A box packed with religious materials on March 2 is the first of many the Escambia Baptist Association hopes will help in spreading the gospel throughout the world.
The box, which included Bibles, hymnals and other Christian literature, was prepared as part of an open house to launch the association’s participation in Book Link. Book Link is an effort that ships the literature to areas where missionaries are working throughout the world.
Pat Andrews, director of missions (DOM) for Escambia Association, said Alabama is one of only five states to have a Book Link shipping center. The other states are Kentucky, Indiana, South Carolina and Mississippi.
The literature will be collected from individuals across the state who donate their old Bibles and other material to be sent overseas, Andrews said. The distribution center for Book Link will be housed at Presley Street Baptist Church in Atmore, where the open house was held.
Along with remarks by Olin Williams, who is involved with Book Link in Kentucky, Andrews said the approximately 45 people who attended the open house helped by giving $400 during an offering that was taken.
Andrews said the money will help with up-front costs such as tape and packaging material. He said that while it will not cost
Alabama Baptists anything to donate old Bibles and literature, he hopes they will be diligent at also including monetary donations to help with the cost of shipping the books. The DOM said the cost of shipping the boxes will be $1 per pound.
Williams said he became involved with the effort in 1992 after learning of efforts by a businessman in Tupelo, Miss., who distributed Bibles worldwide. Williams took over those duties the following year when the businessman fell ill.
A retired educator and member of Pilot Baptist Church in Eubanks, Ky., Williams said he has seen the need for Bibles during the 17 missions trips he has made to Africa. Williams said people in that area either do not have access to God’s Word or cannot afford to purchase it when available.
Andrews said the effort is especially important in light of the events of the past few months.
“It’s important, especially at this time in life we’re living in since Sept. 11,” he said. “We’re living in what I consider the last days,” he said.
Both Andrews and Williams said many homes have Bibles and other religious material that have not been used in years, but can be instrumental in sharing Christ with others.
“We have people with numerous religious books on their shelves that they never read and when they pass on, who knows who’s going to get those materials,” Andrews said.
For information on how to contribute to Book Link or how to volunteer to help pack materials, call the Escambia Association at 251-296-4640 or write to P.O. Box 899, Flomaton, AL 36441.
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