The Power of Print

"For in scattering divine literature we liberate thistledown, laden with precious seed, which, blown by the winds of the Spirit, floats over the world. The printed page never flinches, never shows cowardice; it is never tempted to compromise; it never tires, never grows disheartened; it travels cheaply, it works while we sleep; it never loses its temper, and works long after we are dead. The printed page is a visitor which gets inside the home, and stays there. It always catches a man in the right mood, for it speaks to him only when he is reading it; it always sticks to what it has said, and never answers back; and it is bait left permanently in the pool!"
M. P. Panton

Heart Language

The most powerful printed words are those that are read in our own language. We may take this for granted, however, there are many tribes and nations who long to have Christian teaching books in their own language.

One of our translators in Ethiopia sent the following quotes to illustrate the impact that My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers) is having in Amharic.

"Dear brother, as far as I know, this is the first devotional book in Amharic. I know the English copy of My Utmost at least for the last ten years. It was my heart's cry to see this book translated into Amharic. The Lord has answered my prayer.

"I got this book that you have sent me. I like it very much. I constantly read it and am amazed how the Spirit of God is ministering to me through it. It is my immediate teacher in this Islamic country. My pastor is willing to show it to some Ethiopian Christians living in Yemen.

"Every time I read My Utmost I pray, 'Lord let everything that is happening in my life bring me to the place that I can say, my utmost for your highest.'"

We have around 180 translation projects on the go at any point in time. Please pray that the Lord would continue to connect us with "key people" who can translate, publish, and distribute the books in such a way that they have the greatest possible impact.

Fruitful Labor

We are continually reminded of the power of the printed page through the many letters which are received at our offices. Here are a few extracts.

"We thank God for your team of committed men and women that are doing such a great work. It was encouraging to hear about the volunteers who have chosen to serve the Lord in this ministry with great joy and delight. Truly, you and they may never be able to see many of the people in this world whose lives are being transformed by your ministry, but the reward is surely waiting you all in glory – for our labour in the Lord is not in vain."
Rev. Pukuta – Mwanza, Zambia
(Pukuta is the author of "A Christian Attitude Towards Suffering & Pain")

"Books are really needed for my ministry since I am in the jungle place and very far from the city. I can only see my senior pastor in the city once or twice a year. Your help is highly appreciated."
Pastor Alicia – Baldovino, Philippines

"I still remember the kindness you do to me and other pastors in the Third World. We are built up spiritually through your books. We learn much from them as most of us have not attended Bible schools and colleges. So what you do, dear brothers, is the direct plan of God."
Pastor Batondane – Tiluhatikwa, Tanzania

"In my country Ethiopia there is a harvest time where many men and women are coming into the Kingdom of God. But there is a spiritual problem because of a lack of knowledge. I have read one of your books and have been greatly blessed."
Pastor Elefinsh – Azibete, Ethiopia

"On behalf of the Phnom Penh Bible School, I wish to thank the workers and supporters of SWT for the parcel of books that arrived last Tuesday. They will be placed in the college library for the use of students, staff, faculty, and members of the public (usually local pastors). The library helps to equip them with knowledge and understanding so they will be better prepared for the great task that lies ahead."
Mr. Dave Painter – Cambodia