EEM Announces ‘Million Dollar Sunday’ Campaign to Provide 700,000 Bibles to Eastern Europe
HURST, Texas, Aug. 22, 2022 — EEM (Eastern European Mission), a ministry that has steadfastly worked for more than 60 years to supply free Bibles to former Communist bloc countries, invites believers and churches to support its “Million Dollar Sunday” fundraising campaign to provide Bibles and Bible-based materials to over 32 countries speaking 23 different languages.
With war in Ukraine and ongoing economic challenges, demand is up for the hope found in God’s Word, so EEM desires to raise $3.5 million to provide 700,000 Bibles through this campaign, which launches Sept. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2022.
“It's been said that a person can live 40 days without food, four days without water, four minutes without air, but only one second without hope. We all need hope, which is why we have been striving to answer the call from God to provide the hope only found in the Bible,” said Bob Burckle, President of EEM. “It’s our continued commitment to providing Bibles and Bible-based materials to the 30+ nations we serve in the 20+ heart languages they speak. We see people every day in the part of the world we are blessed to serve, who are overflowing with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. They are glorifying God and are filled with His joy and peace in the midst of war, death, homelessness and oppression.”
EEM’s mission is to share God’s Word with the people of Eastern Europe and beyond while educating and inspiring God’s servants everywhere to partner with them in His ministry. The Million Dollar Sunday fundraising campaign is inspired by Paul’s words to the Roman church when he says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13, NIV).”
“As disciples of Jesus, we have the hope this world needs, and it is our responsibility to share that great news. That is why we are inviting everyone to be a part of supplying that hope to Eastern and Central Europe and beyond through the Million Dollar Sunday fundraising campaign,” said Dirk Smith, Vice President of EEM. “People around the world want hope. They want God’s message. They want the Bible. The requests for Bibles are pouring in and our distribution continues to increase at a rate that confirms this hunger for hope. People want to know Jesus. From Ukrainian refugees fleeing a war-torn nation, to public schools in Croatia and North Macedonia, people want the hope which is only found in the Bible.”
Million Dollar Sunday Fundraising Campaign by the Numbers:
· $25 = 5 Bibles
· $1,000 = 200 Bibles
· $5,000 = 1,000 Bibles
Churches, small groups, pastors and individuals can share the word about the Million Dollar Sunday fundraising campaign with downloadable resources from EEM’s website which include announcements, web ads, posters, logos, email headers and more. Using these resources can inspire and inform church members and others of the purpose and needs of EEM.
To learn more about Million Dollar Sunday or to make a donation, visit https://www.eem.org/mds/.
About Eastern European Mission
Eastern European Mission (EEM) was established in 1961 to provide Bibles and Bible-based materials throughout the former communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe. Today, EEM publishes and prints Bibles and New Testaments as well as Teen Bibles, Children’s Bibles and coloring books, distributing them through a vast network of partner churches and organizations reaching more than 32 countries in 23 different languages, including Farsi and Arabic. www.eem.org.
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More than $2 Million Given to Provide Bibles for Children in Eastern Europe as War Continues
Requests for Bibles Pour in from Ukrainian Refugee Children throughout Region
HURST, Texas, July 1, 2022 — As EEM (Eastern European Mission) wrapped up its annual Bibles for Kids campaign yesterday, it is grateful to all who donated to supply 800,000 children’s Bibles in 19 languages for children in multiple nations in Eastern Europe and beyond. With so many Ukrainian children displaced because of the war, the need for both Ukrainian and other Central and Eastern European language Bibles has grown as spiritual hunger spreads throughout the region.
“While our hearts are breaking for what the people of Ukraine are having to endure right now, we are thankful that we’ll be able to share with them the hope that transcends their circumstances as we are able to provide more children with Bibles than ever before,” said EEM President Bob Burckle. “We receive new requests every day from those serving Ukrainian refugees in the surrounding nations, and it is our privilege to be able to say, ‘yes, we can get you some Bibles.’”
EEM’s mission is to share God’s Word with the people of Eastern Europe and beyond while educating and inspiring God’s servants everywhere to partner with them in His ministry. EEM has seen a tremendous response in recent years, with entire school systems in several nations throughout the region requesting Bibles for every student. The Bibles for Kids campaign provides an opportunity for believers to partner in this effort to nurture the faith of children, as directed in Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
“In addition to meeting the immediate needs of Ukrainian refugee children, we are grateful for the impact this campaign will have in many other nations where entire school systems are inviting us to distribute Bibles,” said EEM Vice President Dirk Smith. “These former Communist nations are learning the Truth of God’s Word. As more seeds are sown each year, we look forward to a time when Eastern Europe is transformed by the Gospel as today’s children become tomorrow’s leaders. We here in America continue to learn from and be inspired by their passion for sharing God’s Word.”
To learn more about Bibles for Kids, visit www.eem.org/bfk. U.S. churches assisting Ukrainian refugees can contact EEM at https://www.eem.org/contact/ to request Ukrainian language Bibles. Bibles can be ordered and shipped directly to individuals in Eastern Europe at https://eemeurope.org/our-books/.
About EEM
EEM (Eastern European Mission) was established in 1961 to provide Bibles and Bible-based materials throughout the former communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe. Today, EEM publishes and prints Bibles and New Testaments as well as Teen Bibles, Children’s Bibles and coloring books, distributing them free of charge through a vast network of partner churches and organizations reaching more than 32 countries in 25 different languages. For information, visit www.eem.org.
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EEM Launches ‘55:11 Podcast’ to Encourage Christians to Recommit to Reading Their Bibles
Inspiring Stories Remind Listeners That God’s Word is Powerful
HURST, Texas, June 1, 2022 — Eastern European Mission (EEM), a ministry that has steadfastly worked for more than 60 years to supply free Bibles to former Communist bloc countries, announces their new “55:11 Podcast,” launching July 12, 2022.
Hosted by EEM team members Dirk Smith, Brooke Kehl and Payton Armstrong, the “55:11 Podcast” shares inspiring stories of God’s power being poured out globally through the lives of ordinary people. Aptly named after a verse in the Bible, Isaiah 55:11, the podcast seeks to provide encouragement to listeners regarding the continuing power of God’s living Word in our daily lives and the role each believer can play in sharing it.
“In the U.S., we can access the Bible anywhere and everywhere, whether it is online, in a bookstore or on our bedside table,” said Dirk Smith, Vice President of EEM. “When I remember that there are people around the world without access to even one Bible, it causes me to examine my heart. How much do I crave and value listening to God through reading the Bible? Enough to read it daily? Enough to share with others about how it transforms people’s lives? This is the inspiration for the ‘55:11 Podcast.’”
The conversations between Smith, Kehl and Armstrong will remind listeners that spending regular time reading the Bible is vital to the health of one’s relationship with God. The stories they share point back to the truth of Isaiah 55:11, which states that God's Word never returns without having fulfilled its purpose.
“Whether we read one verse, a full chapter or one passage, God wants to use the Bible to fulfill His purposes in and through us,” shares Smith. “This truth is the backbone of EEM. God’s Word is breath and life and the whole world should have access to it! We’re so excited to launch this podcast to encourage ourselves and others not to take the Bible for granted. Together, let’s renew our commitment to read the Word daily and embrace the powerful stories within it that give glory to God.”
To listen to the “55:11 Podcast,” visit www.eem.org/5511podcast or find it on Apple, Spotify or Google by searching for 55:11 EEM.
About Eastern European Mission
Eastern European Mission (EEM) was established in 1961 to provide Bibles and Bible-based materials throughout the former communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe. Today, EEM publishes and prints Bibles and New Testaments as well as Teen Bibles, Children’s Bibles and coloring books, distributing them through a vast network of partner churches and organizations reaching more than 32 countries in 23 different languages, including Farsi and Arabic. www.eem.org.
Eastern European Mission Adds Longtime Minister as New Regional Director
HURST, Texas, May 23, 2022 — EEM (Eastern European Mission) announced today its most recent staff addition, longtime preacher and minister for Washington Street Church of Christ, Jim Black. Beginning his work as Regional Director in June, Black will serve the states of Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and parts of the Northeast region.
“I am excited about joining the EEM team and look forward to helping get the Word of God into people’s hands and hearts in Eastern Europe and beyond,” Black said. “I am excited about the work ahead with EEM, and grateful for all my wonderful friends and church family at Washington Street Church. They have encouraged me and inspired me to grow and to learn. I would not have had the confidence to step into this new role without their support.”
After having spent 27 years in full-time ministry helping his congregants share the gospel – over 20 at Washington Street Church, making him one of the longest-serving local ministers – Black has grown in his love both for the Bible and for people. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, he spent the first six years of his career in ministry as a Youth and Family Minister there before moving to Fayetteville, Tennessee. During that time, he also taught Bible at Riverside Christian Academy (RCA) and led the school’s mission program.
Black wears many hats in the community, yet no roles are more precious to him than those of husband and father. He and his wife, the former Celeste Forrest, have been married for almost 27 years and have four sons, Andy, David, Michael and Daniel. Andy is a recent graduate of Lipscomb University (May ’22). David will be studying at the University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH). Michael graduates from Riverside Christian Academy this Spring and will be attending Freed Hardeman University in the Fall. Their youngest, Daniel, is in Middle School at RCA.
Black holds a bachelor's degree and a Master of Divinity from Lipscomb University (’95 and ’06, respectively) and is currently completing his Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership from Harding School of Theology (’22).
About Eastern European Mission
Eastern European Mission (EEM) was established in 1961 to provide Bibles and Bible-based materials throughout the former communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe. Today, EEM publishes and prints Bibles and New Testaments as well as Teen Bibles, Children’s Bibles and coloring books, distributing them through a vast network of partner churches and organizations reaching more than 32 countries in 23 different languages, including Farsi and Arabic. For more information, visit www.eem.org.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge, 972-267-1111
melany@alarryross.com
Requests for Bibles in Eastern Europe Increases as Ukraine War Continues
Ministry Hopes to Surpass Children’s Bible Campaign Goal as Need Skyrockets
HURST, Texas, May 10, 2022 — As requests for children’s Bibles pour in from Ukraine and other nations in Eastern Europe, EEM (Eastern European Mission) seeks to surpass its goal of 800,000 children’s Bibles in 19 languages for its annual Bibles for Kids campaign. With so many Ukrainian children displaced because of the war, the need for both Ukrainian and other Central and Eastern European language Bibles has grown as spiritual hunger spreads throughout the region.
“Both spiritual and humanitarian needs in Eastern Europe are great right now because of the war, and our ministry partners on the ground report that as soon as a family’s immediate physical needs have been met, they’ll ask ‘Do you have a Bible?’” said EEM President Bob Burckle. “For that reason, we remain more committed than ever to delivering Bibles into the hands of every child in Eastern Europe who wants one, so there is much more work to be done in our Bibles for Kids campaign.”
EEM’s mission is to share God’s Word with the people of Eastern Europe and beyond while educating and inspiring God’s servants everywhere to partner with them in His ministry. EEM has seen a tremendous response in recent years, with entire school systems in several nations throughout the region requesting Bibles for every student. The Bibles for Kids campaign provides an opportunity for believers to partner in this effort to nurture the faith of children, as directed in Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matching gifts from some generous donors have made it possible for every donation to be doubled, meaning $5 will provide four Bibles instead of just two. By the numbers:
$5 = four Bibles (the cost of a cup of coffee)
$25 = 20 Bibles (the cost of a pair of movie tickets)
$125 = 100 Bibles (the cost of a round of golf)
“As much as Ukraine is involved in a physical war right now, people throughout Eastern Europe have been involved in a spiritual war against atheistic regimes for more than 100 years,” said EEM Vice President Dirk Smith. “Just as freedom-loving nations everywhere are providing Ukrainians the weapons and ammunition needed in their battle, so, too, does a donation to the Bibles for Kids campaign arm those fighting for spiritual freedom for these children’s future.”
Those who accept the Bible for Kids challenge are encouraged to use the hashtag #BiblesforKids to tell others about this Kingdom-building opportunity so they can be a part of it, too. As the children in EEM’s campaign video proclaim, together, “We can do this!”
To learn more about Bibles for Kids and make a donation, visit www.eem.org/bfk. U.S. churches assisting Ukrainian refugees can contact EEM at https://www.eem.org/contact/ to request Ukrainian language Bibles. Bibles can be ordered and shipped directly to individuals in Eastern Europe at https://eemeurope.org/our-books/.
About Eastern European Mission
Eastern European Mission (EEM) was established in 1961 to provide Bibles and Bible-based materials throughout the former communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe. Today, EEM publishes and prints Bibles and New Testaments as well as Teen Bibles, Children’s Bibles and coloring books, distributing them free of charge through a vast network of partner churches and organizations reaching more than 32 countries in 25 different languages. For information, visit www.eem.org.
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge, 972-267-1111
melany@alarryross.com
EEM Launches Humanitarian Effort to Aid Ukrainian Refugees in Eastern Europe
EEM Launches Humanitarian Effort to Aid Ukrainian Refugees in Eastern Europe
Bible delivery ministry adapts on-the-ground contacts to serve physical as well as spiritual needs during time of crisis
HURST, Texas, March 3, 2022 — With a 61-year history delivering spiritual encouragement to the people of Eastern Europe, Eastern European Mission (EEM) is utilizing its long-term, trusted relationships with vetted organizations in Poland, Romania, Slovakia and other nations receiving Ukrainian refugees to ensure the right aid can be delivered quickly where it’s most needed. The ministry is currently accepting donations online at www.eem.org/ukraineaid to deliver medical care, food, clothing, shelter – whatever is most needed – for the women and children fleeing war in Ukraine.
“Because of the great and immediate needs we are hearing about from our friends and ministry partners in Eastern Europe, we decided to add a humanitarian component to the hope we share throughout the region and beyond,” said EEM President Bob Burckle. “With over 60 years of time and experience in Eastern Europe, we have developed a vast network of hundreds of trusted and faithful ministry partners who are on the front lines with the Ukrainian refugees, so we are uniquely positioned to see that the greatest needs are met most expeditiously.”
The crisis in Ukraine occurred just as EEM was launching its spring fundraising campaign, Bibles for Kids, to provide 800,000 children’s Bibles in 19 languages for nations throughout Eastern Europe. Now, many more Russian and Ukrainian language children’s Bibles are being requested for those seeking refuge in other nations.
“This war is tragic, but we have the opportunity to be the light and salt God has called us to be,” shared EEM Vice President Dirk Smith. “God, as we have always seen, will cause spiritual strength and blessing to come from evil. This is a spiritual battle and we must fight it spiritually. Thank you for praying with us and please continue to be in prayer daily for the people of Ukraine and Russia, as well as those in other nations working to aid the refugees.”
EEM’s mission is to share God’s Word with the people of Eastern Europe and beyond while educating and inspiring God’s servants everywhere to partner with them in His ministry. The Bibles for Kids matching fund campaign specifically calls upon believers to nurture the faith of children through a financial and prayerful partnership. Those who want to assist in replenishing the supply of Ukrainian and Russian language children’s Bibles can donate at www.eem.org/bfk.
About Eastern European Mission
Eastern European Mission (EEM) was established in 1961 to provide Bibles and Bible-based materials throughout the former communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe. Today, EEM publishes and prints Bibles and New Testaments as well as Teen Bibles, Children’s Bibles and coloring books, distributing them through a vast network of partner churches and organizations reaching more than 32 countries in 23 different languages, including Farsi and Arabic. www.eem.org.
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Media Contact:
A. Larry Ross Communications
Melany Ethridge, 972-267-1111
melany@alarryross.com
Eastern European Mission Launches ‘Bibles for Kids’ Global Effort to Provide Bibles in 19 Languages to 800,000 Children
Eastern European Mission Launches ‘Bibles for Kids’ Global Effort to Provide Bibles in 19 Languages to 800,000 Children
Matching gifts will accelerate funding of God's Word for students and refugee children in Eastern Europe, as war in Ukraine has increased the need
HURST, Texas, Mar. 1, 2022 — Eastern European Mission (EEM), a ministry that has steadfastly worked for more than 60 years to supply free Bibles to former Communist bloc countries, invites donors to support its “Bibles for Kids” matching fund campaign, launching March 1 and running through June 30, 2022.
The Bibles for Kids campaign endeavors to unite people from all over the world with one common purpose: to deliver the Bible to children in their heart language. The conflict in Ukraine has only increased the need as Ukrainian bookstores and ministries are running out of Bibles and refugees who have fled to Poland, Hungary and Romania are desperate to receive God’s Word in their own language.
“Before this conflict in Ukraine, we already had an urgent and exciting request for 800,000 Children’s Bibles in 19 languages for public school students and refugee children,” shared Bob Burckle, President of EEM. “Now, those numbers are growing daily as more and more people are seeking solid ground to stand on during this time of turmoil. We want to serve them as well as the public schools in Eastern Europe who are willing to have God's Word distributed and taught on their campuses because they see benefit in its ethical and moral teachings.”
EEM’s mission is to share God’s Word with the people of Eastern Europe and beyond while educating and inspiring God’s servants everywhere to partner with them in His ministry. The Bibles for Kids matching fund campaign specifically calls upon believers to nurture the faith of children through a financial and prayerful partnership. The campaign is a direct response to God’s Word: “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” (Matthew 19:14, NIV)
“We invite you to be a part of raising up the next generation of Bible-literate, authentic disciples of Jesus in Eastern and Central Europe and beyond through the Bibles for Kids matching fund campaign,” said Dirk Smith, Vice President of EEM. “And we invite you to join us in helping Ukrainian refugees – especially children – find that solid foundation for their lives in God’s Word when all around them is shifting sand. What better return on investment of prayer and finances could there be than to see the hearts of children opened to receive God’s love and peace in the midst of life’s storms? Together, we can do this.”
Bibles for Kids Campaign by the Numbers:
$5 = 4 Bibles (the cost of a cup of coffee)
$25 = 20 Bibles (the cost of a pair of movie tickets)
$125 = 100 Bibles (the cost of a round of golf)
Through the Bibles for Kids matching fund campaign, there’s a unique opportunity to multiply the impact of each dollar donated. This in turn will accelerate the funding of the printing and the distribution of Bibles for children who have never heard stories from the Word of God.
Those who accept the challenge are encouraged to use the hashtag #BiblesforKids to tell others about this Kingdom-building opportunity so they can be a part of it, too.
To learn more about Bibles for Kids and make a donation, visit www.eem.org/bfk.
About Eastern European Mission
Eastern European Mission (EEM) was established in 1961 to provide Bibles and Bible-based materials throughout the former communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe. Today, EEM publishes and prints Bibles and New Testaments as well as Teen Bibles, Children’s Bibles and coloring books, distributing them through a vast network of partner churches and organizations reaching more than 32 countries in 23 different languages, including Farsi and Arabic. www.eem.org.
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Media Contact:
A. Larry Ross Communications
Melany Ethridge, 972-267-1111
melany@alarryross.com
Eastern European Mission Delivers 1.5 Million Bibles and Bible-based Materials to Eastern Europe During 2021
Eastern European Mission Delivers 1.5 Million Bibles and Bible-based Materials to Eastern Europe During 2021
More than 650,000 Children’s Bibles Donated to Students in Croatian Public Schools
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HURST, Texas, Feb. 9, 2022 - Eastern European Mission (EEM), a group that has steadfastly worked to supply Bibles to Eastern European countries for the last 60 years, broke its 2020 record with the distribution of 1,529,668 Bibles and Bible-based materials into 32 nations and 23 languages – free of charge – in 2021. Even in the difficult era of COVID, EEM’s total 2021 number is a 15% increase from the previous year.
Additionally, as part of a multi-year program, EEM donated 650,000 Children’s Bibles to students in Croatian public schools.
“It’s easy for us to be overwhelmed by the numbers; however, they have purpose and are inspiring,” said Robert Burckle, President of EEM. “Behind these incredible statistics are real people whose lives are forever being changed by the ‘Good News’ that is taking hold of their hearts and transforming their lives.”
EEM’s mission is to sow the seed of God’s Word in the native languages of the nations of Eastern Europe and beyond by distributing Bibles and Bible-based materials to individuals, churches, public schools, orphanages, youth camps, hospitals, prisons and rehabilitation institutions.
EEM works with national leaders in Ukraine, Romania, Croatia and other countries to place Bibles in public schools. Currently, more than two-thirds of the schools in Ukraine have received Bibles from EEM, and many educators are actively using them during the academic year. They are seeing the positive impact of the Bible’s moral and ethical teachings on the students’ behavior.
“We would love to see this replicated in many other nations from whom we are receiving numerous requests, which can only be accomplished through increased financial support,” stated Burckle. “But God has been faithful and we know he will continue to be. His Word is transformative and we continue to pray that our efforts in Eastern Europe will have a great impact on the Kingdom for generations to come.”
About Eastern European Mission
Eastern European Mission (EEM) was established in 1961 to provide Bibles and Bible-based materials throughout the former communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe. Today, EEM publishes and prints Bibles and New Testaments as well as Teen Bibles, Children’s Bibles and coloring books, distributing them through a vast network of partner churches and organizations reaching more than 32 countries in 23 different languages, including Farsi and Arabic. Bibles in these languages have recently been given to Middle Eastern refugees who landed in Greece, which has resulted in thousands of them coming to Christ. For more information, see www.eem.org.
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Media Contact:
A. Larry Ross Communications
Melany Ethridge, 972-267-1111
melany@alarryross.com