Have you ever considered how many people cannot read their Bible because of their visual impairment? The number is staggering! Some estimates put the number at 180 million people worldwide. That is hard for me to grasp, but if all those people were equally spread throughout the United States, it would mean roughly one out of every two people would be visually impaired. That number would equal the combined population of England, France and Italy. Of the 180 million who have visual impairment, 45 million are blind and 135 million have partial sight. Low vision ranks as the second leading cause of disability in America. According to Prevent Blindness America, twice as many people will be blind in 2030 as there are today. It is our passion to provide God’s Word to help bring light into their darkened world.

Responses From Audio Bible Recipients.
We recently received a request from an Activity Director requesting some Audio Bibles for her patients. She writes, "I am requesting the New Testament on audio cassette in the following languages: (1) Haitian-Creole for two residents, both of whom are solely Creole speaking. They are nearing the end of life, and are unable to read at this time. (2) Greek for a resident who has dementia and lost the ability to read. No one here speaks Greek and hearing her language will be familiar and soothing to her. (3) Farsi for a resident who is legally blind with dementia. Thank you so much in advance for the Bible tapes. They will be a great way to improve our resident's quality of life."

A note from the Czech Republic reads, "Oh, what a joy it is to see our blind listening to the Word of God. Most of our blind had no one to read for them so you can only imagine their happiness since you made it possible for them to listen to their Audio Bible any time they want."

We are continually updating our web page. Check out all the links and let us know what you think. Among other things, you will find information about a free service we have recently begun in order to offer help and suggestions about estate planning and planned giving. If we can be of service to you, I hope you will contact us.

We continue to be thankful in these difficult economic times for those who are faithfully standing with us in helping us provide Audio Bibles to those who are unable to read because of their physical limitations. Requests for Bibles are coming to us in even greater numbers. Without the help of our ministry partners, we would not be able to fill the orders. Thanks to all who are part of the team.

That is how I see it.

Until Next time,
Jim

Betty and I had the opportunity to represent Aurora Ministries/Audio Bibles For The Blind as exhibitors at the annual conference of the American Association of Diabetes Educators at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. We received an overwhelming response from the diabetes educators as they learned of the availability of free Audio Bibles for their visually impaired patients.

• Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among most adults.
• More than 21 million people in the United States have diabetes.
• 6.2 million people with diabetes are unaware they have the disease.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults ages 20 to 74.
• People with diabetes are 40 percent more likely to develop glaucoma.
• People with diabetes are 60 percent more likely to develop cataracts.
• 16 million diabetics are prime targets for blinding disorders.
• 700,000 diabetics are presently at risk of blindness.
• 25,000 new cases of blindness are caused annually by complications of diabetes.

When learning about this free service for her blind patients, one health care professional said, "This alone was worth my trip to Atlanta." Another said, "Your booth is the most important one here. Thank you for being here." Another health care provider said, "You have no idea how many Audio Bibles I have ordered for my visually impaired patients. This is a real ministry. The Word of God is the best thing we can give. God bless you for being here."

Responses From Audio Bible Recipients.

"My dad who had terminal cancer was given one of your Audio Bibles. It was such a comfort to him in his last days. Thank you for providing this valuable gift to him."

"I have patients who listen to your Audio Bibles as they walk to lower their blood sugar."

"I recently ordered an Audio Bible for a friend of mine who is a 91 year old woman in a nursing home. Up until last year, she was a very active Christian woman. I brought her the Audio Bible and she was beyond thanks. The Audio Bible made her very happy. Enclosed is my donation."

Have you read our Stories Of The Month? If not, you will enjoy doing so. Just click on STORY OF THE MONTH on the right side bar of our home page and read stories about Wounded Warriors, Mike, Marie, Richard and others.

Thanks again to all our ministry partners. This is a busy time of the year for us. Your prayers and support mean more than I can say. Our staff is working full time to keep up with the requests for Audio Bibles, and to produce and ship them as quickly as possible. We count it a joy and privilege to be able to provide free Audio Bibles to anyone who cannot read print materials because of their physical limitations, and we are so thankful for our ministry partners who help us through your prayers and financial support.

That is how I see it.

Until Next Time,
Jim