Over the past 5½ years David and Grace Omal Ocee, cofounders with Jeff and Kathy Huber, have shepherded resources and people to lay the ministry’s spiritual, educational and structural foundation. As with most ministries and organizational efforts, much has been accomplished yet much is still left to be done.

In the Fall of 2015, Jeff and Kathy and their children traveled to Pajok and spent several months being extra hands, feet and resources for David and Grace. Since our last update, the Church Fellowship building has been completed providing the space for classes and church services. There are now school classes from preschool through 3^rd grade, with the next higher grade added each year.

The children’s days are spent mostly in school, but they also participate and learn how to live in community by assisting with the compound clean up, feeding/watering the animals, cooking, fetching water from the river and assisting with the vegetable farm. Exegetical Bible teaching and prayer begin the day, before school, and then after school the children enjoy soccer, jumping rope, and relaxing. After dinner there is time for homework, Bible study (village children included), fellowship, singing and dancing. Their days are to not only strengthen their faith but also to build and intensify the spirit of community. Their faith and fellowship together are critical aspects of walking with Christ. GTM’s prayer is that the people of Pajok will continue to be drawn to Jesus Christ by the teaching of God’s word and the witness of the ministry.

Moving forward, GTM is now working toward the purchase of a large truck to transport farm products, reach needed supplies and facilitate the growth of its overall operation. Ultimately, the truck will provide income allowing GTM to be supported locally and self-sustained.

Please pray for this wonderful ministry that teaches approximately 100 children daily about the true living God.  As with any relatively new venture, it faces challenges of provision, personnel and the ability to effect change.  Pray especially for David and Grace’s health, energy, faith and perseverance.  Jeff and Kathy ask for prayers that God will provide for the items they most need. Maryland Bible Society is a partner with GTM, recently sending a financial grant for Bibles.

Maryland Bible Society is pleased to share this great news of Kingdom Work. For further information, please call Cathy Johnson at 410-685-4040 or email to cjohnson@mdbible.org.

Globally 16,404 groups or ethnicities of peoples have been identified as sharing a common language.  Sadly, of these there still remain 6,649 groups without a Bible in their native language. Since 1810 it has been part of the Maryland Bible Society’s (MBS) commission to contribute to the fulfillment of Scriptural translations.

Pastor Dale South of Long Green Baptist Church has been informed by one of his congregants, Will Sleeper, about extended family he and his wife, Irina have among the Digor, which is one of the groups without a Bible in their own language. Irina’s great grandmother and other extended family members are from the Digor region of Ossetia, Russia. Will, Irina and their three children decided to make the trip to this unknown foreign land and meet their distant family.

The Digor region contains at least a dozen villages with a 99.98% Islamic population and is tucked into southwestern Russia near the Turkish border and the Northern Caucasus mountains.  To date only .03% of these villages are non-muslim and only a part of that small number are Christian. The language spoken, Digor Ossetic, has Persian-median roots and the Digor people are descended from  the barbarian Scythians mentioned in Colossians 3:11.

Since the 17th century the dominate religion have been Sunni Islam.  Needless to say their society is steeped in Islamic traditions and resistant to learning about Jesus. The obstacles to their conversion are great making their path to Jesus’ grace arduous.

Many of these native people suffer from additions, alcoholism and view Christianity as something for ‘others’.  Yet when they hear The Word in their own language their hearts open. The missionaries in the Digor region who have worked on the translations have found they are eager to read the Word of God. To date the Gospel of John, Psalms, Proverbs and 9 chapters of Genesis are ready to go to print.  The Gospel of Matthew is partially completed.  Please pray as a new translation team is now being assembled to complete this work.

This is when MBS steps in to make a difference. We are one of the ministries contributing to the publishing costs of these Bible portions. Please continue to pray and provide for the Maryland Bible Society as it contributes to the funding of projects such as this.

If you wish to designate a one time or monthly donations to one of MBS’s projects, indicate your selected projects:  Bibles for public schools, Bibles for foreign missions, Bibles and Biblical study books for the Elderly, the Incarcerated, and the many secular and Christian workers who have never viewed their daily work through the eyes of Christ.

We are grateful to Will and Irina for bringing the Digor Bible to our attention. It is another way MBS helps ignite fresh passion for God’s Word, another way to help people learn and live the Gospel. If you have any questions about our ministry, please contact cjohnson@mdbible.org or 410-685-4040.

Starting April 14th 2016, a variety of ministries, Churches, organizations along with collaboration of the Baltimore City Police Department, SportsPower International and Christian Business Men’s Connection came together solely for healing Baltimore’s youth. The purpose was to present notable others who had faced very difficult futures and succeeded against the odds.  It was to introduce students with a better more positive and lasting choice – that being the fellowship and power of Jesus Christ.

With unprecedented access, and the care of the Baltimore City Police, former NBA Basketball players were driven to over 100+ schools in Baltimore City to meet with students and share messages of hope and a purpose. Students were invited to attend the final arena event on Saturday, April 16.  Those same professional players had challenged some of Baltimore City’s legendary athletes to play them in the Celebrity Basketball Game at Coppin State University Gymnasium.

This arena event was not just a game-it was peppered with surprises and entertainment and the best gift of all was listening to those professional players giving their testimonies, teaching the students and the adults what Jesus Christ can do to change lives. Ray Lewis gave a testimony and motivational speech at half-time.  Everyone heard the Gospel Message and were presented with the opportunity to make a decision for Christ. Volunteers were available if anyone wished to speak and pray about their choice.  The Maryland Bible Society provided 500 New Testaments and 250 Gospels of John just for them.

As the Lord tells us, “…. seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be……..and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.”

Read the full press release here.

Today is not different than any other time.  The Bible Society brings a reminder of the preeminence of God’s Word and what it means to each of us.  Churches certainly do this and the Society acts as a key partner.  Our commission is to be there 24/7 distributing God’s Word strategically.

The Society is also different on another level.  As part of our mission – focus on Scripture – we are working across denominational lines.  Maryland Bible Society cherishes the uniqueness of neutrality as a vital part of our mission.

In this spirit the Bible Society provides Bible Sundays to churches.  We have set aside a Sunday each month for our Executive Director, David Moyer, to speak and bring the message of God’s preeminence that sits above all differences.  Dave shares a special message from God’s Word, “Ps 119: The Word on the Word, a Biblical perspective”. It is a majestic view.

David has a deep love and respect for God’ Word and will come to bring refreshment through a reminder of God’s plan to glorify Himself through his Word.

The MBS has a Historic Bible Collection housed at Stevenson University.  While it is always optional, we would love to bring some items with us for your viewing on Bible Sunday.  We have an original 1611 King James Bible along with many other interesting Bibles, books and records.

To reserve a Sunday, please contact Cathy Johnson at 410-685-4040 or cjohnson@mdbible.org

BGEA’s national initiative, My Hope, provides you with the opportunity and tools to promote and equip your local churches to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a very personal way.

The BGEA has produced and made available to churches, groups and communities evangelistic resources free of charge.  They offer a message of hope through films such as “Heaven”, The Cross” and the newest release, “The Value of a Soul”. The films include powerful Gospel presentations alongside stories of transformation.

The personal touch of the program is finding success.  To be prepared, BGEA is also providing discipleship materials as churches and individuals engaged with new believers.

Foremost above all is beginning your involvement with prayer.  It is of first importance that the work begin by praying specifically for people who need the hope found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

My Hope began in Central America in 2002 and has since been implemented around the world, effecting a total of 60 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americans and the Middle East.  305 Churches and 4 million homes have participated and over 10 million salvations and rededication decisions for Jesus Christ have been recorded.

If you are interested in your church, group or small group being involved with My Hope, contact Lori Boutieller, Field Representative through her email lboutieller@billygraham.org or call at 301-992-4894. The website address is www.MyHopeWithBillyGraham.org

We also want to invite you to join the BGEA’s Decision America Tour Maryland Prayer Group on Facebook.  To join together with us in prayer for our nation, our state, and our communities you can find your state’s prayer group at www.DecisionAmericaTour.com

The Maryland Bible Society is dedicated to igniting fresh passion for God’s Word.  This is yet another way to participate in our effort to bring spiritual changes to the lives of our neighbors.  We can be reached by emailing us at cjohnson@mdbible.org or calling Cathy Johnson at 410-685-4040.  Your donations are greatly appreciated.  Please consider becoming a monthly provider online at our website: mdbible.org.

James William Lee (Jim) age 71 of Woodstock, MD passed away after a brief battle with cancer in Naples, FL on Sunday, November 15, 2015. Born September 19, 1944 in Baltimore, MD, Jim is survived by his wife, Janice, of 47 years and three children, Jennifer & Kelli Lee of Bradenton, FL, Jaime & Eric Spencer of Lexington, VA and Jeff & Allie Lee of Mt. Airy, MD. Jim is also survived by five grandchildren, Emma and Kate Spencer of Lexington, VA, Olivia, Harrison and Grayson Lee of Mt. Airy, MD, three sisters, Patricia Einstein of Catonsville, MD, Beverly Weston of Apple Valley, CA and Betty O’Carroll of Baltimore, MD. Jim began his career with MassMutual, formerly Connecticut Mutual, in 1968. He took the insurance industry by storm where he was regularly recognized as one of the top advisors in the Mid-Atlantic and in 1979 was awarded the ELIF award, which less than 300 advisors have accomplished in the company’s history to date. In 1993, Jim launched his own company, Lee Financial Associates, Inc., where he would continue to follow his passion to help others secure their future. Jim was a CLU, ChFC Investment Advisor and his son, Jeff, now operates the family business located in Ellicott City, MD. Jim proudly served as a board member of Gilchrest Hospice and the Maryland Bible Society, finance committee member at Bethany United Methodist Church, and a former board member of Glenelg Country School. He was a member of the Columbia Patuxent Rotary since 1983 where he received the Paul Harris Fellow recognition in 2012. Outside the office and board meetings Jim loved playing tennis, golf, traveling the world with his wife, and chasing his five grandchildren around. Emma, Kate, Olivia, Harrison & Grayson will miss their “Poppy” dearly. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, December 4, 2015, 11AM at Bethany United Methodist Church located in Ellicott City. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to Gilchrest Hospice, the Maryland Bible Society or Avow Hospice of Napes, FL.

Published in Baltimore Sun on Nov. 18, 2015

On September 17, 2015 MBS, took a big step forward to test the waters, and see whether local ministry leaders might have a better approach, a different model in the way we relate. We sponsored our first Ministry Leader Luncheon and invited 20 leaders to share a meal with us for the sole purpose of meeting and learning about each other.

No one took the floor.  Rather we sat around tables of 6, broke bread and got to know about one another and our ministies’ work.  Dave very briefly gave a synopsis of each organization represented –enough to set the scene and create more awareness.  The rest of the 90 minutes brought edification, inspiration, joy and encouragement to do more together.

We here at the Bible Society are lifted up by the response.  Plans are already being made to host another luncheon with a different group of ministries leaders.

We had a photo taken of the leaders who attended.  How many of them do you recognize?

Mark Thayer, Voices of Baltimore
Cathy Johnson, MBS
Dave Moyer, MBS
Ron Powell, True Life Discipleship Counselling
Glenn Melvin, The Samaritan Women
Dr. Thomas Adam Corson, CS~SM
Vince Mercer, Baltimore School of the Bible
Denise Morgan, Children’s Bible Ministries of MD
Mike Chetelat, Christian Business Network
Bill Parks, Baltimore Teen Challenge
Robert Gaines, Center for Pregnancy Center
Martha Wright, Child Evangelism Fellowship
Matt Stevens, Somebody Cares Baltimore
Steve Medinger, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Valeria and Bill Alexson, SportsPower International
Chuck Whitmore, Christian Business Men’s Connection
Brandon Alexson, SportsPower International
Dan Dubell, IC Orphans
Josh Mitchell, Social Media Entrepreneur

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and MBS are continuing to partner in new and different ways.  This time we provided the funding for 200 Spanish Bibles to FCA’s newest chapter — FCA Nicaragua!

Several years ago two Baltimore teachers founded a ministry to help the suffering children of Nicaragua.

The villages suffer with poverty and the lack of fathers.  Mountain Christian Church (MCC) of Joppa, MD is a current supporter of the ministry. It was the fatherless children that brought Tod Hall, Leader of the Sport Ministry to search for help….for a more lasting solution.  Discussions with Steve Medinger, FCA  Area Director of Central Maryland, revealed a possible plan that could give generational blessings and hope.  Why not begin a new FCA chapter – FCA Nicaragua?

Late this summer three FCA staff members and six volunteers from MCC spent a one-week mission trip to start a Basketball Camp – the first of the FCA efforts to become a permanent fixture in Nicaragua.  A local park was rehabilitated, basketball courts were renovated and instructions began.  By day they taught, coached and managed a sports camp. In the evening these men taught the Word of God to unchurched children using the Spanish Bibles provided by the Maryland Bible Society.  Of course there were the tough ones, the youth who had rebellious hearts….but even they, by the end of the week shed tears of joy to have found Christ.

Many of you know that the distribution of Bibles is important to MBS, but it is not our only focus.

In recent years we have spread our wings to help support ministries and churches with Bible studies, leadership classes, video teaching, podcasts, youth work and the Maryland Bible App.

The Bible Store and Library in Mombasa, Kenya operated by GAP Ministry would not have been possible had MBS not been willing and ready to jump in to the fray. A fledgling ministry to feed and care for starving children is now being supported by revenues from the only Bible Store and Library in Mombasa, Keya.   Students and ministers are utilizing the library’s resources to develop their own needed skills.

Because we are flexible and eager to find new ways to support God’s work, other ministries come to us for more than Bibles.  We are only beginning to see the wonderful things God wants to do with the Maryland Bible Society.

In Baltimore and beyond, MBS is creating a true network of ministries and churches who partner and help each other.  When Steve Medinger of FCA called us, there was no hesitation about helping.  It was the same when GAP reached out for help with opening a Bible Store and Library in Kenya.  We don’t know what will be next but these things cannot happen without your financial support and prayer.

Our outreach to many ministries needs your financial support.  We will only be able to reach out to ministry programs such as FCA’s Bible in Public Schools and FCA Nicaragua with your provision.  Please donate online to become a monthly supporter of $10 or more.  www.mdbible.org.

“Igniting Fresh Passion” and the ministry of God’s Word are themes that are very much in keeping with Christian Scholar ~ Servant Ministries (CSSM).  Knowing Mr. David Moyer, MBS Executive Director, for some 25 years was another happy impetus to a partnership between CSSM & MBS.

CSSM was founded in the context of my serving on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. I was very much involved in pastoral & missional roles with the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Christian Fellowship alongside the more typical responsibilities of patient care and teaching.  The university is a vigorous place for learning, teaching, and research.  However, it is also a place of spiritual need and inquiry.  In East Baltimore, God has gathered the world within a city block.   Trainees & patients travel from all over the world.  And certainly there is a cohort of very capable American students and physicians.  My first trip to the MBS Book Store on Franklin Street was as a medical student; my roommate, one of the original pre-doctoral students to come to Johns Hopkins from the People’s Republic of China in the late 1970s, was interested in a Bible!

One reflection from my earliest days in Baltimore was that while the achievements of Johns Hopkins are to be admired, the modern research university is a place where many people live a great deal of their lives and yet are not necessarily the individuals who go to the neighborhood Bible study or local evangelistic service.   Another observation was that those who do profess Christ also need encouragement and discipleship at this formative stage of their lives.  There are many demands to higher education, but especially for those who are caring for patients, who may be suffering greatly or perhaps even dying and who may be their age.  Medical education obviously is not just “book learning”, and some of what made Johns Hopkins exemplary was the very joining of the university and the hospital from the beginning.

The tilde (~) in the name of Christian Scholar ~ Servant Ministries is also representative of a joining, only in this instance the wedding of scholarship and service.  The two should never really be divorced, but understandably some gifted individuals veer more to intellectual pursuits and gifted others to acts of mercy.   Medicine is a discipline that calls for a mind to think analytically and robustly, but also a heart to care deeply and compassionately.

There are challenges for the Christian in the university to integrate one’s scholarship and service under the Lordship of Christ.  Those challenges are not only at the student level, but can extend and deepen for a Christian faculty member.  CSSM was founded with a vision of undergirding Christian faculty and nurturing young Christian scholar ~ servants.  However, in its ministry, CSSM has also reached out freely to others who may not share the Christian faith and has done so in other disciplines & levels of education beyond graduate medical education.  One course I helped develop at Johns Hopkins was “Religion & Medicine”, one of the first of its kind to be funded under the John Templeton Foundation.  Students came from all kinds of religious & cultural backgrounds, including interested atheists!

One recent endeavor for CSSM in which MBS was supportive took me to Bangladesh.  I had been to this South Asian country 7 times previously, including a couple of occasions with a Johns Hopkins student and resident.  This time, however, my focus was not on medical endeavor, but teaching at the William Carey Academy in Chittagong, Bangladesh.  It is an English-medium, American curriculum college preparatory school from K-12.  It is a Christian school, but most of the students are not Christians!  Only 20 % of the Class of 2015 were believers.  There was an emergency need for a teacher, and I answered the call with students in grades 9-11 and subject areas of English 9, English 10, Ethics, U.S. History, and Algebra.  A tremendous opportunity to use my background in the Christian liberal arts to teach these classes, but also to consider the Christian worldview with energetic young people from Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian backgrounds.

Christian Scholar ~ Servant Ministries is multidimensional, and so too is the Maryland Bible Society.  CSSM is grateful for the friendship of MBS, which has helped CSSM extend its outreach from Baltimore to Bangladesh!

On June 22 the Basketball League of Sandtown was formed and the League games began.  After providing hot dogs, lemonade, chips and soda, Ray Sydnor, a former Philadelphia Eagle, organized the youth into 14 teams. Each team was led by a ‘coach’ from the group of pastors and ministry leaders present.  The evening was a success and the turnout was very good. These were the first games on the League’s five-week schedule

Each week these churches volunteered to host an evening, providing the food and a leader for the testimony and devotional time.  That first evening Ray Sydnor spoke about the difficult period in his life before he found Jesus.  This partnership is all about building relationships and getting to know one another. The leadership has been happy to have such a comfortable platform (a basketball court) on which to build friendships with the young men.  The outreach was part of a continuing prayerful effort to share the peace and love of Christ with the community following the death of Freddie Gray.  According to Pastor Harold Phillips the goal of this project is “to provide an opportunity for local churches to get to know these young men, to build on those relationships and ultimately share not only friendship but also a solid relationship with Jesus”.

The Basketball League of Sandtown Partnerhip included Pastor Phillips; Ray Sydnor, Co-founder of Mentoring Academics in Partnership; the Baltimore Baptist Association; Upward Basketball; Colonial Baptist Church, The Garden Church and others.  The league was the brain child of Harold Phillips and Ray Sydnor. Maryland Bible Society was honored to provide through partnership the Bibles needed to encourage and inspire these teens.

Photo caption: Dave Moyer, Executive Director along with Rev Michael Crawford, Pastor of Freedom Church are enjoying the 1st of the Basket Ball League evenings in Sandtown.