MARCH 7, 2024
Yesterday, Pastors Jim and Dolly O'Connor purchased 5,000 additional Bibles in Cebuano and Ilonggo languages from the Philippine Bible Society in Manila to be distributed to the poorest and most remote areas of Negros Island, where the languages are predominantly spoken. This initiative aims to provide access to Bibles for people who are praying and may never have one if not provided to them.
CEBUANO
Cebuano serves as the lingua franca of Central Visayas, the western parts of Eastern Visayas, some western areas of Palawan, and most regions of Mindanao. It is spoken by an estimated 14.5 million people in the Philippines, which accounts for approximately 25 percent of the population.
HILIGAYNON (ILONGGO)
Ilonggo, often referred to as Hiligaynon, is an Austronesian regional language spoken in the Philippines by approximately 9.1 million people, mainly in Western Visayas and Soccsksargen. It ranks as the second-most widely spoken language in the Visayas and is part of the Bisayan language family, following Cebuano.
Pastors Jim and Dolly O'Connor have traveled around the world, meeting many people and visiting churches, but it is only on Negros Island where they found people so desperate for Bibles that they fasted and prayed for them just to obtain one. An 80-year-old woman traveled on foot for miles upon hearing that Bibles were being distributed.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
— JOHN 1:1
We cannot separate Jesus (the Word/logos) from the Bible (the Word/the Scripture/logos), and churches must be built upon Jesus, who is the Rock, the Word, and the Strong Foundation.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
— JOHN 14:26
The Bible says that whatever Jesus has said, the Holy Spirit will bring all things to our remembrance, and what Jesus has said can be found nowhere but in the Bible.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
— PSALMS 1:1—3 (KJV)
We cannot separate the Bible and blessings. The Book of Psalms tells us that a man whose delight is in the Law of the Lord (the Scripture) shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, which brings forth its fruit in its season; Its leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
— 2 TIMOTHY 3:16
The Bible holds far greater importance than buildings, chairs, instruments, roofs, and vehicles. A church service conducted under a tree with Bibles is more blessed than one held in large buildings with comfortable pews, musical instruments, and air conditioning, but where the congregation lacks access to Bibles.
Upon realizing this undeniable truth and burden, we have, and will continue to, purchase and distribute thousands of Bibles to the poorest and most remote places around the world. We donate them to those who may never have one if we do not provide it to them. If two individuals can impact thousands of people, imagine the effect if you, sharing the same burden and recognizing the necessity for believers to have Bibles, join and partner with us in this noble endeavor.