Bible Studies By Mail

¹³ For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” ¹⁴ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? ¹⁵ And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”Romans 10

Sunday, 5^th: East coast student, Thelma…, returned her completed question pages with this note: “My girl friend would love for you to send studies. Donella C…”

            Praise God – He builds Family ties beyond one’s relatives! Pray Thelma and Donella study together and then share the gospel of peace in the hills of Virginia.

Monday, 6^th: On February 2, deep south enrollee, Athenian…, signed up for studies on BSBM’s website. Then early the next morning, she emailed BSBM, making two corrections to the address she had given. Thankfully those two errors had already been caught using USPS’ website. Her first packet of Bible studies were already in the mail.

            Praise God – He strengthens and enables His Church to share the gospel of peace! Pray Athenian understands the gospel message like never before and begins to share Christ without fear.

Tuesday, 7^th: Inmate Joel… returned his filled out test pages with this question: “Pregunta: ¿Could you send Bible studies to a friend of mine? He lives in Belén, New Mexico. His name is César… and his address is…”

            Praise God – His message to mankind through the gospel of peace spreads like fire! Pray Joel studies hard and grows spiritually strong. Pray César repents of his sin and believes in Jesus.

Wednesday, 8^th: “Hello instructor, I am still indigent and would appreciate if you can continue to supply me with a stamped envelope, so I can go on with the Bible studies. I enjoy working with them. Sincerely, Emilio…“

            Praise God – He begins something new in the lives of His own, carrying it on to completion! Pray Emilio applies God’s word to his life & that he encourages other people to study the Bible also.

Thursday, 9^th: “Hola, my name is Victor… I am sending you this letter to see if you can send me Bible studies. I am interested in learning a little more of God’s word. I would thank you from the bottom of my heart if you could send me studies.”

            Praise God – He enables the spiritually hungry to find Bible-based correspondence studies! Pray Victor and BSBM’s other 1,300+ students would thank God for all their riches in Christ Jesus.

Friday, 10^th: “Mi nombre es Gerardo… You are sending me studies at …Jail. I would like it if you could send these Bible courses to my cellmates Julio… and Roderik…, so that they may have the same joy of knowing Jesus Christ.”

            Praise God – He made it possible for mankind to know the true meaning of joy! Pray Julio & Roderik receive their 1st lessons & accept Jesus as their Savior. Pray Gerardo counsels them wisely.

Saturday, 11^th: On February 1, Konambadzi… [name changed], a university student in Lilongwe, Malawi enrolled online. Here is the message he left in the comment box: “I will be very glad to start a new life.”

            Praise God – He gives all who repent and believe the gospel a new life opportunity in Christ! Pray Konambadzi receives his first 4 studies. Pray he understands God’s message & accepts Christ.

“Let brotherly love continue. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them” Hebrews 13:1,3a

Sunday, 29^th: “Dear brothers and sisters in Christ… I ask that you always have me in your prayers and I also ask that you pray for my children and my wife who are in my country El Salvador. Thank you for all the Bible lessons you’ve sent me to study. Sincerely, José…“

            Praise God – He has opened Heaven’s courts to attend prayers 24-7! Pray José asks God to continue to change his heart to be like Christ’s. Pray he returns to his family a new José in Christ.

Monday, 30^th: HALLELUJAH!!! Today, workers begin to change our office’s heating and cooling system, so the office will be closed until February 6. All last week, they worked on a new roof. Praise the Lord! This truly comes as an answer to prayer. Pray their inside work is all completed in a week’s time. Pray we can keep up with the workload of our 1,375 students by grading their Bible correspondence courses in our homes.

Tuesday, 31^st: Inmate Robert… wrote: “I thank God for receiving the courses from you. When I first started, I was going through a great deal of stress. Taking these courses has strengthened me very much. They also helped to increase my learning.” (Someone enrolled him at bsbm.org in March 2011)

            Praise God – He causes His children to be concerned for prisoners! Pray Robert shares the gospel with other inmates and invites them to sign up for lessons.

Wednesday, 1^st: Inmate Scott… recently wrote: “I have only God and His people to supply my needs. I appeal to you for your prayers, as well as a large print Bible, so I can spend more time in God’s word. Thank you for the postage help”

            Praise God – He meets our every need at just the perfect time! Pray Scott can spend more time in God’s word, whether by using a large print Bible or by using eye glasses with his current Bible.

Thursday, 2^nd: A phone-in, on January 25, asked for prayer and for Bible lessons to be sent to herself and to her six year old son, living in foster care. Their names are being withheld.

            Praise God – He led the mom to call our phone! Pray the mom does her studies, seeking the Lord. Pray her son’s foster parents help the boy study. Pray mom & son are reunited in God’s timing.

Friday, 3^rd: Melania… just started her second Spanish course. On her lesson’s question page, she indicated having received Jesus Christ as her Savior the very day she filled it out-December 22, 2011. PTL! How did she get signed up with our studies? Melania was referred to us by an inmate student who accepted Christ as his Savior while doing the first course.

            Praise God – His love is contagious and His Church is growing remarkably! Pray Melania shares the gospel truth among her Hispanic family and friends in North Carolina.

Saturday, 4^th: Juana… resides at a Christian home for deaf in Mexico. She began studying in October 2011. In January she wrote: “My life is new now that I have accepted Christ. In truth, I have seen changes in many areas of my life and I want to keep learning more.” (She is 33 years old)

            Praise God – His voice is heard loud and clear by the deaf! Pray Juana reflects the light of Jesus unashamedly among other residents and in the Mexican community.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

Sunday, 22^nd: Inmate Raymundo… signs off his two page letter with this: “I have made errors writing this, but I hope you understand what the Lord Jesus Christ put in my heart. Tomás… #___ wants lessons too. He doesn’t know how to read, but I am going to teach him.”

            Praise God – In 2009, Raymundo accepted Christ and learned to read & write doing lessons! Pray Tomás accepts Christ as his Savior. Pray Raymundo & Tomás remain together for some time.

Monday, 23^rd: Patsy… signed up for studies on January 6. She sent this note along with her first question pages: “I don’t read the Bible too much because I don’t understand it well, but I loved this Bible study. Can you please send Bible studies, in English and Spanish, to my brother? He is in jail and there is a Mexican with him. My brother’s name and address are Paul… #____ I don’t know the Mexican’s name, so please mail his lessons to my brother.”

            Praise God – He encourages His child Patsy to send studies to her brother and his friend! Pray Paul and his Mexican friend receive their first lessons and in quiet study surrender all to Jesus.

Tuesday, 24^th: Peggy… sent a letter with her question pages: “I love to read Psalm 91:1-16. God is my hiding place, my divine shadow and refuge, my deliverer, my protector… No matter what happens, whether I’m having a low moment or a high moment, my focus is to stay on God. God is worthy of all my praise, all day, every day, no matter what kind of day it is. He began to turn things around for me, as I placed my faith and trust in Him. In these lessons I have learned I need God in my life at all times. Meditating on His word helps to keep me focused. Please keep sending me lessons.”

            Praise God – He has made Peggy to be a reflection of the Light of the world – Jesus Christ! Pray Peggy finds godly fellowship in a local church, as she shines for Jesus during dark times.

Wednesday, 25^th: Jason… just finished his first course with 18 lessons. He wrote: “Bible Studies By Mail Staff, I want to thank all of you for helping me to become a stronger and better Christian! If you have any more Bible studies, please send them.”

            Praise God – He led Jason to find bsbm.org and enroll for studies last fall! Pray Jason shares God’s message of salvation with family, friends and fellow workers, encouraging them to study also.

Thursday, 26^th: Inmate Oscar… wrote: “Please make note of my new housing address ___ I am still in the same prison. The section I am in is called The Christian Pod. We have Bible study every afternoon and chapel 3 times per week! Great huh”

            Praise God – He has Oscar right where He wants him for now and Oscar is content in jail! Pray Oscar daily applies God’s truth to his life, leaving the old behind & moving on ahead with Christ.

Friday, 27^th: Martha… enrolled at bsbm.org in October 2011 and that’s when we sent her first studies. On January 19, her first question pages arrived back and were graded. In a letter she asked for prayer: “Pray for my Dad. He is sick. His name is Cesar… I got a story I need to tell, but I cannot. Thank you for sending me Bible studies. I love them. Can you send 3 books at a time?”

            Praise God – For leading Martha to find BSBM online! Pray Martha takes time to study God’s word. Pray she finds a godly person to share her heart with. Pray Cesar trusts in Christ & is healed.

Saturday, 28^th: “I am writing this letter to thank you for the Bible study course. I have no idea how my name came in contact with your ministry. The lessons came at a time when I was feeling a very strong need to step closer to our Lord. Thank you for being such a blessing. Rodney…“

            Praise God – For leading a brother in Christ to signup Rodney at just the right time! Pray Rodney will thoroughly repent and come clean of all the issues Christ points out to him as he studies.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.” Matthew 3:13

Sunday, 27^th: Sarah… enrolled for Bible studies at BSBM.org on October 1^st. Her last lesson asked, ‘If you are not saved, let us know.’ She responded: “I have not been baptized yet.” In a previous lesson she indicated that she wasn’t saved yet. (Several Scriptural documents were sent with her last lessons)

            Praise God – Jesus did the impossible for the whosoever believes! Pray Sarah reads and rereads the extra materials sent her regarding God’s salvation by grace and faith, not by our works.

Monday, 28^th: “I reckon I will say, Jesus is my everything in life. Family torn apart by lies from my sister, who I let move in with me. It’s sad but I pray God moves her out or plum saves her. I love Jesus so much, but she does not have a godly spirit. She is oppressed by Satan. Please pray for Billie… I love her, but she needs God! I’m very kind to her, she’s very hateful. Three doctors have dropped her now. God bless ya till yer cup plum runneth over. All my love in Christ, Wanda…“

            Praise God – He loves the unlovely and enables His children to do the same for His glory! Pray Wanda resists the devil and draws near to God daily. Pray Billie cries out to God for salvation.

Tuesday, 29^th: “Dear Bible Counselor, My name is César… I am 25 years old and I have been in jail for about 7 months as an illegal immigrant. Now that I am in here, I can truly say that God has touched my life. I have been reading my Bible for ½ a year now and God has made me new, new thoughts, new way of looking at life, everything about me is new. I have been struggling a bit understanding the Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I just want to know how to approach God.”

            Praise God – the Bible presents His triune Being… He is incomprehensible yet believable! Pray César reads and rereads the Scriptures presenting the Trinity.

Wednesday, 30^th: “Dear Chaplain Beam, This is Patsy… My case is finally over and I will be a while. I’m not sure how long yet. I would like to know if you could get me a Bible. I would like to get started on my Bible studies. Could you let Mr. and Mrs. Evans from Bible Studies By Mail know? And if they could pray for me as well. I will get in touch with them as soon as this is over. I am looking for a new church to go to when I get out of here.”

            Praise God – His grace & mercy are immeasurable! Pray Patsy spends hours reading God’s word and studying her lessons. Pray she befriends other Christian inmates and finishes her time well.

Thursday, 1^st: Today, BSBM Director and Office Administrator, Darryl & Joan Evans, travel to Maradi, Niger, West Africa for ministry reasons. This weekly Prayer & Praise e-mail will start again in late Jan 2012. Pray for BSBM’s workers as they maintain the ministry’s outreach to 1,400+ students.

Friday, 2^nd: “Brother Evans, Gracias for writing me again. I felt very, very feliz when I read you were going to resend me the 5 diplomas for courses I’ve completed. In a letter I sent to my children, I told them I had surrendered my life to the Lord and invited Him into my heart. I told them I was doing your studies and had received 5 diplomas but that the Marshalls had taken them away when they moved me. Maybe my kids will believe me now. Thank you for your help and understanding. Mario…“

            Praise God – He gives the hopeless reason to hope when by faith they trust in Jesus Christ! Pray Mario feeds on God’s word daily. Pray he becomes a spiritual warrior for his family and friends.

Saturday, 3^rd: Inmate William… sent a photo and wrote: “Thank you for grading my lessons. I only have one leg and one eye, and the eye only has 30% vision. I have to do all my lessons with a magnifying glass. I do my best. I have learned so much with your studies. Thank you for being there for me. I have passed your studies on to many other prisoners. We are all at different stages. Please send my lessons with a stamped return envelope if possible.”

            Praise God – He causes BSBM to meet up with the spiritually hungry and He leads His Church to help in the office and to give financially, so free lessons can be sent. PRAISE THE LORD!!!

“I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.” Daniel 2:23

Sunday, 20^th: “Praise the Lord! With His help we were able to get caught up on 3 months’ rent. We were in danger of being thrown out. The Lord works in amazing ways! My husband is trying to get a better job. Please pray God’s will is done and keep praying for my father to find the Lord. Pray the Lord shows me how to strengthen my family’s faith in Him. To Him be the glory, Valerie…“

            Praise God – He enables His children to accomplish the impossible through Christ! Pray Valerie is a living epistle of God’s truth to her family. Pray with her regarding things mentioned above.

Monday, 21^st: “¡Hola! The reason I’m writing is because I have a question. Could you help me learn to pray? What should I focus my prayers on? What should I say and how should I say it? Forgive all my questions, I just want to learn how to do it correctly. Gracias, Alberto…“

            Praise God – His word and the Holy Spirit teach and guide the Church regarding prayer! Pray Alberto reads and rereads the extra literature sent on prayer. Pray he finds his prayer closet in jail.

Tuesday, 22^nd: “Hello! I wanted to write and thank you for the lessons. I also wanted to thank you for the pre-stamped envelope. Do you have any extra literature to help keep me occupied while I wait for my next lessons? It would help keep me out of trouble. There are people here now that really test my patience. They keep trying to push my buttons. I get upset and it’s really bad for me. It’s getting close to sentencing and I feel really impatient. Please pray for me. Tran…“

            Praise God – He sends the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) to help each of His own! Pray Tran casts his anxieties upon Him and, in so doing, realizes that the peace of Christ is just a prayer away.

Wednesday, 23^rd: Mary… shared this about her last lessons: “I learned about the promised Savior, Jesus Christ, He is almighty God. He is our great Teacher. He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He died that our sins would be forgiven and through Him we are eternally saved. He cleanses us from all unrighteousness plus He gives us the Holy Spirit and faith. Everything we need is in Him. I thank God I am saved and know I have a better Home.”

            Praise God – He is love and His word is a gracious love letter of immeasurable proportions! Pray Mary shares God’s message of salvation with neighbors and family using Bible verses.

Thursday, 24^th: Juana… wrote: “I write asking you to pray for my case. The lawyer I’ve been given says they want to deport me for not reporting to them on my 2007 case. They made me come to __ ____, TX and we live in _______, TX. Pray I can return to my daughters and grandchildren.”

            Praise God – He never fails to hear much less respond to prayers for help! Pray Juana comes to realize God’s caring arms are about her and her family. Pray her family seeks God’s help together.

Friday, 25^th: “Dear Family at BSBM, I have another brother here who wants to receive your studies. He is from Mexico. He says he has no way to return them to you. I told him not to worry, God would provide. He is José M… #… He would like them in Spanish. Thank you for sending my other brothers here their lessons. They were very happy to receive them. Thank you for the certificate. I’m going to send it to my father. He is 94 years old. Please keep him in your prayers. Fernando…“

            Praise God – He enables His children to grow spiritually and blossom where they are planted! Pray Fernando diligently studies so he can glorify His Father in jail. Pray his family is united in Christ.

Saturday, 26^th: “I’m writing to inform you that I am in a different unit now. I thank you for these wonderful lessons. Please keep sending them. Arlie R… #… Unit… …New Jersey”

            Praise God – while His love letter has some harsh warnings, the whole message is wonderful! Pray Arlie finds other inmates to share with. Pray these inmates sign up to study also.

“But he [Stephen], being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,” Acts 7:55

Sunday, 13^th: “Hermanos en Cristo, I am Julio… I am a Christian and I have time to study the Bible. I have studied various courses and my question is this. In many verses, Jesus speaks of the Father, who is God. Recently, some preachers came with different doctrines. They taught that only Jesus is God. Can you please help with this?” (Acts 7:55 is just one of the many verses Julio had written out.)

            Praise God – the Holy Spirit teaches truth to God’s child and then, he or she brags on Jesus! Pray Julio boldly shares the truth of God’s word among cellmates. Pray they sign up to study also.

Monday, 14^th: “¡Hola! I am doing correspondence Bible studies with you. I couldn’t send you the last exam because they transferred me. I desire to continue the studies. Send them to this address… There’s a guy in here interested in studying. Ramón… #… Muchas gracias, Guillermo…“

            Praise God – even inconvenient moves cause His child to be blessed and be a blessing! Pray Guillermo and Ramón study God’s word together. Pray Ramón accepts Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Tuesday, 15^th: Raymond… shared something he learned in lesson 24 of PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING: “In our situation, when we choose to walk by sight we see only our circumstances. But, when we choose to walk by faith we look beyond our circumstances and discover God at work. Faith is believing what God says in His word.”

            Praise God – like Stephen in Acts 7:55, He helps His children to see their future plain & clear! Pray Raymond shares the rich truths of God’s word with his family and neighborhood friends.

Wednesday, 16^th: “Hermano Evans, I ask that you continue to have me (us) in your prayers. I’ve been detained for 8 months in this place now. God knows I was deceived by these people who put drugs in my car. I have been a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Ciudad Juárez, México for 4 years. Psalm 37 is the prayer of my heart. I long to be with my wife and 5 children. Could you send a letter of recommendation on my behalf directed to Judge … ? Gracias. Your brother, Luís…“

            Praise God – His all-powerful arms extend to protect and provide for His own without failure! Pray Luís is moved to give God thanks like never before. Pray his lawyer & judge do their work justly.

Thursday, 17^th: “My wife María…, my son Oscar…, and I give thanks first of all to our God who is abounding in mercy. We thank you for your prayers. Our son is much better. God did a miracle in his life and ours. May God continue blessing this ministry mucho. Faustino…“ (He is an inmate student.)

            Praise God – His boundless mercy and grace turn sorrow into praise for His children! Pray Faustino, María & Oscar follow Christ closely, daily studying God’s word and meeting with believers.

Friday, 18^th: A student shared something she enjoyed in her last lessons: “I enjoyed the way lesson 3 defined repentance. Sometimes when it’s broken down, it helps people understand it so much better. Thank you so much for providing these lessons. God bless each of you, Leisa…“

            Praise God – He has given BSBM 1,424 students and saved 41 of them in the past 2 months! Pray BSBM’s student body sees believing and repenting as 2 faces on the same coin saved-by-faith.

Saturday, 19^th: “They moved me to another prison by plane and the Marshalls told me I couldn’t take any of my personal photos or papers. I would like to know if you would do me the favor of sending me all my diplomas again. I would like to continue studying also. I’m waiting for your reply, Mario…“

            Praise God – Yes, even inconvenient moves cause His child to be blessed and be a blessing! Pray Mario studies to show himself approved unto God, daily depending on Him to strengthen & lead.

“For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:12

Sunday, 6^th: Responding to a question, Rudi… wrote: “Yes, the Lord Jesus has entered my heart… it is His will that I am here in jail. I know very well He put me here to show me His great power.” (He is in a cell-pod with several other inmates who are also studying our courses. They call the pod their church.)

            Praise God – He is love and His correction is proof! Pray Rudi takes hold of God’s truth through personal obedience to Christ’s teaching in his lessons, Bible readings and group share time.

Monday, 7^th: Two recent letters from Fernando… First penned on October 16: “Dear brother Darryl, I want to know if you have a home program for inmates to come and rehabilitate, like a halfway house. If God were to open those doors again, I know I’d run through them. I’m just not sure where God wants me to go. If you could pray with me, asking God, ‘Where do you want me Lord? Show me the way.’, I would greatly appreciate it.” Second penned on October 31: “Thank you for telling me about the Jericho House in Las Cruces. I have written Pastor Gibbs and I’m waiting to hear if I can stay there and do my parole. The officers in here think I’m going crazy. They’ve caught me singing and dancing by myself in here. I look at them and say, it’s the joy of the Lord within my soul.”

            Praise God – His joy, in His child’s heart, overshadows every hardship! Pray Fernando comes to realize his personal worth is based upon what God thinks and says about him & not someone else.

Tuesday, 8^th: “Dear Pastor, My name is Thomas… I am a handicapped person who wants to get closer to God. I am residing in a halfway house at …Illinois and I cannot work. I would love to take your Bible study courses, if at all possible. Also, if you have a return stamped envelope to return them to you, it would be a little less strain on me. However, if you can’t the Lord will provide for me.”

            Praise God – The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. (Psa 24:1)! Pray Thomas grows to be a spiritual giant, living out the message of God’s hope wherever he goes.

Wednesday, 9^th: When asked what was the most important thing learned, Alfonso… wrote: “I must decide what road I want to follow. I have received the Lord Jesus and have believed for some time now, but how can I truly know that God has entered my heart? I cry and pray, begging for God’s love. So, why does He allow me to carry such a heavy burden?” (He is an inmate and a new student)

            Praise God – Repent, and believe in the gospel. – Jesus (Mark 1:15a)! Pray new student Alfonso comes to see by God’s grace that believing in Jesus involves personal repentance of his sin.

Thursday, 10^th: “Thank you for this opportunity to learn, grow and develop spiritually in the Lord’s word. I would like to ask for prayer for my marriage and our reunion again; for the Lord’s will regarding my marriage, family, career and life. I pray for postage, so I may continue to mail in my lessons. God bless and thank you, Samantha…“ (PTL! God has answered her prayer for postage.)

            Praise God – casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)! Pray Samantha truly casts all her cares upon the Lord, with thanksgiving and total surrender. Pray she has His joy.

Friday, 11^th: Inmate Modesto… shared: “When I arrived here in jail, I didn’t know anything about one needing to be born again. I started reading the Bible and realized one needs to be born again to belong to God’s family. I was born again on February 24, 2011 and I’m growing in His word.”

            Praise God – His word is a ONE ROAD map clearly showing how to get from earth to Heaven! Today is Modesto’s court day. Pray he accepts the judge’s decision as God’s will. Pray he is joyful.

Saturday, 12^th: Louise… mailed in an enrollment slip from Spokane. How did she get it? We don’t know. She is 70 and she wrote: “I love studying the Bible. I want to do all your courses.”

            Praise God – He has called BSBM to send studies to whoever asks, and He is enabling us! Pray Louise strives to finish her race well for God. Pray her family and friends are touched spiritually.

“¹⁵ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ¹⁶ But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.” 2 Timothy 2

Sunday, 30^th: “Dear brothers and sisters, I am a prisoner paying the consequences for my disobedience. I spend my time making rosaries in here, so I can sell them among the other inmates. I would like to know if there is anything wrong with this before God’s eyes. I am not a catholic and I don’t know the rosary’s significance. I hope in the Lord that you can help me, because it’s important for my spiritual growth. Best regards, Eleazar…“

            Praise God – His word is loud and clear on how to pray! Pray Eleazar studies the Bible verses, tract and documents sent regarding prayer. Pray he sees the truth regarding prayer and tells others.

Monday, 31^st: “Mi nombre es Moisés... Some days ago, I finished a Bible course and my diploma never came. Then yesterday, they transferred me to another prison and that’s why I’m writing you today, so you send it here to me. If you have more Bible courses, I would like to continue studying. My new address is …Virginia”

            Praise God – His word taken to heart is so life-changing it causes you to want more and more! Pray Moisés receives his earned diploma and new study course this week. Pray he shines for Christ.

Tuesday, 1^st: “Hi my name is John... I sent my study tests to you and I haven’t gotten any more. I was just wondering if they got lost in the mail or something. Or did I finish them all? My ID number is… Thank you” (Our envelopes crossed at the post office. His was post marked Oct 21 and ours Oct 24.)

            Praise God – His incarcerated Church wants to study His word and live as He desires! Pray John restudies his course booklets and their pertaining scriptures while waiting for his next lessons.

Wednesday, 2^nd: Inmate Victor… just completed his first two lessons of A COUNTRY CALLED HEAVEN. Here is how he answered these two questions at the end of lesson one: Have you received the Lord Jesus as your Savior? “Yes”  When? “When I started studying the Bible.” (Praise the Lord!)

            Praise God – the Bible was the bait Jesus used to teach His disciples to be fishers of men! Pray Victor finds quiet solitude in his cell for personal time with God. Pray he finds other believers.

Thursday, 3^rd: On August 28^th, a lady found us online at BSBM.org and signed up for studies. On October 11^th she shared this: “This lesson has taught me more about Christian life and more about my Heavenly Father and His word. I now know I belong to God and I hope to let Him control my life. I also have to refrain myself from the evil and material ways of this world. Patricia…“

            Praise God – He is our Creator and the Bible is our Manual for Living Right! Pray Patricia gives God the reins of her life. Pray BSBM’s volunteers increase to meet the ministry’s growth.

Friday, 4^th: “A warm greeting from here in Miami to ask you why you haven’t sent me books 7 & 8 of my study NEW LIFE IN CHRIST? I hope you can do it soon. Muchas gracias. Eduardo…“  (More envelopes crossed in the mail. His was post marked Oct 20 and ours Oct 19.)

            Praise God – He has prepared good things for His Church to do and may we do them joyfully! Pray Eduardo rereads his study materials & studies his Bible. Pray Christ becomes evident in his life.

Saturday, 5^th: Inmate Jorge… just finished his first lessons of A COUNTRY CALLED HEAVEN. Here is how he answered these two questions at the end of lesson one: Have you received the Lord Jesus as your Savior? “Yes”  When? “Today” (Praise the Lord!)

            Praise God – along with the angels in Heaven for another sinner has repented! Pray Jorge continues to repent of personal sin and turn away from evil practices, giving God 100% of his life.

“This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.” Psalm 34:6

Sunday, 23^rd: “Humberto… #98…2-6… Federal…Institution PO Box…New Mexico. Por favor send studies for this friend and cellmate. He isn’t converted but he desires to study and to know the Lord Jesus. Gracias. Crispin…” (Crispin is a longtime student who has led many cellmates to the Lord.)

            Praise God – He desires to bless you right where you are and make you a blessing to others! Pray Crispin and Humberto study together. Pray Humberto repents of his sin and believes on Christ.

Monday, 24^th: “Mi nombre es María D… Because of my addictions, I find myself in this most difficult situation. I am learning to understand the Bible. It has helped me a lot. I would like to ask you to pray for me. I have my residency and they want to take it from me. They’ve blocked it for the moment. I still don’t know what’s going to happen. I beg you to help me. In here, I got to know …Castro. She told me of you. I would like it if you could send me studies.”

            Praise God – He saves repentant sinners out of all their troubles! Pray María D understands the  meaning of repentance & faith in Jesus, as she studies her Bible. Pray she cries out to the Lord.

Tuesday, 25^th: Recently penned by María C…: “I would like your counsel to know what church we should go to. My husband and I were attending church, but he wasn’t in agreement with some things the pastor said and now we’re not going. But we want to go to another church. I read my Bible at home and study the lessons you send me, but I would like God to give me more wisdom and to teach me to pray and to understand the Bible more.”

            Praise God – the goodness of His word stirs His child’s appetite to want more of His word! Pray María C and her husband visit local churches and find one that teaches and practices the Bible.

Wednesday, 26^th: “I truly feel wonderful, because I have received Christ in my heart. Although at times the enemy attacks my mind, I cry out to the Lord Jesus and I know, little by little, I am strengthened by the word of God. The faith I must have comes from God’s word. I ask you to pray for my family. Thanks for your attention and may God bless you. Noé…“ (He is an inmate.)

            Praise God – His written word taken to heart increases His child’s faith and confidence! Pray Noé shares his faith with other inmates and with his family.

Thursday, 27^th: Gratitude expressed by longtime student John…: “I want to thank you for your Bible studies… Thank you for taking the time to grade all the lessons…” (12,000+ in the 3rd quarter)

            Praise God – He saves the lost and then calls them to follow Jesus and share the Good News! Pray John shares God’s message of  salvation boldly in love. Pray BSBM’s workers rejoice in Christ!

Friday, 28^th: “Brothers and sisters, I want you to know I am very happy to have gotten to know the Lord’s word in this place. His word truly feeds my heart every day. It is something so beautiful and marvelous, because my God has forgiven me. I want you to know I didn’t even know how to read and write. But my Teacher, Jesus, He wants a heart that’s available to follow Him and He doesn’t allow any to be ashamed. I live every day in love with His word. You will find errors in this, but I hope you understand what I’ve written. Your brother in Christ, Raymundo…“ (He is an inmate.)

            Praise God – Jesus continues to do the impossible in 2011! Pray Raymundo teaches other illiterate cellmates, who speak Spanish, to read and write by using his Bible and study materials.

Saturday, 29^th: When asked if he had received Christ as his Savior, inmate Rudi… wrote: “Yes, 3 weeks ago.” He is now studying lessons 3-6 of A COUNTRY CALLED HEAVEN in Spanish.

            Praise God – His shared word always accomplishes His will! Pray Rudi spends time alone studying and praying each day. Pray he finds other Christian inmates to study and share with also.

“Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Ephesians 6:24

Sunday, 16^th: After doing lesson 8 of KNOW & GROW, he shared: “I have heard and studied the armor of God before, but I have not seen other references than Ephesians 6:10-18. I would say I got the most out of these. They gave me more knowledge on how the armor works and a different perspective on its use. Joshua H…  P.S. Thank you and God bless you for the study”

            Praise God – He gives each believer their personal, onboard Teacher (the Holy Spirit)! Pray Joshua H is a living letter of God to those he comes in contact with. Pray they ask Joshua questions.

Monday, 17^th: “Please pray for my husband John. He is backslidden, also in 4th stage of COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease]. My son Joshua also needs saving. He’s been in church before he could walk. He stopped between 10-13, he’s 27 now. I know the Lord can do anything… Sherri…“

            Praise God – He urges His child to present all their requests with thanksgiving in Jesus’ name! Pray Sherri firmly holds her shield of faith and sword of the Spirit. Pray John & Joshua truly repent.

Tuesday, 18^th: After studying God’s armor, in lesson 8 of KNOW & GROW, Pam… wrote: “We have protection because Jesus gave His life for us. He saved me and gave me eternal life. Plus I’m given God’s armor to wear for evil encounters. Wearing His armor is a command, but for me it’s a pleasure. I feel so safe, loved and wanted. Thank you Father!”

            Praise God – in the heat of battle, He gives His warriors joy, security and songs of praise! Pray Pam encourages her family and friends to study God’s word with her and to do it also on their own.

Wednesday, 19^th: Darrell… began studying May 17, 2011. In August, while doing lesson 8 of his first course, he indicated that he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior for the first time. Now studying his second course, he shared the following after completing lesson 4, on October 11^th: “Jesus is fully God and man. The things He accomplished… He could raise people from the dead and heal them, He lived among us and had nothing. I am glad that after all these years, I have finally found God… He is welcome in my heart.”

            Praise God – He sent His only begotten Son to seek and to save the lost! Pray Darrell follows the Holy Spirit’s instructions as he studies. Pray he testifies of Christ as the Holy Spirit urges him.

Thursday, 20^th: “My name is Jason... I am currently incarcerated at _____ and facing a lot of prison time for a mistake I made. I am enrolled in your studies and I’m wondering if you have courses for kids. If you do, could you send lessons to my wife and to 8 year old Jason and 9 year old Alondra? Please pray for me and my wife and family, that we can talk and try to save our marriage. Now, after 9 months, with no one to talk to, not my kids, wife, anyone, I feel like dying. Please pray.”

            Praise God – He wrote the book on reconciliation using Jesus as the pen and His blood as ink! Pray Jason obeys Christ’s teaching each day. Pray his wife and kids keep attending their church.

Friday, 21^st: “Mi nombre es Eduardo... I desire to recuperate my family with God’s favor. I have fought to leave the vices that destroyed my life and family. My wife and 16 year old daughter now live with her parents in Juárez, México and I’m from Cuauhtémoc. I have 1 1/2 months left in jail for a second illegal entry. I plan to continue following Christ.” (Penned on September 27, 2011)

            Praise God – for sending Jesus, the way, the truth and the life for whosoever believeth in HIM! Pray Eduardo keeps his heart’s desire placed in God’s hand through prayer. Pray he walks by faith.

Saturday, 22^nd: “I was taking your lessons when I was incarcerated. I am now at home. Could we reconnect? I would like to continue studying. My address is …Arkansas. Thank you, Sheila…“

            Praise God – all things work together for good to those who love God! Pray Sheila finds a Bible-teaching church, makes new friendships and engages in Christian outreach, as the Spirit leads.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11

Sunday, 9^th: Ten days ago, inmate Javier… sent this in English: “I have a cousin that is doing drugs out there, like crack and heroin. He has been to prison three times. Brothers, can you please send him Bible study lessons and a couple of pamphlets? He has known Jesus Christ before. He is Eduardo… and his address is …Texas” (Eduardo wrote 3 days ago asking that his lessons be in Spanish.)

            Praise God – with daily doses of God’s word His child serves Him in the power of His might! Pray Javier studies diligently and takes the truth to heart. Pray Eduardo surrenders all to Jesus.

Monday, 10^th: Inmate Gary… wrote: “I go to court the 10th of October and I don’t think they will press charges. I didn’t think I’d be here this long, but I’ve been blessed by the Lord with another year of Bible study. I’m an army veteran and I learned to drink and do the worst dope in Germany. I have a sickness and I’m losing memory and body control. I’ve been to hospitals where they said I was dying and to get ready for the afterlife. That started six years ago and here I am fixing to get out of jail. I love Jesus very much and all the good folks I’ve been around from the rehab center.”

            Praise God – the power of the Lord in His people gives testimony of Christ’s love to the world! Pray Gary gets involved in a local church. Pray he keeps studying. Pray he finds an apartment.

Tuesday, 11^th: Last week, these three new students, María…, Juan… and Arturo…, wrote “hoy mismo” [this very day] at the end of their first Question Page. Another student, Jody…, wrote “September 25, 2011″. They all indicated having received Jesus Christ as their Savior while doing the first two lessons. All are inmates.

            Praise God – His word is powerful, life-giving for all who repent and believe on Jesus! Pray María, Juan, Arturo & Jody study God’s word more. Pray they follow His word in their next 4 lessons.

Wednesday, 12^th: “Please keep praying for my sister Billie. She overdosed on prescription drugs. I ain’t lost my faith or walk with God. And Satan, well, I will beat the tar out of him with God’s word. Please pray with me that God’s divine will be done. I was so happy she moved in with me. I am a widow. I won’t leave her. Her husband wants a divorce and her daughter doesn’t want her. I am all she’s got. She ain’t walking with God so help me pray. I would love to see her saved and ready to go. Thank you, Wanda…“

            Praise God – Jesus frees confessed sinners from their sin bondage and deserved judgment! Pray Wanda keeps strong in the Lord. Pray Billie confesses her sin and goes to church with Wanda.

Thursday, 13^th: “I am Ventura... I thank you for sending me your studies. I am sending you the name and number of a brother who wants your studies: Nabejar.. #______.”

            Praise God – the blessing of His word in the life of His own causes others to follow suit! Pray Ventura & Nabejar study individually & together. Pray they become strong & share Christ with others.

Friday, 14^th: Five new believers just completed their first study booklet last week. At the end of the first Question Page they wrote the day, month and year they had received Jesus Christ as their Savior. The earliest was February 16, 2011 and the latest was in September 2011. Four are inmates.

            Praise God – He calls and equips His Church to evangelize and disciple the nations! Pray Yoshio, Floriberto, Michael, Shivonne and Jenny redeem the time through obedience to God’s word.

Saturday, 15^th: “My name is Paul... I am currently enrolled but I was moved and didn’t know my forwarding address. My new address is …Prison …Georgia. I thank you.”

            Praise God – He sent Jesus to seek and to save the lost! Pray Paul sees the importance of obedience to God’s word. Pray BSBM’s volunteers are encouraged and strengthened in the Lord.

“These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: … A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. ” Proverbs 6:16 &19

Sunday, 2^nd: “I want to ask you a question about something I read in a magazine. It says the prophecy of Christ’s second coming, mentioned in Mark 13:24, happened on May 19, 1780. Now I say to you brothers, please send me all the information possible. I thank you from my heart and I beg you to please keep praying for us. Your brother in Christ, Daniel Z…“ (He is an inmate)

            Praise God – Christ’s 2^nd coming will be as obvious to the whole world as His 1^st was to a few shepherds! Pray Daniel shares the Bible teaching we sent that defuses Ellen White’s false teaching.

Monday, 3^rd: “I am Daniel G… and I would like to ask you to please send Spanish Bible studies to my friend. He is interested in learning the word of God. His name is Rogelio…” (They are inmates)

            Praise God – He orchestrates the life-steps of His children by the music of His living word! Pray Rogelio receives his 1^st lessons this week; pray when he hears Christ’s call, he surrenders all.

Tuesday, 4^th: On August 10, 2011, Natasha… signed up for Bible studies at BSBM.org. One month later she sent in this prayer request with her completed tests: “The most important in lesson 8 is the gospel of peace, because that is what I need. I am a bad sex addict. I have a porn addiction. I also have very unclean thoughts about women-homosexual thoughts. Please pray for me.”

            Praise God – the Residing Counselor (Holy Spirit) secures liberty for all who call upon Jesus! Pray Natasha makes such a call for Christ’s help, that she follows His teaching and finds a mentor.

Wednesday, 5^th: “I send you greetings and a hug. I’m a brother whose been studying with you. I’ve completed 3 courses and you’ve sent me my diplomas. I would like to ask you if I could continue studying. I haven’t written you because they’ve been constantly changing my jail. Eduardo…“

            Praise God – His Family enjoys closeness regardless of life’s circumstances! Pray Eduardo makes new friends among inmates and guards. Pray he shares God’s love in both word and deed.

Thursday, 6^th: “I am writing you from the county jail in ______, Texas. My wife and I were led astray by drugs. Although we are true believers in Christ, we do not know a whole lot about the Bible. Since being in jail, we have begun reading the Bible. We exchange Bible verses, when we write each other. We both are hungry for the Lord. We genuinely hope you will send each of us your Bible study course. I am writing for the both of us. Anthony… …, TX and Jenny… …, TX.”

            Praise God – His word spells out the tangling, twisted lies set forth by the devil & his cohorts! Pray Anthony & Jenny do their 1^st Bible studies this week and take Christ’s teaching to heart.

Friday, 7^th: “Hi, my name is Chris… and I’m an inmate at ______ County Jail. I have made some bad choices and have a drug addiction to meth. I need help and jail is not the place for help. I would like to have Jesus in my life. Please show me the way to accept the Holy Spirit.”

            Praise God – the Good News God offers is being heard, shared and appropriated behind bars! Pray Chris receives his first lessons this week. Pray he cries out to the Lord for help and follows Him.

Saturday, 8^th: “These are my brothers who want to receive Bible studies: Joel… (Spanish), Ryan… (English), Tony… (English), Aaron… (Spanish), Manuel… (Spanish). I try to encourage all that God brings to me about His love for us. I also encourage them to get involved in the Bible studies. These lessons have played a big part in my life and continue to do so. I know it was God’s plan for me to find your address. Thank you for the letter you sent me. It made my day. Some of the inmates in here told me you wouldn’t write. But when I showed them your letter they apologized. I told them they needed to ask God for forgiveness. I will continue on the mission God has for me in here. Fernando…“

            Praise God – His calling is high for the low in spirit and humble of heart! Pray Fernando studies diligently and shares Christ humbly with Joel, Ryan, Tony, Aaron, Manuel & other inmates.

“Before the LORD: for He cometh, for He cometh to judge the earth: He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth.” Psalm 96:13

Sunday, 25^th: “We ask that you have us in prayer for our expedient release from this prison. We’ve been in here for nearly 7 months now and we’re being detained unjustly. God knows that we are innocent. The lawyers that have our cases now have all the papers that clearly show our innocence. We don’t know what the State of New Mexico is waiting for. Brothers, please pray for Luís…, Mario …, José …, Sergio … Gracias. God bless you. We also ask that you pray for the lawyers, judges and court workers that handle our cases, that God would use this to speak to their hearts. And pray for all our unbelieving cellmates in this prison. Brother Luis…“

            Praise God – On that Day all injustices will be set straight for eternity by the Judge of judges! Pray Luís, Mario, José & Sergio place their cases in the Lord’s hand. Pray they testify of Christ to all.

Monday, 26^th: “Thank you soooo much for these Bible studies for my son, my husband and me. My little boy enjoys them. Please pray for me to be able to teach my child about the Lord. Also, please pray for me to be selfless in my marriage. And please pray for my father to be filled with the Lord and for him to overcome his addictions. Thank you so much. Valerie…“

            Praise God – His teaching brings joy to all ages for His arms are open as He seeks to save! Pray Valerie makes an effort to start each day spending time in God’s word and in prayer.

Tuesday, 27^th: “Hi, my name is Jessica… Since I’ve been in jail, I’ve gotten closer to God. I’ve learned a lot by doing the Bible studies. Being a born again Christian, makes me want to gain more knowledge about Christ, our Savior. Could you send me a book that you think I should read?”

            Praise God – He changes the heart of repentant believers causing them to desire His word! Pray Jessica follows Christ’s teaching to the detail, surrendering every area of her life to the Lord.

Wednesday, 28^th: “Mi nombre es José… I heard about your mail Bible studies and I’m interested. I would like it if you could send me information so I can participate and learn more about the Bible. Por favor, send everything in Spanish. Thank you for your valuable time.” (He is an inmate)

            Praise God – He enables His Church to serve one another during tough times! Pray José makes wise choices for his life when confronted by the Holy Spirit during His Bible study times.

Thursday, 29^th: “Hello! My name is Tran… I am an inmate at the … I attended church regularly in my younger years, but over the past couple years I have strayed A LOT. Since my arrival here, I’ve began looking to God to correct me and guide me. When I borrowed a Bible from a friend, he showed me all the courses he’d received from you. Could you please enroll me? Please! Please!”

            Praise God – His written word clearly presents Christ as mankind’s only Redeemer & Refuge! Pray Tran spends serious time studying God’s word and making course changes for his life.

Friday, 30^th: “The most meaningful thing I learned in lesson 8 is that God gave us armor against the devil and we should always use it. If we use the armor of God with prayer and the Holy Bible we can have victory! I’m loving these Bible lessons. Thanks for providing us with them! Johnny…“

            Praise God – the nutrients from God’s word give His child strength to face their enemy & win! Pray Johnny follows Christ’s teaching wholeheartedly. Pray he shares God’s word with his neighbor.

Saturday, 1^st: “Forgive me for not sending you these study tests sooner, but it just wasn’t possible. They were moving me and it took so much time to happen. I am now where I’ll be. My new address is…Penitentiary… California. Sorry for taking so long. Sinceramente, Miguel…“

            Praise God – He graciously enables BSBM to share Christ’s teaching with 1,400+ students! Pray BSBM’s students stand firmly on the Rock by obeying Christ & sharing His message of hope.