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The problem today is that there is a movement
that is seeking to change truth in order to make
it more palatable to the masses. For this reason,
we shy away from biblical contextualizing
for fear of being seen as one who is seeking
to change the truth. Let us remember that
there are many cultures in this world due
to man’s efforts at the Tower of Babel when
God confounded the languages. We must
understand that it is our duty to reach through
these culture barriers so that we, like Paul,
might by all means save some.

As missionaries serving on a foreign field,
we see and feel the reality of these cultural
barriers. We live with them every day. We
search for ways to break through them for the
Gospel’s sake. We desperately desire to see men
and women and boys and girls place their faith
in the Lord Jesus Christ. Often, we think there
has to be some magical formula we could use,
but that is not the case.

A Spaniard once told us, “It’s not about you
getting to know us; it is about us getting to know
you,” One of the greatest compliments we have
received is that they thought we were Spaniards.

They are watching. They want to see how we
respond to their food, their language, and their
20 culture. They want to see how we respond
when we find ourselves in an uncomfortable
situation. Granted, all of these things should
be accomplished under the umbrella of being
biblical. Remember, we do not change truth.

We search for ways to adapt personally and for
ways to best present the truth of the Gospel in
a culture that is not our own.

As we adapt to the culture in which we live, we
find that we return to the way things began.

We are excited once again about the food, the
language, the opportunities, and the culture.

We find there are fewer and fewer barriers we
must find a way through to present the Gospel
effectively. It is no longer hard work to live and
minister in a foreign culture—but a pleasure.

This is not just something that missionaries
must do, but it is something all Christians must
do. Wherever you find yourself, there will be
cultural barriers to the Gospel. We are different
because we are called to be a peculiar people;
yet, this does not mean we cannot be relatable.

We must find ways to relate to those around us
in order to break through these barriers for the
gospel’s sake. W




By Alan Brooks
It is with great joy that we announce that Phase 1 of the
Papua New Guinea (PNG) Bible Distribution is complete!
When we first began to give Bibles to the students of PNG,
the magnitude was overwhelming. Distributing Bibles to all
of the secondary schools would be a massive undertaking. It
was necessary to raise $810,000 for Phase 1. God is so good
and God’s people responded over and above what we could
ask or think. Bibles have been purchased for the secondary
schools and another 500,000 for the primary schools (56%
of the Bibles needed for all the primary schools).

Donors have contributed over $2.3 million.

Many have asked what
Thank you! The only secondary schools that have
they can do to help.

not received their Bibles are in the earthquake
Pray for travel safety for the
area and the schools are not open. We are
distribution teams.

continuing to pray for the needed $1.5 million to
2 Pray that God’s Word will find
complete Phase 2 (primary schools).

good ground.

Continue to give—$3 puts a Bible
Please keep all the workers in your prayers as
into a student’s hand.

we attempt to accomplish this project. Only
Share this tremendous project
eternity will truly reveal the impact of this Bible
with others.

Distribution. It has been said numerous times,
Pray about coming to help
“You cannot have a harvest if you do not sow the
distribute. Spots available for men
seed, and the most fertile soil stays barren if the
only at this time. Contact Alan
seed is not sown.”
Brooks for information at alanb@
bimi.org or (423) 504-3132.

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Number 1, 2019
BIMI WORLD
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