2016 CLC World Issue 4

Bringing glory to God by making evangelical Christian literature available to all nations so that people may come to faith and maturity in the Lord Jesus Christ.

CLC RLD CLCW W RLD Pg. 11 - 22

clc.org.uk

M M A A G G A A Z Z I I NN E E

CLC International Council ~ 2016 ~

2014 2016 / 24

In this issue: Study Excerpt 8 -9 Bible

4-7

CLC ICMs in the UK

Amanda Lutes

Dear Reader Welcome to CLC World! This free mission magazine enables us to share with you, our faithful supporters, current news, testimonies, as well as prayer and praise points, illustrating how we are daily impacting thousands of lives in over 50 countries.

25 - 26

11-22

How To Get Involved!

Book 24 Excerpt

Sarah Lovin’s Testimony 27

From the editor

This time of year always seems to be one of big changes!

For me, I am currently preparing to move to the CLC 30 USA headquarters where we also will be having a new Q & A with Interview branch of the CLC International Office. It is here that I will CLC WORLD Q& A with with be working alongside our new International Director, WS & VIE RE Francine OTHER BOOKS WE Gerardo has taught me through it.Scalante, There are questions forin my new ‘communications’ role. Plus New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers D! MEN Rivers RECOM has published numerous novels—all bestsellers— readers to ponder or use for journaling: Reflect, and she has continued to win both industry Apply, Connect with God. There are also some visa process once again! going through the has taught me through it.

There are questions for New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her additional facts, Scripture, and hymns, as well

28-29

Francine Rivers Francine Rivers

has published numerous novels—all bestsellers— readers ponder or use fororjournaling: Christian novelsto have been awarded nominated Reflect, as beautiful pictures. The earth psalm essay was and she has continued to win both industry for numerous Apply,honours, Connectand with are also some in God. 1997,There after winning

it is easy to question how it came to be and look back and reflect on what brought you to CLC International this point.

When you do so, it is amazing to look back and 291 Abbeydale Rd, Sheffield, S7 1FJ I love reading nonfiction but had never tackled it. for ways God how speaks to us through His creation. see much God has brought you through and how I hope readers will look at ordinary things (and When I shared with someone in South Africa about Just as an artist reveals himself through his art, Mission: clc.org.uk somepsalms” not so about ordinary) in aGod newspeaks way and doing “earth the way to search Godevidently has given us evidence of Himself in everyHe has been working in your life and changing I love reading nonfiction but had never tackledme it. through for ways God speaks to usmentioned through His creation.

His creation, someone turnthing He’s created. It all points to Him. Online Shop: clcbookshops.com ing thoseJust essays intoartist a devotional.

I love devotionals, When I shared with someone in South Africa about as an reveals himself through his art, you for His purposes. writing was exciting.

Tyndale doing “earth psalms” about the way God speaks so tothe prospect God hasofgiven usone evidence of Himself in every

my part. The enriching questions and details With any big change, acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Herher thirdadditional facts, andfiction, hymns, as well RITA Award forScripture, inspirational are Karin’s, and the beautiful artwork was put

Christian novels have been awarded or nominated beautiful pictures. earth Writers psalm essay together was Francineaswas inducted into theThe Romance

by Jennifer Ghionzoli at Tyndale. for numerous honours, and in 1997, after winning my Hall part.ofThe enriching questions and details of America Fame. her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, are Karin’s, and the beautiful artwork was put WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR THIS BOOK? Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers

by Jennifer Ghionzoli at Tyndale.

WHAT together MOTIVATED YOU TO VENTURE INTO I hope readers will look at ordinary things (and of America Hall of Fame.

YOUR FIRST NONFICTION TITLE? some not so ordinary) in a new way and search WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR THIS BOOK?

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO VENTURE INTO YOUR FIRST NONFICTION TITLE?

Personnel Enquiries: partnered me He’s with created.

Karin Stock we me through His creation, someone mentioned turnthing It allBuursma points toand Him.

personnel@clcbookshops.com

WHY DO YOU THINK CHRISTIANS NEED TO HEAR THIS MESSAGE?

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

We live in a busy world, and even Christians can get worked together as a team. I thoroughly enjoyed ing those essays into a devotional. I love devotionals, such a rush they forget to “stop and smell the WHY DOthe YOU THINK CHRISTIANS NEEDinTO everything about project. so the prospect of writing one was exciting. Tyndale roses.” Imagine that wonderful scent reminding you HEAR THIS MESSAGE? partnered me with Karin Stock Buursma and we WAS ITWe HARD TOa SHARE PERSONAL thatget the prayers of believers are like the scent of live in busy world, and even Christians can worked together as a team. I thoroughly enjoyed STORIES ABOUT HOW GOD HAS WORKED incense to God. I hope readers will slow down, look in such a rush they forget to “stop and smell the everything about the project.

IN YOUR LIFE WITHOUT THE SAFETY NET around, roses.” Imagine that wonderful scent reminding you discover the beauty, and then praise God OF FICTIONALIZATION? WAS IT HARD TO SHARE PERSONAL that the prayers of believers are like the scentfor of all the many blessings He has given us.

Sharing personal stories about how God works in STORIES ABOUT HOW GOD HAS WORKED incense to God. I hope readers will slow down, look is a pleasure, and I love hearing how God HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR MESSAGE WILL IN YOUR LIFE WITHOUT THE SAFETY NETmy life around, discover the beauty, and then praise God has worked in other people’s lives, too. It’s the life RESONATE WITH YOUR READERS? OF FICTIONALIZATION? for all the many blessings He has given us. experiences and hope we share with one another I know many other people who love the natural Sharing personal stories about how God works in world and see how it is evidence of God as Creator that brings God even closer. It shows how personally my life is a pleasure, and I love hearing how God HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR MESSAGE WILL of all. I hope this devotional will encourage them involved the Lord is in His children’s lives. has worked in other people’s lives, too. It’s the life RESONATE WITH YOUR READERS? to rejoice and look for and share how God speaks I know many other people who love the natural experiences and hope we share with one another EXPLAIN THE TITLE. HOW DID YOU COME to them. world and see how it is evidence of God as Creator that brings God even closer. It shows how personally UP WITH THE IDEA OF EARTH PSALMS? I hope will encourage involved the Lord is in His children’s lives.

GOD’S GLORY IS MANIFESTED IN NATURE A psalmofis all. a song, andthis thedevotional earth and everything on them rejoice for itand share how God speaks ALL AROUND US. HOW CAN WE TUNE IN TO it, in it,toabove it, and and look beyond is God’s creation.

EXPLAIN THE TITLE. HOW DID YOU COME to them.

HIS GLORIOUS MESSAGE? WHAT DO YOU DO Everything God created sings praise to Him, and

Finance Office:

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For Overseas Opportunities:

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UP WITH THE IDEA OF EARTH PSALMS?

I believe also teaches us many lessons about our

Phil. 1:6 (NASB)

The theme of the last issue of CLC World each year is always about ‘giving thanks’, and so I hope you will join us in thanksgiving as we reflect on all that God has been doing in our lives this year and what exciting changes lie ahead for CLC.

TO DISCOVER EARTH PSALM MOMENTS?

GOD’S GLORY IS MANIFESTED IN NATURE A psalm is a song, and the earth and everything Creator on We It tuneis in bymy praying greatest and reading His Word and as well. We are never to worship any created hope that these testimonies, news items, For magazine feedback SUBSCRIBE ALL AROUND US. HOW CAN WE TUNE asking IN TO Him to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to it, in it, above it, and beyond it is or God’sto creation. thing or even creation itself. We are to worship the HIS GLORIOUS MESSAGE? WHAT DO YOU DOHe has for us. Then we look and listen with God(Single created sings praise to Him, and what Creator, Jesus Christ, the Word that created it all. to CLC Everything World or Bulk), contact prayer/praise points and recommended books will help TO DISCOVER EARTH PSALM MOMENTS? I believe also teaches us many lessons about our hearts fixed on Him. When we discover something

Weat: tune in by praying and reading His Word and Amanda Lutes, Creator as well. We areCLC never toWorld worship any Editor created that has a lesson for us, we give thanks to God for tothenlook and reflect on your journey this year with asking Him to open our eyes, ears, and heartsthat toyou thing or even creation itself. We are to worship the lesson. And we share back it with others.

He has for us.psalm Then(essay) we look and listen with Readerswhat will find an earth about Creator, Jesus Christ, the Word that created it all. clcworld@clcbookshops.com hearts fixed Him.and When we discover something God has on created a lesson God somethingGod. May it be a time that brings hope to your heart that that has a lesson for us, we give thanks to God for that lesson. And then we share it with others. God is still at work in your life and how much He loves you!

Readers will find an earth psalm (essay) about WHAT WILL READERS FIND INSIDE THE PAGES OF EARTH PSALMS?

s quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

WHAT WILL READERS FIND INSIDE THE PAGES OF EARTH PSALMS?

something God has created and a lesson God

3 EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT CLC Help us make a difference in your community and around the world!

For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ Acts 17:28 A great song which is based on this verse is Creation Sings by All Sons & Daughters.

It is on their latest album, Poets & Saints.

Product Code: 0000768655726

PRAY WITH US clc.org.uk/pray

SHOP WITH US clc.org.uk/shops

SERVE WITH US

clc.org.uk/vacancies

CLC is registered as a charity in England & Wales (1015793) and in Scotland (SC037939)

Another recommendation is The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell. This children’s book is a refreshing re-telling of the Christmas story, illustrating just how much God loves us!

Hardback ISBN: 9781910307113

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2016 International Council Meetings

Celebrating 75 Years of Evangelism & God’s Faithfulness The International Council (IC) meetings are always a time of fellowship and learning from one another. It is a real encouragement to all our teams to share our evangelistic experiences, insights into changing markets and technology, vital keys to surviving economic hardship and how to better partner with other ministries.

Being an evangelical ministry that is equally a business is always a challenge.

Too mission-focused and we can’t survive on the ‘High streets’ where most of our opportunities to share about God are based. Too business-focused and we lose sight of God’s purpose for us.

With thousands of people daily visiting our shops seeking prayer, guidance, resources and, quite often, just a listening ear, it is vital that we remain a visible presence around the world. To do so, we must always take the time to join together in God’s Word and prayer. We are always so blessed to have amazing speakers, worship leaders, and testimonial times at International Council, and this year was no different!

Here are just a few ‘special moments’ we were able to share together:

New Leaders Elected:

Please pray for our International & Regional Directors The IC meetings are held every four years, and it is here that the International and Regional Directors are elected.

This year, Neil Wardrope stepped down as International Director and former Americas Regional Director, Gerardo Scalante, took on the position (with his wife Silvia).

Also elected were Regional Directors, David Almack, to oversee North America and the Caribbean, and Carlos Marín, to oversee Latin America. We are very blessed to have such strong followers of God taking on these new roles. Please pray for them as they learn and begin to manage their new responsibilities.

Please continue to pray for our Regional Directors, Gary Chamberlin (Europe), Liz Patten (Africa), and Romualdo Macinas (Pacific Asia) as they continue on in their current roles.

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Louis & Susan Sutton:

Sharing God’s Word We thank God for enabling Louis and Susan Sutton to lead the devotional times at the IC meetings this year.

They are the International Directors of WEC and together have some amazing testimonies of God at work.

As they shared these incredible This stories, they were able to bring CLCclarity USA to God’s Word, remindingBookLink us to be ‘forever grateful’ in all circumstances. This was a key reminder for us all, not just our teams who are facing difficult situations.

Praying For Each Other:

The family that prays together, stays together!

It was wonderful that so many of our CLC ‘family’ were able to attend the Celebration Day on June 27th. We were a large gathering of active workers, retirees, and various partners, including long-time supporters and publishers. The Assistant Director of one of the CLC Central Asian countries was overheard saying, “I never realised how many people were praying for me!

What an encouragement attending these meetings has been and what a blessing to be a part of the CLC family.”

Fellowship:

Touring the city of London together What a real joy to be able to explore London together! This day was filled with memories that will last a lifetime, including an impromptu worship session (no instruments, only voices, hands, feet and a food cooler!) at the CLC Bookshop in London!

Watch out for more photos from this excursion in the next magazine!

Testimonies:

God is Good - ALL the Time!

Stories of difficulties, achievements and incredible personal testimonies of God at work in our lives were shared throughout the week by each leader in attendance.

One that stood out was from Jacob Mung, who is CLC Myanmar’s National Director.

He told us about two health care workers, who are the only two Christians in this Buddhist Village but, every Sunday, they get together for church and take turns reading the Bible and praying together.

They only have one Christian book, and it is their ‘pastor’.

It just happens to be a CLC publication. What a privilege to be supporting Christians all over the world in their walk with the Lord!

Publishing:

Raising the Standard William MacKenzie (Christian Focus Publications), a CLC UK Trustee, reminded us this week of the importance of making sure the books that we publish and promote in our shops are strongly Biblically based and not ‘watered down’ for the masses. With so many reading options these days, we need to make sure that our standards are even higher then ever. We know that the right books can transform lives and that is our goal!

We are so thankful to William and the team at CFP, not only for being such long-time partners with CLC UK, but for now enabling many of our teams around the world to translate and publish their titles in other languages! What a blessing!

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CLC’s 75th Anniversary Celebration Day - June 27th, 2016 CCT High Leigh Conference Centre Hoddeston, United Kingdom

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.

My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him. Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

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Gerardo Scalante’s First Speech: Going all out for God!

David Almack shares his thoughts about CLC’s new International Director’s first speech which was given at the CLC’s International Council in June.

The room got quiet and most of us were on the edge of our seats. The anticipation in the room was almost palpable. Gerardo Scalante had just been elected as the new International Director for CLC, and this was his first opportunity to present his vision for the future.

way that they ‘will want to give their life to that organisation’.

The decision to elect Gerardo into this role represented something of a seismic shift for our organisation as he is the first Latino to serve in this way. What would he say?

- That we would create a more effective system for encouraging, supporting, and implementing more cross-cultural work.

As he stood up to speak, Gerardo made a very interesting opening statement. He said that while he did not have any new revelations from God about CLC and its future, he did have some convictions and dreams. In setting the foundation for the rest of his talk, he then went on to say, “We are a Christian organisation fulfilling the Great Commission. We simply accomplish this through the use of Christian literature and bookstores. We are a missionary organisation.”

This statement may not sound revolutionary, but it was deeply encouraging to hear. While CLC was birthed out of WEC International and was entirely staffed by missionaries and volunteers in the early days, today the vast majority of our team members work as nationals in their own countries and receive sacrificial salaries.

In the face of reality, Gerardo was reminding us that while some of our methods have changed, our core purpose remains the same.

What came next was a presentation that I dubbed ‘The Seven Dreams of a Leader’, and each dream was captivating in its own right.

- That we would fully understand who and what we are (as CLC).

- That we would keep alive those things from the past that made us a great mission – Faith, Holiness, Fellowship, and Sacrifice. These must be applied in fresh ways in our daily lives and in local contexts.

- That we would have a renewed commitment to CLC’s mission and vision, never losing our Global perspective because of a local emphasis.

- That CLC will be attractive to people in such a

- That people will see us as a distinctively missional organisation when they enter our stores.

- That we would develop deeper connections to the local church in our communities. That we would not be separate from what God is doing in a given country. That we would be an important arm of the local church wherever we are located.

I was particularly taken by the idea that God would allow us to be an organisation that would be so attractive that people will want to ‘give their life to that organisations. This seems so counter-intuitive at a time when most young people anticipate working for multiple organisations before they retire. At the same time, it is highly motivating to anticipate being a part of a movement that is so God-directed that it compels people to abandon their life agendas and consider ‘going all out for God’.

As I pondered what Gerardo was sharing, I could not help but think how delighted my grandparents would be to have heard this speech. Ken and Bessie Adams, the founders of CLC, may have said some of the very same things themselves, but they would also have been excited to see how these ideas would become a fresh reality for a new generation.

In another great irony, I could not help but think about how both Gerardo and I had started in CLC as young people (he was only a teenager), and we had committed our lives to this organisation ourselves.

Somehow, we had been compelled by the idea of the life-changing power of Christian literature and how CLC could change the world one book at a time.

What an exciting job, what a big vision, and what wonderful dreams to consider.

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One of my earliest teaching jobs involved a one-hour commute each way—without traffic. But I live in the greater Los Angeles area, so there’s always traffic. My commute wasn’t kind to my aging Dodge sedan either.

Every morning, she groaned of better days. I searched for an apartment close to the school where I taught, but I couldn’t find anything in my budget. Then the worst thing possible happened. Well, maybe not the worst thing, but it managed to derail my life plenty good all the same. My car stopped working, and the mechanic said I’d need $3,000 to fix the transmission. I barely had enough for gas.

The price of that transmission was a small fortune, especially to my young, twenty-something self. I sold what little of value I had and scraped together what little cash I could. But it still wasn’t enough. Yet I needed my car working so I could keep working. So I did the only thing I knew to do. I gave my landlord my notice, paid my last month’s rent, and moved what few things I owned into a small storage unit. A friend let me sleep on her couch while I used my next paycheck to cobble together the amount I needed to repair my car.

With a fixed transmission, I continued my long commute to and from work each day, but I was too embarrassed to tell anyone at school I was basically homeless. Then after school one day, a teacher from down the hall, Mrs. Larson, asked me where I lived. I told her I was staying with a friend, which was true, but her eyes widened when I told her where I was commuting from. Mrs. Larson said her children were grown and she lived alone with her husband in a large house with several empty bedrooms. She invited me to live with her for a while. I accepted her gracious offer, and for the next two months, I stayed with her. Every time Paul remembers his friends in Philippi, he’s filled with joy as he thanks God for them because a thank-full heart is a joy-full heart. Paul’s letter to them is really a thank you note for their kind generosity. He calls them his partners in grace. Every time I think of Mrs. Larson, I thank God for her. And when I moved into my own apartment, I wrote a long thank you note to her. She insisted that I not pay any rent. I was her guest. This allowed me to save my next couple of paychecks for a deposit on a nearby apartment. I will never forget Mrs. Larson’s kindness and generosity. She helped me during a season of my life when I didn’t have anyone else to turn to.

When Paul was nearing the end of his earthly life, he found himself imprisoned in Rome. He wasn’t homeless, but as a prisoner, he likely wasn’t able to work to support himself either, not as he had during his earlier years in ministry. Imagine the gratitude Paul must have felt when his old friend Epaphroditus appeared on his doorstep with a huge financial gift from the church in Philippi.

Though Philippians is brief, it is full of rich truth. One such truth is Paul’s assurance that God is faithful to finish the good work He has already started in us. Our past cannot dictate our future. God is in the business of transforming lives. Once we go to Him with surrendered hearts, He begins His holy work inside us, fashioning us more and more into His likeness.

Lydia and the other women who gathered by the river are not the same as they were when they first met Paul. They have grown and matured in Christ and will 8

continue to do so until they meet Jesus face to face. The same is true of us. What God has begun in our lives, He will finish. Almost two decades have passed since I was a young, twenty-something without a place to live. Years later, when I was sitting at my own kitchen table writing addresses on my wedding invitations, I wrote Mrs. Larson’s address on an envelope from memory, her address having once been my address. Mrs. Larson and her husband traveled far to attend my wedding. No matter the years that have passed, I am filled with joy when I think of her.

When Paul prayed for the Philippians, why did joy fill his heart?

In addition to thanking his friends, what other encouragement does Paul give them?

Have you ever had a Mrs. Larson in your life — someone who came alongside you during a trying time? Have you written a thank-you note to this person?

Paul’s joy increased each time he prayed for his friends. Do you have friends you’re committed to praying for on a regular basis? Who can you begin praying for today?

Write out the words of Philippians 1:3-7 and, as you do, read each word aloud. This is how the ancient scribes used to copy Scripture — with their hands and their voices. Then thank God for the people He’s brought into your life.

Word Writers Series: Available Now at CLC!

Philippians

ISBN: 9780736968478

Ephesians

ISBN: 9780736968454 Coming in 2017:

James (February)

ISBN: 9780736969215

1,2,3 John (TBA) Taken from: Word Writers: Ephesians. Copyright © 2016 Denise J. Hughes. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon. www.harvesthousepublishers.com. Used by Permission.

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John Bunyan FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF A PILGRIM

John Bunyan: The People’s Pilgrim DVD

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The inspiring life story of John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, comes alive in this new docudrama DVD, produced by CTA. Watch it unfold as the bold evangelist, who was imprisoned for preaching the gospel, faces the challenges and triumphs of life.

EAN: 5027957001657 RRP: £14.99

To be a Pilgrim: 40 days with The Pilgrim’s Progress This devotional, written by Peter Morden and Ruth Broomhall, will help you grasp the truly amazing journey of Bunyan’s pilgrim. With a daily passage from The Pilgrim’s Progress accompanied with relevant Bible verses and reflections, see how this classic story can connect with God’s story and your life.

NEW

Devotional

ISBN: 9781782595861 RRP: £4.99

John Bunyan: The People’s Pilgrim

Biography

This lively and engaging biography, written by Peter Morden, blends historical context, beautiful colour pictures and illustrations with fresh insight into the life of this great man of God. A must-read for anyone interested in John Bunyan and his inspirational work.

ISBN: 9781853458361 RRP: £9.99

Available at your local CLC bookshop or online at www.clcbookshops.com Prices correct at time of printing and exclude p&p.

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Join us in this work. Lend us a hand through prayer so that many will give thanks for the gift that comes to us when God answers the prayers of so many.

2 Corinthians 1:11 (VOICE)

October 3rd - 9th

Week 40: International Council Testimonies Monday (3rd) – Liz Patten, Africa’s Regional Director:

I am writing not as RD for Africa, but with my Mozambican hat on as I was the ‘official’ representative for CLC Mozambique at the Council meetings. There were so many blessings, not least the fact of meeting so many CLCers from around the world! But one major and very special blessing for Mozambique was that our ministry came to the attention of CLC Colombia who have since blessed us with a generous donation that will help to give us a significant boost in the coming year. We are forever grateful for all those who helped to make that possible.

Tuesday (4th) – Donny Kairupan, CLC Indonesia’s National Director:

Praise the Lord for the CLC International Council Meetings! It was such a wonderful time of fellowship with all the CLC family and friends from around the world, and it has left me with unforgettable memories. The Word and devotional messages shared by Louis and Susan Sutton (WEC) were such a blessing and really touched my heart. The truths in the messages spoke directly into our situation in CLC Indonesia.

Photo of Donny (Indonesia) and Donald (Sierra Leone)

Wednesday (5th) – Donald John, CLC Sierra Leone’s National Director:

I’m truly grateful that I was eventually able to make it to the International Council Meetings and the African Mini Conference that followed it. It was a wonderful experience to attend, especially as I was previously refused an entry visa to the UK. I’m so thankful to the Lord for the fellowship together and the experiences gained. All the sessions were life inspiring and I was rejuvenated to strive for excellence.

Thursday (6th) – Lina Pinkovich, CLC Belarus’s National Director:

It was a privilege to participate at the International Council and celebrate the 75th CLC Anniversary! To see ‘CLCers’ from all over the world and to meet those people who devoted their lives for the CLC Ministry for tens of the years — it is a miracle! It was so good that we were able not only to concentrate on the past achievements of CLC worldwide, but to know that CLC has a great future in proclaiming God’s Kingdom.

I would like to say ‘thank you’ to all who were involved in the preparation of the Council, starting from the very beginning (documents for the visa application, advice, meeting at the airport, etc.) until the very end of the meetings! Everything was organised so well. A special thank you to Sheena and Neil – they are a good example of not just how to work well with others, but to also take care of them!

Friday (7th) – CLC Central Asia’s (CA2) Assistant Director:

I was so blessed by the opportunity to attend CLC’s International Council Meetings this year in the UK. Until June, I had never actually met anyone from the rest of the CLC world! It was just what I needed as I was greatly encouraged, challenged, and so thankful for the opportunity to actually see the kind of ministry and family of which I am a part. Praise the Lord!

The Weekend (8th/9th) – Yohel Peña, CLC Venezuela’s National Director:

I thank God for allowing me to be present at the meeting of the International Council and to share our situation with the different Directors from around the world. The faithfulness of God and all He has done during our first 75 years was so evident and a source of real encouragement as we move forward amid challenges we face in everyday life. God is in control, and we will continue to see His glory in the midst of our situations.

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October 10th - 16th

Week 41: Focus on North America (USA & Canada) Monday (10th) – USA Clergy Appreciation Breakfast:

We are so thankful to God for the Clergy Appreciation Breakfast that was held on Thursday, October 6th at True Light Fellowship Church. This is our annual opportunity to connect with pastors and leaders from churches all over the Philadelphia area. Please pray that those who attended left the event feeling encouraged and know that we are praying for them and their ministry. ~ David Almack

Tuesday (11th) – Annual USA Donor Banquet:

Please pray for our ‘Annual Donor Banquet’ that takes place on Saturday, November 12th. Our speaker will be Rhea Briscoe (the daughter-in-law of CLC authors Stuart & Jill Briscoe), and we will be celebrating CLC’s 75th Birthday. Pray that many people will come to support CLC projects in the USA and around the world. ~ David Almack

Wednesday (12th) – New International Office in the USA:

Please pray for Gerardo and Silvia Scalante, our new International Director and his wife, as they are preparing to relocate in November from Miami to Philadelphia in the USA. The reason for this move is to set up a new branch of CLC’s International Office in the USA as that is the country where the new International Director lives. As we own the land where CLC USA is located,setting up here makes the most sense in terms of finances and having the support of a local CLC team. Please pray for them as they are not just settling into a new role with new responsibilities, but also moving house.

This move may also separate them (logistically) as a family as their children are now young adults. This is a big change for them all. ~ Amanda Lutes, on behalf of the Scalantes Photo of Gerardo & Silvia (Urugua/USA) with Sara (Panama)

Thursday (13th) – On the Move:

After working the last (nearly) eleven years in the UK, I (Amanda Lutes, CLC World Editor) am currently in the process of relocating from my family home in New Brunswick, Canada, to Philadelphia, USA. Hopefully, by the time you read this, I will have arrived at the new International Office in Philadelphia where I will begin working alongside Gerardo Scalante, the new International Director. My plan is to stay from midSeptember until mid-December for ‘training and orientation’ in my new role. Please pray that my religious worker visa will soon be approved and that I’ll be able to return to the US, after spending Christmas in Canada, with all the necessary paperwork in hand. ~ Amanda Lutes

Friday (14th) - Canada:

The administrative structure of CLC Canada is such that our distribution side (Vidéo la Bergerie) is considered a separate entity. This part of our ministry is struggling, but we have been presented with an opportunity to merge it with another distributor here in Quebec. If this is successful, it should improve our situation.

Please pray for the success of the merger as well as an understanding of God’s will for our common futures. ~ Antoine Roberge

The Weekend (15th/16th) – Canada:

On Monday (October 17), CLC Canada, together with The Bible House, are organising a conference which will bring together many of the Francophone organisations in Canada that involve Christian literature ministries. This will be the second meeting for the group as the first took place back in May. All of us are more or less facing similar difficulties and so our goal is to find better ways to work together and to develop common strategies to improve our current situation in Canada. Please remember us in prayer. ~ Antoine Roberge 12

October 17th - 23rd

Week 42: Focus on Pacific Asia Monday (17th) - Indonesia:

We keep praying for more books that CLC Indonesia (Yakin) will be able to publish. A number of opportunities have arisen in regards to evangelism books and children’s books, but we need God’s wisdom and direction to know which ones to publish. Please also pray for the possibility to open another book kiosk in different location. ~ Donny Kairupan

Tuesday (18th) - Philippines:

Our branch in Cebu is currently struggling to meet sales targets, and its overhead expenses are equal to around 50% of our sales. Please pray for the Cebu staff that they will seek the Lord and that He will give them the direction and wisdom needed to see this shop thrive. ~ Romualdo Macinas

Wednesday (19th) - Myanmar:

We want to see two things in particular materialise… Firstly, the building project for a purpose built warehouse and a second bookshop and, secondly, the completion of the CLC Myanmar Study Bible. Please pray that God will supply for all our needs in this – good health, wisdom, and sufficient funding. ~ Jacob Mung

Thursday (20th) – Papua New Guinea:

We continue to Praise God in meeting even the small needs, such as the arrival of a Spirit-Filled Life Bible that was ordered for a Pastor and received three weeks later! (This is an amazing delivery time for PNG!) The Bible was picked up by another Church member but, a week later, the Pastor personally came to the shop just to say thank you, before catching a flight back to his home province in the Highlands. ~ Vere Babona

Friday (21st) – Japan:

Please pray for our financial situation. We recognise that the situation is not good and we have been struggling for some time. Please also pray for the staff – we are all working very hard in the bookshops and in the mobile work and we need to stay healthy in body and also spiritually. Finally, please pray for revival in our country and also that Christians will want to read more Christian books. ~ Yusuke Naito, on behalf of CLC Japan

The Weekend (22nd/23rd) - India:

The sales in all our centres have been declining for the past two years, which is a major concern for us. Please pray for good increases in sales in all our bookshops, and for God’s wisdom and guidance for the managers. ~ Justin Chellappan (Photo on the right) October 24th - 30th

Week 43: Focus on Korea & Thailand Prayer points contributed by Gwangsu Jo, CLC Korea

Monday (24th) – Korea:

Please pray that God will continue to enable us to be a part of the development of the church in Korea.

We pray especially that He will help us to always do our best work when we are publishing books as they are used in many Korean churches to help Christians gain a better understanding of God and Christian theology.

Tuesday (25th) – Korea:

We thank God for allowing us to become a team of nearly twenty people who are serving God faithfully 13

with joy. No matter what challenges we face, please pray that our joy in the Lord will be visible and a light to those around us.

Wednesday (26th) - Korea:

Please pray for Young-Ho Park, who has been leading CLC Korea for more than forty years. Please pray that God will continue to give him the strength and good health necessary to lead his team well.

Prayer points contributed by Don Veldboom, CLC Thailand

Thursday (27th) - Thailand:

Praise the Lord! We are seeing an increase in customers in Chiang Mai, which means sales have increased and that, in turn, signifies that more Christian literature is going out!

Friday (28th) - Thailand:

The staff in the Bangkok bookshop have all left CLC recently for various reasons, and it has been necessary to close the bookshop. This is a disappointment, but please pray that the ministry will be strengthened and continue to grow in Chiang Mai.

The Weekend (29th/30th) - Thailand:

Despite language challenges, we are thankful to God that the Chiang Mai shop team is working well together. You might remember that earlier this year the Veldbooms from the USA joined our Thai team.

Please continue to pray that the team will be united and that together their ministry will bear much fruit.

October 31st - November 6th

Week 44: Answered Prayers Monday (31st) - Russia:

We are forever grateful to the Lord for His timely provisions all the way! The very week this spring when our finances would have been too little to pay the bills and suppliers, He provided us with our largest sale ever! ~ Nikita Sapunov

Tuesday (1st) – Mozambique:

Some of you may remember the‘container project’that supplied secondhand shop fittings for Mozambique following devastation of our shelves by termites in Maputo. When the container arrived, we hit various snags and were not able to complete the shop renovations as we had hoped. We felt overwhelmed, and we prayed that the LORD would send someone to help us put the units together. Instead, he sent a local missionary to encourage us and, after that, we were able to start putting the fixtures together ourselves. It was hard work and slow, but we praise God for the new look at CLC Maputo! ~ Liz Patten, Regional Director for Africa

Wednesday (2nd) – Korea:

In a time when many publishers (Christian and secular) are facing financial difficulties, we praise God that this is not our situation. We are so thankful for God’s leading and direction that has enabled us to become a strong publishing house, and we pray for His continuing guidance so that it will remain a thriving ministry. ~ Gwangsu Jo

Thursday (3rd) – Canada:

We thank the Lord that after a long wait, we were finally able to sublet our warehouse and bookshop property in Brossard. The financial costs involved made it too difficult to maintain our presence there and sub-letting is a significant financial relief. ~ Antoine Roberge Photo of Martine (Côte d’Ivoire) and Antoine (Canada) 14

Friday (4th) –Papua New Guinea:

We have experienced a lot of unrest in Port Moresby due to the university students boycotting classes to force the Prime Minister to step down. It was predicted that violence would break out if the PM won the vote of no confidence recently, so Christians were praying that this would not happen. When it was announced that the PM had won his seat, businesses and government agencies were concerned and fearful of violent protests, but praise be to God, we were surprised by total peace! ~ Vere Babona

“LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”

Isaiah 26:12 (NIV)

The Weekend (5th/6th) - USA:

The transition of Multi-Language Media into CLC USA went very smoothly in July. We are delighted to now have books and Bibles in over 80 languages in our warehouse. We had expected it to take a couple of weeks for everything to be set up so that we could take orders. Instead, things went so well that we were able to take orders in two days after the move. In that first week alone, we filled orders for books in Haitian, French, Spanish, Chinese, Bengali, Hindi, Shona, Tigrinya, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, and more. ~ David Almack November 7th - 13th

Week 45: Focus on Africa Prayer points contributed by Liz Patten, Regional Director for Africa

Monday (7th) – Kenya:

The work in Kenya has undergone a major overhaul and restructure in the past months as a result of a new vision in line with current trends and real needs. This has not been an easy transition but now please pray with us for consolidation, team unity, and a new thrust for the work. Patrick Omukhango, National Director, wrote: “Continue to pray with us that in the bid to be financially sustainable, we don’t lose the focus on why CLC is there in the first place. Every time we have put the emphasis on people coming to faith and maturity in Christ Jesus, God backs us with signs and wonders, even financially... I pray that God will keep us on course”.

Tuesday (8th) – Burkina Faso:

The ministry has been going through a difficult time since being obliged to relocate a couple of years ago.

If all goes to plan, by the time this goes to press, they will be relocating again in order to try and address this problem. We need to be where the people are! Please pray for Prosper, Luc, and Gerard that they will have the health and strength needed for these challenging times and that we will be able to ‘re-find’ our customer base in Ouagadougou.

Wednesday (9th) - Benin:

For a long time, we prayed for Emmanuel to have someone to work alongside him in the bookshop in Cotonou. Praise God that he now has one confirmed full-time person and another part-timer to help as needed. This is especially important now that Emmanuel has taken on the responsibility as the French West Africa Director, which means that he will sometimes need to travel to Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast to encourage the teams and help develop the ministry.

Thursday (10th) - Mozambique:

Mozambique is vast and there are so many needs for Bibles and Christian literature, but the ministry is not yet financially strong enough to open more shops. Nonetheless, we thank God for a young man, José Manuel, who has started to work as a ‘CLC book agent’ in the area of Inhambane, about half way between our two shop locations (Beira and Maputo) which are about 750 miles apart. Please pray for José as he starts to make our books and Bibles available in his local area, initially through contact with churches.

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Friday (11th) – Côte d’Ivoire:

We praise and thank the LORD for the very good progress made in the ministry over the past two to three years. However, there is still a way to go and, for some time now, we have been trying to sell our apartment in Abidjan in order to pay an old supplier debt of significant value. This is not the first time we have published this request, but please pray that we can indeed sell the apartment soon to help us solve this problem which has been hanging over us for some time.

The Weekend (12th/13th) – Sierra Leone:

This year we celebrate 50 years of CLC’s ministry in Sierra Leone! As we do so, we give thanks and praise for all that the LORD has enabled us to do over these five decades! We also give thanks for those who have supported us and helped to make this possible, especially CLC UK and (more recently) CLC USA. As you praise Him with us, please pray that we can continue to meet the challenges of this generation in ways that will make an impact for the Kingdom of God in Sierra Leone. God bless you!

November 14th - 20th

Week 46: Focus on the United Kingdom & Central Asia UK Prayer points contributed by Neil Wardrope, CLC International Office.

Monday (14th) - UK:

As our shops begin to get busier for Christmas, please be praying for all our teams in the UK and around the world that God will give them the stamina and good health necessary to best serve our customers and to share God’s love with those who are feeling ‘lost’ during this hectic time of year. Pray also that they will be able to take some time over the Christmas holidays to truly connect with God and celebrate this joyous season. May it truly be a time of refreshment and joy for each one.

Photo of the IC Directors visiting CLC’s London bookshop.

Tuesday (15th) - UK:

Please pray for the ongoing recovery of Eddie Olliffe and Mick Goodman who both had strokes earlier this year. Please pray for the management roles that need to be covered due to their absence. David Scouler is currently in the General Manager’s role, as well as implementing the new Chreos computer system. Pray too for the Trustees who have had a great responsibility in the move of the warehouse and in overseeing the changes made necessary by Eddie and Mick’s conditions.

Wednesday (16th) – UK:

We thank God for the significant upturn in the sales from the warehouse following the move to Chester one year ago. New avenues for sales are being investigated that would enable our books to reach the secular market.

Thursday (17th) - UK:

Please pray for Neil Wardrope who stepped down from his role as International Director in June and will officially start his new role as UK Mission Director in January. The purpose of this new role is to ensure there is a correct balance between business and mission to promote the vision of CLC and to support overseas projects with finance or personnel.

Photo on the left of Darwin (Spain) with Sheena & Neil (UK)

Friday (18th) – Central Asia 1:

We have been having severe cash flow problems for a few years. Because of two special gifts from CLC UK 16

and CLC USA, we were able to do some vital restructuring. We have created a small apartment in the sizable back area of our shop which we will be able to rent. Our shop space will be smaller, but still adequate for our purposes. Please pray that we can find a suitable tenant that will pay the rent promptly each month. And praise God with us for this solution which should almost entirely resolve our cash flow problems and allow us to focus better on our ministry. ~ Gary Chamberlin, on behalf of CLC CA1

The Weekend (19th – 20th) – Central Asia 2:

Please pray for wisdom and God’s provision as we import books. The value of the local currency dropped significantly last year, and the additional 18% added to other customs’ taxes this year is making it very difficult to sell books at reasonable prices. ~ The Director, CLC CA2 November 21st - 27th

Week 47: Focus on the Caribbean Islands Monday (21st) - Antigua:

As we all know, recession can hit a country hard, but we trust that our God can and will bring a turnaround to His ministry! Please join us in asking God for a financial breakthrough in terms of sales and help in getting out into the communities with our Bibles and books. ~ Arah Martin

Tuesday (22nd) - Barbados:

Please pray with us about the possibility of refurbishing our building. There is much work that needs to be done on the roof and, as a long term goal, we would like to expand the front of the store and replace the carpets throughout. Please pray that the Lord would supply the needed finances for these upgrades. ~ Jefferson Alleyne

Wednesday (23rd) – Trinidad & Tobago:

After eight years, since 2008, we finally got a cheque in the mail this July for $48,000, representing some of our VAT refunds that we were due from the Inland Revenue. It was a ‘Wow’ moment, and this has enhanced our cash flow! Praise God with us!

Please continue to pray that we would get the balance that is still outstanding on the VAT refund and that we would see an increase in sales in our Tobago branch that opened last year. ~ Sandra Robinson

Thursday (24th) - Dominica:

A slow economic turnover is currently interfering with our ordering of goods and stock maintenance. However, we do hope to see growth as we venture into extra outdoor sales/evangelical projects. Please pray for God’s direction, providence, and protection for these upcoming opportunities. ~ Davis Laudet Photo of Liz (Mozambique) and Davis (Dominica)

Friday (25th) – Martinique (France):

Please pray about the future of the bookshop in Fort de France, Martinique. The shop property is owned by CLC, and the plan is to sell it and relocate to a different part of the city. Please pray that we find a buyer who will pay a fair price for the building and for God’s guidance in finding a suitable new location. ~ Isabelle Marczak

The Weekend (26th/27th) – Guadeloupe (France):

Please pray for our team: Marie-Andrée, Joël (shop manager), and especially for their colleague, Florelle, who has sciatica (nerve problem) in her back. They certainly need her help in the shop during the Christmas rush, so please pray that she is healed from this pain and is able to work. Please also pray that Joël will be able to visit local churches with a PowerPoint presentation about CLC, and that these church ministers and 17

congregations will be open to hearing about our ministry and how we can best support one another to further God’s Kingdom. ~ Hervé Lessous November 28th - December 4th

Week 48: Print-on-Demand Updates & Publishing News Monday (28th) – Kenya Print-on-Demand:

We are very encouraged with what has been produced (both quality and quantity!) using POD since its inception at CLC Nairobi a couple of years ago. It has been hard work, but well worth it! Please pray that we can continue to be a blessing with this ministry, and especially that we can be an outlet that encourages and enables local authors to express the message that the LORD has given them. National Director Patrick Omukhango shares, “We are grateful to God for the quick integration of POD into the CLC Kenya mission to impact East Africa with Christian literature. We have served authors from five countries in Eastern Africa.

God has surpassed our expectation since the implementation of POD in May, 2015.” ~ Liz Patten, on behalf of CLC Kenya

Tuesday (29th) – Philippines Print-on-Demand:

Thank God for this system as it has created a lot of advantages for our ministry. One of the most visible to us is its impact on our inventory, making it wider in range with manageable stock levels. Please pray that we are able to maximise the use of this machine and that many titles from the USA and locally will be made available for publication.

Aside from printing our own publications, please pray that we can extend this service for the small printing demands of churches and other Christian organisations in the area. ~ Romualdo Macinas

Wednesday (30th) – Sierra Leone Print-on-Demand:

We are grateful to the LORD for the help we received with fundraising for a POD system and, if all goes to plan, we hope to receive it by the end of this year. If so, then we will need your prayers! Please pray for the installation and training, but also that we may choose the right people for this work, dedicated and with an eye for detail. Also pray that the LORD helps us to develop a vision for this project that will build up the local body of Christ and help bring others to know Him! ~ Liz Patten, on behalf of CLC Sierra Leone

Thursday (1st) – Publishing in Romania:

We praise the Lord for the privilege to be involved in the publishing of a number of great books by some great authors. We praise God for His help, provision, abilities, and stamina for us as we were able to take the books through the different stages of the publishing process – translation, design, and editing. A very important Bible for us, The German-Romanian Bible for Children, has been published, and we have also recently published books by A. W. Tozer, Andrew Murray, and Billy Graham, and the biography of George Muller by Roger Steer. Please remember our publishing team: Ligia, Daniela, Ruth, and Ronela. ~ Ronela Micula

Friday (2nd) – Publishing in Italy:

Praise God for the blessing that many CLC Italy titles have been over the past years, often becoming bestsellers. It is exciting to see customers responding well to books like Follow Me and Radical by David Platt.

We have also been able to publish the book October Baby, which has been promoted by a Catholic prolife organisation. We are now working on Joni’s book, Beside Bethesda; Francis Chan’s You and Me Forever; and John Ortberg’s If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. We are also translating Undaunted, the autobiography of Josh McDowell. Pray that these and other CLC titles will draw people to Jesus and help many to grow in their faith. ~ Gary Chamberlin, on behalf of CLC Italy 18

The Weekend (3rd/4th) – Publishing in Colombia:

There was a couple from Ibague City who were facing serious problems in their marriage. They called us to ask if we would pray for them and give them some marriage counselling (as part of our Social Foundation).

Along with the counselling and encouraging them to pray together, we asked them to read our recent Spanish publication of Francis and Lisa Chan’s book, You and Me Forever. After a month, their pastor called us and invited us to hold a Couple’s Marriage Workshop at their church. He shared with us, “If this book could change that couple’s marriage, we need to know more about this book!” We have now trained all the leaders at this church to help the couples in their congregation that are struggling. Praise the Lord! ~ David Pabón December 5th - 11th

Week 49: Focus on Latin America Monday (5th) – Venezuela:

We pray for the current situation in Venezuela. The economy is affecting the normal day-to-day activities due to shortages, high inflation, and the low purchasing power of Venezuelans. This makes it especially difficult to acquire food and medicine. In addition to this, political tension is still very high in the country, and there has not yet been a way that allows for a democratic solution to this problem. We pray for God to work in our nation and do His will, and that CLC Venezuela will be able to continue to distribute Bibles and other Christian resources. The Word of God is essential to Venezuelans in the midst of these difficult times. ~ Yohel Peña

Tuesday (6th) – Ecuador:

Please pray for the building permits we need for the land we bought in the city of Guayaquil. They are currently being processed but, following a recent earthquake, the city council is creating new building regulations and this is delaying plans we had in place for the construction of our warehouse and bookshop. ~ Carlos Marín Photo of David (Colombia) and Carlos (Ecuador)

Wednesday (7th) – Chile:

We are very grateful to the Lord for the distribution during the first six months of the year, despite the fact that the economic situation in the country is not good.

The staff have worked extra hard, which has borne fruit. Praise the Lord!

The staff serving in the bookshop in Amunategui would appreciate prayer as both Sergio Mallafe and Omar Ramos have specific health problems. Sergio was unaware of his vascular problem until he found he was going blind in one eye. Sergio is on medical treatment to control the situation and, slowly, he is recovering some sight in the affected eye. Omar has serious problems affecting his spine. ~ Isaac Zúñiga Photo of Isaac (Chile) and Humberto (Uruguay)

Thursday (8th) – Uruguay

We give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness that despite a drop in sales in the bookshops, the mobile work is maintaining distribution levels. We have three circuits covering the whole of the country, and trips are made once every two months to each of these zones. This is carried out by Roberto Prochnau and myself. It is interesting to note that all the stock we leave is paid for in full — nothing is on consignment!

We ask for prayer that God would help us make the right decisions and find the best strategies to reach places where we have still not been. Please pray also that the US dollar would remain stable so the cost of importing goods doesn’t increase. ~ Humberto Urrutia

Friday (9th) – Bolivia:

We thank the Lord for providing support for Gamaliel and Marlene Padilla. In view of the difficult economic 19

situation being experienced in Venezuela, it has become very hard for CLC Venezuela to maintain its support for the Padilla family who were sent from CLC Venezuela to start the ministry in Bolivia. Praise the Lord that the other CLC Latin American teams have committed to continue the support. ~ Gamaliel Padilla

The Weekend (10th/11th) – Mexico:

We thank the Lord every day because He has blessed us with a committed team who are working faithfully to serve God and the Mexican people. Please pray for the economy of our country as it is struggling now that there has been a rise in the US dollar. Please also continue to pray that our sales would increase in order to help with this situation. We are also praying for the provision of a van in order to connect with other parts of the country and introduce them to the CLC ministry and books. We have seen that there is a large sector of the country that is not yet being reached. ~ Maria Del Carmen Castañeda December 12th - 18th

Week 50: Focus on Europe (Part 1) Prayer points contributed by Gary Chamberlin, CLC Europe Regional Director. (Unless stated otherwise)

Monday (12th) – Switzerland:

After several years of declining sales, mostly due to the strong Swiss franc, we are very thankful that finally our sales are beginning to grow and we trust that they will grow even more strongly during the important Christmas sales period. Please continue to pray for the CLC bookshop on the outskirts of Lugano. Though the landlord agreed to lower the rent several years ago, it is still high, which puts pressure on our cash flow.

Finding another location is not easy as rents seem to be high everywhere — even for smaller shops. Please continue to pray that we can find a more affordable shop in a good location.

Photo of Carlo (Switzerland), Eldetraud (Austria), Wilbert (Barbados), Carlos (Portugal) and Phil (UK).

Tuesday (13th) – Poland:

Our old website is really not effective and needs updating. Please pray that we will have a new website soon. We are currently working with Cristi Cotovan from the International Office to adopt the CLC website.

It will be a lot of work to implement this. Please pray that the transition will go smoothly and that our site will quickly be able to offer a quality service to Polish speakers around the world.

Wednesday (14th) – Hungary:

We praise God for a positive turnaround in the situation in Hungary. The past few years have been difficult, and cash flow has been a problem. In 2016, we are seeing a substantial increase in sales, especially in the Budapest and Debrecen shops. Our internet sales are also growing very well. In addition, we have recently been able to sell a house that was owned by CLC. Thank God for these signs of recovery.

Thursday (15th) – Spain:

Praise the Lord for the growth in sales so far this year. The average increase, across all departments, is up by 18% on last year! Please continue to pray that new customers will visit the shops and website and for doors to open up for CLC to share about its ministry in local churches. ~ Darwin Vergel

Friday (16th) – Russia:

Shoplifting has become a problem for us. CCTV was installed in our shop this summer to help; however, no one has been caught yet and books keep disappearing in noticeable numbers. Please pray that the Lord uses the situation for good so that we, as a team, would learn to wait on customers even better. Pray also that the books which already have been stolen would be read and used for the glory of the Lord and His Kingdom! ~ Nikita Sapunov 20

The Weekend (17th/18th) – France:

Each year we attend the Christian Bookfair in Paris. This year, it takes place in a new location near Paris. We can meet almost all our suppliers (publishers) there, along with some customers (individuals, churches, and bookshops). We thank the Lord for this special time in November during which we do good sales. ~ Isabelle Marczak December 19th - 25th

Week 51: Focus on Europe (Part 2) Monday (19th) – Cyprus:

Our hearts are very much concerned to see many of the local Cypriots wanting to know the Lord. We know that many Cypriots face difficulties and problems and yet they don’t seem to want to hear about the Lord.

Please pray that there will be a breakthrough in this area and that a thirst for God and His truth may arise among the Cypriots. ~ Sotos and Eva Photoadou

Tuesday (20th) – Bulgaria:

We thank God for our new publishing department. We have been able to publish Crazy Love by Francis Chan and will soon publish his book, You and Me Forever. In addition, we are working on Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman. Pray with us that these books will be a blessing to many Bulgarian readers. Lidiya Dimitrova writes, “Sales of the first book we have published currently equal that of one of our bestsellers — even though the author is not well known here yet.” ~ Gary Chamberlin, on behalf of CLC Bulgaria

Wednesday (21st) – Netherlands

With three titles already in print, four more which were hopefully published in October and November, and more titles waiting for publication next year, we are now getting into the full process of publishing and selling our own books. People will now know who we are by the books we publish! Please pray for God’s blessing and protection on these new responsibilities. ~ Bertus Keuter

Thursday (22nd) – Germany:

Generally, our society is a bit nervous after several recent terrorist attacks. As Christians, we have been praying for a spiritual awakening for a long time — we trust that people who are longing for a sense of purpose and hope in their lives turn to the living God. We see a little more interest in Christianity these days as people compare it to what they see of other faiths, and we joyfully present our books where we can. ~ Valentin Schweigler

Friday (23rd) – Portugal:

We give thanks to God for Carlos Cunha and his amazing team of volunteers as they spread the Word of God throughout Portugal via publishing, events and, of course, the For to us a child is born, bookshop in Coimbra! Please pray that this ministry will continue to grow to us a son is given; at a manageable rate and that Carlos will continue to find the necessary and the government shall balance between work and his family. be upon his shoulder, ~ Amanda Lutes, on behalf of CLC Portugal and his name shall be called

The Weekend (24th/25th) – Happy Birthday Jesus!

December is such a busy month that it is easy to feel lost in the crowd or run down by our own schedules. Please pray that this weekend is one of refreshment and fellowship with the Prince of Peace, not just for our teams, but for Christians all over the world. Let us take the time to trulycelebrate the most amazing gift we’ve ever received – Jesus!



Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

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December 26th - January 1st

Week 52: Encouraging News from Our Teams Monday (26th) – Belarus:

Usually summer months are very slow in the bookshop with low sales but, Praise the Lord, July 2016 was the best ever month in the bookshop in all CLC Belarus’s history! We are very grateful, especially as the economic situation in the country is not the best. May God continue to bless us with good sales and bless our customers who make their investments in Bibles and other Christian books that change people’s lives. ~ Lina Pinkevich Photo of Ronela (Romania), Lina (Belarus) and Sandra (Trinidad)

Tuesday (27th) – Colombia:

There is a book that we distribute, titled Love Dare, which consists of 40 daily challenges for couples that has greatly impacted the lives of many of our customers. One couple, who were separated, shared with us how they began reading this book and, by day ten, they were reconciled! Praise the Lord! We are so thankful to be a part of a ministry that is ‘changing the world, one book at a time!’ ~ David Pabón

Wednesday (28th) – Kenya:

We are trusting God for our first scheduled Christmas Promotion to be a blessing to our community. In this regard, we plan to visit Grace Community Children’s Home to donate the book Is God Really My Father? to the children. Our prayer is that God will use us to show His love to these children and to others that we come in contact with during the Christmas season. ~ Patrick Omukhango

Thursday (29th) – Cyprus:

Praise God that we have had a variety of occasions recently when we’ve been able to share the Gospel with customers that come into the shop. The majority are people from other countries who either visit Cyprus for a brief time or are residents here. Please pray that this may increasel. ~ Sotos and Eva Photoadou

Friday (30th) – Panama:

We are grateful to God because the booksellers event that we held in July was a real success after last year had been low in numbers. We see a good group of booksellers who are very motivated to continue to carry the Word of God through printed literature. ~ Sara de Gracia

The Weekend (31st/1st) – Hungary:

We were able to hold an annual conference in July after a few years without one, and all the staff from the bookshops in Miskolc and Budapest were able to attend. More than anything, it was a time to make sure that we were all well informed about the current situation as there have been considerable changes in the past months and to talk about plans for the future. Please pray that the team will be unified as they move ahead in the coming months and that they will be able to find new opportunities for the distribution of good Christian literature in the Hungarian language, including to the many Hungarians that live across the border in Romania. ~ Gary Chamberlin, for CLC Hungary Top photo of Gary (USA/Switzerland) with Cristi (Romania/UK) Bottom photo of Sung (Korea) with Annamária & Zsolt (Hungary) 22

~ Adult Colouring Books

Good For Your Soul ~

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No one wants to be the one to write this story, but I am so glad Tom did.

As you read it, let the tears flow from your eyes, and let hope flood into your heart amidst the inevitable hurt you experience in this world. ~ David Platt (Author of Radical, Follow Me and Counter Culture)

Just as we had done so many times before in our forty-eight years and eleven months of marriage, Jeannie and I were lying together side by side, holding hands, alone in our darkened bedroom. Jeannie’s labored breathing had now become settled and quiet. I began quoting Scripture, a practice that we’d especially leaned upon during these past few months when full hearts and restless thoughts made falling asleep difficult for us both. But this time, I was speaking the words alone—first from a familiar psalm, then from Ephesians, and finally the comforting words of Christ spoken just hours before His own death.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2). At those last words the presence of the Divine Bridegroom filled the room. Leaning near, He whispered, “It’s time! Now, come away my love!”

Jeannie took one slow, final breath of earth’s stale air, released my hand, and raced into the arms of her Savior. Marveling at the Light and fresh Presence now filling her heart, she entered this, her new home!

Moments later, I stood alone beside our bed, now occupied only by Jeannie’s

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beautiful but vacated earthly temple, and said a tearful farewell to the love of my life, rejoicing that she was now in the arms of the One who loved her most.

This is our story, Jeannie’s—and mine. But this is also the story of a gift—a gift no one, not even you, really wants. By the end of the story, we pray you’ll discover the reality that, hidden within this unwanted gift, are the very treasures you have always longed to possess.

But first I need to tell you about two gifts we both wanted . . . passionately!

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Our team in Myanmar (Burma) are translating the first-ever Burmese Study Bible! We hope to publish in 2017.

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Single gift payment - Enclosed is my gift of: £15 £30 £50 Other: Please use where most needed Please use towards this CLC Project (reference code): With a donation of £5 CLC Portugal can send a free Portuguese Bible to Angola or Mozambique for the many pastors, immigrants and schools in need.

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Once again, the donation of £5 to CLC Belarus will enable them to print a beautiful Russian Bible. Already the team has been able to publish around 9,000 Bibles.

The sales from them enable the team to translate and publish more great Christian books, plus set aside funds to one day open a bookshop in the capital city of Minsk.

For more details about our projects visit

clc.org.uk/projects

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Did you know that CLC International has & Publishing: set Translating itself a goal of doubling its publishing Please pray for our teams across Europe! efforts by 2024? One year in and we’ve Many of them are very small teams— made a very good start with the addition of with only 1 or 2 members—but they are Print-on-demand systems in two countries, making a huge impact in their country! and more teams taking up the challenge to translate and publish in on their Half of the shops listed thelanguage/ left are country.

Contact us if you’dand likepublishing to learn how involved in translating youBibles can beand involved. other great Christian books!

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Thank you for your continued support!

It is that support, whether through prayer, shopping with us or serving with us that has allowed us to be a mission that has been making a difference around the world for nearly 75 years!

CLC Internship Programme

Sarah Lovin shares about her summer internship with CLC in Aberdeen, Scotland I first heard about CLC when Bill and Marge Almack (CLC Retirees) came and spoke in my business class at Columbia International University in South Carolina.

them that the staff would be praying for them at the morning meetings.

I think the best part for me though, was when one gentleman came in with many questions about God, and wanted to hear our testimonies.

It was then I realized that I feel the most myself when I am sharing about what God has done in my life. It has since greatly encouraged me to keep looking for opportunities in the future to speak of His greatness.

I was very interested in doing a summer internship at one of CLC’s locations that also had a coffee shop, yet none of the places they mentioned stood out to me. Thankfully Mrs. Almack later emailed and asked if I would be interested in Scotland, and that’s how I ended up serving in CLC Aberdeen. I knew this Different parts of Psalm Psalm 25: 4-5 opportunity was for me 25 really encouraged me Show me the right path, O Lord; when I realised it combined this summer. Especially as I point out the road for me to follow. books, coffee, and the found myself in a new place Lead me by your truth and teach me, ability to intentionally share with new people, desiring for you are the God who saves me. the gospel and encourage to be a good witness for All day long I put my hope in you. people to know God better.

Christ, I realized anew just God even added Scotland how much I required God’s to the mix just to make it my help. As I found myself in ‘perfect’ combination! great need of wisdom and direction, this Psalm was a sweet assurance to During my time in the shop I learned what a me that my faithful God delights in leading those business — that is also a mission — looks like who humble themselves before Him. in day-to-day operations. I enjoyed the work of keeping the shop running, but more than that I appreciated the fact that my days also involved A little more about Sarah Lovin: interacting with people.

Sarah is originally from Oklahoma, but is thankful to be starting her senior year at What struck me was how many people perceived Columbia International University (USA) our bookshop as a ‘safe place’ to come and ask this autumn. Nature and stories are two questions, or share their stories. Often people of her favourite things as they often elicit might come in to pick up a book or get a cup praise from her heart even when it is weary. of coffee, but what they really needed was a Her favorite pastimes (outside of a good listening ear. Some were very lonely or were conversation) involve creating, whether it going through difficult situations and I valued be painting or baking a cake. being able to pray with them right there or tell

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TYNDALE and Tyndale’s quill logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Q & A with

Francine Rivers New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers has published numerous novels—all bestsellers— and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honours, and in 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame.

has taught me through it. There are questions for readers to ponder or use for journaling: Reflect, Apply, Connect with God. There are also some additional facts, Scripture, and hymns, as well as beautiful pictures. The earth psalm essay was my part. The enriching questions and details are Karin’s, and the beautiful artwork was put together by Jennifer Ghionzoli at Tyndale.

WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR THIS BOOK?

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO VENTURE INTO YOUR FIRST NONFICTION TITLE?

I love reading nonfiction but had never tackled it.

When I shared with someone in South Africa about doing “earth psalms” about the way God speaks to me through His creation, someone mentioned turning those essays into a devotional. I love devotionals, so the prospect of writing one was exciting. Tyndale partnered me with Karin Stock Buursma and we worked together as a team. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the project.

WAS IT HARD TO SHARE PERSONAL STORIES ABOUT HOW GOD HAS WORKED IN YOUR LIFE WITHOUT THE SAFETY NET OF FICTIONALIZATION?

Sharing personal stories about how God works in my life is a pleasure, and I love hearing how God has worked in other people’s lives, too. It’s the life experiences and hope we share with one another that brings God even closer. It shows how personally involved the Lord is in His children’s lives.

EXPLAIN THE TITLE. HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA OF EARTH PSALMS?

A psalm is a song, and the earth and everything on it, in it, above it, and beyond it is God’s creation.

Everything God created sings praise to Him, and I believe also teaches us many lessons about our Creator as well. We are never to worship any created thing or even creation itself. We are to worship the Creator, Jesus Christ, the Word that created it all.

WHAT WILL READERS FIND INSIDE THE PAGES OF EARTH PSALMS?

Readers will find an earth psalm (essay) about something God has created and a lesson God

I hope readers will look at ordinary things (and some not so ordinary) in a new way and search for ways God speaks to us through His creation.

Just as an artist reveals himself through his art, God has given us evidence of Himself in everything He’s created. It all points to Him. WHY DO YOU THINK CHRISTIANS NEED TO HEAR THIS MESSAGE?

We live in a busy world, and even Christians can get in such a rush they forget to “stop and smell the roses.” Imagine that wonderful scent reminding you that the prayers of believers are like the scent of incense to God. I hope readers will slow down, look around, discover the beauty, and then praise God for all the many blessings He has given us.

HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR MESSAGE WILL RESONATE WITH YOUR READERS?

I know many other people who love the natural world and see how it is evidence of God as Creator of all. I hope this devotional will encourage them to rejoice and look for and share how God speaks to them.

GOD’S GLORY IS MANIFESTED IN NATURE ALL AROUND US. HOW CAN WE TUNE IN TO HIS GLORIOUS MESSAGE? WHAT DO YOU DO TO DISCOVER EARTH PSALM MOMENTS?

We tune in by praying and reading His Word and asking Him to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to what He has for us. Then we look and listen with hearts fixed on Him. When we discover something that has a lesson for us, we give thanks to God for that lesson. And then we share it with others.

CLC World Reviews: Our Recommendations The Returning King by Clare Lambert

Review by Jean Mintoft, CLC World Reviewer

ISBN: 9781909728332 Price: £8.99, 158pp

I had not expected to enjoy this book because I imagined it would be dry and theological…how wrong can one be? The author’s conviction is that our current state of affairs in the world, and the number and clarity of prophecies of Christ’s second coming, indicate that God is preparing Israel and the Jews for their Messiah.

This she does in language which ordinary Christians can understand, and she uses scripture and current evidence to support her argument. However, this is no dogmatic treatise on the second coming. It is a reasoned argument which allows the reader to think things through for him or herself, and the author challenges us as Christians to prepare the way for God to act. I was truly inspired by this book and hope you will be too.

One True Story by Tim Chester One True Light by Tim Chester

ISBN: 9781784981532 Price: £4.99, 160pp ISBN: 9781784981532 Price: £4.99, 112pp Review by Rev. Brian Butler, CLC World Reviewer Both these books are daily readings for Advent—in the one case covering Genesis to Jesus and in the other, concentrating on the first chapter of John and its telling of the Christmas story. Both follow the same pattern—a short meditation on a passage, followed by a theme for meditation and a prayer. Tim Chester writes in an attractive way, using contemporary illustrations, and drawing out the meaning of the biblical text. Either of these books would be a very useful resource in preparation for Christmas.

Loving the Way Jesus Loves by Phil Ryken

ISBN: 9781844745654 Review by Dr. Wilma Brock, CLC World Reviewer Price: £9.99, 224pp In this heart-searching book, Ryken gives an exposition of 1 Corinthians 13 and sets it alongside the multifaceted love of Jesus. This study both teaches the nature of true Christian love as shown in the life of Jesus, and calls us to emulate our Lord in living increasingly the life of love that he expressed. Prepare to be challenged as a follower of Christ. Scholarly, steeped in Scripture, using helpful illustrations and quotations, Ryken shows how we can love with the kind of love that God demonstrated to us.

This book is a must read for all who want to grow more like Jesus.

Different - Living the Holy Life: by Simon Ponsonby ISBN: 9781473617810

Review by Jean Mintoft, CLC World Reviewer Price: £13.99, 224pp This is a call for Christians to live a life of holiness. The author’s observation is that very often outside the church Christians are not distinguishable from those who do not profess a Christian faith. He has also noticed inconsistency in the lives of many Christians, who act in one way in church, and give the impression that everything is fine, but whose lives “in the world” are totally different - such issues as child abuse and pornography within the church are evidence of that. The author calls for a radical change of attitude and a more serious level of commitment and discipleship amongst Christians. This book is not difficult to read, but is quite hard-hitting and may not appeal to those who are not really serious about discipleship - though its message is much-needed.

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