News Updates
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June 2011 - Amharic Fire Bible launched after 14 years!
On June 11th in Addis Ababa, fourteen years after the project was first discussed, the Amharic Fire Bible was launched to the great people of Ethiopia. This is a great victory for God's Kingdom and the Ethiopian Church.
Even though this project included many great challenges which caused delay, it seems that God's timing is perfect. The Bible was released during a time of great growth in the church and cross-denominational unity among the brethren. Many denominational and evangelical church leaders joyfully participated in the Launch Ceremony including Rev. Dr. Birhanu Ofgaa, the Board Chairman of the Evangelical Churches Fellowship of Ethiopia, Dr Bezalem Fisseha, the President of Emmanuel United Church of Ethiopia, and others.
Pastor Yonas Arefaine, General Secretary of the Ethiopian Assemblies of God led the time of prayerful dedication over the new Study Bible along with several other leaders. There were about 175 present at the launch. The Reverend Keith Danby, the CEO and International President of Biblica (formerly IBS) was also present at the launch.
Church and Bible Society leaders are expecting great enthusiasm for this new Study Bible and a wide distribution is expected. Spirits were high and the fellowship was great after the launch celebration. All those who were present and received their gift copy of the Bible expressed a very sincere "THANK YOU" to all those who worked tirelessly and did not give up on the project. Many thanks to all those who saw this project through to the end. This Bible has already been extremely well received and will truly bless the nation of Ethiopia.
May 21, 2011 - Fire Bible for Kids (NKJV) Launched in Singapore!
We are so excited to announce that the Fire Bible for Kids (NKJV) was launched successfully in Singapore in May! This report comes from one of our missionaries who participated in the event:
"The Fire Bible for Kids launch ceremony came off very well. Special guests from the Bible Society of Singapore, the Methodist Church, the Assemblies of God, and several independent churches all participated as speakers in the event. There was a very powerful dedication prayer at the end with ministers representing four nationalities (English, Chinese, Malaysian and Indonesian) all offering up prayers in their own languages. A spontaneous moment occured when all those present at the launch came forward and prayerfully laid hands on the Bibles to dedicate them. (We) estimated that there were around 110 present with 31 different churches and ministries represented. We had great food and fellowship afterwards with many pastors lingering for an hour or more...There were many positive and encouraging comments aftwerward and with much interest and enthusiasm in the new Bible. One woman commented that the Lord spoke to her during the prayer time to personally purchase 40 Bibles for all the children at her church. There was much hard work and prayer to create and launch this new Fire Bible to the children of the world. It will bear great fruit for eternity."
April 26, 2011 - Fire Bible for Kids (NKJV) NOW AVAILABLE!!
We are so excited to announce that the Fire Bible for Kids (NKJV) is now available through Genesis Distributing. Visit their website for pricing information, including bulk rates!!
March 3, 2011 - Pre-order your copy of the Fire Bible for Kids now!
We are so excited to announce that the Fire Bible for Kids (NKJV) is currently available for pre-order from Genesis Distributing. You can order your copy here.
January 11, 2011 - The Fire Bible for Kids is at the printer!
We are so excited to announce that the Fire Bible for Kids (NKJV) is currently at the printer and will be available to the world in the next few months. The Fire Bible for Kids (NIV) will be available in time for the Assemblies of God General Council in Phoenix, AZ August 1, 2011. Thank you to all of our friends and partners who continue to make this dream a reality for future generations!
Dave & Annetta Beard Reflect on the Fire Bible launch in Fiji
We bring you greetings from the campus of the South Pacific Bible College in Wainadoi, Fiji.
We are having an exciting year here at the South Pacific Bible College. We started our new school year in January with 35 new freshmen, and we have students from Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Kiribiti, Tuvalu, Australia, Samoa, and China -- yes, even China! Through the efforts of a Fijian missionary to China, two female Chinese students began studies at S.P.B.C. One of them has been a magistrate in China and has excellent English skills. Her desire is to be trained in God's Word so she can return to China and help bring the Gospel to her people. S.P.B.C. is training leaders to reach the nations!
In our first term of 2010 I had a wonderful time teaching the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians to our 42 seniors, and Bible Study Methods to our 35 new freshmen. One of the freshmen shared with me after church one Sunday that he was being so blessed in the class that at times he found himself crying. I was so humbled by his testimony, but so overjoyed that our students are developing a love and passion for the Word of God! 
(Representatives from Bible Alliance) in Springfield, Missouri came to Fiji to launch the new Global Study Edition of the Fire Bible. The three men attended our Tuesday chapel and presented a stirring and challenging message to the students. Later we helped pass out leather-bound copies of the Fire Bible to the freshmen students in my Bible Study Methods class. Getting a new study Bible was the frosting on the cake for a class in Bible study methods.
Our heartfelt thanks to (you) for so blessing our freshmen. Thank you for enabling us to be a part in the training these future leaders for the churches of the South Pacific, and even beyond. Your prayers for us, Fiji and the South Pacific Bible College are tremendously appreciated. In this present economy, your support is neither taken lightly nor taken for granted. Thank you for your faithfulness and your heart for God's work around the world.
For more information about the Beard's ministry, visit their website at: http://www.daveandannettabeard.com
September 2, 2010 - Fire Bibles making a difference in Bangladesh
Today we received this email from Bill Vermillion of OMS:One Mission Society:
Subject: Thanking God for your Full Life Study Bible- the Victory Bible in Bengali
To whom it may concern, This is my first trip to Bangladesh where OMS partners with an indigenous denomination called Talitha Koumi. Recently they were able to get your 2006 study bible edition in Bengali. As a Bible teacher and an educational consultant I wanted to just let you know what a blessing this bible has been to the pastors. The plans are to provide bibles to all 1200 pastors and good progress is being made. The price while by USA standards is ridiculously inexpensive, it is in the range of availability for the denomination and the pastor. Thank you for your commitment to providing excellent study materials in national languages, heart languages so people can experience the fullness of life available in Jesus through the Spirit. I look forward to finding out more information about the Fire Bible.
Praising God for your ministry!
Bill
We are rejoicing in receiving this testimony! Thank you to all of our ministry partners for helping us make a difference by providing God's Word and the tools to fully understand it to pastors around the world in their native language.
New AG Bible Alliance giving site!
Missions Linked has launched the new online giving site for the Assemblies of God Bible Alliance; www.GiveFireBibles.org! To find out how Missions Linked can partner with your ministry, visit www.missionslinked.com. Read the full article here.
March 3, 2010 - Fire Bible:Student Edition Controversy in Racine, WI Highschool
A student in Racine, WI is disciplined for discussing Christianity and religion, using his Fire Bible:Student Edition in the discussion.
You can watch the news report through GodTube here.
February 16, 2010 - Thai Fire Bible Dedicated in Bangkok, Thailand
Missionary Edgar Reed shares his thoughts regarding the dedication services he attended for the Thai Fire Bible in Bangkok, Thailand. Below, he is pictured praying with the pastor he mentions in his report.
“The Land of Many Smiles this phrase refers to the people of Thailand. We found this to be true at the Thai Fire Bible dedication and launched in Bangkok on January 16, 2010. What a day of smiles and celebration as group of over 170 believers and church leaders gather to dedicate/receive the Full Life Study Bible better known as the Fire Bible. It is ironic that we gathered in the 'the city of Deity' (Bangkok) to launch the Fire Bible. The Fire Bible to empower believers to do like the angels did on the night that Jesus was born 'Tell the Good News of the birth of the King - Jesus'. The Fire Bible will empower the believer to tell the story of the KING that IS ALIVE, that HE can hear their prayers and HE will be their King. 
"As we stood as believers lifting the Thai Fire Bible to heaven we prayed a pray of dedication that as ever believer studied the Holy Spirit would open the word, that our hearts would burn to tell others about King - Jesus. We prayed that our new found Passion for the KING would encourage us to pray daily for the others that do know Jesus the KING for Thailand.
"One Thai pastor from the north explained this is the first Bible in Thai that has teachings in Thai. He said, 'Now I can train my people about Jesus and show them in Thai what Jesus said for those who believe must do.'
"Satan has tried many times to stop the work by attaching translators and translation process but you the partners with Bible Alliance prayers and support carried yet another Fire Bible to the believer. The Thai Fire Bible is the 30th Fire Bible to be completed with over 28 others that are still in the works. Your partnership is sending the Fire Bible to push back the darkness before He returns."
- Edgar Reed, Assistant Fire Bible Director
October 12, 2009 - Pastor climbs Kilimanjaro to raise money for Fire Bibles!
Click here to read about pastor John Van Pay's journey to Tanzania meeting pastors and raising money to provide them with Fire Bibles!
September 11, 2009 - Celebrating the Launch of the Portuguese Fire Bible for Africa!
Missionary Delton Watts recently traveled to Angola and Mozambique to participate in the Portuguese Fire Bible launch. To the right, he is pictured with a pastor in Angola whose Bible is falling apart from use. We were able to bless him with a brand new Fire Bible in his heart language!
"Missionaries representing Life Publishers were part of a huge distribution of the Fire Bible for the Southern African countries of Angola and Mozambique. Angola received 5,500 Bibles, of which some will go other Portuguese speaking countries. The celebration and dedication of the Portuguese Bibles took place during
the General Council of the Assemblies of God of Angola. The Bibles were received with an enormous sense of gratitude, and will go to meet a great need of training pastors for the many churches who have lacked resources because of war and internal strife. Also, in Mozambique Superintendent Fernando Bata said the gift of the 4,500 Fire Bibles 'surpassed his expectations' and plans have been set in place for distribution. In both countries, many people do not have a personal Bible and are greatly honored to be recipients of such a great gift."
- Delton Watts
Thank you for partnering with us to make this extraordinary event possible!
Bible Alliance is now on Facebook! - June 2009
Visit our Facebook page and become a fan to receive updates and special news about the Bible Alliance and our Fire Bible projects. If you are already a fan, recommend our page to your friends and help us "spread the Word."
February 9, 2009 - Violence Breaks Out in Madagascar
We received the following email from one of our missionaries in Madagascar:
"Dear Prayer Supporters,
"Today more violence broke out in
"This afternoon, thousands of civilians lead by opposition leaders tried to force their way into the presidential offices to install a new prime minister, who had only an hour before been named by the opposition mayor. This is the mayor of the capital, Andry, who has declared himself to be the new president. When the crowd approached the gates of the presidential compound they were warned to not enter the red painted zone or they would be shot by the presidential guard. 
The mob grew restless and angry and entered the red zone anyway in an effort to claim the presidential offices. Shots rang out and chaos ensued. Reports are still sketchy but more than 30 are said to be dead with scores more wounded.
"Shooting violence in
At right, General Superintendent of Madagascar Nicolas Rakotomalala celebrates the launch of the Malagasy Fire Bible, June 2008
"FIRE INSTITUTE" CHALLENGES NEW GENERATION - AG News: December 17, 2008
National Youth Ministries has announced the rebirth of FIRE Institute, the discipleship resource to empower a new generation of students in the Word and Spirit. Evangelist Rich Wilkerson produced the original "FIRE Institute" in 1985 in response to his desire to see students reach a greater degree of commitment in their walk with Christ. Thus, "FIRE Institute" was born as a 13-week intensive program divided into four core emphases: Foundation, Inspiration, Responsibility and Evangelism.
In 2007, with Wilkerson's permission, the FIRE materials were expanded and updated to stretch today's students in their walk with Christ by taking them through in-depth Bible and theological study, evangelism basics, scripture memorization and more with every level requiring more focus, intensity and commitment.
National Youth Director Jay Mooney remembers the profound impact the original "FIRE Institute" had on his teens as a new youth pastor: "In 1988, a fellow youth pastor shared the 'FIRE Institute' with my wife Laura and I. Nothing we endeavored in local youth ministry produced more lasting fruit than the 'FIRE Institute.' It helped us identify, disciple and deploy bold leaders for Jesus Christ."
One of the main updates expanded the "FIRE Institute" from one 13-week session to four separate, eight-week sessions. The first two volumes of "FIRE Institute," Foundation and Inspiration, released in 2008. The remaining session manuals, Responsibility and Evangelism, are set to release in late spring 2009.
As well as adapting to changes in youth ministry and culture from1985 to now, Student Discipleship Director Rod Whitlock, who headed the project¹s revival, says the 2008 version incorporates enhanced Web features for student and leader.
Web technology has given us opportunity to give students and leaders participating in 'FIRE Institute' immediate access to downloads, study notes and applications that are able to be continually updated and added to," Whitlock said. "This access not only makes the 'FIRE Institute' an incredible tool for continued discipleship, but also gives great return on a small monetary investment. 'FIRE Institute' may very well be the best all around discipleship tool ever offered for leaders and students.
As the Institute pioneer, Wilkerson is excited about a new generation of students connecting with this life-changing tool: "Since the first class my wife Robyn and I taught, over 30,000 students have gone through the 'FIRE Institute.' Thousands of these men and women are affecting their generation in every field of opportunity for God¹s Kingdom. Utilizing the FIRE Institute alongside the 'FIRE BIBLE Student Edition' will help you turn your city right side up for Jesus!"
For more information on the "FIRE Institute," "FIRE BIBLE Student Edition," FIRE Starters or other FIRE line accessories log on to
http://www.fireinstitute.com.--Amber Weigand-Buckley
AG Superintendant for Nigeria and Hausa Fire Bible leader martyred during religious riots.
Rev. Bulus N. Tsetu, Superintendent of the Pankshin District, Assemblies of God Nigeria, was brutally martyred on Friday, November 28th, 2008 during religious riots in the city of Jos. He was an exceptional church-planter and soul winner. Under his ministry, literally thousands of people have come into the Kingdom of God. He has been severely persecuted for his evangelistic efforts. Now he has made the ultimate sacrifice. While we mourn the loss of our beloved brother, we know that he has achieved the ultimate goal of believers.
Please remember his wife, Jemimah, their nine children, and a host of friends who are struggling to cope with this atrocity.
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Springfield, Missouri Free Press Article 9-10-2008 Local Publishing Company spreads the Word of God all over the world - between 5 and 6 million copies of the Fire Bible have been published in 26 different languages since 1996. "Every time a new Bible comes off the press and is placed in my hands, my prayer is, 'Lord, just one more.' " - Guy Highfill, director of Life Publishers To read more of this article, click on the image or the title above. |
| Indonesian Fire Bible
On a recent visit to Singapore, two Bible Alliance staff members were able to call upon the A/G Singapore church. We are excited about the opportunity to attend the the upcoming 80th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Singapore Assemblies of God in November and we will formally introduce the English and Chinese editions of the Fire Bible to them. In Singapore out of a population of 4.5-5 million people, 20% are evangelical Christian, and 80% of those are Charismatic. Continuing on the same trip, our missionaries were able to travel to Jakarta, Indonesia and meet with the General Council of the Indonesian Assemblies of God and Gandum Mas Printing Company. To date, there have been 60,000 Indonesian Fire Bible distributed in Indonesia. Currently, the Indonesian Fire Bible is the only study bible available in Indonesia and they are interested in also doing a translation of the FIREBIBLE:Student Edition in the Indonesian language. |
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Chinese Fire Bible - Personal Testimony "This is Ryan Liu of Bethesda Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Thank you so much for your generous giving of this precious Fire Bible. As a Taiwanese, I was so used to the Buddhist and Taoist traditions and hardly considered other religions--Christianity was no exception. Even worse, in many occasions, my parents even used some negative examples to install us the dark and evil image of Christianity. Fortunately enough, I never earnestly dedicated to any religion before I was saved last December in Bethesda, praise the Lord. I want to tell you that this wealthy Fire Bible literally the most precious gift I got in America. Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord, Jesus Christ." ~ Ryan Liu (a fellow believer of Christ) |
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English Student Edition (Fire Bible) - Personal Testimony
"Assemblies of God Bible Alliance,
This Summer our church board approved giving Fire Bibles to ripest harvest, in the biggest mission field in the world. The U.S. is loosing somewhere around 80% of our youth from the church once they graduate from High School. So we determined that we needed invest the future of our youth, and celebrate when they graduate from 8th or 12th grade by giving our future leaders a Fire Bible, and admonishing them to move it, from mere ink and paper, into their hearts.
We have had enthusiastic response from those who have received the English Student Edition."
~ Pastor in Wyoming