Q1. Soldiers are issued Bibles if they want one when they join. Why do we have to buy and ship them after this fact?
A1. Many soldiers who opt not to take a standard issue Bible when they join often have a change of heart shortly after deployment and action in the field. Given the state of the military chaplaincy in our nation’s public dialog, tax based funding for Bible supply in the field is nearly non-existent. We work to fill that gap by getting cases of Bibles into the hands of chaplains for those who come to them for support.
Q2. What is it that makes your program different from other programs that work to supply the soldiers with Bibles?
A2. Well, for starters, most of the Bible programs for the soldiers give them New Testament Bibles only, whereas we provide the full copy of the Scriptures. Additionally, we also provide the Bibles in more than one language to be given to either our troops, or allied troops embedded with our soldiers who may not speak English, or be more comfortable reading it in their native tongues.
Q3. What if my husband, wife, son or daughter is deployed? Can you help me make sure he/ she gets a Bible and a packet of other materials you’re offering?
A3. Absolutely! Please feel free to contact us directly with your request. Or, you can have your soldier contact his/her chaplain and have him request the materials from us. If we are able to establish communication directly with the chaplain, we can provide additional materials for others under their spiritual care.
Q4. Are you affiliated with any specific denomination?
A4. No. We serve an awesome, indescribable God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Our statement of faith is published on our website at http://www.solidersbibleministry.org for more background.
Q5. What format Bibles are you distributing to English speaking troops?
A5. Our standard issue is the pocket-size Army Camouflage Uniform (ACU) New International Version (NIV) from the International Bible Society of Colorado, USA. Soldiers prefer to have a copy that fits in their pocket to take with them on patrol and to keep close to their hearts, literally.
Q6. What other languages are you distributing besides English?
A6. Allied Forces from countries such as Uganda, Afghanistan, Iraq, Poland and dozens of other coalition forces are all candidates. Languages covering these allied soldiers include Swahili, Arabic, Polish, etc. Chaplains are not to overtly proselytize the troops. However, when a soldier voluntarily comes to the chaplain, we want to be sure an adequate supply of Bibles available.
Q7. How many Bibles do you plan on distributing?
A7. Our current goal for the 2008-2009 calendar years is to distribute 100,000 Bibles and study materials to allied soldiers. Given there have been 1.5 million troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001 with 300,000 US soldiers who have returned invisibly wounded with PTSD and other emotional/spiritual issues, it is our goal to reach 1 in 4 of these soldiers.
Q8. Other than the pocket size fit, what’s so special about this ACU Bible?
A8. When the soldier opens this Bible, they won’t find the copyright notice but rather Psalm 91 reprinted as the first thing they will read. Additionally, there is front and back material that speaks to both the new believer and the life-long believer with ancient and contemporary maps, basic spiritual training, prayer for a fallen comrade, an overview of the Bible, and a “How to Best Read and Study the Bible” outline as well as other helps specific to a soldier in a combat situation.
Q9. There are other ministries that supply complete Bibles such as International Bible Society's program. What else is different about Soldiers Bible Ministry?
A9. In addition to proactive shipping of native language Bibles, our study materials from Chuck Missler and Koinonia House Ministries provide a unique perspective for soldiers deployed in the Middle East today. Missler was a military officer upon graduation from Annapolis in 1956; he served his country in the US Air Force. Missler gained a unique perspective on the military's role and his studies view world events through the lens of the Bible. This special approach resonates very well with allied military personnel around the world. Complimentary classes in the Koinonia Institute and dialog in the Koinonia House Berean Online Fellowship provide a great support network for soldiers when they return home and pursue further indepth Bible study.
Q10. I am a Chaplain; how can I obtain Bibles and Bible Study material to enhance my ministry to those on my base?
A10. Please contact us with the number of soldiers on your base and we will be happy to provide Bibles and Bible Study material to you. If there is anything else can do to assist you, please let us know.
Q11. Although I am unable to donate money, I am available to help in any way possible. What is your greatest need and how can I be of assistance to this wonderful outreach?
A11. There are several ways in which you can help. We encourage you to contact us through email (see Contact Page) so we can work together to determine how your gifts and talents would best fit our needs.
Q12. I am the wife of a deployed soldier. Do you have any support systems in place for me and those like me?
A12. We encourage wives of deployed soldiers to make contact with Christian Military Wives, an affiliate organization to minister specifically to the needs of the wives of soldiers. Please visit their website at www.christianmilitarywives.com for more information. They will welcome you with open arms and become a powerful support system for you.
Q13. I have used instruments and/or sound equipment. Is this something you would be interested in? How can I go about donating these items? Can I receive a tax receipt for their value?
A13. If you have musical instruments and/or sound equipment in good condition and are willing to donate it to “Tunes For Troops” program sponsored by Soldiers Bible Ministry, we would love to hear from you. We will be glad to give you a tax receipt for the value of your donation. Please contact John Reynolds for further information: Click Here.
Q14. Do you have printed material that can be used as a bulletin insert or flyer to help communicate the details of your ministry?
A14. Yes, please Click Here to request a pdf file which is ready for photocopying and distribution. We only ask that the flyer NOT be altered in any way.