They had found a treasure!

I have just returned from the fourth Missionfest of the year. As I reflect on the experiences of those harried days, I am troubled by some of my reactions. While at the Edmonton Missionfest, I was explaining to a group of interested people that our Scriptures are free and that we accept donations to help us replace any Scriptures they pick up.

A young, unkempt man heard the offer and proceeded, with great gusto, to take about forty dollars worth of Scriptures. It was obvious that he lived on the edges of polite society and could not afford to make a donation. I must admit, the volume of Scripture he took troubled me. We work very hard to raise the funds to make Bibles available to those who need them.

A short while later, he was back for more, overcome by the offer of free Scriptures. I reminded him that he had already picked up Bibles and that we would like him to leave some for others who needed them. I did not see him for several hours, but he did return –this time with two friends.

"This is the place that gives away free Bibles. Help yourself to one," he said to his friends. The young man beamed at the sight of his friends searching for their "treasure." They both carefully examined the table and, after a considerable time, each chose one of the most expensive and popular items we had at the show, The Lion Graphic Bible. but kept several versions to check them against each other to try to find the meaning God intended.

As he left with his friends, his treasure still sticking out of his backpack, I was troubled–not by the Scriptures they took or at my reaction to the loss of so much inventory, but at my reaction to who had accepted the offer of free Scriptures. Here was someone who had found a treasure and wanted to drink his fill. I had not seen the need or the joy that our offer had inspired in him, and not only in him but also in his friends. Just as it should be–the Word of God was precious to them. They were reveling in it!

My focus returned to the crowds streaming past, oblivious to the treasures that our display contained. Only those who stopped or those I "pulled in" found the treasure. The rest hurried past, unaware of the treasure awaiting them. Just like the free gift of salvation which saves me from my just rewards, our Scriptures are free.

I personally need to adjust my attitude when it comes to seeing the value of those who stop and sample our wares. Only when we are prepared to give it away does its value become apparent. Only when we see the value to God of those He would save, do we see and understand how critical it is to have His Word available free. Free for all those who thirst for God! Thank you for supporting this vital ministry!

LifeLight Ministries is looking for volunteers to distribute The LifeLight New Testaments to Grade 4 students in schools in northern Manitoba. If you are interested in helping with this project, or know of someone who might be, call us for more information.

The Donate Bibles Website
www.donatebibles.net