Dear Friends,

Arthur Shaw became blind at the age of seven. He later regained his sight only to lose it completely and permanently less than a year later. Holding to the above verse, Arthur has kept a positive and encouraging spirit despite the difficulty he has faced. Seeking to better himself, he attended a School for the Blind where he learned to read Braille and he continues to attend Bible courses when they are offered.

“You are such a blessing and tell everyone who helps with Aurora Ministries that they should never give up either.  You reach so many people.”

Having recently received a digital audio Bible from this ministry, Arthur told us it “brought (him) out of the darkness and into the light.” He now enjoys having independent access to God’s Word and uses it to prepare for Wednesday night Bible studies at church.

Arthur often speaks of how far the Lord has brought him in his walk and what an important part his audio Bible has played in his growth. He has asked that we convey his gratitude to our generous supporters, like you, who helped make it possible for him to have his own Bible.

Did you know, not only do we serve individuals like Arthur, who are qualified as blind or visually impaired, but we also provide Audio Bibles to those who are qualified as “print-handicapped”?  Print-handicapped simply refers to those whose vision may be fine but who can no longer hold and manage books … sometimes, these are people who struggle with cancer, those who suffer with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Downs Syndrome, Paralysis, and others.

“I am writing to say how much I appreciate your sending the Bible to me.  This has been a real blessing.

I am a quadriplegic since 1975 and a Christian so being able to listen to the Scriptures is wonderful.   I do have a automatic page turner, but many days I must stay in bed twelve or more hours and cannot be up to use it.

May the Lord bless your ministry for indeed His Word is the means by which men can be reached and born into a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Being able to get a copy of God’s Word in an audio format is such a vital and appreciated service for those who have no other means to access a Bible and, in many cases, would not be able to afford one.

In fact, this year your gifts to Audio Bibles for the Blind have helped produce and send over 2,000 Audio Bibles all across the world!  There are no words to describe our gratitude for your financial support.  Thank You!

Dear Friends,

This verse from Ruth’s favorite Psalm serves as a reminder of the Lord’s goodness and blessings as she recites it daily. Though her physical sight has deteriorated rapidly over the last year, she continues to walk in the light of God’s Word.

Fifteen years ago, Ruth was diagnosed with macular degeneration but still had some ability to read. In March of last year, though, she woke up one morning and everything was a blur. Though left with only the ability to perceive light and shapes, she is grateful to the Lord that she can still look out her window and discern the trees, remembering Psalm 100:4a which reads:

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.”

Now, listening to the reading of Scripture by her husband of 67 years, Ruth is reminded of her early years memorizing Scripture verses in school. She considers herself blessed to have attended public school at a time when Scripture was taught.

Though the world has changed much since those days and even more for Ruth as her physical world has grown dim, she is reminded as she listens to God’s Word, to consider her many blessings. She rejoices in the words of Psalm 100:2:

“Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.”

Ruth’s visual deficiency is an all too common condition that affects millions in our country today. The Macular Degeneration Association (M.D.A.) states that macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 65 and 9.1 million people in the United States 40 years and older suffer from macular degeneration.  The M.D.A. also tells us that women, like Ruth, are more likely to develop macular degeneration than men.

While millions find themselves no longer able to read their Bibles, Audio Bibles for the Blind provides a means for them to enjoy continued, independent access to God’s Word. Though the world they live in may grow darker by the day, their audio Bible provides hope and a reminder to:

“Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psalm 100:4b

We recently sent Ruth a free Audio Bible on MP3-CD that she can listen to at anytime without needing her husband to read for her.  While they may continue to enjoy the Word of God together as he reads to her, she is now comforted to know that she can hear the Scriptures, day or night, all on her own.  And it is gifts like yours that make this possible.  As a partner of Audio Bibles for the Blind, you put a Bible back into the hands of someone who has lost the ability to read for themselves.

As you know, Audio Bibles for the Blind receives hundreds of requests for Audio Bibles from people around the world each week, but we are only able to provide them because of the generous support of friends like you.

Every $20 you give will put an Audio Bible into the hands of a blind, visually impaired or print handicapped person.  And who knows how many lives will be touched by your generosity?

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Last year was a difficult year at Audio Bibles for the Blind, as we said goodbye to four dear friends and co-workers because of the tough economic times.  However, this isn’t a story of sadness, but a story of joy and happiness for what God has provided.  We praise Him for the wonderful volunteers He sends to help us continue this ministry of providing Audio Bibles to the blind and print-handicapped.

Jim and Jean have been coming to volunteer at Audio Bibles for the Blind for over 6 months.  Without them, the hundreds of Audio Bibles we send out each week would never get packed and mailed. Their commitment to doing God’s work brings joy into so many lives all around the world.

I want to introduce you to Jim, who will share with you his story.

“My name is Jim.  However, it could be Jose, Abner, Mary or Isabelle.  We would all have something in common – we would be blind or, to some, just not seeing very well.  I was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is a disease that robs you of your sight.  For some, it is sudden, but, for most, it is gradual.  I was first diagnosed at age 13, and was told by those in the know that I would never be completely blind.  Well, as we all know, those in the know don’t always know what they are talking about as I now have been completely blind for 25 years.

I have managed to do many exciting things in my life, in spite of my lack of seeing.  Through God’s grace, I was employed at the U.S. Postal Service, ran a small business, got married–all the things a sighted person does during a lifetime.

One of the things I am most grateful for is technology.  The convenience of digitized material which can be played on MP3 players and Digital Talking Book players gives greater access for the blind and other individuals.

That brings me to today.  I now have the privilege of living in a Christian community  called il Villaggio (www.ilvillaggiohomes.com) in Bradenton Florida, where Aurora Ministries/Audio Bibles for the Blind is located.

I now have a part in sending Audio Bibles and other materials all around the world! So, if you are enjoying an Audio Bible, and you received it in the last few months, I may have had a part in getting it to you.

Listen, knowing that there is one who is aware of your world, its limitations and its possibilities.  Along with many other people around the world who take advantage of these Biblical Materials, I am thankful for the service Audio Bibles for the Blind provides.  I am thankful that I have the privilege of getting the Word of God into a person’s hands in a format that is edifying to them.

Let him who has an ear…”

Jim, thank you for sharing your story with us.  We, as well as the many others who are reading this right now, thank you and Jean for all that you do for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Through generous financial support from ministry partners and hours of service from volunteers like Jim and his wife Jean, we can provide God’s Spoken Word to the blind and print disabled. When men, women and even children lose their sight, many of them feel that they have lost everything.

Your gift will make an eternal impact in the life of someone who has lost the ability to read their Bible and prays daily to once again have a Bible they can keep and “read”!

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 – (KJV)

Skylar, an eight year old boy who was born blind, had a life long desire: he simply longed to read the Word of God!

Last December, Skylar and other visually impaired individuals were guests at a local Lions Club Meeting. There were informed of the various programs and services available to them. Skylar was particularly interested when the presentation was made for Audio Bibles for the Blind.

Skylar got really excited when he heard that Audio Bibles were available for people just like him! Skylar exclaimed, “That’s what I want for Christmas!”

His family, pleased that their son wanted to read the Word of God, inquired as to how they might get a free Children’s Audio Bible. Knowing the time was short, we assured them that Skylar’s gift would be on its way the next day.

What a joy it was for us when we heard it did arrive in time for Christmas!

A child with a Christmas wish is not unusual. When a child’s wish is for their own Audio Bible, it reminds us of why we celebrate this joyous season, and makes the work we do worthwhile.

Because of your generosity, many children and adults around the world have access to the Word of God. There are many out there like Skylar! Without help from friends like you, many won’t receive the gift of God’s Word for Christmas. That’s why I’m asking you to rush your most generous support to Audio Bibles for the Blind.

For boys and girls like Skylar, Christmas will come alive, because you cared enough to give. On their behalf, we thank you, and wish you a blessed Christmas Season.

Luke 2:1-14 (King James Version)

1. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.  2. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)  5. To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  7. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Peggy shared with us recently that when her husband told her he had only married her because he felt sorry she was blind, the world around her crumbled. Born premature as a twin, Peggy was blinded when the oxygen in the incubator dried out her eyes. Her sister didn’t survive. Peggy had been a fighter since birth, but now she didn’t want to fight anymore.

Peggy’s crumbled marriage wasn’t her only struggle. She had accepted Christ into her life when she was 17 years old, but she had never found a Christian community where she felt she belonged. No matter how hard Peggy tried, it seemed like people couldn’t get past the fact that she was blind. They couldn’t see her for who she was.

It was in that moment of total despair that Peggy says she heard the Lord speak to her heart. “If I don’t heal your eyes, will you serve me? If I don’t restore your marriage, will you serve me?” Peggy answered, “Yes.”

Today, Peggy is nearing 60 years of age, and she’s been happily married to her husband, Robert, for 26 years. And every day since their wedding, Peggy prayed that Robert would join her in her walk with the Lord.

Still struggling to find a Christian community where she belonged, Peggy called us one day. We listened to her story and prayed with her. Because of the generous support of friends and partners like you, we were able to send Peggy an Audio Bible.

The healing words of scripture were now instantly available to her. And what was even more wonderful for Peggy was that when she listened to God’s Spoken Word, Robert joined her.For the first time in their marriage, they were hearing the Bible together.

Not long after they received the Audio Bible, Robert started going to church with Peggy. They finally found a community where they belonged. And they found it together. Recently, Robert and Peggy were both baptized in their church. Peggy couldn’t be happier.

That’s what happens when friends like you support our life-changing ministry at Audio Bibles for the Blind. Hearts are opened, lives are changed, and people are seen and loved for who they really are. It’s hard to believe a few recordings could do all this, but time and again, we hear stories just like Peggy’s.

In their new church home, Peggy and Robert have been able to minister to countless people who also feel pushed away and rejected by the world around them. Peggy wraps these fragile men and women in the love of Christ and acknowledges their beauty as sons and daughters of God. And it started with an Audio Bible.

Peggy no longer sees her blindness as something God is using to test her. Instead, she sees that she has a tremendous gift to offer others. Peggy doesn’t get caught up in disfigurements, skin color, or even fashion sense. She sees straight into people’s hearts, and she loves them for who they are.

When you send your support to Audio Bibles For The Blind, lives are changed. As homes are opened to healing words of scripture, hearts are transformed.

Please, send in your most generous support today so we can continue ministering to men and women like Peggy. Help us give God’s Spoken Word to those whose hearts are longing for healing words of love and encouragement.

We can’t make Peggy’s blindness go away, but we can help her and countless others like her to see themselves as God’s precious children, accepted and dearly loved as His own.

This is the miracle of the Audio Bible. And you make it happen every time you give to this ministry. Thank you!

One night Tim was asked to take two colleagues home from work. Before he knew what happened, he was dragged away from his car, severely beaten, and left for dead by two thugs who stole his car. Tim’s head had been kicked repeatedly––so badly in fact that it pushed his eyes back into his cranium. He was blinded from the beating.

Tim’s life changed that night. He had lived his life to bring peace to the hurting, and now a terrible act of violence had taken everything away from him. But what Tim missed most about his life “before” was his ability to read.

You see, Tim read the Bible faithfully, delving into Scripture while he prepared for a life of ministry as a pastor. After that terrible night, Tim could no longer read the Bible. He asked everyone he knew, but nobody knew how to help him––until one day a social worker sent him to Audio Bibles For The Blind.

“It’s a miracle. I can hear the Bible, and I can understand it clearly,” Tim says. “This is the most beautiful thing in my life.”
Friends like you made this happen! When you offer your most generous support, you give something beautiful to people like Tim.

Losing your sight to an act of violence is an especially heavy weight for people like Tim to carry with them. Each and every day, as Tim struggles to get through ordinary tasks such as tying his shoes, making breakfast, or even getting to and from work, he is reminded of all that was taken from him in one terrifying instant.

The Audio Bible doesn’t give a normal life back to Tim or others like him. But it does help ease the pain.

“When you can hear the Bible and clearly… That takes a lot of burden off your soul,” Tim says. “And I don’t think people realize that until they have to go through something like this.”

Every day I receive one letter after another, each telling a story of loss and pain. I wish I could help lift the burdens of each one of these people, but I can’t––at least not without your help.

You see, we get more requests for help than what we can fulfill on our own. I can’t stand the thought of turning away a single person who is seeking comfort from God’s Spoken Word, and I believe you can’t either.

When you offer your most generous support, you help answer the calls for help from good people like Tim. You lift a burden off their souls and soothe the pain of their loss. You can’t give back someone’s vision, but when you give an Audio Bible, you restore something even greater––you offer a lifeline of God’s healing Word, a balm for the hurting soul.

Thank you for your generous and faithful support. Tim and I are so very grateful.

Click here to give online, or call us at 941.748.3031

Note from the editor:

In May, many of you read our Story of the Month titled “We Remember”. As we began to prepare for that story, we came across many great possibilities and were able to speak with many who served this great country.

I want to share with you some of those stories that didn’t make it into the final version we mailed out.

Over the years, Audio Bibles for the Blind has been blessed to be able to give back to those who have sacrificed much for this country. Having the Bible in a usable format has meant so much to veterans like James, who, as a Marine, served two tours of duty in Korea and in Vietnam as well as a tour in Germany. He retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel after twenty-seven years of service. His widow shared with us,

“His [James] Audio Bible was a true blessing. He was able to listen until the very last and this was so, wonderful for him.”

Norman was drafted into the Army and served in both World War II and Korea before returning home to his wife whom, he has now been married to for fifty-six years. Norman is 70% paralyzed and has macular degeneration but continues to thank the Lord for the life he has been able to lead and for the blessing his Audio Bible has been to him. Norman told us,

“When I first learned of my vision trouble, I was so worried as I am such an avid reader. I should not have been.”

Aaron Pratt served in the army in Georgia with one tour of duty in South Korea. In the late 1990’s he found out that he was losing his vision due to glaucoma and would soon need the services available at his local VA hospital. The rehabilitation program was a transformation in his life. Mr. Pratt stated,

“God will put you in a place, he will designate a time and a place but only if you pay attention. I was so depressed when I arrived at the unit, but I grew stronger every day, stronger in the Lord.”

Mr. Pratt tells us that the Audio Bible he received from Audio Bibles for the Blind makes it so easy to cover chapter and verses so quickly.

Dolores O’Bryant has special memories of her military experiences as she met her husband in Fort Knox, Kentucky. They both served in the military there.

“The Lord has always been with us as we raised our children, one of whom just retired from military service also in Fort Knox, Kentucky.” Dolores also tells us “I listen to my audio tapes every day!”