day would begin heading back toward home at the Godare River.

As we prepared for the night stop, among the many heading for home from the market was a group of Majang people. We invited them to remain for a bit while we played the message about Jesus in their language on our cassette player.

It was when the message ended that this elderly woman, sitting on the ground with others, turned to ask someone sitting behind her, saying, “Why have we never heard this before?”

Hers was a haunting question. What excuse could I offer? Why had no one in all these centuries cared enough to visit them with this good news from God? It causes me to ask, “Why? How much do we really care?”

Today we can rather easily share this fantastic good news about Jesus by means of our Talking Bibles. They’ve already placed several hundred of these among the Majang but that’s not nearly enough. Pray with us and make a generous donation saying, “For the Majang Talking Bible Project.” Say with me, “Woman, we have heard your question. Talking Bibles are on the way so that you and your family and all your neighbors to the very edges of your tribe will hear this good news about Jesus.” Thanks be to God for this incredible opportunity.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY WITH A SPECIL OFFERING TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR ALL WHO DO NOT READ AND FOR THE BLIND.

YEAR END GIVING – MAKING A CRUCIAL DIFFERENCE

2011-12-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

It’s wonderful to know that many individuals, churches and other entities make a special year end gift to support ministries like Talking Bibles International. Such gifts are a tremendous encouragement and an enormous help. They make a crucial difference in what donor supported ministries can do each year.

I’ve read of some ministries saying that up to as much as forty percent of their annual donor support comes to them via these crucial year end gifts.

Recently I read a statement on the internet reminding churches that it is not too late to include a special year-end offering in their desire to help donor-supported ministries.

So, let me close these few thoughts with my heartfelt thanks to all of you who are remembering this blessed, global ministry of Talking Bibles International. Your year end gift means a Talking Bible will become someone’s Christmas gift – someone who will otherwise be left waiting for this most precious gift – a Talking Bible telling the good news about God’s incomparable gift to us, His only begotten Son whom they called Jesus – because He is God’s Savior who came to seek and to save the lost. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable love and mercy – Our Christmas Joy!

I thank you for being Partners In Mission supporting this global, Talking Bible Ministry.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TAKING A SPECIAL OFFERING TO HELP PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

RETIREES AND A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

2011-12-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

I can well imagine the joy a new retiree must feel when the alarm no longer needs to be set -- no more long trips to get to work -- no more long hours at work preventing one from enjoying the freedom that comes with retirement.

But, I can also recognize that this first relished freedom may well lead to some having a feeling of meaninglessness, lack of fulfillment and even boredom.

I’d like to suggest that the committed Christian also look upon retirement as an opportunity to do something creative and fulfilling in the life and work of his or her church. The retiree who has a heart to serve the Lord will be guided by the Holy Spirit, enabled and inspired to do something special that will otherwise likely remain undone.

A retiree can explore possibilities and is free to pursue that which he or she never even thought of in the past. Getting involved in some aspect of Christ’s mission will make the remaining free time that much more enjoyable and satisfying.

If you are a retiree, let me encourage you to visit our www.talkingbibles.org website.
If strong and hardy, you might even consider how you can go out and audio record a New Testament so that non-readers can have God’s Word in audio in their own language. You might want to consider participating in a short-term mission trip.

Or you might want to find out how you can become an informed advocate for the Talking Bible Sunday – in your own church, and in other churches with which you can demonstrate the Talking Bible and share about this ministry.

Many donor supported, Faith Ministries welcome and depend on volunteers to do tasks which paid staff cannot find time to do -- tasks ranging all the way from folding letters for mailings to repairing and painting the building which houses the ministry.

If you are a retiree with free time on your hands, let me encourage you to give the office in Escondido, CA a call at 1-800-318-7262 or email: info@talkingbibles.org. Make it a matter of prayer and the Lord will guide. You may be the person God is waiting to bless to use for some unfinished task. To God be all the glory and praise!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND

A MISSIONARY SENDING ORGANIZATION

2011-11-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

Surprised? I’m saying that Talking Bibles International is a missionary sending organization.
Mark and Paul, who head up the organization are themselves real, live missionaries. It’s in their blood, so to speak. But, more seriously, it’s their calling from the Lord. They grew up as missionary kids. They have a distinct advantage in knowing what is required to communicate cross culturally most effectively. They know and have seen the marvelous difference Christ makes in people’s lives if they have an opportunity to hear the gospel of God’s saving love in Christ and are gifted with faith by the Holy Spirit.

But, I’m thinking just now of how Talking Bibles International is a missionary sending organization. It is sending out “mechanical missionaries”, the Talking Bible. These “mechanical missionaries,” unlike live missionaries, speak the local language the day they arrive on the field. That’s a tremendous advantage. I recall how I studied and studied and practiced to learn how to speak the local language after Lavina, Denny, Jimmy and I arrived in the Sudan way back in 1948.

Here’s the thing! These “mechanical missionaries” help those who are already disciples, often babes in Christ, to grow in their understanding and deepen their relationship with Christ. Not only that, but these equipped disciples go out with their Talking Bibles and invite unreached neighbors, near and far, to listen to what their Talking Bible says. Listeners, moved by the Holy Spirit, become new disciples of Christ.

These missionaries often get a hearing among people who would otherwise not listen to a live person wanting to share the message of Christ with them. We have countless testimonials from those who were there, testifying that this is so.

A missionary is someone who is sent out by others who pray for and financially enable this missionary to go. My family knows from personal experience how basic this is.

Praise God -- in our time there are many new opportunities and ways to proclaim Christ.
Among them and perhaps one of the best, is this “mechanical missionary” ready to go if only folks will send this missionary out.

Talking Bibles International is able and ready to send out as many of these “mechanical missionaries” as God’s people and our churches provide the finances to do it. Every single donor gift enables one of these effective “mechanical missionaries” to be sent out. How can I persuade you? May the Lord be the great persuader and enable you to say, “Yes, yes, I will help do it today.” Thanks be to God and may all the praise and glory be His.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN EVERY CHURCH SENDING OUT THESE “MECHANICAL MISSIONARIES” SPEAKING EVERY LANGUAGE.

PARTNERSHIP IN MISSION - PIM CHURCHES

2011-11-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

During our forty years serving as RCA missionaries, our salaries and overseas missionary activites were funded by our Denomination’s World Mission Department. They were able to do this, primarily, because PIM congregations committed to contribute an agreed upon amount of money annually for their missionaries, Harvey and Lavina Hoekstra.

As missionaries, we knew who these PIM congregations were. We visited these congregations during our furloughs. We had an occasional exchange of letters with them while overseas. These PIM congregations took a personal interest in their missionaries, the Hoekstras. They bonded with us and prayed for us. It was truly a marvelous relationship.

I often long for this kind of PIM relationship to be strengthened between the Mark and Paul Hoekstra’s families as they serve as missionaries with Talking Bibles International. These missionaries are needing additional PIM churches to pray for them and to provide an assured funding for their personal support and for their Talking Bible ministry. They need that bonding relationship with God’s people in PIM congregations like we enjoyed all our years as RCA missionaries.

I’m praying that the Lord will lead a significant number of Mission Outreach Committees in local congregations to become PIM congregations to partner with these missionary families as the plan ahead and prepare their budgets for 2012. Such PIM congregations will wonderfully bless and encourage Mark and Paul and their families and will bring blessing to those churches.

Let God be thanked and praised for His leading and enabling many churches to become PIM congregations partnering with the Mark and Paul Hoekstra families serving as missionaries with Talking Bibles International in 2012 and beyond.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT READ.

DONOR SUPPORTED FAITH MINISTRIES

2011-11-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

Talking Bibles International is a Donor Supported Faith Ministry. The Lord provides for the total ministry through Partnership in Mission churches, through individuals, through certain businesses that help support the ministry. And there is some support from several Foundations. There may be others of which I am unaware.

Many Faith Ministries suffer from lack of adequate funding when economic conditions are bad. Talking Bibles is no exception. The heavy burden of how to pay the bills and how to pay for manufacturing adequate numbers of Talking Bibles drives them to their knees in prayer. And there is the burden of being unable to respond to earnest pleas for Talking Bibles from places and people who would be so greatly blessed to receive Talking Bibles in their languages.

My own heart shares this burden and I’m praying that the Lord will enable some who read this blog to make a donation to support the ministry. It can be done easily from the www.talkingbible.org website or one can do it in traditional ways. I’m praying for God’s people and many churches to include Talking Bibles International in your Thanksgiving Day offering. I am confident this would be pleasing to the Lord and many blessings would follow. Please pray with me for the Lord’s provision for all Donor Supported Faith Ministries. To God alone by all praise and glory!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN YOUR CHURCH AND MINE BEFORE THIS YEAR ENDS HELPING FUND TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS

WHERE NO TRANSLATION OF NT EXISTS

2011-11-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

There are missionaries working among people for whom no Scripture translation has been done. And, in some places, no translation of the New Testament is planned.

Among those same people groups, there are Christians – sometimes only a few, but among others multitudes professing faith in Christ. Many are new disciples of Christ. All need the opportunity to hear the contents of a New Testament, God’s inspired Word, in their own language.

In many such settings, there are bilingual persons who speak the language of people who have a translated New Testament. When such at bi-lingual person hears a person reading that translated New Testament in his second language, he understands what the passage says and can repeat it in his own native tongue..

With such a bilingual person, an oral translation of a New Testament is very doable. I know this to be true because I did this myself in Ethiopia.

Every believer needs to hear the Word of God in his/her own language. An oral translation of the Scripture, in situations just described, can and should be done.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN YOUR CHURCH AND MINE BEFORE THIS YEAR ENDS.

WHICH WRITING SYSTEM TO USE?

2011-11-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

Let me attempt to explain the challenge I faced before significant printing or publication of any part of our NT translation could be done with confidence. This goes way back to 1948 ff when we began in the Sudan.

Every language has phonetic sounds which one reduces to phonemes which become the alphabet. And every language has a combination of phonemes that have meaning. This combination of phonemes with meaning are identified as morphemes, i.e. words or parts of words..

The burning question for me was this: Should I write the language phonemically or morpho-phonemically. Let me attempt to illustrate how these two methods of writing would differ.

In this language the basic morpheme, i. e. word for “to give” was “moch”. The following paradigm indicates the difference between the two alternative was to write the language.

Phonemic writing: Morphophonemic writing:

Mocha – I give Mocha – I give
Mochi - you give Mochi -you give
Moche - he gives Moche -he gives
Moijwa –we give Mochwa – we give
Mochu -you give (pl) Mochu - you give (pl)
Moidge – they give Mochge – they give

If I recall this correctly, to use a fancy linguistic expression, what we have here is “regressive assimilation according to point of articulation.”

In analyzing the first column, you recognize that the “w” sound caused the “ch” sound to become an “oij” sound. Similarly, the “g” sound caused the “ch” sound to become an “oid” sound.

In the second column, the spelling of the morpheme is retained. The two columns illustrate two different possible ways to write one of the previously unwritten languages.

The argument in favor of writing morpho-phonemically, is that the reader will readily identify that word and when reading, the reader will automatically make the phonetic changes reflected in phonemic column.

If one were to write phonemically, the reader would have to identify the conditioned changes as illustrated in column one. Such conditioned changes occur constantly throughout a language. Reading would likely be much more jerky and slower.

Conclusion: Reading will be more rapid and smoother when the reader identifies the basic morpheme, i. e. spelling of the words. The phonetic changes will occur automatically when reading -- this rather than sounding out the words phonemically, i. e. phonetically.

I chose to write morpho-phonemically the language on which I was working as illustrated in the second column. However, I was always a bit unsure about my decision. You can hardly imagine how relieved I felt when on our first furlough, the linguists at SIL (Wycliffe) affirmed that I had done it correctly.

Many Bible translators having to first analyze a language face these same kinds of challenges. So, let us pray for them fervently. And when their translation of a NT or several books of a NT is completed, we must make an audio recording of it to be made into a Talking Bible. For this goal to be achieved, let us give generously and pray fervently and daily. Thanks be to God!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES BEFORE THIS YEAR ENDS.

ON REDUCING A SPOKEN LANGUAGE TO WRITING

2011-11-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Before leaving for Africa we were students in the SIL (Wycliffe) program during the summer of 1947. Other missionaries, potential missionaries and I were learning about languages. I took copious notes and our study manuals with me to the Sudan in Africa. Unfortunately, when our house burned to the ground in 1951, they were all destroyed.

So as I write this blog, I am, recalling what I did as best I can. Let me attempt to describe what we learned and applied in our work. Languages can be analyzed in four categories: phonetics, phonemics, morphology and syntax.

With respect to phonetics, one needs to identify all the sounds, assign appropriate letter to write those different sound on paper, learn where each sound is made in the mouth and how to reproduce that sound when speaking. Every phonetic sound must be indicated by its own letter when transcribe. However, not all such transcribed sounds are represented in the final alphabet used to write that language.

With respect to phonemics, one must identify the sounds which are conditioned by adjacent sounds and recognize the difference between these conditioned sounds and the unconditioned sounds, These unconditioned phonetic sounds are the phonemes or letters of your final alphabet. Someone described it as being that phonemics cooks the phonetics and what remains are the phonemes, i. e., the true sounds which make up your alphabet.

With respect to morphology, this is where the combination of written sounds, phonemes, have meaning. One identifies morphemes as short two or three letter words or parts of longer words affecting the meaning of that combination of phonemes. These different morphemes are spelled out by phonemes, i. e. letters from the newly arrived at alphabet. That final alphabet represents only the unconditioned sounds, i. e. the phonemes.

Syntax relates to sentence structure, i. e. how the words are properly strung together in sentences with meaning.

Every Bible translator working in an unwritten, spoken language has to cope with this kind of linguistic challenge before he/she can accurately transcribe the translated text so that it can be read meaningfully.

Tomorrow, I hope to share a major concern I had about my writing system and how relieved I was when SIL confirmed that I had made the right decision.

Let us offer strong prayers for all who are engaged in Bible translation. Pray that each completed translation of a New Testament will be both printed and recorded in audio.
As far back as 1982, in the cassette era, I wrote that a Bible translator’s work should not be considered finished until it is made available in audio as well as in print.

Talking Bibles International’s global ministry is to make audio recordings of the Bible available as Talking Bibles Thank you for praying for the Talking Bible ministry and for supporting its important work financially.

If you visit the www.talkingbible.org website, you can learn much more about Talking Bibles and the various ways in which you can make your contribution to this vital ministry.. May the Lord bless and guide each of you to know and to do His will. Thanks be to God!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES BEFORE YEAR’S TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT READ AND THE BLIND.

THE POWER OF THE TRANSLATED SCRIPTURE

2011-11-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

In the Sudan our first translation work was done in a small room attached to our mud walled, grass-roofed house. We were near completing our first translation of a book in the New Testament, the Gospel of Mark. During those days a man, named Dilok, from a village a couple of miles away, had been coming daily to receive medicine for his dysentery. On one of those days Dilok came into the room where we were sitting and quietly sat down on the floor to listen to what we were doing. He continued doing this for a number of days.

Dilok was sitting there the morning we finished translating the Gospel of Mark. On that morning we read aloud the 15th and 16th chapters. Dilok was listening to every word. When the reading stopped, he said, “I have heard this good word from God and it has gone into my liver.” He expressed a desire to become a person of Jesus and to be baptized.

This was wonderful to hear, but there was a hurdle to overcome. I had visited Dilok’s village and in the center of his village he had a shrine – a bamboo pole at the base of which was a mound of direct covering the bones of the several sheep and goats he had sacrificed. And on the pole there was attached a small gourd where beer would be poured at certain times. All was done to keep strong and to be at peace with feared evil spirits of one kind or another.

I spoke to him lovingly and carefully explaining to him that to be baptized he would have to destroy that shrine and make no more sacrifices as he had in the past. I said, “A man cannot walk on two paths at the same time.” I recall telling him, “God has brought you today to hear His sweet word because He loves you and wants you to belong to Him.
You don’t need to make sacrifices anymore. Jesus, God’s only Son, was the perfect sacrifice showing us how much God loves us. You must think deeply in your liver and ask God to make you wise and unafraid of anything because you are trusting Jesus who is alive with power over death and the grave.” Etc.

I shall always remember how this man turned and walked slowly away without making a positive response. It was a moment of great sadness both for him and for us.

But God was not through with this man yet. Two or three weeks later Dilok returned. He had a spring in his step and his face was radiant. He said, “God has shown me that I must destroy my shrine and put all my trust in Jesus.” I am ready to do that and I want to be baptized.”

Some weeks later, our small group of Christians walked out to Dilok’s village and I baptized him saying in his own language, “Dilok, I wash you with the water of God in the name of Jesus Christ. Walk in His new path always. Enogawno.” (Amen)

Dilok became a strong Christian and eventually was an elder in the church.

Many experiences like that have demonstrated the power of the translated Scripture among those who read or hear. When translated New Testaments go out as Talking Bibles, God’s power to open blind eyes, soften hard hearts and give understanding and faith is evident over and over. The worldwide church is challenged to press ahead with its Bible translation efforts and to make every NT recording available in audio for all who do not read. To me it seems unthinkable that we would not do this in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES BEFORE THIS YEAR ENDS.

ON TRANSLATING THE NEW TESTAMENT

2011-11-04T13:45:00.000-07:00

Before 1950 most Bible translation was done by missionaries. Between 1950-1975 missionaries with mother tongue assistants did the translation. From 1975 onward most Bible translations are being done by mother tongue translators.

I was a Bible translator from 1948-1962. My first challenge was to reduce the spoken language to writing. Linguistic training at SIL under Dr. Kenneth Pike and Dr. Eugene Nida enabled me to do that.

I had two mother tongue assistants. The one was at the eighth grade level and could read and speak in English. His English skills increased over the years. The other assistant was illiterate, had never been to school and spoke no English. I chose this man because it would force us to speak in the mother tongue. No translation of any passage was considered final unless this non-English speaking assistant understood its meaning and could speak it back to us easily in the language in which we were translating.

Each working session I was at my desk and the two assistants sat across from me. On my desk were two book stands. One had my Greek NT and the other the RSV English Bible. On the corner of my desk, five or six other English versions of the Bible were piled up. These were sometimes used to get additional insight as to the meaning of a difficult passage. Always before we began our work, with thanks to God, we prayed asking for the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Every translated verse was written on a separate 3 by 5 paper. Periodically, a young man I had taught, typed up the translations and filed both cards and his typed manuscript. This was in the pre-computer era. Now with computers, today’s Bible translators can work much more efficiently and New Testaments are translated and printed much sooner than back then. This is encouraging because there are an estimated 2500 languages in which there are still no Scriptures that have been translated.

When our translation was completed, we had representatives from three different, distant locations join us to read the entire NT translation. We made whatever changes were needed. . Because there were slight differences in meaning and expressions where people lived in those other areas, this was essential before our work was considered ready for printing. This final review required six weeks to complete.

In 1961 I hand delivered the manuscript for the entire translated NT to the American Bible Society. A Miss Spence from ABS and I discussed what we wanted the printed copy to look like – illustrations, font type and size and how many to be printed. That same year my family and I returned to the Sudan.

In January 1962, with other missionaries we were expelled from the Sudan with just a week to pack our bags. The small MAF plane that fetched us brought with it a small parcel. The pilot suggested I might want to check it out before we left. When I opened it, there were five beautifully bound and printed New Testaments. The other 995 printed New Testaments were at the Bible Society in Khartoum.

I shall never forget that last moment at Pibor in the South Sudan after that parcel with the printed translated New Testament was opened. One of the English speaking Christian leaders, seeing the New Testament in his language, said, “We don’t know why our government is sending you away, but we want you to know that “You are leaving behind God’s best gift -- His Word in our language.”

What an unspeakable privilege had been ours. But I have often said, “The people and churches back home were as important to this task as was I.” It was their prayers and financial support that enabled us to serve as missionaries. So let us support and pray fervently and frequently for all Bible translators who are similarly engaged in this rewarding, essential task of translating God’s Word in another language.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES PROVIDING THE TRANSLATED SCRIPTURES IN AUDIO BEFORE THIS YEAR ENDS

TALKING BIBLES COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

2011-11-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

A Talking Bible is powerful to communicate effectively because it is God’s inspired Word in the same manner as a printed Bible is God’s inspired Word. This is a basic truth!

And a Talking Bible communicates so effectively because the Bible translators have been led by the Holy Spirit as they translated God’s inspired Word. Enabled by the Holy Spirit, Bible translators have wrestled successfully with all the matters of “dynamic equivalence” and accurate cross-cultural communication. so that their finished product is the best possible way to express the text of Scripture in the language of that culture. Translating the New Testament among oral culture people makes an oral communication of that New Testament as a Talking Bible a beautiful combination. It is no wonder that a Talking Bible communicates so effectively among oral-culture people.

The numerous reports telling of the response of people listening to a Talking Bible are extremely positive indications that God’s Word is being communicated effectively.
I’m referring to testimonials from among oral-culture people who do not read.

A Talking Bible blesses Christians by giving them understanding, by deepening their relationship to Christ and by motivating and equipping them to share their Christian witness with others. Disciples of Christ are learning the great truths from the Bible and their faith and commitment to Christ becomes stronger and stronger.

A Talking Bible makes new disciples of Christ. It creates the opportunity for non-literate Christians to share the Word of God, centering in Christ Jesus, with non-Christians. There are many stories from different people groups in different countries telling how someone who had refused to listen to evangelists or Christian workers, agree to listen to the Talking Bible. Not only that, but a significant number of these, hearing the Word of God in their own language, at some point become believers and are baptized. Churches are being planted with new believers because of a Talking Bible.

For anyone who doesn’t read, a Talking Bible is the total difference between having immediate access to the translated Scriptures or not. In terms of making the content of translated Scriptures available, one can say that Talking Bibles are the answer because they accomplish something for non-readers that nothing else can do as effectively.

Audio Bibles are available in a wide range of digital listening devices. Our favorite is our own Talking Bible. It was designed to make it easy for non-reading, unlettered oral- culture people and the blind to use. It has proved to be durable year after year. Testimonials confirm that our Talking Bible is an ideal audio Bible for non-readers to hear God’s Word speaking to them in their own language. Thanks be to God!

I thank all who partner with us in this marvelous ministry. The Talking Bible ministry is a donor-supported Faith Ministry. Every Talking Bible placed among the various people-groups, is made possible because some individual or church was led of God to make a donation. Let your hearts be glad for the Lord’s leading you to partner with us in this Holy Spirit empowered, disciple making, unfinished task in world mission.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TALKING BIBLES BEFORE THIS YEAR ENDS

WHY TALKING BIBLES INTERNATIONAL EXISTS

2011-10-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

We believe the worldwide Christian Church is responsible to evangelise the world and to disciple the nations. Talking Bibles International, therefore, exists to assist the Church in this task.

The Talking Bible in the listener’s own mother tongue is a powerful communication tool.

Talking Bibles bring non-Christian listeners to put their faith in Christ and become his disciples.

Talking Bibles motivate and equip unlettered, ordinary Christians to go out with their Talking Bibles and introduce non-Christian, unreached people to Christ. These, otherwise ordinary Christians going out with their Talking Bibles, win new disciples that become the nucleus of new churches. House churches, as they are called China, come to be through local Christians who go out to unreached people, near and far, and invite them to listen to God’s saving Word as spoken by their Talking Bible.

Many reports tell how ready people are to listen to the Talking Bible speaking their own language. Reports from many different countries and people-groups tell the story of how the Talking Bible is being used by the Holy Spirit to give understanding leading to listeners committing their lives to Christ. Some have dubbed the Talking Bible as being “a mechanical missionary.”

The Talking Bible makes disciples who, in turn, reach out to make additional new disciples.

The Talking Bible is a tool the worldwide Christian Church can use effectively as it obeys Jesus Christ’s command to evangelize the world and to disciple the nations.

To learn more visit the www.talkingbibles.org website. To help provide additional Talking Bibles, as the Lord may enable, you can make a donation on line as you visit the website. For more information call the office: 1-800-318-7262.

Thank you for including the ministry of Talking Bibles in your fervent and effective prayers with thanks to God. May God be pleased to bless all who participate in this effective, Holy Spirit empowered Ministry. To God alone be the glory!

Because they need to hear,

Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES BEFORE THIS YEAR ENDS.

FAITH MINISTRY - DONOR SUPPORTED

2011-10-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Friends and TB Partners,

I'm reposting this blog first sent out nearly two years ago. Thank you for prayerfully pondering it. Blessings all.
Harvey Hoekstra

"We praise and thank God for each donor partner. Mark writes letters telling how donor gifts are being used to bless many with Talking Bibles in needed languages. The ministry depends upon donor gifts and the prayers that back them up. Let me add my word of thanks to each person who supports and prays for this important ministry.

"As many of you know, I am already 89 years of age. I marvel at how the Lord spared my life during major surgeries, during near catastrophic injuries, and during those numerous illnesses in Africa, including Malaria, Hepatitis, Filariasis, pneumonia etc. God has been so merciful to me and I thank Him.

"Many of our friends in different parts of America and the world, are in their advanced years as am I.

"In this blog, I'd like to suggest that we make plans to remember the Talking Bible Ministry with a gift in our wills. It may be possible for some to make a charitable gift as an annuity. Perhaps someone has property that could be turned into cash and sent as a gift for the ministry.

"I often think about and pray for the Lord's provision to enable the next batch of Talking Bibles to be manufactured in large numbers to receive the lower per unit cost. Perhaps someone reading this blog may be the Lord's answer.

"Talking Bibles are now being assembled in the Majangir language. The dedication service is scheduled to be held at the Majangir Bethel Synod center in Méti, Ethiopia in February next year.

"I thank each of your for praying for the Lord's provision in all these matters. May His name be exalted as we seek His leading and provision. And may He bless each one who reads this short blog.

"Because they need to hear,

"Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org

"www.talkingbibles.org

"Goal: A Talking Bible Sunday in Every church providing Talking Bibles in Every language for Every person who does not read"

MAKING DISCIPLES USING TALKING BIBLES

2011-10-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples, now apostles, was to go out and make disciples of all nations. He promised the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out His mission.

All who have heard the gospel and truly believe become disciples of Christ. These disciples are normally identified by the label, Christian. The Holy Spirit is working in and among them. Leaders emerge and the Christian group is characterized by new behavior because Christ is both Savior and Lord.

In a literate society, Christians are able to read their Bibles daily. Having a Bible they are able to grow in their understanding of God’s great plan of salvation in Jesus Christ their Savior and Lord. Of course, there is much more, but the fundamental factor is that these Christians have Bibles in their own languages.

Well -- what about Christians who are people of an oral culture? For some, the NT is not yet translated. But, for millions of non-reading Christians the NT has been translated, printed and is available. Some are being taught to read and this must continue. But for the by far larger numbers, their printed NT remains a closed book. Hopeless? Not any more!

The answer lies in recording their NT in audio and making that recording into a Talking Bible. A Talking Bible enables a non-reading Christian to become an informed, inspired, equipped disciple of Jesus Christ. Here’s from what we have observed: Among oral culture people, often, neighbors join in listening, too, when a Christian person or family listens at a scheduled time each day. The Holy Spirit very often and routinely leads a Christian with a Talking Bible, to visit other locations near and far to invite previously unreached persons or an entire family or village to come listen when he/she plays the Talking Bible. Some even find a bilingual person and via their Talking Bible they share the good news about Christ to a neighboring people group who have yet to hear.

It’s a new era. The Talking Bible in a needed language, enables non-reading Christians to become strong in faith and understanding. The Talking Bible enables ordinary, untrained or uneducated Christians to share effectively the message about Christ by means of their Talking Bible. It is the work of the Holy Spirit.

This is happening wherever Talking Bibles go. We can place almost unlimited numbers of Talking Bibles among people I have described. Our limitation is needed additional funding to increase phenomenally the number of TBs we can produce and provide.

That is why I keep praying for thousands of additional churches to become our partners. Please pray for the ministry. Include Talking Bibles in your personal tithe. Have your church include the Talking Bible ministry in its 2012 mission-outreach budget. And, there is still time to hold a Talking Bible Sunday in any church with a vision and passion to provide Talking Bibles.
Thanks be to God for laying hold of us for such a time as this. To Him be all the praise and glory!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN YOUR CHURCH AND MINE BEFORE YEAR’S END.

ON BEING AN ADVOCATE FOR A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY

2011-10-25T21:40:00.000-07:00

There are people reading this blog that God can use to be an advocate for a Talking Bible Sunday.

An advocate for a Talking Bible Sunday will be a person with a vision and a passion to get Talking Bibles in the hands of non-readers, especially Christians who are oral culture people.

In recent years millions of oral culture people have become disciples of Christ. The Bible translators have completed their work. The New Testament in their language has already been printed. Literacy efforts are likely occurring, but the overwhelming majority do not yet read and many of them never will. They are oral culture people who communicate orally. And, these oral culture people have phenomenal memories. They are careful listeners and can retell what they have heard almost verbatim.

A Talking Bible with their translated New Testament is exactly what they need. A Talking Bible in their language is the most precious gift they will ever receive. Listening to the NT in their own language, these Christian believers will become true and strong disciples of Christ, able to withstand arguments from outsiders seeking to lead them astray.

For these brothers and sisters in Christ to receive Talking Bibles, our ministry needs Partners in Mission -- individuals and entire congregations. A very practical way for a local congregation to partner with us is by having a special Sunday focusing on this special ministry. We identify such a special Sunday as being a Talking Bible Sunday.

You can be a volunteer advocate to promote the holding of a Talking Bible Sunday right where you live. Here’s one way it can happen. Visit the www.talkingbibles.org website and read about the Talking Bible ministry. Pray over what the Lord may be showing you.
Consider whom you might call in your church or in any church the Lord lays on your heart. Pick up the phone and do it. In doing that you are acting as an advocate for a Talking Bible Sunday.

To learn more call Paul or Mark at the office – 1-800-318-7262. They’ll tell you about their TB Sunday Info Packet and its free Talking Bible for a church to demonstrate on its special Sunday. And that church can keep this Talking Bible for use in its own Care Giving Ministry among its own people. On that Sunday the entire congregation is informed and inspired. They take a special offering to provide Talking Bibles and the entire congregation is challenged to pray daily for God to guide and bless those oral culture believers who will be receiving the Talking Bibles they are providing.

I’m praying that some who read this blog will be led of the Holy Spirit to become a TB Sunday Advocate. People will be blessed and Jesus Christ will be exalted and praised to the glory of God.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES BEFORE THIS YEAR ENDS.

WHOM WILL GOD PROVIDE FOR THE TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY MOVEMENT?

2011-10-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

It’s an important question. I’m inviting you to join me in prayer, thanking God and asking Him for the person of His choosing. Pray for such a person to take up where, at my age, I know such a transition is needed and inevitable.

The Talking Bible Sunday Movement is still relatively small. One day it will be huge. Let’s recall how the Gideon Bible Movement began with two men envisioning and on their knees, praying together in a room one night. Who could have dreamed then of what God was going to do? We’ve been inspired and challenged by the Gideon rep. each year when he comes to our small church and shares how God is using the Gideons to bless people with His Word. On that Sunday our church prays and takes a special offering for that great ministry.

What God did in raising up the Gideon Bible Movement, I believe He has begun in raising up a Talking Bible Sunday Movement. I am convinced that God will do for non-readers through the Talking Bible Sunday Movement, what He has done and is continuing to do through the Gideon Bible Movement for those who read.

Please pray with me for God to raise up a person of His choice to lead the Talking Bible Sunday Movement. It could be someone reading this short blog. Join me in making this your daily, prevailing prayer. God has no limitations. His powerful hand will provide as we unite in expectant prayer. Across the years, I’ve often found myself saying, “God can wield a mighty blow with a crooked stick.” And, “God swings His large doors on small hinges.” To God be all the praise, honor and glory!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR ALL WHO DO NOT READ AND FOR THE BLIND.

PLANTING HOUSE CHURCHES VIA TALKING BIBLES

2011-10-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that Christians having Talking Bibles in their languages do, in fact, reach out to share the message about Christ with others. Several patterns are evident.

Let’s take India as an example. A Christian individual or family welcomes neighbors to come and listen with them to their Talking Bible. Testimonials tell how non-Christian neighbors often join in listening in this way to the Talking Bible and become Christians.

Another way Talking Bibles are used is this: A Christian with a talking Bible, evangelist or any Christian loving the Lord, goes out to an unreached area and finds one or more who listen with him/her in a small group. The number of listeners grows. Among them significant numbers become true disciples of Christ and are eventually baptised.

The spiritual impact of God’s inspired Word in the talking Bible is frequently evidenced among listeners in miraculous healings or in a power impacting dream. Etc. It often seems similar to what happened among those first New Testament believers about whom we read in the book of Acts.

House or village churches are planted by Christians having a Talking Bible. Having a Talking Bible thus makes strong disciples of Christ who make new disciples. These new disciples are the nucleus of a new church being planted. In China they are described as being House Churches!

The era of the Talking Bible enables church planting to occur as the Holy Spirit brings about understanding, repentance, faith, the forgiveness of sins and a new life in Christ Jesus.

We thank God for all who help us provide Talking Bibles for ministries like this. Every donor gift contributes to someone receiving this precious gift of God’s Word speaking to them in his/her own language. Someone receives a Talking Bible who will otherwise, possibly, never get one. Pray for a mighty moving of God’s spirit among us all. Thank you for being a Talking Bible Partner. Let God be thanked and praised.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN YOUR CHURCH AND MINE BEFORE THIS YEAR ENDS TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT READ

MISSIONARIES RIGHT HERE IN AMERICA

2011-10-20T21:48:00.000-07:00

Recently a Christian in one of America’s churches purchased several Talking Bibles having the language spoken by people living in his community. This man was seeking a way to overcome the linguistic barrier using a Talking Bible speaking a language several of his new neighbors would understand.

I’m sharing from a copy of an email this man sent to the person through whom he had received his Talking Bibles. Let me quote the exact words of this wonderful testimonial.

“So, you remember the reason why we ordered our bibles. Well, last Wednesday I was on the phone with the young man (Ali) who just became a Christian two weeks ago. He told me that he had a good story to tell me but wanted to wait so he could share it with our class today. Well, in the mean time, another young man named Mikal just got placed here to live with Ali and Jamal on Friday. He came to church today, and gave his life to Christ today as well! He is from Darfur and ...

“Anyway, the first thing I did today was to hand out the four talking bibles along with headphones and bags we bought them to go along. When I gave one to Ali he looked stunned. I explained that these were bibles that talked to them in their own language. So, Ali told his story (through an interpreter)... He said, "since the day I became a Christian two weeks ago, I have had the same dream each night. I saw Chad (me) handing me a gift. When I open it, it is the word of God "talking" to me!"

“He had no idea what a talking bible was.

“There is a story you can share with others! Oh, and I will be needing even more talking bibles as our class added Mikal, Sarah (from India), Simon from Sudan, and Ikeshki from Japan today. I'll just find the money tomorrow and place a new order!!

“Sincerely,
“Chad

“Sent from my iPad”

Let’s pray, envision and dream together about how God’s people in our churches can be become aware of how they can reach new neighbors for Christ, using Talking Bibles speaking in their mother tongue. With Talking Bibles we can overcome the linguistic barrier and be missionaries. too, right here in America in our own communities like this man, Chad. To God be all the glory!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS.

A TALKING BIBLE TO REACH NEW NEIGHBORS FOR CHRIST

2011-10-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

We have Talking Bibles in many of the same languages spoken in the homes of many of our new neighbors. This excites me!

Outreach Committees in our local churches should watch for and pray for opportunities to meet new neighbors. Consider enabling members of your church to share a Talking Bible speaking in whatever language may be needed.

We can learn from Paul’s Adopt-A-Village experience overseas. In India a Christian would visit an unreached village. In his hand was a Bible-listening player. When he found someone who agreed to listen to the Bible-listening player ten minutes every day for the next three months, that person was given that Bible-listening player.

Marvelous things happened, the person, hearing God’s Word speak to him in his own language, often became a new believer. And this new believer welcomed and invited a neighbor, relatives and friends to join him in listening. Many listeners eventually became new believers, were baptized and a new church came into being. Literally thousands were baptized through that Adopt-A-Village method.

Church Outreach Committees, “Why not try something similar among your new neighbors?” I’m confident something similar will happen -- first the individual and then that person inviting family, relatives, other neighbors to join in listening. A house church begins to take shape.

When the Word of God is proclaimed, God Himself blesses it. God’s Word is inspired by the Holy Spirit and has demonstrated power to create understanding and faith. In this information age with its modern technology -- it’s a promising additional way for effective evangelism among our new neighbors – sharing the Gospel in their own mother tongue, making new disciples of Christ who, with a Talking Bible, make additional new disciples. A great, practical way to obey Christ’s command “to make disciples of all nations” beginning with our new neighbors – a new church is planted!

Learn more from the website. Let God use you and surprise you by what He will do. To God be all the glory.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS.

PLANTING CHURCHES AMONG UNREACHED NEIGHBORS

2011-10-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

Every year Lavina and I traveled extensively in SE Asia countries. We trained selected nationals to record entire New Testaments in audio. Near the end of that era in our lives, we noted the world-wide movement of peoples. Many new people were moving into our cities, including where we lived in California.

This prompted us to form a new organization, Audio Scriptures International, (now called Talking Bibles International) so that our overseas recordings could be made available for churches in America, also, to use to share our overseas NT recordings with our new neighbors speaking those languages.

We started small with a part-time secretary and volunteers. The phone began to ring. “Do you have the NT in Hmong?” Answer: “No, but we’ll check if anyone has it. If not, we’ll find a way to record it.” Requests increased. I personally, in our makeshift studio, recorded the entire NT in Vietnamese, Kmer, Lao and one or two other languages.

As the ministry grew, my son, Mark and his family, came from Michigan to join the effort. His technical skills and overseas experiences were God’s provision. Master copies of our overseas NT recordings were brought over for this additional ministry among our new neighbors right here in America..

Requests for entire albums with the NTs in the various languages increased dramatically.
I recall how Mark would occasionally comment, “Dad, there’s too much work involved. We have to label each cassette and duplicate it on both sides. We need to find a better way to do this.”

After several years, Mark had researched what might be possible. When Paul came home on furlough from his base in Singapore, he learned what Mark was wanting to create.
Paul said, “ Mark, I know people in India who can put feet to your ideas, When I go back to India, you must go with me.” Etc.

In the year AD2000, in India they produced the world’s first Talking Bible. It was a revolutionary, new kind of listening device having an entire New Testament sealed inside on a single cassette. Thousands were soon manufactured overseas. This was before microchips and digital technology became affordable.

Five years later, Mark designed and we began production of our beautiful, easy to use digital Talking Bible. In another blog, I’ll share how a Talking Bible enables churches to be planted, not only overseas but right here in America among our new, unreached neighbors. Thanks be to God for this marvelous, new way to make disciples for Christ.
Thank you all for partnering with us to plant new churches among those who remain unreached for Christ. For more info visit the website, www.talkingbibles.org. Your on-line contribution makes an essential difference. Let God be praised.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES OBSERVING A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY BEFORE YEAR’S END.

TO REACH OUT TO OUR NEW NEIGHBORS

2011-10-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

During the 1980’s Lavina and I had people recording New Testaments in a number of Asian languages. Near the end of that period, each time we returned from overseas, we noted the dramatic increase in the numbers of new people living among us. We observed that many of them were speaking the same languages in which we had recorded the New Testament while overseas.

We said to ourselves that we must find a way to make these overseas NT recordings available to our churches to use in reaching out to these new neighbors to bring them to faith in Christ.

So in 1989 we founded a new, California based organization which we named, Audio Scriptures International. Our overseas recording and distribution effort would continue as always but a new facet was added. Our overseas NT recordings would now be made available to our home churches to use to reach our new neighbors by communicating the message about Jesus in the New Testament in their own mother tongues.

This was done via the cassette. Today, we can do it even more efficiently with our beautiful Talking Bible. In another blog, I hope to share with you how that came to be.

But, let me thank you now for being our partners in our global ministry of providing Talking Bibles with the translated New Testaments in whatever language is needed to reach people for Christ.

I hope you’ll take a moment and make a donation on line to give someone a Talking Bible. Wouldn’t you like to have wings to fly out there and personally give someone this precious gift from God? The next best is to do it via your donation using the website, www.talkingbibles.org. Let God bless you to bless others with his precious saving Word in a Talking Bible. Thanks be to God.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES BEFORE THIS YEAR ENDS – PROVIDING TALKING BIBLES IN THE LISTENER’S OWN LANGUAGE.

LET THIS BE THE YEAR TO DO IT

2011-10-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

Anyone reading my blogs knows how often I keep saying it. This is almost the same message and format with which I began when God first laid this on my heart in AD2004. So I want to say it again.

Your church can do it before year’s end. Why not?

WHAT? Observe a Talking Bible Sunday

WHEN? Before this year 2011 ends

WHERE? In your church

WHY? 1) To give Bibleless people in oral cultures who cannot read Talking Bibles in their languages.

2) To help your people become aware that half the world’s people
cannot read and give them the opportunity to do something about it.

HOW? By making every translated New Testament available, not only in print, but also, in audio, as a TALKING BIBLE in that language for those who cannot read.

TODAY: Contact the office, request their TB Sunday Info Packet. Set your TB Sunday date and receive your free TB to show and demonstrate, and then keep for your church's Care Giving Ministry among your own people.

Call 1-800-318-7262 or email: info@talkingbibles.org. Why not?

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES THIS YEAR TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR EVERY PERSON WHO DOES NOT READ.

A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY

2011-10-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

I discovered this old email sent out to churches in AD2005. My calling then and still my calling.

COPY

A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY

WHAT? A Talking Bible Sunday

WHEN? On a Sunday of your choice during 2005 AD

WHERE? In your church

WHY? 1) To give Bibleless people in oral cultures who cannot read Talking Bibles in
their languages

2) To help your people become aware that half the world’s people
cannot read and give them the opportunity to do something about it..

HOW? By making every translated New Testament available, not only in print, but
also, in audio, as a TALKING BIBLE in that language for those who cannot
read.

I invite you to ponder this, pray over it and plan to act. Your church can make an Eternal difference for someone who will not hear unless your people respond with prayer and action. I truly thank you on behalf of those for whom I make this appeal.

In the precious and powerful name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Harvey T. Hoekstra, retired Bible translator, founder of the Talking Bible Sunday Movement

CONVERGING, COMPELLING, CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

2011-10-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

When you reach my age and live alone there is plenty of time to reflect and ponder.
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how the Lord led Lavina and me into what has become the Talking Bible ministry.

Two converging background experiences contributed to compelling us to do what we did. I had spent a dozen years translating a New Testament during our years in the Sudan. In the rainforest in SW Ethiopia, we had made extensive use of cassettes and saw how effectively they communicated the message about Christ to non-reading listeners.

During our last couple of years in Ethiopia, we had already made a couple of trips to countries in West Africa to record the essential Christian message in several different languages. Our plan was to expand this effort from a home base in Ethiopia. Foreboding political developments in Ethiopia at that time militated against our attempting this while continuing to live in that country.

Our vision and passion was to use our influence and do what we, ourselves, could do to make translated New Testaments available on cassette for non-readers. Our missionary experience in both the Sudan and Ethiopia were used by the Holy Spirit to call us to that task.

We were heavily involved in doing this with annual trips beginning in Africa, followed by India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines etc. We were seeking out ways, people and places to record already translated New Testaments. During those early years, I sometimes felt like a voice crying in the wilderness. But, praise God, today we have been joined by others in programs larger than we could have imagined. And, the lowly cassette has been replaced and superseded by microchip, digital listening devices including our specially designed, trademarked Talking Bible.

I am even more persuaded than when Lavina and I first followed the Lord’s leading that among our highest priorities in world mission today is to make every translated New Testament available in audio for the millions, especially people of an oral culture, who do not read.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES EVERY YEAR HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND

FROM KNOTTED STRINGS TO TALKING BIBLES

2011-10-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

When my book, “Honey, We’re Going to Africa!” was republished, we added several chapters and entitled the new book, “From Knotted Strings to Talking Bibles.”

The additional chapters deal with the years of our ministry after we left Ethiopia for the last time in 1976. They tell how I finished my post graduate work at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. They tell how Lavina and I spent four or five months every years in an overseas effort to record various translated New Testaments in audio using cassettes.

These chapters give the history leading to the founding of Audio Scriptures International in 1989, now called Talking Bibles International.

I narrated the entire book and anyone can listen to it for free on our www.talkingbibles.org website.

Thank you for partnering with us in our global ministry seeking to provide Talking Bibles with the translated Scriptures for non-literate peoples, especially those who are oral culture people.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES PROVIDING TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES

FIFTY ONE SUNDAYS & ONE TB SUNDAY

2011-10-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

This is my prayer: One special Sunday every year in every church. Let it be a Sunday when God’s people are made aware – a Sunday to celebrate God’s goodness in giving us our printed Bibles with His Word – a Sunday to awaken His people and stir them to action.

On a Talking Bible Sunday, an entire congregation becomes aware that God is bringing millions of oral culture people to have faith in Jesus Christ. We come to realize that they must have their Bibles in audio format because they do not read.

Every church holding a Talking Bible Sunday experiences a new joy. Each such church realizes more deeply how wonderfully blessed they are to have God’s precious Word, their Bibles. Learning of Christians who need Talking Bibles, they take a special offering on their TB Sunday to help provide Talking Bibles in needed languages.

Their special TB Sunday offering means people who will otherwise be missed will now receive their gift of a Talking Bible in their language. Please pray for God to move mightily in all our churches to make that essential difference. Be an advocate in your church calling for it to observe a Talking Bible Sunday.

For more info check out the website. Note, too, that you can make a personal donation to give someone a Talking Bible – you can do it easily right there on line. Thanks be to God!

Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN EVERY CHURCH TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN EVERY NEEDED LANGUAGE

TALKING BIBLES - A SIMILAR QUESTION

2011-10-06T18:37:00.000-07:00

Recently a visitor shared from her experience. She said they had traveled extensively. In every motel, she said, “My first question was, ‘Is there a Gideon Bible in the room?’”

As she shared, I imagined myself visiting villages in India. I’d want to ask, ”Do you have a Talking Bible in this village?” I could see us following the Gideon’s good example.
Theirs includes putting a Bible in every motel room. Ours should be putting a Talking Bible in every village.

If churches will hold annual Talking Bible Sundays with a special offering, we are committed to do it. I hope you and your church are with us in this team effort.

And you can also pitch in right now with an on-line donation of any amount. Let the Lord guide you. You will be blessed as you bless others with Talking Bibles in their own mother tongue. Thanks be to God!

Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN EVERY CHURCH EVERY YEAR TO PROVIDE A TALKING BIBLE IN HIS OR HER OWN LANGUAGE. FOR EVERY PERSON WHO DOES NOT READ

LISTENING TO MY TALKING BIBLE

2011-10-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

I began listening in earnest when my eye was troubling me. I’m listing to the beautiful narration of the KJV. Dan Wagner recorded it and edited it in our own studio. It took many months but the end result is among the best. Thank you, Dan.

This may surprise you but I began listening first thing every morning while I was dressing for the day. I listened to the Psalms. I was so blessed and pleased that once I had completed listening to them all, I started over for a second time. I did it again. There is an impact by listening that, at least for me, went beyond my reading.

Following that, I began listening to the first book in the Bible, Genesis. The account of God’s calling and promises to Abram, later called Abraham, are awesome. And the account of Joseph’s life, when sold by his envious brothers, is better than fiction. God’s overruling plan and providence to save His people from starvation reads like a mystery with a happy ending. As I listened, I wished I could persuade my agnostic friends to listen so that God could speak to them. This is real history of long ago!

Right now, I’m listening to the second book of the Bible, Exodus. How God’s enslaved people got out of Egypt and the miracles God used is remarkable, almost beyond words to describe. I’ve just finished that part where God miraculously leads His people to cross the Red Sea on dry land and then drowns Pharoah’s army as they pursue God’s people.

No wonder the Psalms are filled with remembering and praising the God of Israel. Listening to these Old Testament account causes my heart to worship God with thanks and praise. How marvelous is the God of Creation’s plan leading to that moment when Jesus of Nazareth lived among us, revealing himself to have been sent by His Father in heaven and that he was in very truth the Son of God -- exalted to be Lord and Savior because of his suffering, death and glorious resurrection with power.

These are just a few of my musings and meditations prompted by listening to those first chapters in my Talking Bible. And to think that we can now give this same privilege to all those millions who have no Bible, who cannot read a Bible if given one, but who have keen minds to remember what they hear if only we will give them a Talking Bible in their language. Thanks be to God for giving us this awesome privilege and responsibility. I hope you and your church are partners with us in this great unfinished missionary effort. Thanks be to God!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN CHURCHES EVERYWHERE TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN EVERY LANGUAGE FOR EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT READ.

DAY TO CELEBRATE – TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY

2011-10-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

A church observing a special day, the Talking Bible Sunday, can make it an occasion for celebration. On this special Sunday, we remind ourselves how blessed we are to have our printed Bibles in our homes and in our church. We express our thanks and praise to God for blessing us with His Word, the printed Bible, in our own language and that we can read it for ourselves with no restrictions.

Reminding ourselves of how precious our Bible is to us with thanks to God, we become acutely aware of the millions who are non-literate people. We become aware of how Bible translators work for many years to translate a New Testament in another language. We become aware of how relatively few are able to read these important translations. And, the good news of which we become aware on a TB Sunday is that every one of these NT translations can now, not only be printed, but audio recorded and made into Talking Bibles.

On a TB Sunday, God’s people see the Talking Bible and are shown how easy it is to use.
We hear the testimonials of those who have received their Talking Bibles. With joy filled hearts, thanking and praising God for our own Bibles, and thankful that we can provide Talking Bibles for those who do not read, we take a special, TB Sunday offering to send Talking Bibles in their own language to people of our choice.

A TB Sunday becomes an historic moment in the life of a local church. We celebrate God’s goodness in giving us our own printed Bibles and we joyfully sacrifice just a little to give Talking Bibles to people, especially Christians, who do not read as they are people of an oral culture.

Please join me in urging your church to be a partner in this global ministry of providing Talking Bibles in needed languages. Observing a Talking Bible Sunday is a day to celebrate with joyful thanksgiving to God for our own personal Bibles and the opportunity we have to provide His Word in audio for all who do not read. Thanks be to God!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING FUND TALKING BIBLES FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT READ AND FOR THE BLIND.

THE TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY INFO KIT

2011-10-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

To make it easy for a local church to observe a Talking Bible Sunday, the office has prepared a special TB Sunday Kit. When a church sets its date for its Talking Bible Sunday, it will receive this TB Sunday Kit and a Talking Bible to show and demonstrate and then keep for use in its own care giving ministry among its own people.

Kit includes: DVD about the Talking Bible project, sample bulletin insert, sample brochure, talking points and Mark S. Hoekstra’s book, I hear God Speaking in My Own Language.
A Talking Bible Sunday in this information age with its digital, microchip listening devices is to the oral culture non-literate world, what a Gideon Bible Sunday is to the literate word for those who read.

A Talking Bible Sunday is needed to awaken our churches to tremendous new possibilities we now have to make the translated Scriptures of God’s Word available to the millions who do not read. A TB Sunday helps fund Talking Bibles in needed languages for non-literate people, especially Christians who are oral-culture people.

A Talking Bible Sunday enables God’s people in a local church to participate in this global ministry by prayer and their financial support with a special TB Sunday offering.

Let me invite and encourage you to be an advocate for your church to observe a Talking Bible Sunday. Your advocacy can make the difference in your church. Why not let God bless you to bless others? You can do it! With God all things are possible.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES PROVIDING TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR ALL WHO DO NOT READ.

PASSIONATE ABOUT A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY

2011-10-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

Anyone having ready my previous blogs would know that I am passionate about there being an annual Talking Bible Sunday. This passion of mine began in the year 2004. It was then that I felt God’s call to use the internet to advocate for a Talking Bible Sunday.

Why am I so passionate about this? I am passionate about this because I know that every church holding a Talking Bible Sunday means some people who need God’s Word in audio will receive a Talking Bible in their language.

A Talking Bible Sunday makes an entire congregation become informed as to why people need Talking Bibles and what a Talking Bible does, especially among non-literate people.

I’m passionate about churches observing an annual Talking Bible Sunday because unless our churches awaken and become involved, people, especially Christians, who do not read will not receive a Talking Bible. That is an enormous difference with eternal consequences.

I value and request your prayers for me and this great cause. Pray with me for the Lord to lead thousands of additional churches to hold a Talking Bible Sunday each year.

And, please do remember that your personal donation will provide someone with God’s precious Word in audio who will otherwise not receive a Talking Bible. You can actually make a donation easily on-line. Might you be able to do that right now? Allow the Lord to guide you.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES PROVIDING TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

KNOTTED STRINGS – NEW DISCIPLES

2011-09-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

We were living in the rain forest in SW Ethiopia. It happened more than 40 years ago. A young teen aged girl came back with a grass string on which there were 13 knots. She had just returned from her mother’s village up river about 2 hours distant. In her bag she had a cassette player, several cassettes with messages about Jesus, dead batteries and that grass string with its 13 knots.

I shall never forget what she told me that day. Her name was Argeem. She said she’d been in her mother’s village using her cassette player to share with them the good news about Jesus. Argeem said, “I told them, I cannot speak like my “radioni” (their name for a cassette player) because I’ve never been to school. But I know that what you are hearing is true because I am a person of this Jesus.” She told how those women in her mother’s village asked if her “radioni” would say it again. She said she played it again for them and before she left for home there were 13 women who said, “Argeem, you take some grass and make a string on your bare leg and then tie a knot on your string for me. I want to become a person of your Jesus.”

What a day to remember! As I rejoiced in what the Holy Spirit had done, I saw that ordinary, uneducated Christians could make new disciples for Christ when equipped with cassette players telling the good news about Christ in their own mother tongue.

As time went on, we saw numerous knotted strings brought in by uneducated, ordinary Christians. New disciples were making more new disciples. The longest knotted string brought in by a man named, Elong, had on it 105 knots. Each knot represented a new disciple of Jesus Christ.

That was during the cassette era. Today we have our beautiful digital listening device, “Talking Bible.” Testimonials come in from many different language groups in other countries. They tell how they came to believe because of their Talking Bible. And they tell how they are visiting unreached peoples who also become disciples of Christ. With a Talking Bible, disciples of Christ are coming into the kingdom and these new believers are going out making new disciples. Hearing the Talking Bible, people become disciples of Christ. And these disciples, because they have a Talking Bible, are motivated by the Holy Spirit to go out to play their Talking Bibles making new, additional disciples for Christ. This is obeying the command of Jesus in this information age “to go and make disciples of all nations.” Let God be praised.

Let me invite you to visit the website, learn more and make a donation to give someone your best gift, a Talking Bible. Let God bless you to bless others with His precious, saving Word in the Talking Bible.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR ALL WHO CANNOT READ

CHOOSING THAT IMPORTANT RIGHT WORD

2011-09-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

Words are important. Every Bible translator is always seeking the exact, right word to express the truth of God’s Word cross-culturally. I recall how, when translating the NT in the Sudan, sometimes the right word would come to me in the middle of the night. I’d crawl out from under the mosquito net, reach for my flashlight and scribble that word on a slip of paper. I had the word for which I had been searching. Thanks be to God!

But today I’m thinking about how important our words are in our daily conversation, with our colleagues at work, and especially with family members in our homes. A member of the family may need a carefully chosen word of encouragement. Most of us are much too quick to criticize and put someone down. Too often we try to take the mote out of someone else’s eye, when we have a beam in our own eye. We, too easily, forget that Jesus told us not to judge one another lest we, ourselves, be judged by God.

Several favorite Scripture passages come to mind. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 ESV

Another passage I love, describes our Lord Jesus Christ – what a Savior – what an example for us to emulate. It says, “…a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench,…” Matthew 11:20a ESV

In our relation to others, especially in our homes, it is the critical, cutting, judgmental word that breaks another’s spirit. With our sharp tongue, we can break someone’s spirit like someone breaking a bruised reed or quenching a smoldering wick.

We all need to constantly ask the Lord for a tender, loving heart which enables us to choose the right word in every situation as we encourage those closest to us to take heart.
These words about Jesus keep coming to mind, “… a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench…”

And may this be our daily prayer: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141:3 ESV

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES PROVIDING TALKING BIBLES FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT READ AND FOR THE BLIND

Why a Talking Bible Sunday is needed

2011-09-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

It bears repeating! More than half of the adults in our world do not read.

This is harvest time in world mission, with millions coming to faith in Christ.

Multitudes of these new believers do not read. They need God’s Word in audio to learn how to live as Christians and to grow strong in their relationship to Christ.

The New Testament has already been translated and is printed in close to fifteen hundred different languages but, regrettably, the number of readers is very limited.

With the advent of the Talking Bible, in a matter of weeks, this costly, sacrificial work of the Bible translators can be recorded in audio to become Talking Bibles for those who do not read.

Participation in a designated Talking Bible Sunday challenges us to become aware, to pray and to give a generous special offering to help give Talking Bibles to nonreaders.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR ALL WHO DO NOT READ AND FOR THE BLIND

BLOGS BEFORE THERE WERE BLOGS

2011-09-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

I’ve begun to think that I was actually writing blogs before the word blog was in our dictionaries. Nearly fifty years ago, while living in the rain forest among the Majang people in SW Ethiopia, I was writing blog-like messages for people who did not read.

As I’ve reflected on that, I said to myself, “You were writing blogs before the word “blog” became common useage to almost anyone. During those times for those pre-blog blogs to be communicated to the people for whom I wrote them, they had to be made into audio recordings.

In those blogs, I tried to say in ten minutes the essential, New Testament truths about Jesus Christ. My blogs were messages about Jesus for people who had never heard his name before we had come to live among them. Most of those messages began in one way or another with the words, “ I have good news from God for you today.”

When those blog-like messages were audio recorded, they were like oral tracts. Our earliest attempt to do this was before the cassette had come on the market. Gospel Recordings had come out to record those blogs, or tract-like messages, and then to duplicate them back in CA as phonograph records.

But, before the records arrived, new technology was rapidly changing the way we communicate in audio. Our suitcase sized tape recorders soon became obsolete and we had smaller, battery powered tape recorders. These, too, were soon outmoded by the cassette recorder and cassette players. And now we have neat microchip, digital listening devices. We are living in the “information age!”

I wrote my many different blogs telling the good news from God and recorded them on cassette. We duplicated hundreds of cassettes, brought in a dozen or more cassette players and cartons of batteries. The Majang listened to my blogs, now oral tracts, with an interest created by the Holy Spirit. People listening came to faith in Christ. Some came back from distant villages with knots on grass strings. Each knot represented a person who had said, “I want to become a person of your Jesus. Tie a knot on your string for me.”

That was many years ago. I’ve come to think that I was actually writing blogs and audio recording them before the word “blog” had become part of our ordinary vocabulary.

During these days I frequently blog about our beautiful, easy to use Talking Bible. Our opportunity and challenge is to use all of this microchip, digital technology to tell the good news about Christ until people of every language, even in the remotest places on this planet, have heard this good news from God. And I am confident that our beautiful, easy to use “Talking Bible” is a listening device of choice for this continuing, unfinished mission task.

I hope you’ll visit our website, www.talkingbibles.org. Learn more and make an on-line donation. A gift of $72.00 covers the cost of manufacturing, audio recording, and placing a Talking Bible in the hands of someone anywhere in the world – someone who wants to follow Jesus and needs to learn more to become a strong and true disciple of Christ.

This is our great opportunity and challenge. Perhaps you can give more than just one Talking Bible. Ask God to guide you. On their behalf I thank you with all my heart.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

I LOVE MY TALKING BIBLE – (another reason)

2011-09-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Another important reason I love my Talking Bible is because it is simple and easy to use.

There are many different kinds of digital listening device on the market. Each one has its peculiar and special features to attract the buyer. Many of them have buttons to push to accomplish more than one objective. If you push it once, it will do this. If you push it twice or a third time, it will do something else. This isn’t a serious problem among technically savvy people, but for non-literate, oral culture people a button having more than one function makes things difficult. The same is obviously apparent for one who is blind.

I love my Talking Bible because it is extremely easy to us. Mark designed it for non-literate people. He grew up as a missionary kid in Africa and knew exactly what non-reading, oral culture people could handle with ease. The Talking Bible has buttons to push that do one thing only. Bible book selection, chapter selection – push one button and you have the book from the Bible; push another button and you have the chapter. Each time you push one of these two buttons you have the next book or chapter. The other two buttons do the same thing except these take you to the previous book or the previous chapter. The on/off rotating wheel starts and stops the playing and controls the volume. When you shut it off, this listening device always starts up again right where you shut it off. It couldn’t be simpler and easier to use.

I love my Talking Bible because it looks just like a printed Bible and because it is so very easy to us. In addition, it sounds great because of its excellent internal speaker. In fact the amplification is so good that thirty to forty people in a group can all listen at the same time. And, again, if you want to listen quietly and privately, it has an earphone jack to accommodate an earphone.

My hope is that you’ll check it out for yourself. And I hope you’ll be so impressed that you’ll want to give one to a non-reading Christian brother or sister living in one of the villages or towns in far away places like India or Africa. One Talking Bible out there attracts six, eight or ten other listeners. How I wish we could send thousands and thousands of these beautiful, easy to use Talking Bibles to those who do not read.

Please pray with me for God to move among His people close to home who could make it happen. Perhaps God would have you make a donation to send your gift of one or more Talking Bibles. Why not do it while its fresh on your mind. You can do it easily via the website, www.talkingbibles.org. Because of your gift, someone will be dancing with joy before the Lord. It will happen when your gifted Talking Bible arrives in that remote area where they continue to wait for God’s Word telling them in their own language about Jesus Christ, His beloved Son, the Savior for all who hear, repent and believe this good news. Thanks be to God!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

I LOVE MY TALKING BIBLE

2011-09-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

I love my Talking Bible even before I hear it speak. I love its appearance. It looks like a printed Bible and just seeing it and holding it gives me a good feeling. Because of its appearance, I sense that it is a real Bible – it is God’s Word. Because it looks exactly like a traditional printed Bible, my heart is warmed just to have it in my hand. I realize this approaches being superstitious, but it’s not that at all.

I mention this because I think our trade-marked, digital, listening device, “Talking Bible” by its book shape with black and gold appearance communicates or signals to the hearer that this is, in fact, a Bible, the very Word of God.

I love my Talking Bible because it speaks God’s inspired, Holy Word in my language. The English narration of the traditional KJV, the NKJV, or the ESV are all beautiful to hear. I listen to mine first thing out of bed as I dress and do a light exercise. I’ve been so richly blessed listening to Dan Wagner’s excellent narration of the Psalms. They spoke to me in a way beyond my previous understanding by reading. These recent mornings, I’ve been listening to the Book of Genesis. Wow! What a tremendous account of God’s Creation and His dealings with His special people.

In addition to listening at various times during the day, I’m always listening as I undress and prepare for the night to sleep.

To me these are all extra blessings that I’d not have except for my Talking Bible. These are blessings beyond what I get from my daily reading and study with my printed Bible.
And, true, I frequently find myself reading and listening at the same time. And when my eyes are tired and reading is difficult, I sit back and just plain listen to God speaking His precious Word to me from my Talking Bible. I am blessed to have my Talking Bible.

These are from some of my thoughts on why I LOVE MY TALKING BIBLE.

Can you realize how a non-reading Christian somewhere in Africa, India or elsewhere loves and treasures his/her Talking Bible? To give someone like that a Talking Bible speaking his/her own language is a priceless gift. You and I can and should do this. God blesses us for it and blesses others through it. Why not ask the Lord if this is something He would want you to do. A gift of $72.00 covers the manufacturing, audio recording of an entire NT, packaging and placing of a Talking Bible in the hands of someone who will otherwise never be so blessed. You can do it easily from the website, www.talkingbibles.org. You may want to give more than just one.. To God be all the thanks and praise.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

PEOPLE LOVE THEIR TALKING BIBLE

2011-09-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday, in a gathering of some fifty people, I saw a man stand up and tell everyone how much he loved his Talking Bible. He told how he uses earphone-plugs as he listens to his Talking Bible when he takes his daily walk.

Another lady said, “I have a dear friend who is nearly blind. I’m going to have to tell her about the Talking Bible.

Later in the day I received an email with this report from India:

“The Bibles are taking the Word of God to the remote areas of Nepal. The pastors and evangelists that graduate from the Bible School in Kathmandu are walking the footpaths throughout this mountainous land listening to and sharing the Word. As I engaged the Bibles to this group in demonstration, I witnessed their joy and amazement of hearing the scriptures in their own tongue. Many natives of the primitive tribes do not read. But now many of the small church congregations are being fed and new areas can be evangelized.”

Testimonials come in from all over the world. Thanks be to God. And I thank you for helping provide Talking Bibles, especially for all who cannot read. Why not make a donation without delay. You can make your donation on-line from the website, www.talkingbibles.org, as you finish reading this short blog. And, on their behalf I give you heartfelt thanks with praise to God.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

CHURCH PLANTING - MAKING DISCIPLES

2011-09-13T16:59:00.000-07:00

Christ's last instruction for his discples was for them to go out and make disciples of all the nations. They were to baptize these new disciples in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And they were to teach these new disciples to obey all the commands and teachings of Jesus. Jesus spoke with authority and promised to be with those first disciples of His always to the end of the age. Wow!

On another occasion, Jesus told his disciples not to go anywhere until they were endued with power from the Holy Spirit. They were given clear insructions and promised the power of the Holy Spirit to carry them out.

We now live in an era of rapid transportation and multiple ways to communicate via television, radio, internet, and innumerable digital listening devices.

Our ministry calling is to make the translated Word of God available as Talking Bibles. Such Talking Bibles are needed because more than half of our adult population in the world do not read. Among them are phenomenal numbers of Christians who do not read. The New Testament has been translated in their language but remains a closed book for them because of illiteracy. A Talking Bible is a choice listening device to enable Christians to become strong in their faith, able to defend their faith and to share it with others.

Our experience is that non-reading Christians with Talking Bibles spontaneously go out with their Talking Bibles and make new disciples of Christ. A Talking Bible not only makes disciples, but makes these disciples into makers of new disciples. What a beautiful way to obey Jesus' final instructions to go out and make disciples of all nations, baptising them and teaching them to obey everything Jesus taught and commanded.

I hope many who read this blog will want to be a partner in our Talking Bible Ministry. Why not make a donation via the website? Each gift means someone receives a Talking Bible who will otherwise not receive one. I thank you on their behalf.

Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

TEN YEARS – TWO MONTHS – ONE SUNDAY

2011-09-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

It’s that one Sunday that crowns the effort with success. I’m talking about that Talking Bible Sunday observed in local churches. On that Sunday a church becomes aware and gets involved. The offering they take means people will receive Talking Bibles with the translated Scriptures in their languages. That one Sunday makes that crucial, important essential difference for Christians in oral cultures who do not read.

Doesn’t it make sense to do this? Think of it. On average it takes ten years or more to translate a New Testament into another language. It’s a most essential task that lays the foundation. Once that foundational translation is printed, it can be audio recorded and made into a Talking Bible in two months. The only thing then remaining is distribution.

That’s where churches holding Talking Bible Sundays make that essential difference. It is the TB Sunday that provides the funds for TBs when a TB Sunday church awakens and becomes aware of what is happening and how they are called to be part of this global mission effort.

Every authentic NT translation can and must now be made available in audio for the millions who do not read. A listening device of choice to do this is our easy to use, power efficient, book shaped, digital listening device that looks like a Bible.

Pray with me that your church and thousands of others will observe an annual Talking Bible Sunday. Have your church set a date and request the TB Sunday Iinfo Packet with its free Talking Bible. Demonstrate this TB on your TB Sunday and then keep it to bless your own people in your care-giving ministry among the hospitalized or ill.

And remember, too, that you can make a donation on line to give someone a Talking Bible in the language of your choice. Why not take a moment and do it right now? Let God bless you to bless others. What a privilege! Let God be praised.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

2011-09-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

At my age you’d think I’d know what it costs to send 20 Talking Bibles to India. But, I didn’t. I’m probably like many of you, wondering what it costs.

In a recent blog I suggested that one person could make the difference. One person could make it a personal project by stepping forward and saying, “I want to pay for your shipping 20 TB’s to India. What does it cost? That India pastor ministering among those Fishermen and their families said that he’d pay the customs involved.. He was eager and willing to do his part if only someone would send him his needed 20 TBs in the Telegu language.

I knew the office had them on the shelf ready to go, but needed someone to cover the shipping costs. Well, today I have the answer as to “how much does it cost?”

I costs $89.54 to mail 20 Telegu language Talking Bibles to South India. I’m confident someone reading this will want to cover those costs. What a great privilege to make that essential difference to make it happen -- giving someone God’s precious Word in their own language.

And my thanks to all the partners who give and pray. One can make a donation easily via the website. I hope some will want to do it now. For them, I thank you with thanks and praise to God.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

ONE SUNDAY OUT OF FIFTY TWO SUNDAYS TO MAKE IT HAPPE N

2011-09-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Seems reasonable enough! Let one Sunday be special every year to focus on Talking Bibles. Why not? I believe such a special Sunday would be pleasing to the Lord.

On a Talking Bible Sunday, everyone in a local church becomes aware in a more profound way why Talking Bibles are needed and what Talking Bibles do in the lives of people. Everyone in a local church is given the opportunity to be informed and to become engaged.

A Talking Bible Sunday recognizes the foundational work done by all who translate the Bible into another languages. It helps people recognize that millions of people in oral societies do not read. They communicate orally. Because many Christians in oral societies do not read, they will not have access to this foundational, sacrificial, costly, time consuming work of the Bible translators unless someone reads these Bible translations to them.

Today this hindering roadblock has been overcome. Practical, small sized, easy to use digital listening devices are readily available. Every Bible translation can be made available in audio for non-readers. Talking Bibles International designed and manufactures a beautiful, easy to use listening device, the Talking Bible.

To receive a Talking Bible with its single-voice narration of a translated New Testament, is like having someone come, sit beside you and read God’s Word to you in your own language.

A Talking Bible Sunday blesses a local congregation to become aware and to bless others with Talking Bibles by its taking a special offering on that one special Sunday.

Our local congregations need that one Sunday out of fifty two Sundays to become aware and to become available to God to bless non-readers with His Word in audio in the language of those who will be listening. This will happen when, annually, local churches make one Sunday out of fifty two a Talking Bible Sunday. Pray for a mighty movement of the Holy Spirit to awaken churches to become informed and engaged.
A TB Sunday Info Packet with free TB is available from TB Int’l. Go to www.talkingbibles.org for all the info. Thank you for praying and partnering in this great ministry.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

JUST ONE PERSON CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN

2011-09-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

I read the email from this pastor in India. He has an effective outreach ministry among men who are fishermen by trade going out in the Bay with boats to catch fish. These fishing crews of five or six men go out, throw their nets and then wait in their boats, waiting for several hours, before hauling up their nets with fish.

This pastor and Paul met last year during the Tokyo AD2010, commemorating the One Hundredth Anniversary of the historic Edinburgh Global Mission Conf. The Talking Bible Paul demonstrated to this pastor from India had in it the Telegu language NT. This pastor was so excited because it was speaking God’s Word in his very own language. At the end of the Conf. Paul gave him this TB and he returned to India. Weeks later he emailed Paul telling of several who had come to faith in Christ by listening to that TB speaking God’s Word in their own language while waiting for their nets to fill with fish.. He was so thrilled he had to share it.

Paul and Mark followed up on this later when they visited India. Another group traveling to India had already hand carried many additional TBs in their luggage. This pastor sent the email I read today. The response of these fisherman and their families is phenomenal with many being baptized in Jesus name. And it is growing and growing.

But, this pastor has a problem. He needs more Talking Bibles. He is so eager for them that he wrote in his email, “I will pay the customs duty if you will send them to me.”

They have additional TB’s with the Telegu NT on the shelf in Escondido, CA. For these requested TBs to reach this pastor in India, just one person is needed. One person is needed to pay for shipping these 20 TBs to this pastor in India. Someone reading this blog can make it happen. If God is speaking to you, give Paul a call at 1-800-318-7262 or contact him via the website, www.talkingbibles.org. Or his email is paul@talkingbibles.org.

JUST ONE PERSON CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN! What a privilege and what blessings will flow in all directions for and from this one person. Join me in giving thanks to God for that one person He will lead to do this. Perhaps you are that person?

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

RELYING ON GOD AND NOT OURSELVES

2011-09-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

In our affluent culture with conveniences and comfort, we are always tempted to just coast along and be as comfortable as possible. This, however, is not the experience of tens of thousands of Christians living under threat of attacks from those who are hostile to Christianity. Many innocent fellow believers languish and suffer in jails and prisons under conditions we can scarcely imagine. Others, family members, relatives, friends and colleagues in the Lord’s work suffer anguish of heart and hardly know where to turn.

Praying for them and reflecting on this, I was reminded of how the Apostle Paul shared with the Christians in Corinth telling them of one of his own experiences. In these words he described his perspective on how he and his colleagues had suffered in Asia: “We were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” II Cor. 1:8b-9 (ESV)

Our suffering may not come anywhere near to what the Apostle experienced, but our response to suffering can and should be the same as his, “to make us rely not on ourselves but on God….”

If we will do that, we will be able to look back on our lives and affirm with this same Apostle, when instructing Timothy, said, “As for you, always be sober minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. … Then sharing his personal testimony he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” II Tim 5-8 (ESV)

I pray that each of us will be made strong “to rely upon God” no matter what set-backs or suffering we may experience. May Paul’s testimony be ours by the grace and power of God.

As we give thanks to God, let us remember, especially Christians who do not read, for whom we must provide Talking Bibles in their languages.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

FULFILLING THE MINISTRY “FROM THE LORD JESUS”

2011-08-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

I have often been struck by the Apostle Paul’s crystal clear understanding as to what his ministry was. He was so convinced as to what God had called him to be and to do that he would rather die than fail in being faithful to God’s call received through the Lord Jesus.

In Acts 20:24, speaking to the Elders from the church in Ephesus he said it clearly, “… if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”

And again, he speaks of what this entailed, saying, “… I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom of God.”

We’re given further insight as to the Apostle’s understanding with respect to his ministry when to those same elders from Ephesus he said, “for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”

My question is, “Are we fulfilling the ministry we have received from the Lord?”

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

YOUNG PEOPLE AND TALKING BIBLE SUNDAYS

2011-08-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

I’d love to see young people telling the story on a Talking Bible Sunday.
Young people in your churches know how to use modern technology better than any of us.
The can make a challenging and readily understood reason why their church is observing a Talking Bible Sunday.

As they make their ten minute presentations, they will have their church’s free Talking Bible in their hands. They will easily demonstrate the various technical features that make the Talking Bible a digital listening device of choice for audio Scripture ministries. The Talking Bible itself, because of its book-shape and its having the appearance of a printed Bible, communicates that it is the Word of God even before it is turned on to speak God’s Word in audio.

Involving young people in the Talking Bible Sunday movement is a wonderful way to give our young people a challenge in their area of expertise in this highly technical, information age. I hope local church leaders will grasp this appropriate opportunity to engage their young people in this cutting edge, new opportunity to share the good news about Jesus Christ. Non-reading oral culture Christians need Talking Bibles. Our experience is that these non-literate believers when provided with Talking Bibles grow strong in their faith. In fact, many become spontaneous missionaries themselves. Neighbors come to share with them in their listening. The one having a Talking Bible visits unreached people groups and the TB itself creates the opportunity as it attracts listeners. The Holy Spirit gives understanding, listeners come to a saving faith in Christ. These new believers are baptized and new churches are planted. It’s a new and effective way to plant new churches.

Our young people can, with an enthusiasm young people exhibit so beautifully, share all of this and much more on their church’s Talking Bible Sunday. Explore how it can happen in your church and pray for the Lord’s leading. Be sure to check out the website. The office has a helping TB Sunday information packet with its free Talking Bible for any church planning its TB Sunday, making it easy for our young people to do this.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

PROTECTING A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY MOVEMENT

2011-08-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

By definition a Talking Bible Sunday is a Sunday that has a single focus. This single focus must be protected and preserved. A Talking Bible Sunday is a special Sunday when the entire congregation concentrates on learning about why Talking Bibles are needed, how they are used and how this congregation can help fund providing Talking Bibles for non-readers. A Talking Bible Sunday is intended to lift the level of awareness as to the need for Scripture in audio and to inform and inspire the congregation to partner with Talking Bibles International with prayer and finances.

Testimonials as to how God is blessing those who have Talking Bibles and a special offering to provide Talking Bibles is a central feature of a Talking Bible Sunday.

While seeking to protect the central focus of the Talking Bible Sunday, we are always encouraging every ministry meeting a wide variety of social needs, to include providing Talking Bibles in their programs. Almost every kind of mission effort, will be greatly enhanced and blessed by including providing Talking Bibles for people being served.

I am always sharing with mission leaders how including Talking Bibles in their mission to meet human needs is easily accomplished and that great blessings attend such a combining of Word and Deed.

I’m concerned that the title, TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY, be reserved for that special Sunday when everything centers on the need non-readers have for Talking Bibles and how what takes place on that Sunday enables the Talking Bible ministry to provide Talking Bibles to people who will otherwise not receive one. A Talking Bible Sunday makes an essential difference as to whether it happens or not.

Please pray for a great moving of the Spirit of God among churches everywhere resulting in a national Talking Bible Sunday Movement. with thousands of churches participating in an annual Talking Bible Sunday. Let God be honored and praised!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY

2011-08-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

I’m praying that one day almost every church will be observing a Talking Bible Sunday. It is crucially important for churches to do this. Why?

A Talking Bible Sunday lifts the awareness level among its members with respect to the overwhelming need countless millions of people who do not read have for their Bibles to be in audio. Among these non-reading people, especially among oral culture people are millions of new Christians who do not read. To grow strong in their faith they need Talking Bibles speaking their languages.

On a Talking Bible Sunday the members of that church will be informed and inspired when they hear the stories of lives transformed by their hearing God speak to them from a Talking Bible. They will learn, too, how non-reading Christians go out with their Talking Bibles to witness to unreached people in other villages where they live in Africa, India and elsewhere.

On a Talking Bible Sunday everyone will see the Talking Bible itself being demonstrated, showing how it looks just like a Bible and how easy it is to use.

A church observing its first Talking Bible Sunday is given to keep the Talking Bible just shown and demonstrated. A Talking Bible Sunday church can now use that Talking Bible in its own care-giving ministry to bless its own people.

On a Talking Bible Sunday, a special offering is taken to provide Talking Bibles outside the USA in whatever language is designated. Because of a TB Sunday, people receive Talking Bibles who would otherwise never have one. This is an essential difference.

The office provides a TB Sunday Info Packet with its free TB for each church that sets a day for its up-coming Talking Bible Sunday.

A Talking Bible Sunday brings joy filled blessings to a local church. Please pray with me for a mighty moving of the Holy Spirit leading thousands of churches to observe an annual Talking Bible Sunday.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: AN ANNUAL TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

A LOCAL CHURCH’S CARE-GIVING MINISTRY

2011-08-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

Every local church has people who sometimes are ill, injured, grieving, hospitalized or for whom reading has become difficult.

A Talking Bible is a marvelous listening device to bring comfort and encouragement to one who is caught hold of in such circumstances.

If local churches were aware, I am confident every church would have at least three or four Talking Bibles to loan to their members who need a word of encouragement and hope.

I have witnessed how a hospital patient is blessed by listening to the beautiful narration of the Psalms in our Talking Bible’s KJV edition. Years ago I was myself hospitalized with a serious pneumonia when the first prototype was my companion in that isolated room. How I thanked God for that bedside companion.

Mine is a call for local churches to awaken, to become aware of what a Talking Bible can do for their care-giving ministry among their own members when hurting.

Anyone with a computer can go to the www.talkingbibles.org and listen for free to the Bible in different English versions and in any one of several different languages. You can follow that up with purchasing your first Talking Bible for you to minister to your own people in their hour of need. When you see the blessings that flow from having a Talking Bible ministering to your own people, you can add however many TBs your church may need to fulfill its care-giving mission. I hope and pray that you’ll act on my suggestion.
Blessings all.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

THE TALKING BIBLE FOR CARE-GIVING IN A LOCAL CHURCH

2011-08-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

I wish local churches might become aware of how they can use the Talking Bible in their “care-giving” ministry among their own people. A few Talking Bibles on the shelf in the church’s office should become an essential feature of every local congregation.

I visited a person in the hospital recently. Beside him was a Talking Bible. He said he was listening to the Psalms and had listened to the first fifty seven up to when I visited him. He spoke of how he was being blessed by having a Talking Bible at his side.

My longing is that pastors or someone from a local church visiting one of their members in the hospital, could pick up a Talking Bible from their church office and take it to the person they are visiting in the hospital. Show the patient how easy it is to use and then leave it behind. The hospitalized person will be greatly blessed. When again home and well, the Talking Bible is returned to the church office to bless someone else.

A small church may need only one or two Talking Bibles, whereas a larger church, obviously, will need more. Any church can begin with just one TB.

If churches were aware of this exciting, new possibility to enhance their “care-giving” ministry for their own people, I am persuaded they would do as I am suggesting. This is so very doable in every church, large or small. May the Lord lead and guide! Blessings will flow. Let God be praised!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

AN ADOPT-A-VILLAGE STRATEGY

2011-08-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

Using Scriptures on Cassettes in the era before Talking Bibles, Paul Hoekstra developed a strategy in India that he identified as “Adopt-A- Village.” Confident in the power of the audio Bible itself to communicate effectively, his objective was to get Scripture Listening Devices in the hands of non-Christians in non-reached villages.

The success of his approach was evident in the tremendous number of new believers and churches resulting from the Adopt-A-Village strategy. This demonstrated the power of straight audio Scripture before today’s marvelous digital, listening devices had hit the market.

With the digital Talking Bible now readily available, the Adopt-A-Village method needs to be reinvigorated and implemented, focusing on unreached peoples.

As I recall it, back then local evangelists or church workers placed Scripture listening kits in the hands of willing non-Christians living in unreached villages in India. Visiting these villages, the local evangelist or motivated Christian workers offered to give a Bible listening device to a person who promised to listen at least ten minutes every day for the next three months. And this person also promised to welcome anyone wanting to listen too. Because these were non-literate people, a thumb print on the agreement paper was the signature required.

These local Christian leaders or evangelists did this in countless numbers of villages. People were hearing God’s Word by themselves. Occasionally the evangelist visited and interacted with the growing number of people listening along with the person who made that original commitment. By the working of the Holy Spirit, people came to a saving faith in Christ, thousands were baptized and churches were formed.

With Talking Bibles, that same approach can be implemented. The fields are white unto the harvest. Pray that the Lord will enable all the obstacles to be overcome and that we supply the thousands of Talking Bibles needed to bless people with the opportunity to hear His precious, powerful, saving Word through such an Adopt-A-Village strategy.

And please remember you can easily make an on-line donation for this great ministry. On their behalf I thank you. God bless!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS TO HEAR GOD’S SAVING WORD IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGES.

I AM LISTENING TO THE PSALMS

2011-08-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

I’ve know some folks listen while driving. So it should be okay, too, for me to listen while dressing and doing a small exercise!

I’ve added a somewhat unorthodox way in which I use my Talking Bible. I’ve been enjoying listening to the Psalms. I love Dan Wagner’s narration of the Bible. I have my Talking Bible with Dan’s KJV narration. It is on a small table right beside my bed.

The first thing each morning, while getting dressed my TB is playing. On the first day I started with Psalm One and listened to five or six chapters while doing a daily light exercise followed by my getting dressed. When I take a rest in the afternoon, I may put it on and listen again, beginning where I left off in the morning. And while preparing to retire for the night, I again turn it on, beginning where I left off.

Mine is not a Bible study, but what I’ve discovered is the recurring themes running through the Psalms. The God of Israel, our God, is exalted. His relation to His chosen people, their failings and disobedience, their crying out to God for forgiveness and restoration: their contrasting the glory of God, the Creator, with the idols man makes who can do nothing; the call for man to recognize God’s greatness, goodness and mercy and to praise Him forever; the marvel of God’s grace and his people’s unworthiness, etc. Listening strikes a responsive note in my heart – a response of thanksgiving and worship.

I’m nearly through my second hearing of all the Psalms and I thank God for leading me to do this. When finished, I’ll begin again with Psalm One and repeat my pattern of listening. I may continue this indefinitely. I am blessed in doing so and have a much greater appreciation for the Psalms. I commend you to give it a try.

During the day, when sitting in my comfortable chair in the living room, using my other TB I listen to selected books or chapters with much greater concentration and careful attention. In doing so, I am blessed!

But let us not forget the millions who have no Bibles and have yet to hear. Our ministry is to provide God’s Translated Word in audio for the millions who do not read. I always invite my readers to partner with us in this great calling. Learn more from our website, www.talkingbibles.org. Why not make a donation on-line? You can do it right now. Your donation will give someone a Talking Bible who may otherwise never get one. Such is our great privilege! And thank you for praying. May the Lord be praised and thanked.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN YOUR CHURCH AND MINE TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT READ.

A PAGE FROM HISTORY – PIONEERING FOR CHRIST

2011-08-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

When we knelt at our bedside in the middle of a sleepless night, 65 years ago, Lavina and I promised the Lord we’d obey His call and go to Africa as His missionaries. We would go to the Sudan where I was to translate the NT in a foreign language.

We had no idea as to what lay ahead. It never entered our minds that one day, we’d be expelled from the Sudan and going deep into a rain forest in SW Ethiopia to be the first people to tell this forest people about Jesus Christ. And, we had no idea of the challenge we’d have in just getting ready to live in that place among a “hidden people.”

I was reading about it in my book, “Honey, We’re Going to Africa!”. Let me share a couple of paragraphs with you telling how we were getting ready in 1964 for that venture. Here it is – quoting from a letter sent to my folks at that time.:

“The day was beautiful again as is every day here in Addis at this time of the year. It’ll be quite different in a couple of weeks when we go to our new post, to be known as the ‘Godare River Post.’

“What busy days these are… Most everything has been sacked or boxed. I bought thirty-six 10 foot by 12 inch boards for boxing things and they are nearly gone. The saws and hammers have been working overtime.

“This past week we ordered our year’s food supply, four local saddles, 2 pack saddles, 8 axes, 8 shovels, 40 grass knives, 6 pick axes, three files, an umbrella tent, two folding chairs, 20 sacks, 12 smaller sacks, 40 yards of sacking, 5 bolts of unbleached cotton cloth, a used umbrella tent…”

Reflecting on all of this, I marvel at how God enabled us to navigate this uncharted turn of events -- from being a sedentary, Bible translator to being a rugged pioneer missionary opening a new work deep in a tropical rain forest. And I recall how marvelous Lavina was in coping with this huge challenge. How often we affirmed the word of Paul, the Apostle, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

You can listen to the audio version of my book on www.talkingbibles.org. I confess to listening occasionally myself. I know you will love it.

And today’s new challenge and opportunity is to provide Talking Bibles for the millions of people who need to hear because they are oral culture people and do not read. I praise God for all who have been and for all who will become partners in this unfinished task. You can actually easily make a donation on-line via the website. God bless all who do that.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN YOUR CHURCH AND MINE TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR ALL WHO DO NOT READ.

“GOD’S TEMPLE – GOD’S SPIRIT DWELLING IN YOU”

2011-08-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

Recently several of us had a short conversation about “temple” referring to the church in Corinth and a few chapters later Paul refers to our bodies as being the temple of the Holy Spirit – the singular and the plural applications. Interestingly in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, when Paul says, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you? He is using the plural form for “you” (clear from the Greek) meaning the body of believers in Corinth is viewed as being a temple in which God dwells. However, usually, we think of our individual bodies as being a “temple” in which God, the Holy Spirit, dwells. And we do this correctly in harmony with what Paul says in 1 Cor 6:19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” Both are deeply meaningful teachings from the inspired Word of God via the Apostle Paul.

The English is ambiguous because only the context indicates whether “you” is singular or plural. Translating the NT in the Sudan, the language had both singular and plural forms for “you” just as does the Greek language NT.

We had an additional challenge in our Sudan language, however, in that it had two words for “we.” One word included the people about whom you were speaking and the other word excluded them. If you read 2 Corinthians, chapters four thru six, you’ll recognize the challenge the translator has to understand precisely what Paul had in mind. For example, when Paul says, “We have this treasure in earthen vessels” is he intending to express a general truth, or is he referring specifically to himself and his missionary companions.

Often reflecting on why a Talking Bible communicates so very effectively, I believe it is because the Bible translator has addressed every question needing an answer to express the intended meaning of the text accurately, including how express it cross-culturally.

Thanks be to God for all who are toiling, year after year, translating God’s precious Word, line by line. Let us pray for our Bible translators to never give up until the NT on which they are working is completed and printed. Once finished, we must make it available in audio ASAP.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO HELP MAKE EVERY NT TRANSLATION AVAILABLE IN AUDIO AS A TALKING BIBLE FOR NON-READERS.

TODAYS TWIN PRIORITY TASKS IN WORLD MISSION

2011-08-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

I view translating the Scriptures and making these translations available in audio as well as print to be twin priority tasks. Translating a New Testament in another language is an essential task which has to be done. But making that translation into an audio version is now an essential task too.

Before this microchip, technological information era arrived, it was natural that everyone focused on translating the Scripture and teaching people to read. Our churches recognize the importance of the Bible translation effort – pray for the translators and support them financially. In many churches it is a priority, unfinished task calling for people, prayer and finances. And this task must continue to be among our very high priorities in World Mission.

But, we must now add an additional twin, priority task calling for churches to recognize and get behind with prayer and finances. Churches need to get behind the audio Scripture effort with the same dedication as they demonstrate supporting the Bible translation effort.

I view Bible translating and providing Talking Bibles as twin, priority tasks. It’s a new era challenging our churches to awaken and become informed and engaged in these closely related priority, unfinished twin tasks. It seems unthinkable that our churches would not want to do this if they were fully aware of what God has made possible in our time.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING MAKE TRANSLATED NEW TESTAMENTS INTO TALKING BIBLES FOR ALL WHO DO NOT READ.

GOD'S POWERFUL SAVIOR (audio)

2011-08-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

God's Powerful Savior is a selection of passages from the writings of Luke. In one hearing the listener is intoduced to Jesus Christ in the words of Scripture. It represents my effort to do from Scripture what I had done in Ethiopia when I made audio cassettes with my prepared messages telling the essential truths about Jesus Christ. I observed then how important and compelling such oral tract-like messages were.

Many previously unreached people came to faith in Christ through those messages. Many responded by saying, " Tie a knot on your string for me. I want to become a person of this Jesus."

After leaving Ethiopia some thirty five years ago, I felt the Lord calling me to focus my efforts on making the translated Scriptures available in audio for those unable to read. Even before microchips and digital technology had replaced the cassette, I was saying, "The Scriptures on Cassette - Not just for readers anymore."

Having witnessed the powerful impact of those oral, tract-like messages on those who heard, I wanted something comparable to have its place in the audio Scripture effort.
I was also influenced by how God was using the Jesus Film to bring multitudes to faith in Christ. "God's Powerful Savior" would be to the audio what the Jesus Film was to the visual.

My selection of passages from Luke's Gospel was birthed by those two important factors. Entitled, "God's Powerful Savior", this audio arrangement from the Gospel of Luke is both beautiful and compelling. It makes total sense in one hearing.

This is a wonderful arrangement to use to introduce others to the central truths about Jesus Christ. You can listen to it on our Free Bible Listening site and share this good news with others. I urge you to check it. I know you will be inspired and blessed. And let me thank you for partnering with our Talking Bibles' Ministry with your prayers and finances. Blessed by the name of the Lord!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

THE ‘LIVER’ CONCEPT IN CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION

2011-08-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

I spent 12 years translating the NT in another language. To do this, we first had to reduce the spoken language to writing. This involved phonetics, phonemics, morphology and syntax. Without my linguistic training by SIL to enable this ground-breaking effort, no written translation could have been done.

Today it’s about cross-cultural communication. I’m concentrating on just one word in that language, the word “liver”. In many respects, in that language the ‘liver’ was used metaphorically in ways very similar to how we speak of ‘the heart”. But there was one critical difference. A person with a ‘big liver’ was a person who was greedy and selfish, whereas, in English a ‘big hearted’ person is a person who is generous and kind.

So here are some examples of how ‘the liver” was used in that African language to describe a person’s emotions or character:

a sweet liver – to be happy
a dark liver – to be angry
an absent liver – to be uninterested
a liver that hasn’t sat down – to still be pondering, unconvinced or unsatisfied
a liver that jumps up – to be surprised or excited
a liver that has sat down – to be assured or no longer concerned
a liver still in another place – to continue to be thinking about something that happened
a bad liver – to have a bad attitude or disposition
to turn a liver around – to think again, to have a better understanding, to repent
to return you liver to the ground – to no longer be upset or angry about something
a white or bright liver – to have no bad thoughts or hidden motives
a liver which has fallen down – to become extremely disappointed

These are only a few of the ways one’s ‘liver” entered into our cross-cultural communication or conversation..

When calling people to repentance, we sometimes combined calling upon the hearers to think again with their heads and to turn their livers and agree with this Word from God.
In speaking this way, I felt that we were close to expressing the meaning of “to repent” in the original Greek language.

Let us determine to pray daily for our Bible translators continuing their foundational work, without which there would be no audio Scriptures. Pray that we work together to make every completed, authentic NT translation available in audio. This we must do so that the proportionately larger numbers of non-readers have access to God’s precious, saving Word by hearing it spoken to them in their own language from a Talking Bible.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES PROVIDING GOD’S WORD IN AUDIO FOR ALL WHO CANNOT READ.

A “LIVER” THAT IS SWEET OR HAPPY

2011-08-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

In the language into which I was translating the New Testament in Africa, the seat of the emotions was in the “liver”. Similar to the way we speak of the emotions in relation to our “heart”, so they spoke in relation to the liver. A happy person was one who had a “liver that was sweet or happy.”

But, we had to be careful because of one critical difference in which the meaning was exactly opposite to the way we use the word “heart”. In our English language, we understand a person who is said to be “big hearted” as being a person who is kind and generous. In that language in the Sudan in which I was translating the NT, however, a person with a “big liver” described a person who was greedy and self centered – not a good person at all.

In my next blog, I’ll share how the word “liver” was used in that language. I think you will be surprised at some of the expressions and their meanings.

I’m unspeakably grateful to the Lord for His having called me to be a missionary Bible translator so long ago. Trying always to understand the language more perfectly, was my constant challenge and deepest satisfaction. I am not surprised that a translated New Testament when made into a Talking Bible communicates so very effectively. The Bible translator has done the difficult work of expressing the original text cross culturally in the most accurate and dynamic way. A good translation says it in the best possible way. We pray for God’s blessing on the important, continuing work of the Bible translators.

My translation work is ancient history. My current calling and challenge is to encourage and participate with others in a global effort to make every authentic, completed translation of Scripture available in audio. The task is readily doable. A number of different kinds of digital listening devices are available. We love our own Talking Bible which was designed to make it easy for non-literate people to use. The important matter, however, is that we all get on with the task, using whatever listening device best fits our needs. Needed is a global, cooperative effort in which we share our experiences and our resources to make each of the limited number of audio ministries most efficient. This is our commitment and prayer.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

GOD SPITS ON THE GROUND

2011-08-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, serving as a Bible translator in the South Sudan, we searched for a word or combination of words to say that God forgives. I learned that in a neighboring language group they said that “God spits on the ground.” Sounds crude unless one knows the culture of those people.

I learned that in that tribe when there was trouble, anger or misunderstanding which had been peacefully resolved and reconciliation followed, the offended party would spit on the ground. The estrangement was ended and harmony had been restored.

In that language they said that when God sent His son, Jesus, to die on the cross, he brought the enmity between God and man to an end. Because of the price God had paid with his blood on the cross, God forgives those who come to him confessing their wrong. In that language, to say that God forgives us, they expressed it by saying, “God spits on the ground.” For those people it was a beautiful, appropriate, normal way to express what it means “to forgive”.

Our Talking Bible speaks these carefully done Bible translations. Because illiteracy is extremely high, God’s Word in audio is the only way most of the people for whom these costly, pains-taking Bible translations were done will ever learn the depth of God’s loving, saving mission through His Son, the only Savior and Lord.

Needed are thousands of additional Talking Bibles. That’s our ministry – providing Talking Bibles in each of these languages for which the Bible translations have already been done. I pray you who read this will make a gift on-line by going to www.talkingbibles.org. Your donation will give someone a Talking Bible who will otherwise be left waiting and waiting until someone says, “I will do it.” God bless you and may His name be praised!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR ALL WHO CANNOT READ AND FOR THE BLIND.

“THE NEW ‘SWEET’ WORD FROM GOD”

2011-08-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

That’s how I translated the word for “gospel” in the NT translation I was doing in the South Sudan. That word, “sweet” had a much wider area of meaning than describing how something tasted.

In that language, if one were happy, his insides were “sweet”. Or if someone really liked something, that person said, “My liver is ‘sweet’.” Or, if a group of people were having a good time together, it was said that “their insides were ‘sweet’.” Etc,

In that language, the good news that we brought to them about Jesus was indeed “the new ‘sweet’ Word. And in witnessing or preaching, it was our joy to tell them more and more about this “new ‘sweet word’ from God.” What a privilege and joy was ours to do so. Thanks be to God.

And that same joy can be yours if you’ll take a moment to make a donation, and send someone a Talking Bible. You can do it right now by going to www.talkingbibles.org to make your donation on-line. Think of the joy your gift will bring to someone who will hear all about this “new ‘sweet’ Word from God” from the Talking Bible you gave through your donation. And they will hear this “new ‘sweet’ Word from God” in their very own language. Yes, yes, “Their insides will be ‘sweet’.”

By sending a Talking Bible, you, yourself, have become a missionary to someone who will hear this “new ‘sweet’ word” about Jesus Christ” because of your gift. Thanks be to God for leading you to do so.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES PROVIDING TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

WHICH WORD SHOULD WE USE?

2011-08-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

Imagine that you are a Bible translator working on 2nd Corinthians chapters four thru six. In the language in which you are translating there are two different words for "we". If you include the others with you in what you are saying, you will use the "we" word which includes all of you. Whereas, if you are speaking of yourself and your group and not the group to whom you are writing or speaking, you will use a different word for "we".

Using linguistic terminology, this represents what is described as "the inclusive and the exclusive we."

With careful consideration, you will come to recognize that in those chapters Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth about himself and his Apostolic companions. But one has to be careful because, for example, in ch 5:21 one has to use the "inclusive we." Paul in that verse in expressing a truth that includes the Corinthians also.

Let me invite you to read these three chapters and when the word "we" occurs clarify it in your thought by saying, "we apostles." But, be careful! When you reach ch 5:21 you cannot do that because Paul is including the people to whom he is writing. You can test yourself by amplifying it in your mind to say, "all of us" . I select this verse simply to illustrate my point. You may find others. If you'll follow my suggestion on these three chapters, you'll have a greater appreciation and a better understanding of how the Apostle understood his calling or ministry to be.

Translating in a language having two words for "we" caused numerous passages to have greater impact for me. I hope you'll be enriched similarly.

Please, let us pray daily for all the Bible translators. And join me in praying for and supporting the Talking Bible ministry providing countless numbers of these carefully done NT translations as Talking Bibles for the multitudes of people in oral cultures who do not read. You can easily make a donation on our website, www.talkingbibles.org. Let me encourage you to do it now and give someone that priceless gift, God's precious, powerful, saving Word in audio. May God be pleased to bless you to do that.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT READ AND FOR THE BLIND.

BAPTIZING A MAN WITH PLURAL WIVES

2011-08-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Missionaries wouldn’t do anything like that, would they? Some would and some would not. Sixty years ago in many missions in Africa this was a subject of hot debate. Some missionaries said, “If they love the Lord, they’ll get rid of their additional wives. Others of us said, “NO! To require a person to give up his additional wives before he can be baptized would be a mistake. The children will lose their father. The cast-off wives will become prostitutes. Repaying the bride-price – impossible!” Etc. etc.

Let me tell you what happened in Pochalla, the Sudan. The evangelist had been evangelizing in an area across the Akobo River about 20 miles from where three of us missionaries were spending a week. We did this every dry season when the road was passable. We were in a small police post of less than 100 people. We would have a baptismal service our last evening before returning home the next day, some 90 miles away.

On that last afternoon, one of the Anuak kings came forward asking if he could be baptized. He said, “Your words are the same as I heard from the evangelist teaching in my village. I want to be baptized because I believe everything you have been telling us about Jesus. I have four wives back there in the village from which I come. I am confident that one day they, too, will want to be baptized. Will you baptize me tonight because tomorrow you will be leaving?

What would you say? Because I spoke the language, it fell on me to respond. I hoped my missionary colleagues would agree – and they did. Answering his question, I said to the man, “It is true that you have four wives. I realize that you took these wives before the gospel came to your village. There are some things one does before hearing the good news about Jesus that cannot be undone. If you will make a commitment not to marry additional wives, you may be baptized tonight. He agreed. And that is what we did.

Weeks later, as required, our Presbytery sent a seasoned pastor to visit that village of the baptized man where the evangelist was continuing to teach and preach. While this pastor was there, he baptized 30 or 35 additional new believers, including the four wives of the man we had baptized on our visit to that area. In his report to Presbytery, he concurred with what we had done.

Sixty years later, I am persuaded that we made the right decision that wonderful day when we said, “There are some things one does before hearing about Christ that cannot be undone. ... Because of your promise, you will be baptized tonight.” Thanks be to God for the good news of His unfathomable, pardoning grace.

And now, here we are, some sixty years later, with a Talking Bible in the listener’s own language, multiplying over and over the number of occasions when this good news from God is proclaimed. And new disciples are making additional new disciples because of their having a Talking Bible. This is the exciting new possibility we now have in this digital-technology, information age. Let me invite you to be a partner and make a donation to give someone a Talking Bible. You can do it right now, online. Your donation will make an eternal difference. May God be pleased to bless you to bless others with Talking Bibles. May His name be praised!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

BAPTIZING IN A RIVER WITH CROCODILES

2011-08-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

The photo of this crocodile was taken on the exact river bank where we baptized people.
On one of those Sunday mornings, we were doing 25 or 30 baptisms. While in the river we spotted a crocodile lingering in the water less than fifty feet away.

When telling of that experience in one of our gatherings while on furlough, someone asked, "What do you do in a situation like that?" I said, "You breathe a prayer and baptize faster than you ever did before."

(Makes one wonder what John the Baptist would have done had there been crocs in the water where he was baptizing large numbers of people.)

That same afternoon, my missionary colleague, Chuck Jordan shot and killed that croc. The next morning I got a nice photo of it. In its mouth was a full grown baby calf from our mission herd.
It was a hungry croc. Viewing it, I reminded myself that the Lord not only closed the mouths of lions but also closed the mouth of a hungry croc that morning when we were baptizing at Akobo in the Sudan in the Pibor River approximately sixty years ago. We give thanks and praise to God.

Missionaries are no longer there but we're now providing Talking Bibles in each of those languages where Presbyterian and Reformed Church in America missionaries served Christ. We've already sent Talking Bibles out there in the Bor-Dinka and in the Murle languages. We're committed to doing them all. The Nuer language is next. Thank you for praying for us and supporting this financially. You can actually make a donation right now on the website. We're urging many of our then PIM churches to hold a special Talking Bible Sunday focusing on helping provide these translations of the New Testaments as Talking Bibles. These are translations of the New Testament that other missionaries and I were privileged to do. On their behalf I thank you for partnering with us in this marvelous, exciting project for the Lord and His people in the Sudan. With God all things are possible!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR ALL WHO DO NOT READ AND FOR THE BLIND.

THAT CRUCIAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

2011-08-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

This was forty five years ago. That night we were all dog tired. Four of us missionary colleagues had trekked some 70 miles into the Majangir tropical rain forest in SW Ethiopia. The next day, we'd begin heading back. We had reached the Godare.

It was night time, dark, raining a little and gloomy. We were hungry. Our weary bones ached. We were sitting in the dark with a flickering candle under an open sided, rectangular shapped, grass roofed Majangir shack. We were discussing which of three locations would be best for the Hoekstras to move into and establish their mission base.

Of the four men, I think I may have been the most pessimistic. I said, "How can we ever put an airstrip into this dense rain forest?" And yet, I recognized that this was the place where our ministry was most needed. It was Ted Pollock who spoke that crucial word of encouragement.

He said, "Harvey, you can do it. You can bring a landrover in here to help move the stumps and stones. You can do it." We agreed to pray about it and discuss it again in the morning -- blew out the candle and eventually all were asleep.

In the morning the sun was shining. My outlook was much more positive. The chief, Balti, came with 25 men and they cut a track into the forest, going down a slight incline about 700 yards, and periodically checking out the lay of the land on the sides. We concluded that it could be done. (When, we eventually brought that four-wheeled drive landrover in there, it took 25 men 17 days to bring it on a more or less straight course measuring 52 miles.) I have often thanked God for Ted Pollock's crucial word of encouragement, "Harvey, you can do it!"

And I thank God for the many who have encouraged me and my family across these many years. My own personal desire is always to be an encourager of others. With God all things are possible. God has encouraged my heart with His Word. Among the many verses, this one has frequently given me confidence and courage when facing special challenges. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13

Today I am thanking God for all of you who partner with us in our Talking Bible ministry.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

REMEMBERING GOD’S MANY MERCIES

2011-08-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

I’m well into my ninetieth year now. At my age, you have countless memories. I sometimes feel like I am a miracle person – so many close calls, serious injuries, multiple surgeries, tropical diseases, dangers on the rivers in the Sudan, challenges in the rainforest in Ethiopia. Let me recall a few details.

Nine years old – fell 29 feet out of a tree – no broken bones.
14 yrs – compound fracture of my ankle
- Ruptured appendix – three major abdominal surgeries – 45 days in hospital – often critically ill
My adult years – tonsillectomy
- inguinal hernia surgery
- Typhoid Fever in Sudan
- Pneumonia in Sudan
- Dysenteries in Sudan
- 3 months bedridden with hepatitis in Ethiopia
- one week in hospital Addis Ababa with severe enteritis
- Filariasis requiring medication many years
- Prostate surgery in Malaysia
- Abdominal hernia surgery in Nairobi
- Severe Malaria in Ethiopia
- Serious leg injury with trail bike– smashed head of tibia requiring surgery and cast for seven weeks & many months learning to walk again
- Serious, near fatal neck injuring on horseback in rain forest, Ethiopia involving nearly severing my spinal cord
- Intestinal cancer surgery in California

I give thanks and praise to God for His grace and mercy in all of this. Through it all He has shaped my life, has taught me many important lessons and revealed His powerful, loving Hand. I thank Him for how He has led me to this very moment as I write.

I am reminded, “One life to live, ‘twill soon be past. Only what is done for Christ will last.”

I’m praying that someone reading this will, with thanks to God, give a Talking Bible to someone who cannot read. It can be done easily via the www.talkingbibles.org website.
What better gift is there? Perhaps you can give several. Give the office a call: 1-800-318-7262 Thank you on their behalf.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES BEFORE THE SUMMER ENDS.

"THE MAN WITH THE MIRACLE LEG"

2011-07-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

"You are the man with the miracle leg," exclaimed the surprised man with whom I was conversing in India more than thirty years ago.

Lavina and I were visiting in Savarirayan's home in South India. We had been in India the previous year and had visited a leprosarium. That day when the doctor came out and saw me walking up without a limp, he raised his arms with thanks and praise to God.

This doctor was an orthopedic surgeon and was working at the leprosarium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia five or six years earlier when I had smashed the head of the tibia in a freakish trail bike accident. Because I had delayed 8 days before seeing him and his doing the surgery, he was extremely pessimistic as to the outcome.
At that time he said, "The shattered tibia bone was like egg shell. I've tried to give you a leg with which you can get upstairs, but your mule riding days are over."

But God mercifully restored my leg to where I have a minimum of discomfort. I even rode some 50 miles on horseback.

The man exclaiming, "You are the man with the miracle leg" was a friend of that doctor. It was apparent that following our visit the doctor had spoken of the wonder of what God had done for my leg. That was over thirty years ago. I still marvel and praise God for how he healed and restored my leg to almost normal useage. Much discipline, physical therapy and perspiration were involved, but it was God's goodness and mercy that smiled upon that effort and blessed me. Thanks and praise be to our God and Father.

As my leg healed, our ministry expanded to where it is today. Two of my sons, Mark and Paul, lead the Talking Bibles International ministry. Talking Bibles in many different languages are going out to bless thousands of non-readers and the blind. Donor partners and their donations make this marvelous ministry possible. How we thank God for your being our partners. If you have never made a donation, why not do it right now from the website. Your gift will make an essential difference in someone receiving a Talking Bible or being left out on the blessing God is eager to give. And we remember that "God loves a cheerful giver."

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES THIS SUMMER TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

SINGLE VOICE NARRATIONS

2011-07-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

For myself, I enjoy listening to a single voice narration of the written text. I don’t really like background music, nor do I like multiple voice narrations. I’ve given considerable thought as to how my views might relate to the ministry of Talking Bibles International.

TB Int’l does single voice narrations – no music, no commentary. It looks like a Bible and sounds like someone reading to you from the Bible in your own language. Its Bible-like appearance itself conveys a message that it is God’s Word. To have a Talking Bible is like having someone sit beside you and read from the Bible. My observation is that single voice narrations hold the attention of the listener. In fact, among non-literate people, the listener is frequently motivated to invite others to come and listen too. And there are innumerable reports of such listeners going out to find people who have never before heard this good news from God. The Talking Bible with its single voice narrations inspires and equips Christian listeners to reach out to others with this good news from God.

And it happens through someone giving one of these Talking Bibles to people who are waiting for some person to come and read to him/her from that Book. What an unspeakable privilege is ours to do this. Why not make a donation right now with a prayer for God to bless someone with His word because of what you do? It’s easy to make a donation on the www.talkingbibles.org website. Or if you prefer, write a check and mail it to Talking Bibles International, 419 East Grand Ave., Escondido, CA 92025. You’ll receive a tax deductible receipt with a word of thanks on their behalf. Let God bless you to do this.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES HELPING PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR ALL WHO DO NOT READ.

ORAL LEARNING AND AUDIO SCRIPTURES

2011-07-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

Who has put more thought, effort and prayer in seeking to communicate the message of the Scriptures cross-culturally than the Bible translators? Absolutely, no one! The bible translator has wrestled night and day on numerous verses of the New Testament to speak them idiomatically with clarity, successfully crossing the cultural linguistic barrier. I know what a challenge it is because I was, for many years, a Bible translator in the Sudan. Two African team members and I spent a dozen years translating the New Testament into a Nilotic language.

I have come to observe how wonderfully a Talking Bible communicates the essential truths of a translated New Testament. The message is clear. People listening need no interpreter to understand the central affirmations about Jesus, birth, the miracles he performed, healing the sick, casting out demons, opening blind eyes and deaf ears. They listen eagerly wanting to learn more and more about what God has done when Jesus of Nazareth said that He was the son of God. Listening, they sense why Jesus suffered, died on a cruel cross and three days later came out of the tomb alive with his great victory over his suffering and death. All of this and much more, is communicated effectively orally because the Bible Translators have done the essential difficult work required to communicate the New Testament account in that language.

The Bible translator has, with greatest care, addressed successfully every challenge to communicate accurately, clearly and naturally everything written in the New Testament. If there is a problem in how to say it, the Bible translator has wrestled it through and found a way to say it in the best possible way.

Because the Bible translator has done this incredibly difficult work of communicating the New Testament documents cross culturally, a Talking Bible in that language, speaks the message clearly and convincingly. Testimonials from listeners confirm what I am saying.

Our challenge is to increase, dramatically, the number of Talking Bibles we can send out until this powerful, most effective communication of the New Testament account with the good news of God’s salvation is proclaimed in every language in which a NT has been translated. As I often heard while living among the rain forest people in SW Ethiopia, people listening to a Talking Bible are saying, “I want to become a person of this Jesus.” It is the work of the Holy Spirit, making plain the Word that He inspired in those precious documents bound up together in one volume, our New Testament with the Word of God.

Why not give someone a Talking Bible right now? You can do it with a donation from the www.talkingbibles.org website. A donor gift means someone receives a Talking Bible who will otherwise never receive one. That is the enormous difference each donor gift makes. Let God bless you to bless others.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES THIS SUMMER TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

COPYRIGHTS, ROYALTIES AND AUDIO BIBLES

2011-07-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

It is right that copyright permission should be obtained before audio recordings are done using that translation. Such copyright permission, in my view, should be granted readily, without question, especially for translations of the New Testaments for the smaller people groups.

It is my view, too, that royalty payments should be waived by copyright holders for audio Bibles made in those languages. The non-readers in those languages are among the people least able to pay. Ministries like Talking Bibles partner with others to provide Talking Bibles at the lowest possible cost or as free gifts to such oral culture people.

The single largest impediment to providing Talking Bibles for people of whom I am writing is the lack of funds. Waiving of royalty payments seems a reasonable request to copyright holders. Copyright holders should be pleased to help by waiving royalties.

I hope some who read this blog, will prayerfully consider making a donation for Talking Bibles now. One can do it easily on-line from the TB website or if you prefer, write a check and send it to Talking Bibles International, 419 East Grand Ave., Escondido, CA 92025.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES THIS SUMMER TO HELP PROVIDE GOD’S WORD IN AUDIO FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

REACHING THE UNREACHED WITH TALKING BIBLES

2011-07-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

We all recognize the need a non-reading Christian has for a Talking Bible. But, today I’m thinking of the tremendous potential the Talking Bible has for reaching the unreached who are not Christians.

We need to expand an Adopt-A-Village type use of the Talking Bible. We need a larger program to place a Talking Bible in villages where there are no Christians. Paul’s Adopt-A-Village program in India demonstrated, in the cassette era, how effective the Bible on cassettes was in bringing previously unreached people to faith in Christ. People, listening to God’s Word on cassettes, under the enlightening power of the Holy Spirit, became believers leading to baptism. Thousands became Christians and new churches were planted.

Today our challenge and opportunity is to provide local, national evangelists with Talking Bibles they can place in unreached villages. This is how it is done: When such evangelists have Talking Bibles, they go out to unreached villages seeking the right person with whom to leave a Talking Bible. A right person is identified when that person agrees to play the Talking Bible ten minutes every day for up to three months and welcomes anyone wanting to listen also. With such a commitment, this person is given a Talking Bible. Periodically, this evangelist revisits each person with a Talking Bible. Questions are answered. Meaningful conversation about the Gospel takes place. Eventually on one of those visits a commitment to faith in Christ occurs from some who have been listening along with the person who has been responsible for the Talking Bible.

So how can this take place? To expand this proven method, we need donor partners to increase the number of Talking Bibles we can provide national, local evangelists enabling them to do this. It is a marvelous challenge with testimonials to share with everyone in our churches on a Talking Bible Sunday.

What an opportunity and privilege is ours in this new era of non-western churches having their own pastors and evangelists. Our today’s mission is shaped by this wonderful fact and that we have the technology enabling us to equip them to reach out to the unreached and bring them to faith in Christ.

For what are we waiting? I can never forget that plaintive questioning of a woman from among the Majangiir in Ethiopia, hearing, for the first time, from the cassette the good news about Jesus Christ, wistfully murmuring, “Why have we never heard this before?”

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES THIS SUMMER TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR REACHING THE UNREACHED.

PROOF READERS - PROOF LISTENERS

2011-07-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

We all recognize the crucial role of the proof-readers as it relates to Bible translating. Before the new translation can be published, proof-readers carefully read it word for word. The goal is a published Bible translation free from errors of any kind. Thank you who have been and may still be proof-readers.

Did you know that every audio recording of these translated New Testaments need proof- listeners? Let me share what I know about audio recordings done using the Backpack Recording Studio method.

Ideally, it should be a team that goes out with two Backpacks with computers. Sometimes the proof-listening takes place as the initial recording is being done. Sometimes, the proof-listener uses the second computer to listen to the recording, editing it where feasible and making a note where a particular place needs to be recorded a second time. A proof-listener is as essential to the audio recording of Scripture as is the proof-reader to the printing of the final written or typed manuscript.

Because our ministry is focused on providing the translated Scriptures in audio, I’m wanting to appeal for teams to go out with the Backpack Recording Studio and help provide God’s Word in audio for all who do not read and for the blind. I’m appealing for mission sending organizations to assign personnel to do this. We will train and equip them to record the language of any mission’s choice. I’m appealing for volunteers with a passion to do this in a language of special interest to them. A local church from which these volunteers come can pray for them and provide them with the finances needed to do this important work. Pray with me for vision and passion to do it to the glory of God!

Call the office at 1-800-318-7262 for more information. Be available for whatever the Lord may be calling you to do. I often say, “The Lord can wield a mighty blow with a crooked stick.” God will help you. He is the great enabler.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES THIS SUMMER WITH PEOPLE PRAYING AND GIVING TALKING BIBLES TO THOSE WHO NEED THEM MOST.

THAT REQUIRED, ESSENTIAL, INITIAL AUDIO RECORDING

2011-07-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

Every Talking Bible begins with a required, essential, initial audio recording. Without that normal audio recording there will be no Talking Bible. But, when that audio recording has been done, Mark and his staff can format it to be loaded into the digital listening device, a Talking Bible.

The ideal place to do an audio recording is in a professional quality recording studio. In many cases, however, doing the recording in such a quality studio is impractical. The narrator lives too far away from such a studio. Or engaging a professional quality recording studio is too costly. And there may be other reasons why a recording of a translated New Testament must be accomplished in some other way.

Mark has pondered this challenge and has come up with a proven solution to the problem. He has put together a Backpack Recording Studio. In it is the computer, a high quality microphone, an external speaker and all the necessary cables to hook everything together. And in that backpack, is a carefully detailed plan describing each step in the recording process. Colored photographs illustrate the various details.

Last week, I brought this Backpack Recording Studio home to my small apartment and experienced what is involved. I recorded “A Final Additional Chapter” for my book. I was able to do the recording and then, also, to do the editing needed to turn that recording into a beautiful, finished product. In my case, my recording will be posted in a few days on our www.talkingbibles.org website. Were I to have recorded a translated New Testament, the process would be the same except that the edited audio recording would be formatted to be loaded into a Talking Bible.

We have the required equipment and proven method to do those required, essential, initial audio recordings. A growing number of field recordings have been done by persons Mark has trained and sent out with the Backpack Recording Studio. I’m praying that God will lead many to come forward, spend a week being training how to do it, and then to go out to make these required, essential, initial audio recordings of already translated New Testaments. Such recordings can be completed in anywhere from a month to six weeks. The task is so readily doable.

Looking for a mission to accomplish? Why not adventure for Christ? Be available!

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES THIS SUMMER TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR NON-READERS AND THE BLIND.

WHO MOST NEED BIBLES ?

2011-07-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

Every Christian needs a Bible. And every Christian who does not read needs an audio Bible in his or her own language. An audio Bible of choice is our Talking Bible. It has the appearance of a Bible and was specially designed to make it easy for non-literate people to use. It is a treasured, priceless gift to any Christian who does not read.

But there is a problem. These non-reading Christians are among those who need the Bible most. But they are among those least able to pay for one. So this is the challenge.

The Christians who need TBs in their languages will only receive a Talking Bible if someone recognizes their need and gives them one.

This is the Ministry of Talking Bibles International: We identify the need and try to share that need with churches and individuals. We make Talking Bibles in needed languages and provide as many as possible. We need to do all we can to help people in our churches become aware of this great need and unparalleled opportunity. We are confident that if God’s people really know and will pray over it, that they will want to help us carry out this ministry with their prayer and finances..

So here is the bottom line: Those who need Talking Bibles most are unable to buy one because they have no money to do so. Our challenge and responsibility is to help by covering the costs involved. Some can pay a tiny fraction of the cost (and they do) but most will receive a precious Talking Bible only if people in our churches catch the vision and determine to do something about it.

Readers of this blog can make a donation on line on our www.talkingbibles.org website. Some may prefer writing a check and mailing it to Talking Bibles International, 419 East Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025.

Churches can hold a Talking Bible Sunday with a special offering to provide Talking Bibles. The office has a helpful Talking Bible Sunday Information Packet. This Information Packet includes a free Talking Bible to demonstrate on its Talking Bible Sunday and then to keep for use in its own Care Giving Ministry.

Please pray with me for the Lord to lead many individual to give generously and for many churches to observe a Talking Bible Sunday. Thanks be to God for this great privilege and responsibility.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES THIS SUMMER TO PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES FOR THOSE WHO NEED THEM MOST.

PASTORS SERVING PEOPLE SPEAKING A LOCAL LANGUAGE

2011-07-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

Pastors ministering to people who speak a local language other than their own presents a formidable challenge. These pastors normally receive their training in an institution using the national language.
When these pastors graduate, are ordained and assigned, many find themselves ministering among people who worship on Sundays in their own local language.

When the Scripture has been translated and printed in that local language, the pastor bases his messages on a passage he is to read publicly on Sunday before delivering his sermon. For that pastor, reading this passage in the local language is not easy.

Because of this the pastor tends to limit his messages to familiar passages of Scripture which he can read without being embarrassed.

But there is a marvelous solution. If a Talking Bible is available in that language, the pastor can learn to read any passage well by listening and reading at the same time as he prepares his sermon to be delivered on Sunday.. Many pastors have told us how their preaching has improved by their being able to preach basing their messages on previously closed sections of Scripture because they were too difficult for them to read and comprehend.

Whereas the primary thrust of our ministry is to provide Talking Bibles for non-readers in oral cultures, especially those who are believers, we keep hearing these marvelous testimonies from pastors. A Talking Bible in a local language is a most useful tool to encourage and bless pastors to serve effectively among people whose local language is other than the language in which they were educated and trained to minister.

We need many additional partners to dramatically increase the number to Talking Bibles we can send in needed languages. You can easily make a donation on line via www.talkingbibles.org. Why not do it now?

My heartfelt thanks on their behalf.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra – harvey@talingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING IN THOUSANDS OF ADDITIONAL CHURCHES THIS SUMMER.

The PRINCETON PLEDGE

2011-07-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

Back then hundreds of students signed the "Princeton Pledge"(I purpose, God willing, to become a foreign missionary") These students were fired up. They had a passion for Christ and the lost. They were ready to go. And many of them did, paying with their own lives. Many who were married lost their wives and others their children to diseases. The Student Volunteer Movement for Foreign Missions was officially organized in 1888.

In reading the history of these pioneers for Christ, I prayed that in our time we would have a similar passion to sieze the new opportunity we have to provide "mechanical missionaries", i. e. Talking Bibles, especially for the millions of Christians in oral cultures who do not read. Every translated New Testament can be made available in those languages. What is the hold up? I say it is lack of passion, lack of vision and a preoccupation with other priorities, or our remaining unaware of the revolutionary new possibilities we now have in this microchip, digital, information age.

Supposing we had a "TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY PLEDGE" (I propose, God willing, to hold an annual Talking Bible Sunday in my church") If pastors caught the vision and were passionate, it would happen. I pray for the Holy Spirit to do a mighty work in our time.

Because they need to hear,
Harvey Hoekstra - harvey@talkingbibles.org
www.talkingbibles.org

Goal: A TALKING BIBLE SUNDAY IN THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES TO HELP PROVIDE TALKING BIBLES IN NEEDED LANGUAGES FOR CHRISTIANS WHO DO NOT READ