Bibles for the Island of Nias

by Alan Brooks

Romans 8:28 is always an easy verse to throw out when someone is going through hard times. Intellectually, we know that God is in control and is working to make things in accordance to His will, but practically we sometimes struggle with what we perceive as God working. On December 26, 2004, one of the largest earthquakes followed by the devastating tsunami tore through Southeast Asia. Thousands perished and millions of lives were changed in just a few short moments.

Immediately, God’s people opened up their hearts and pocketbooks to help. Because of this outpouring, our missionaries were able to do many things to help the people of Indonesia. Wells, water filters, and physical help were given. True Biblical Christianity is a religion of compassion and love, which is a stark contrast to all other religions in this world. This opened the door to share the gospel with many who had been hardened against Jesus Christ, the Bible, and the gospel of our Lord. One of the early converts after the tsunami was a public school teacher on the Island of Nias. God really worked in his heart and gave him a burden to reach his people. Since he worked in the school system, his burden was to help teach the students the Truth. This dear convert (at this time I personally do not even know his name) has worked to allow us to give Bibles to all junior high students and to preach the gospel in assemblies all over the island.

In the past Southeast Asia Soundings, I shared with you how God had supplied for the Bibles going to Indonesia. As we prepared to travel over to hand them out and speak in the public schools, God has done far more than we ever expected. When we began making our plans, we needed 20,000 Bibles for the young people. What we did not know was that they had divided the school system into two districts and that 20,000 would only cover one district (Nias). They have opened up another district (South Nias), which has approximately 10,000 more students. We have the money for the first 5,000 Bibles ($15,000) for the South Nias district, but we need to raise the other $15,000. I know that many of you have already helped, for which I am thankful, but will you please pray that God will bring in the needed funds?

I often wondered why the Indonesian government was allowing us to give Bibles to public school students, but now I am beginning to understand. I not only understand intellectually that God is in control but can also see practically how He is working all things, even a terrible tragedy, for His good and His glory.

We have taken a step of faith and ordered the printing of the last 5,000 Bibles. We do not have the funds as of yet, but God has opened a great door that we must go through. If you can help, we thank you. If you can influence others to become involved, it would be greatly appreciated. I would love to come by and present the need with any church that is interested. You may contact me at alanb@bimi.org or 423 344-5050.

Please also pray for the coming trip to Indonesia. Five of us will be leaving on July 16 for three weeks to start handing out the Bibles and to present the gospel in school assemblies. Join us in praying that many will trust the Lord as their Saviour. Lord willing, I will share with you what God allowed us to experience.