Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Jim's View
My heart was really touched by this story.
Last week Betty and I were in Orlando to attend the meeting of the Home Care Association of Florida. We had the opportunity to share with home health nurses from around Florida and some from neighboring states about our free Audio Bibles for their handicapped patients.
A nurse stopped by our booth and shared a remarkable story with us, yet there was a sad note at the end. Her family often goes to Haiti on medical mission trips. They came in contact with a family who had a little girl who was blind and deaf. The family was very poor and had several other children. The nurse was able to bring the little girl to the States and found doctors who donated their services to perform surgery on the little girl. Operations were performed on her eyes to restore her sight and on her ears so she can now hear with hearing aids. The little girl has just blossomed with life.
The sad part is that she is going to have to be returned to Haiti. Her parents don't want her back, and they are going to give her to some relative who lives up in a remote mountain area. There is suspicion that the parents may be selling the little girl to this family, but it is only a suspicion. The nurse would like to adopt the little girl, but she is running into all kinds of resistance and red tape from our government. Government officials are demanding that the little girl be returned to Haiti by the end of July and have not been willing to even grant an extension. The nurse has come to love this little girl and can not stand the thought of what may happen to her if she has to go back to Haiti. She has asked for prayer that something might be worked out so she can keep her and raise her as her child.
From Our Recipients
We often receive braille letters and letters in various foreign languages. We are fortunate to have someone who can translate our braille letters into print and our foreign letters into English. We received the following letter from Helena who lives in Poland:
I want to remind you again about our story of the month. I think you will enjoy Mike's story. Just click on "Story of the Month" on the lower right side of our web page. I also want to remind you again of our latest service of Estate Planning and Planned Giving. This service can be very valuable in giving peace of mind and making sure your wishes are carried out according to your plan, not the government's or the plan of someone else.
In these difficult economic times when many are struggling, we are very appreciative of our ministry partners and pledge to you that we will do our best to be good stewards of the resources God provides. We want to be accountable to our ministry partners, but most of all, we know we have to be accountable to God who sees all and knows all. Thank you for standing with us in getting God's Word to those who are unable to use print materials.
That is how I see it.
Until Next time,
Jim
Last week Betty and I were in Orlando to attend the meeting of the Home Care Association of Florida. We had the opportunity to share with home health nurses from around Florida and some from neighboring states about our free Audio Bibles for their handicapped patients.
A nurse stopped by our booth and shared a remarkable story with us, yet there was a sad note at the end. Her family often goes to Haiti on medical mission trips. They came in contact with a family who had a little girl who was blind and deaf. The family was very poor and had several other children. The nurse was able to bring the little girl to the States and found doctors who donated their services to perform surgery on the little girl. Operations were performed on her eyes to restore her sight and on her ears so she can now hear with hearing aids. The little girl has just blossomed with life.
The sad part is that she is going to have to be returned to Haiti. Her parents don't want her back, and they are going to give her to some relative who lives up in a remote mountain area. There is suspicion that the parents may be selling the little girl to this family, but it is only a suspicion. The nurse would like to adopt the little girl, but she is running into all kinds of resistance and red tape from our government. Government officials are demanding that the little girl be returned to Haiti by the end of July and have not been willing to even grant an extension. The nurse has come to love this little girl and can not stand the thought of what may happen to her if she has to go back to Haiti. She has asked for prayer that something might be worked out so she can keep her and raise her as her child.
From Our Recipients
We often receive braille letters and letters in various foreign languages. We are fortunate to have someone who can translate our braille letters into print and our foreign letters into English. We received the following letter from Helena who lives in Poland:
"I would like to express my heart felt thank you for making my dream come true. It has always been my dream to have my own recorded Bible and a player for listening, but it has been a dream that could not have come true if it was not for your wonderful love filled hearts."Xmarik from Belarus wrote:
"I would like to express my gratitude for your care, understanding and help which you have been giving our blind invalids. Thank you so much for the Bibles on tape and the players which you have provided for our blind. We are not able to describe the joy you have caused in the hearts of those blind people whom you have presented with your gifts."These stories always touch my heart and remind me of the wonderful opportunity we have to be able to give Audio Bibles to these dear people who otherwise would not have access to the Word of God. I also know that we here at Aurora Ministries/Audio Bibles For The Blind could not accomplish this task alone. Our ministry partners who pray for us and give financially in support of this ministry are very much a part of what we do.
I want to remind you again about our story of the month. I think you will enjoy Mike's story. Just click on "Story of the Month" on the lower right side of our web page. I also want to remind you again of our latest service of Estate Planning and Planned Giving. This service can be very valuable in giving peace of mind and making sure your wishes are carried out according to your plan, not the government's or the plan of someone else.
In these difficult economic times when many are struggling, we are very appreciative of our ministry partners and pledge to you that we will do our best to be good stewards of the resources God provides. We want to be accountable to our ministry partners, but most of all, we know we have to be accountable to God who sees all and knows all. Thank you for standing with us in getting God's Word to those who are unable to use print materials.
That is how I see it.
Until Next time,
Jim
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Jim's View
We had a hot time in Phoenix at the Case Management Society of America Expo. However, they had a cool front come through and the daytime temperatures had dropped down into the 90s. It is equally as hot in Florida, the only difference being the high humidity in Florida compared to the low humidity in Phoenix. Either way, it is hot.
A case manager came by our booth and said she had a story she wanted to share with us. She had given one of our Audio Bibles to one of her patients who had lost his sight. This individual had lived a very active life, and had been very involved in his church. After retirement he was able to do some traveling and even worked in some of the national parks in the summer. He also did various volunteer work, that is until he lost his sight. He did not adjust well, and became very depressed. The case manager gave him one of our Audio Bibles, and she marveled at the change that it made in this gentleman. She said he just came alive since he was now able to again daily "read" his Bible.
In my last blog I mentioned that we are now able to offer assistance in estate planning and planned giving. I was able to be in the audience and hear our representative Marvin Horton give a presentation, and was amazed at the helpful information that was presented. It made me realize even more how important it is for people to take measures to protect their assets and make sure their wishes are carried out and not those directed by the courts or some disinterested party. If Marvin can be of assistance to you or your family, you may contact him by phone at 941-748-4100 or email him at mhorton@auroraministries.org
Recipients
We received the following message from a visually impaired person in Virginia who said, "I am deeply grateful for your sending me this wonderful gift of the New King James Audio Bible. My loss of vision was fairly sudden from dry to wet macular degeneration. God is the light of the world and this gift will help me to make Him my light and life. I have been quite sad and lost having this happen. This gift is truly a sign of God's individual love for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Once again, I say a big thank you to all our ministry partners for all your prayers, encouragements, and financial support. You are a vital part of our ministry. We could not make it without you.
That is the way I see it.
Until next time,
Jim
A case manager came by our booth and said she had a story she wanted to share with us. She had given one of our Audio Bibles to one of her patients who had lost his sight. This individual had lived a very active life, and had been very involved in his church. After retirement he was able to do some traveling and even worked in some of the national parks in the summer. He also did various volunteer work, that is until he lost his sight. He did not adjust well, and became very depressed. The case manager gave him one of our Audio Bibles, and she marveled at the change that it made in this gentleman. She said he just came alive since he was now able to again daily "read" his Bible.
In my last blog I mentioned that we are now able to offer assistance in estate planning and planned giving. I was able to be in the audience and hear our representative Marvin Horton give a presentation, and was amazed at the helpful information that was presented. It made me realize even more how important it is for people to take measures to protect their assets and make sure their wishes are carried out and not those directed by the courts or some disinterested party. If Marvin can be of assistance to you or your family, you may contact him by phone at 941-748-4100 or email him at mhorton@auroraministries.org
Recipients
We received the following message from a visually impaired person in Virginia who said, "I am deeply grateful for your sending me this wonderful gift of the New King James Audio Bible. My loss of vision was fairly sudden from dry to wet macular degeneration. God is the light of the world and this gift will help me to make Him my light and life. I have been quite sad and lost having this happen. This gift is truly a sign of God's individual love for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Once again, I say a big thank you to all our ministry partners for all your prayers, encouragements, and financial support. You are a vital part of our ministry. We could not make it without you.
That is the way I see it.
Until next time,
Jim
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Jim's View
I am delighted to announce that Aurora Ministries can now offer assistance with estate planning for those who want to ensure their hard earned assets will be protected according to their wishes. Marvin Horton, who comes to us with years of experience, will be able to offer valuable assistance in estate planning and planned giving, and help people avoid pit falls and overcome hurdles that often interfere with the wishes of the estate holder. Regardless of your net worth, it is important to have an estate plan in place. You may contact Marvin by phone at 941-748-4100 or email him at mhorton@auroraministries.org.
Our staff is busy getting out the orders for Audio Bibles. Each day we receive a stack of orders coming through the mail, fax and the Internet from people around the world . Our production staff is working at maximum capacity to keep up with demand.
The coming months will be very demanding with heavy travel schedules, working conventions and keeping up with the demand, but we look forward with great anticipation to getting as many Audio Bibles as possible to those who are visually impaired or print handicapped.
Recipients
Jane, a well educated lady, went blind in just a matter of hours. We were able to provide an Audio Bible for her. Jane's friend wrote on her behalf,
Our conference schedules are beginning to become very busy. We will have teams in the coming days in Phoenix at the Case Management Society of America conference, in Washington, D.C. at the American Optometric Association meeting, and in Orlando for the Home Care Association of Florida. July will find us in Detroit at the National Federation for the Blind, in Orlando at the American Council for the Blind, and the Florida Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, and in Birmingham, England for the Sight Village Conference. If you are attending one of these conferences, be sure and look us up.
How we appreciate our ministry partners who support us with your prayers and contributions!! With your help, Audio Bibles are shipped out five days of the week to thousands around the world. Without your help, it is likely that many of those would never have an Audio Bible, and that would be tragic. Thank you for caring enough to be involved in this great outreach.
That is the way I see it.
Until Next Time,
Jim
Our staff is busy getting out the orders for Audio Bibles. Each day we receive a stack of orders coming through the mail, fax and the Internet from people around the world . Our production staff is working at maximum capacity to keep up with demand.
The coming months will be very demanding with heavy travel schedules, working conventions and keeping up with the demand, but we look forward with great anticipation to getting as many Audio Bibles as possible to those who are visually impaired or print handicapped.
Recipients
Jane, a well educated lady, went blind in just a matter of hours. We were able to provide an Audio Bible for her. Jane's friend wrote on her behalf,
"I am writing on behalf of Jane to thank you for her. She was so elated when the audio Bible came. She cannot thank you enough. If you could have seen her when she received the audio Bible, it would have blessed you so. Many, many blessings to you for the work that you are doing for those who cannot see to read. May you be blessed always. "Conferences
Our conference schedules are beginning to become very busy. We will have teams in the coming days in Phoenix at the Case Management Society of America conference, in Washington, D.C. at the American Optometric Association meeting, and in Orlando for the Home Care Association of Florida. July will find us in Detroit at the National Federation for the Blind, in Orlando at the American Council for the Blind, and the Florida Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, and in Birmingham, England for the Sight Village Conference. If you are attending one of these conferences, be sure and look us up.
How we appreciate our ministry partners who support us with your prayers and contributions!! With your help, Audio Bibles are shipped out five days of the week to thousands around the world. Without your help, it is likely that many of those would never have an Audio Bible, and that would be tragic. Thank you for caring enough to be involved in this great outreach.
That is the way I see it.
Until Next Time,
Jim
Jim's View
Have you ever received a "real picker upper?" I received a "Picker Upper" a couple of days ago that really lifted my spirits. We have a faithful donor who is blind, and who will be celebrating his 50th. birthday next month. He is asking his friends who attend his birthday party to make a donation to Audio Bibles for the Blind instead of giving him gifts. What a unique and unselfish gesture on his part. In reality, his birthday gifts will provide Audio Bibles for others who are visually impaired or print handicapped.
It is a moving experience to be able to personally meet and talk with people who are so severely challenged and see their positive outlook on life in spite of the difficulties they face. Some of the most touching encounters are those with children and parents of handicapped children. Our heart always goes out to them. We are delighted to be able to provide not only adult Audio Bibles, but also our Children's Bible for the visually impaired and print handicapped children.
Recipients
We received a letter from a lady whose mother is almost blind due to macular degeneration. We had sent her an audio Bible along with some of our Bible studies. She said her mother was thrilled when she received them. She said,
Certifiers and providers are already finding our Rapid Order Service (ROS) helpful in ordering Audio Bibles for their patients and clients. Certifiers and providers can now log on to our web site at http://www.AudioBiblesForTheBlind.org/ROS and place their order on line. By entering their account number, each provider/certifier will be able to place an order for their client or patient. Account numbers can readily be provided for those who do not know their number by emailing us at Bibles@auroraministries.org or calling us at 941-748-3031.
I could not end my blog without once again saying a big thank you to all of our partners who support us with your prayers and contributions. I don't know what we would do without you. I cannot tell you what you mean to this ministry. Together we will continue to reach out to the visually impaired and print handicapped people around the world with God's Word.
That is the way I see it.
Until Next time,
Jim
It is a moving experience to be able to personally meet and talk with people who are so severely challenged and see their positive outlook on life in spite of the difficulties they face. Some of the most touching encounters are those with children and parents of handicapped children. Our heart always goes out to them. We are delighted to be able to provide not only adult Audio Bibles, but also our Children's Bible for the visually impaired and print handicapped children.
Recipients
We received a letter from a lady whose mother is almost blind due to macular degeneration. We had sent her an audio Bible along with some of our Bible studies. She said her mother was thrilled when she received them. She said,
"My mother listens to them daily with an excitement I had not seen in her in a while. I never dreamed the provision of spiritual audio tapes would be such a blessing for my mother who is almost 82. Not only are they spiritual but professionally done and packaged. Thanks so much for helping our family."
Certifiers and providers are already finding our Rapid Order Service (ROS) helpful in ordering Audio Bibles for their patients and clients. Certifiers and providers can now log on to our web site at http://www.AudioBiblesForTheBlind.org/ROS and place their order on line. By entering their account number, each provider/certifier will be able to place an order for their client or patient. Account numbers can readily be provided for those who do not know their number by emailing us at Bibles@auroraministries.org or calling us at 941-748-3031.
I could not end my blog without once again saying a big thank you to all of our partners who support us with your prayers and contributions. I don't know what we would do without you. I cannot tell you what you mean to this ministry. Together we will continue to reach out to the visually impaired and print handicapped people around the world with God's Word.
That is the way I see it.
Until Next time,
Jim
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Jim's View
I am delighted to announce that we have developed a RAPID ORDER SERVICE (ROS) to make it easier and more convenient for all certifiers and providers to place orders for Audio Bibles for their visually impaired and print handicapped patients and clients. Certifiers and providers can now simply log on to www.AudioBiblesForTheBlind.org/ROS.html and place their order on line. Each provider/certifier will be able to enter their account number and place an order for their client or patient. Account numbers can readily be provided for those who do not know their number by emailing us at Bibles@auroraministries.org or calling us at 941-748-3031. Give a look. Click on the web site listed above and check it out. We think it will be a great help. We want to do what we can to make it easier to get Audio Bibles to the visually impaired and print handicapped.
Recipients
You will certainly want to click on our Story of the Month and read about Mike and how his Audio Bible has been instrumental in his transformed life. He is a blind man who went from a punk kid on the drug infested streets of Miami to a minister of the Gospel. With your prayers and support, you are a very important part of our team that is reaching out to those like Mike and to people like Mary whose note is listed above. Thank you for your caring concern.
That is how I see it.
Until next time,
Jim
Recipients
I received this note from Mary, and want to share it with you. I had to reduce the size because the print was quite large.
You will certainly want to click on our Story of the Month and read about Mike and how his Audio Bible has been instrumental in his transformed life. He is a blind man who went from a punk kid on the drug infested streets of Miami to a minister of the Gospel. With your prayers and support, you are a very important part of our team that is reaching out to those like Mike and to people like Mary whose note is listed above. Thank you for your caring concern.
That is how I see it.
Until next time,
Jim
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