Letter to Those Wanting Bible's in Bulk

Since we started freekjv.org, I have received numerous requests for Bible's in bulk, even though the FAQ and home page indicates one Bible per order (or household). Occasionally, I break the rule of of one Bible per household, but I have always refused requests for Bible's in bulk.

These requests have always come from someone at a church (as in a building and not an ekklesia). Below is my response to a recent inquiry. The writer wanted to give away a Bible to each visitor of their church as well as in the community.

Thanks for your question. From time to time I receive a request such as yours and my answer has always been "no". Let me explain why.

1. The budget for our bibles is established by a percentage of the revenue generated by our family business. It is therefore limited by the providence of God in supplying us with both work and profit.

2. When my wife and I came up with the idea of free bibles, we felt it was necessary to set some rules. Bibles would be "one per household", only given in the United States, and the amount spent is based upon a fixed percentage. Barring that, we would ask no questions.

3. I do not accept donations but instead rely solely on God's grace to provide the funds needed to purchase the bibles. To date, the requests for bibles have risen rapidly, but the funds have always been available to fill the need. This is Abraham's "Jehovah-Jireh" -- the Lord will provide. But Isaac's ram was not immediately apparent -- it was provided at the last possible moment, and that has been our experience in funding the give away's at freekjv.org

4. It is important to note that the people that receive our bibles have *asked* for them. They are seeking and finding, asking and receiving.

5. I am particularly opposed to providing this service to churches for a couple of reasons.

- First, it would rapidly consume my budget. If I limit one per household, I spread the money that God gives me over a wider number of people.

- Second, a local body of believers ought to have the resources to procure their own bibles for give away. If not, then they should consider returning to the first century model of fellowship -- meeting in the homes of believers (Rom 16:5, 1 Cor 16:19, Col 4:15, Philemon 1:2), which can free much needed resources to help the poor.

The harvest is indeed plenteous and the laborers are few. So many people today that call themselves Christians are faithless and narrow-minded. They have things backwards in terms of charity. They think that prosperity is an indication of God's approval, and "growth" is their aim. Proverbs says labor not to be rich and cease from your own understanding. Yet today's Christian "ministries" beg for money at every turn to support their activities. The church down the road from us sends out regular requests for money to a poor widow-woman next door when in fact they should be helping to supply her needs and not the other way around.

I would encourage you to be faithful. The Creator of the Universe and Author of Salvation is not limited in His power or resources. The cattle upon a thousand hills are His. If He were hungry, He would not ask us for food. He does all things after the counsel of His own will. He knows what we need before we ask. If the Lord intends for me to give away a thousand bibles next month, I trust that He has already set in motion the project(s) that will help me pay for such an expense.

If God wants you to give away bibles He will supply you with the resources to do so, regardless of famine, pestilence, or a bad economy. "A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh you." (Psalm 91:7)

If you are looking for something economical, I would suggest purchasing bibles by the case. Here is the one we give away:

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=60198CS&event=CF

(Please note that I am in no way endorsing christianbook.com, nor am I affiliated with that company.)

With shipping, purchasing the bibles above will come out to between $2 and $3 per bible. Total cost for a case of 36 is about $75. I can also put you in touch with the publisher, which can offer the bibles 15 to 20 cents (or more) cheaper depending upon the quantity ordered. But it takes a lot of quantity to get the deeper discounts.

I am sorry this is not the answer you were hoping for, but perhaps it will be helpful, anyway.