Chile Earthquake An update on CLC in Chile pg. 3
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INTERNATIONAL
2010 Issue No. 2 www.clcusa.org
Chile earthquake victim Gaspar Sanchez
Chile Earthquake
An update on CLC in Chile pg. 3
BookLink
BookLink in action in Thailand pg. 12
Malaysia Revival
Author John Kitchen visits Malaysia pg. 22
1
Keith Beale
US Director of
I n February, images of the earthquake in Chile gained media
attention and swept around the world. Today, while the
Chilean tragedy is no longer in the news, the need for aid
Finance and Administration
INTERNATIONAL has become more pressing than ever. The people in this
CLC World is published three South American country have slowly begun the task of
times per year by CLC Ministries Financially Speaking…. rebuilding the country – a process which could take up
International, 701 Pennsylvania to ten years. The hope of a better future, however, is not
Ave., Ft. Washington, PA 19034,
a non-profit organization meeting
enough to overcome the current trauma that Chileans
literature needs around the world It is hard to go a day without hearing news about the are living through. The thousands of people who lost
since 1941. © 2010 CLC Ministries economy – prices going up, markets going down, who just loved ones or possessions as a result of the earthquake
International, Inc. No part of this and subsequent tsunami now seek not only material
went out of business, or how many people are unemployed.
periodical may be reproduced
electronically or in print without
The lackluster economy has been felt by all, and certainly we help to rebuild their homes but also spiritual help to
permission. We welcome your are no exception. regain hope and the desire to live.
comments. Email us at clcworld@
clcusa.org. Whether due to the four large snow storms which temporarily
shut down our stores or just caution due to uncertain times,
After several days of complete chaos, CLC was able
CLC U.S.A. is part of an our overall bookstore sales were down about 7% from the to reopen the two hardest-hit bookstores in the cities of
interdenominational faith mission previous year. Our publishing actually grew by 4%, praise Concepción and Talca with some degree of normalcy. Unable
working in over 58 countries on the Lord, but the overall drop meant we had to borrow to use the actual bookstore building in Talca due to the risk of
six continents and is a member of
money to pay bills, leaving us with some debt. aftershocks, CLC quickly built a separate room of wood in the back
The Mission Exchange (formerly
EFMA). yard to serve the needs of the public. In Concepción, the second-most
Everyone worked hard to find creative ways to reduce affected city, CLC’s bookstore seems to be one of the few businesses
FINANCIAL POLICY costs. We negotiated lower rents, reduced utility usage and
This multi-ethnic ministry involves travelled less, just to name a few, bringing our expenses operating in the city center, with customers arriving constantly. Despite the
approximately 1000 people of down 11%. At the end of the fiscal year, we almost broke fact that both bookstores were closed for several days and that the economy
different nationalities who, by even in net income. We have been trying to sell our Somers of the people in these cities has been seriously affected, the distribution of
faith, trust God to supply their Point, New Jersey missionary house to help pay bills, but books and other materials has actually shown some growth.
needs. Gifts received for projects
housing sales are still stagnant.
are used as designated. Gifts
given in excess of project funding
needs will be designated to similar We covet your prayers for our ministry and our finances.
projects. Proceeds from book sales Any donations to help meet needs are greatly appreciated
are used in the extension of the and can be sent to the address shown below on the left or
work worldwide—opening and can be donated online at www.clcusa.org. For any questions
developing bookshops and mobile about our finances, please call me at 215-542-1242.
ministries as well as publishing By Gerardo Scalante
and distributing literature in
many languages. Audited annual
In this issue...
financial reports are available While our workers in these cities are actively involved
upon request from our office at 3 .......... Cover Story – Chile Earthquake
PO Box 1449, Ft. Washington,
in distributing aid to those most affected, their own
PA 19034. Subscriptions to CLC 6 .......... Church Bookstore Harvest houses have also been damaged. While resources permit,
World are free. The average cost 8 .......... New UK Bookstores CLC Chile will continue to help pastors and families who have
for publication and mailing for one lost everything, and we are also distributing free literature to those
year is $8.00. 12 .......... BookLink – Thailand
desperately seeking answers to their situations.
CLC Ministries International 14 .......... Reflections from Rebecca
701 Pennsylvania Ave. 16 .......... Where in the World is CLC?
PO BOX 1449
In the midst of so much tragedy, it is reassuring to hear of the miraculous ways
Fort Washington, PA 19034 17 .......... GodTunes God has been taking care of His children and how this crisis has served to start
215-542-1242 18 .......... CLC Book Reviews a spiritual awakening and a desperate search for God. There is openness in the
20 .......... CLC Venezuela – Warehouse Opening hearts of the people and opportunity to testify of the love of God such as we
www.clcusa.org never before had.
2 22 .......... Malaysia Revival 3
The streets in the commercial center were CLC staff delivering aid
blocked off
CLC Chile Director Isaac Zuniga
(green shirt) giving out literature
God miraculously spared the pastor
who sleeps in this bed
Gaspar Sanchez was grateful for
help after his house was destroyed
Removing the rubble any way possible
A village street on the coast This damaged church steeple by our
store means we are closed for now
The street is blocked in front of our bookstore
Totally destroyed
CLC member Sergio by the back gate of the
Talca bookstore Aid for earthquake victims
Donate to Chile Relief fund online at www.clcdonations.org
4 5
Remarkable Results in Sharon Hill
By
By Shirley
Shirley Brockenborough
Brockenborough
n 2007, CLC opened its Word and Ms. Haley was so impressed with the God’s Word in the hands of the
of Life Bookstore at First African bookstore staff that she surprised us and people at their different levels of
Baptist Church of Sharon Hill, returned for the discussion of her book! understanding. Our 16 bookstore
Pennsylvania, a neighborhood of volunteers have become the go-to
Philadelphia. I was asked to manage A second offshoot and perhaps the most people when it comes to finding
the new venture along with a team of precious, is the Teen Girls Book Club. the right resource. We often sense
dedicated volunteers, but did we know It started out simply by asking one of special needs and are able to
anything about running a bookstore? our members to lead the girls through provide for that specific situation.
NO! Could we select appropriate reading and discussing a book called This always leads people back to
materials to stock the shelves or even Staying Pure. This book opened the door the Bible, often they just need
operate a cash register? NO! It was all for safe discussion of the problems and someone to guide them there.
brand new to us. It situations our teen girls
is amazing to look face each day. Our church Our little store has also become a
back now and see how Not only do they read, but they is in an area where teen hub to meet the needs of smaller
God put just the right do service in and out of the pregnancy and drop-out churches in our area. Requests
people in place and church! statistics are alarming, for church supplies and books
how He used CLC to so the church becomes continue to grow. We see this as an
lead us through the training period. these girls’ oasis. Soon the girls told their effective way to spread God’s Word
friends, and many of the young ladies and bring His church together in
Listen to what has come out of this small from the neighborhood came for the ministry.
bookstore in the last three years! discussions and eventually joined our
congregation, often bringing their entire For our volunteers, the greatest
The first was the Women’s Book Club. families with them! The single reading reward is the joy we receive from
The ladies have now read many helpful selection turned into an ongoing event serving in God’s garden. Thank
books, but more importantly, have and eventually from a “girls club” into you, CLC, for accepting us as part
discussed how their lives often parallel a “young ladies group.” They are now of the awesome challenge placed
the books. Through discussion, they have into their fifth book and loving every upon you to take God’s Word into
found a greater understanding of their moment. The best part for me has been a starving world. It is the seed
own lives and a realization that they aren’t seeing the transformation from girls that can change lives and produce
alone. This realization helps them gain into young ladies. Their decorum is remarkable results!
self-confidence, and many have moved remarkably different. Not only do they
Word
into other ministries of our church. One read, but they do service in and out of
of the most exciting experiences was the church! ofLife
a women’s breakfast and book signing a
with author Patricia Haley and her book Another blessing has been to witness CLC Christian
Bookcenter
Chosen. The ladies were so excited to have the transforming power of the written The Christian Bookstore with a Worldwide Mission
a nationally known author in their midst, Word. Through CLC we are able to put
6 7
I
I t was on November 16, 2009 that
the news broke about the financial
struggles of IBS-STL (UK) and Wesley
Owen, the UK’s largest chain of Christian
bookstores with 40 shops. Facing the
reality that many of the shops might have
to be closed, CLC began praying about
the situation and those affected by it. Our
leadership team asked what we could/
should do if we are serious about our
Purpose Statement. “I have never sensed
such a sense of peace in a CLC committee
meeting when what is on the table is so
huge and the challenges so great,” said
CLC UK Director Phil Burnham. CLC
made the decision to purchase six of the
shops, while another organization took Our priority has always been serving our
on eight more. Twenty-six shops closed There are many personnel needs in our UK
ministry (bookshops, distribution, IT, finance, customers. This was quite a challenge CLC CamBridge
their doors while looking for a way to when we were having supply problems
HR, website, publicity…) and you might be
keep going, and several have subsequently with STL. We couldn’t operate as we
just the person to fill it! Please contact us at
reopened. “We have no doubt that we would have liked, and at times we were
personnel@clcbookshops.com.
have done the right thing before the Lord very unsure of what was happening. We
and before His people in taking over praise God that CLC bought us and the
the bookshops in Bolton, Cambridge, CLC BoLton other five stores. We are now trying to
Coventry, Guildford, Kingston upon replenish our bookshelves so as to give the
Thames and also Stockport, where CLC excellent service that has made this store
had a bookshop in our early days back a popular place to visit. This was the very Manager Sarah MacKenzie
in the 1940’s,” says Burnham. “We have first STL shop many years ago, and it has a
taken on some excellent, capable and We are quite a small team here in
rich heritage. We have always known it to Cambridge. Pamela Churchard, our
experienced bookshop staff in these have a place in God’s plan.
shops. In the early days there were many Senior Sales Assistant, and I work full
questions going back and forth as we time. Lucinda Sparrow works four days
The challenges of the Internet, store per week and Dominic Barton works three
tried to integrate the two bookshop Manager Julian Gittings closures and so on are going to mean that
systems. Our hope and prayer is that days a week.
The CLC Bolton team is made up of we have to make our priority ongoing
the result is both a stronger and a more customer care, and to this end we are
me and David who both work full time, Our main focus in Cambridge is to serve
versatile organization going forward. always seeking to improve in knowledge
plus Peter and Joy who work part time. the Christians well and to see the gospel go
We are thrilled that we are able to keep and training. Please pray for us as we
We are helped immensely by up to nine out through the books and other materials
these six places of witness and ministry adjust to be being part of the CLC family
volunteers, some of whom do a whole we sell. Another specific goal is to sell at
open, and wish it could have been more. and the challenges that this year will bring.
day, while others do partial days but are least one Bible every day and in the future,
While we have suddenly gained quite We aim to glorify God on the high street
regulars over the years. I am sure I can to do even more! This shop was remodeled
a few employees, as you will see below, and to be an ongoing Christian presence
speak for them all when I say our shop is a nearly five years ago which has made such
volunteers play a vital role in all these and resource center for the local churches.
friendly place with a good atmosphere. Yes, a huge difference. With the changeover
shops.”
we work hard, but we are also good friends - Julian Gittings, CLC Bolton Manager from Wesley Owen (STL) to CLC, we
and get together socially.
8 9
may do some more rearranging to make am sure they already knew the answer. forward and see more people impacted
the shop look different and fresh! They just needed to talk! for the Lord. It is exciting to know we
CLC stoCKport
have great events to look forward to and
It has been great becoming a part of CLC We were honored to have worked with to be able to build stronger relationships
International! We have been made to feel STL in the past, and the experience with with local churches. My experience with
so welcome into the family. We would CLC has been very good so far also. It is CLC, if I were to sum it up in one word,
appreciate your ongoing prayers for our great to be a part of this family. would be compassion. Compassion for
team and the work we do in here in staff and compassion for the lost – and
Cambridge. - Angela Adams, CLC Coventry Manager that’s always a good thing.
- Sarah MacKenzie, CLC Cambridge Manager CLC guiLdford - Phil Perello, CLC Guildford Manager Manager John Watkins
CLC Stockport has a team of six staff and
CLC Conventry CLC Kingston
two volunteers. I have been in Christian
bookselling since 1971, while the others
have been with us for about six years.
Our volunteers include Fiona, who gives
us one or two days a week, and Ken,
the former manager of a Wesley Owen
bookshop.
Manager Phil Perello
The Guildford staff consists of me, three We aim to serve the local community,
Claire (left) with Manager Angela Adams Manager Esther Domschitz (left) and Blodwen
part time workers (Lauren, Rhiannon churches and Christians with Bibles,
We have a wonderful mix of staff and and Iris) and two volunteers (Barbara and There are three full time members of the Christian literature and other related
volunteers here in Coventry! I work full Peter). Barbara has given over ten years of staff in Kingston – myself, Graham and products. We are the only Christian shop
time, Anne works four days, and Claire faithful service and is still an absolutely Blodwen. We also have Fiona who works in the area. In the summer, we supply the
is in three days a week. Diane, Lydia and integral part of the shop. part time and Ann, our volunteer. books for a number of outreach camps.
Rachel work part time. Oliver and Ali are My vision is to continue to do this work
our lovely volunteers. Our goal is to serve the local Christian Our goal is to serve the Lord by helping effectively and to encourage the reading
community and provide a place of prayer everyone who walks through our doors. of good Christian books.
Our vision for the bookshop is to make and discipleship through our resources. In the future, we hope to reach out more
it inviting and comfortable for everyone, We have recently started an open prayer to local churches and develop closer The demise of Wesley Owen (STL) was
and to constantly evaluate what we do to ministry in the shop which has been very relationships with them. We also hope for very sad for all of us, and we feel for
make sure that we are in line with God. successful with many people requesting more adequate staff levels, more training colleagues who lost jobs or who face an
A young couple came into the shop a prayer. We also introduced rental and an improved computer system, so as uncertain future. So far, CLC has been
couple of months ago because friends had DVDs and CDs which have helped our to better serve our customers. very positive with a warm welcome. We
told them they could come here and ask revenue and built people up in the Lord, even got an email from Italy! We are
anything without feeling condemned. especially those on limited budgets. These We all are very delighted about the warm looking forward to shaping the shop
They asked Lydia what the Bible’s view are just small changes but they give our welcome we have received from the CLC more to fit the local situation and are
on abortion was, and after a discussion community another reason to stop in and family. Together, we look forward to already enjoying the greater measure of
they went away not feeling condemned shop with us! facing the many challenges in advancing freedom in stock purchasing which will
but knowing what had to be done. We His kingdom through literature. help us to achieve that.
haven’t seen them since, but I know they Going forward my expectations are high!
- Esther Domschitz, CLC Kingston Manager - John Watkins, CLC Stockport Manager
felt at ease coming in and asking, and I My team and I hope to drive the ministry
10 11
Thailand
I
c an’t even begin to tell you how Person after person came to us, some with through on their way across Asia, taking
MANY PEOPLE have been tears in their eyes, just thanking us for all your books with them. I would like your
blessed over the last three years by the free supply of things that they can’t help in getting another container here with
the container of donated literature you even find in their home countries. We had the huge variety you gave us the first time,
sent. Your books and Bibles have gone to ship materials for some people as they to continue to be a blessing to thousands
out into the surrounding countries of simply could not fit in their suitcases the of people who work in this region of 250
Burma, Cambodia, China, Laos and things they so desperately wanted. There million people.
Vietnam among others. were Indians, Chinese, Singaporeans,
Pakistanis, Thais, Cambodians, Vietnamese, May the Lord continue to bless CLC
About a year and a half ago, an Laotians, Burmese and many other people Christian BookLink as you have blessed
international cell church conference was from other countries! Some offered money millions through this literature outreach.
to help offset costs, which we quickly
Kendall Cobb
held here for about 300 participants
from 30 to 40 countries and all declined. We shipped many boxes for
Chiang Mai, Thailand
denominations. We set up SIX long participants without pay, as we could see
tables on the first day of the conference. just how much they needed the supplies.
For information on how to give books or
funds for BookLink go to www.clcusa.org
The next morning I received word and click on BookLink
that the tables had been cleared off That conference is just one example of the
by the participants who were going many ways your literature has been used. I
wild over the HUGE variety and want you to know your 40 foot container
quality of materials being given away was one of the biggest blessings that could
freely. We were constantly asked, “Is have come to this large missions center of
this really free?” We quickly brought Chiang Mai which so many people pass
another truckload of materials to fill
the tables. By the end of that day, they
were cleared AGAIN! We filled them
the third day, and the tables were again
swarmed with people looking for
anything for church ministry, Sunday
school, age-appropriate children’s
materials, worship materials and church
growth materials.
13
12
English.” Another guy approached the and tell them about God’s love. However,
Reflections
counter with a card, chuckling to himself. their belief in asking God for physical
He told me he was an atheist giving healing made me uncomfortable at first. I
the card to his friend as a joke. I don’t came to realize, though, that they simply
from know what the card said, but I knew it
contained God’s Word and silently prayed
that God would use it to touch the heart of
believe in the power of the Holy Spirit.
I have been convicted that although I
believe in my head God can do anything,
Rebecca this guy or his friend.
One guy asked me to help him
pick out a Bible for his girlfriend.
He was not
I’ve always made sure not to ask too
much of Him.
I was afraid
to see God
fail. I thank
By Rebecca Williams religious at Him that He
Recent American college graduate spending
a year with CLC in Sheffield, England
all, he said, is teaching me
but she was to ask even for
attending an what seems
Alpha course impossible –
t seems hard to believe that I have around here close at 5:00 or 6:00.
(a course and to expect
already been in Sheffield for almost Another cultural adjustment! We had a
which allows it. He wants our involvement in
five months! In a way I feel like I have lovely time together, regardless, and I am
people to His work. What a wonderful thing
been here for ages – I can no longer thankful for Annalena’s friendship.
discuss and discover the truth of God – see that we have direct access to His infinite
count the times I’ve walked down the
alphausa.org), and he wanted to support power through Christ!
hills of my neighborhood, Crookes, Work in the bookshop is going well. I
her new interest.
toward Sheffield’s city center for another understand more and more how things
Please pray for me as I live, work and
day in the bookshop. operate and am feeling comfortable
God has been teaching me a lot about learn here in Sheffield. Pray for my new
with my job. Even though I’m often
Himself during my time here. The relationships to grow deeper and to be
It’s Sunday afternoon and I’ve just come working behind the scenes, I also spend
Anglican-Baptist church I attend is glorifying to God. Pray for a love for our
in from a walk in the rain with one of my a lot of time working with customers. It
different from any church I’ve ever been customers that would cause me to be
new friends. Annalena is from Germany, sometimes seems like all of the people
to in the States. I was first attracted to sensitive to their needs. Pray that I would
and we hit it off well because we have one looking for truth come in on the same
St. Thomas Crookes because of its strong continue to see what God wants to show
thing in common: we aren’t English! As day. Or maybe it’s just that those are the
emphasis on finding practical ways to me, and for wisdom to understand.
we walked, we laughed together about days when my heart and mind are most
serve the people of Crookes and Sheffield
the people we saw fishing and playing open to it. Here is something from a
tennis in the rain. Rain sure doesn’t stop journal entry about one of those days:
the English, and apparently it’s rubbing
off on us! We A Muslim man came in, as they often
stopped by do, not knowing that CLC is a Christian Bookstore Team members - various locations in US and overseas
Duties include assisting in the day-to-day running of a CLC bookshop, processing sales, card and cash
Starbucks to bookstore. As he stood at the counter handling, customer service and other associated tasks.
warm up with writing notes in the cards he’d bought, Wholesale Team member - various locations in US and overseas
a coffee, but I began to talk with him and was able Duties include order picking and shelf replenishment, preparing items
forgot that to give him an English-Arabic New for delivery, stock control, handling telephone enquiries, plus various
administration work.
the coffee Testament to “help him study
Also placements in IT, Design and Administration
shops CLC’s missionaries do not receive salaries. CLC does, however, cover
housing and utilities in some areas.
For more information on available opportunities, please contact:
Annalena and Rebecca at the park Marge Almack - malmack@clcusa.org 15
14
Unscramble each word to reveal a country where CLC is present.
ZWSLIADAN
N Z R AT W E D S I L
UASIRS
KTSPIANA
My co-pilot in this feature is Phil VanVeldhuizen, the music buyer for our USA
MIBALOCO shops, while I (Amanda Lutes) edit the UK edition of this magazine and run a
shop there. Being involved in music buying, we are exposed to some amazing
stuff that we’d like to share with you, and you should find a little something for
everyone! So buckle up, friend, because we are going on a musical journey!
PIEIHPNSLPI
Starting us off is the brand new album by rock/praise group Casting Crowns,
CLC has been operating as a Christian ministry since 1941, having started in Until the Whole World Hears. The name alone should really give away the
Colchester, England, during the World War II. Over the years, the work has extended theme of this album. The thing that I really love about CC is their way of totally
around the world, now operating in 58 countries with nearly 200 bookshops, 20 committing to creating music that everyone can say, “Yeah, I’ve been there” or
distribution warehouses and 20 publishing houses. “I’ve felt that way.” Their music takes you to that place, but they don’t just leave
~YOUR PURCHASES MAKE THIS POSSIBLE! you there wallowing, they take you from there straight into a place of praise! If
6. Philippines 5. Colombia 4. Pakistan 3. Russia 2. Switzerland Answers: 1. Swaziland you’ve never experienced Casting Crowns, then please take the time! Their multi-
lead vocals, amazing harmonies and pure musical genius are not to be missed!
Want To Know More?
Alright, now this is for all you fun-loving pop fanatics who might not want to
Discover more about each country we are in by emailing us at admit it. Shhh . . . I won’t tell! Britt Nicole – check her out! Not only is she an
prayerfuel@clcusa.org with ‘PF Subscribe’ as the subject heading. amazing vocalist with a really great vibe, but she also writes most of her own
stuff. Being as she is only in her early twenties, you really wouldn’t think that
We will send you our free bi-monthly publication, Prayer Fuel, which will bring you she’d have much to write about, but boy, you’d be wrong. Her newest album,
up-to-date prayer & praise points from all around the CLC world. Lost Get Found, is about not missing the opportunities that God gives us daily
for reaching out in love to those around us. Don’t settle for trying to get the
THERE IS NO GOING “UNDERGROUND’’ WHEN THINGS GET DIFFICULT! most from life when God offers you the best from life! Go on an adventure with
Him!
Please join us in prayer for the protection and ministry of our teams and shops. My final pick for this issue is a bit of ”Hip Hope” as I like to call it. Group
1 Crew = crazy rhythms, amazing vocals, plus lyrical genius when it comes
to praising God! If you are a fan of the “Black Eyed Peas” style, than this is
a group you should seriously consider adding to your collection. Their newest
album is called Ordinary Dreamers and it is truly fun listening. They are filled
with pure joy and love for our Savior and are really stressing in this album the
importance of spending time fellowshiping with Him!
16 17
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18 19left behind and new schools were found before the official opening. A booksellers
– all with the purpose of seeing this convention had been planned to coincide
essential literature ministry reborn. with the opening, and so a week of
From the beginning of this process, a frenetic activity took place as floors were
noteworthy decision was made. One laid, ceilings installed, paint applied and
tenth of any profit made by CLC furnishings moved in.
Venezuela would be given away as a
thank offering to the Lord. That might CLC celebrates 40 years of working in
have seemed an easy decision when there Venezuela this year, and what better way
are only losses, but the Lord has to start such an anniversary year than to
Until this point…God! By Neil Wardrope
blessed this decision! We praise inaugurate a brand new headquarters!
40 years in Venezuela CLC International Director God that there has been an
increasing amount to give away
The CLC Venezuela team was joined
by more than 40 independent
Friday, January 29, 2010, will go down response of many publishers who both each year! booksellers from across the country,
as a red-letter day in the history of CLC exercised patience and gave assistance. eight publishers from the United
Venezuela. A brand new CLC distribution As the work stabilized, the team States and representatives
center was dedicated to the Lord so that While that was encouraging, the need turned its thoughts to expansion. from CLC Colombia and our
ever increasing volumes of Bibles and to reduce expenses meant that painful In 2008, a bookshop was opened International Office in giving thanks to
Christian books can be sent around the choices had to be made regarding team in Merida and then another was opened the Lord for this wonderful provision.
country. However, the prospects were not members, and we had to say farewell to a in 2009 in the eastern city of Puerto
always so bright . . . number of long-time CLCers. Ordaz. At the same time, plans were In 1980 a small book was written about
made to buy a property in Valencia for the first ten years of CLC Venezuela. It
In 2003, CLC Venezuela was in a Another difficult decision was to relocate the construction of a new distribution was titled Hasta Aqui…Dios meaning
desperate state. The national economy our headquarters and distribution center warehouse and headquarters. Progress “Until this point …God.” That sentiment
was held hostage, and our CLC team from Barquisimeto to Valencia – a large at times seemed painfully slow, and the continues to echo 30 years later, as we trace
struggled to deal with and more centrally located keys were handed over just ten days the hand of God in this thriving work.
the consequences. city, with the added benefit
Debts to suppliers of being close to a major Neil Carlos The Padillas
Gamaliel Padilla and Family
quickly mounted, and port. Such decisions are Wardrope from Unilit
it looked certain that always very emotional,
the whole operation and Barquisimeto was
would go under. where CLC started its first
An international bookshop in Venezuela.
evaluation team And so the “new” CLC Venezuela was born. Although the bookshop
was sent and then a remains, the old headquarters
rescue plan was put into operation which with all its memories had to be sold.
involved much change.
CLC Venezuela Staff
And so the “new” CLC Venezuela was
An immediate call went out to the CLC born. The team, led by Gamaliel Padilla
world for significant emergency funds. and Pablo Sanchez, was overseen by
The response was generous and uplifting Regional Director Gerardo Scalante. The
– a clear demonstration of fellowship. work and commitment of these men and
Some immediate debts were settled, and their families cannot be overstated. When
a plan for repayment of our suppliers was the headquarters was relocated to Valencia
put in place. It was wonderful to see the in 2004, homes were sold, friends were 21
20I
n 2007, CLC sent its book Revival Malaysia and preach this message of special music. In time came my opportunity Allan, from the Philippines. Soon after
in the Rubble by John Kitchen to a biblical revival personally. Follow John to preach. When I was done, the pastor we embarked, Daniel began asking me
dynamic young publisher named as he tells how God worked through this asked any who wanted to respond to stand questions regarding the Bible and theology.
Lawrence James in the country of invitation: and come forward. People began to almost For the next four-and-a-half hours he
Malaysia. Having read through the book leap from their seats and stream to the fired one question after another at me. Just
twice, he was so moved by the message This past year I went to Malaysia for nearly front of the room. The pastor looked a bit as soon as I could answer a question, he
of biblical revival and so convinced of his a month, during which time I preached shocked and asked, “How many of you are would follow it with another. Daniel has
country’s need for this kind of move of twenty-eight times! I primarily preached coming to receive Christ for the first time?” been a Christian for over twenty-five years,
God that he contacted CLC to request the message of revival that is outlined At least thirty-five hands shot into the air! but he told me that he had only started
the rights to print and distribute the in Revival in the Rubble and found in He led them through a prayer to receive reading his Bible about three years ago.
book locally. This was key, as importing the book of Nehemiah. In one four-day Christ as their Savior. Then he said to me He said repeatedly, “Pastor, people can’t
books from overseas makes them too stretch I preached eleven times, all different in English, “I had planned on having you grow without reading their Bible! You can’t
costly for the average Malaysian. CLC messages and all required to be at least one pray personally with each person who came be a growing Christian if you don’t read
granted this permission, and in 2007 hour long. forward, but there are just too many of the Bible!” Three years ago someone sent
the Malaysian edition of Revival in the them!” So I came and prayed for them as a him an NIV Study Bible. He now reads
Rubble was released. group, humbled by the opportunity.
Lawrence soon began
receiving calls from
pastors who reported
that when they read the
book they were moved
to tears, knowing that
the message of biblical
revival was needed in
their local church and
among the believers at
large. A pastor from China purchased a
copy of the book in Singapore, and then
reported its powerful impact upon his
life. On the Malaysian island of Penang, order at www.clcpublications.com
a troubled young woman told her story One Sunday afternoon I had the honor
to Ming Su, the manager of a Christian of speaking to a group of people who were Who knows what will come of these who through it about every two months! Soon
bookstore. Ming Su recommended immigrants from the country of Nepal. are finding new life in Christ? Some of Allan was jumping in with his questions as
Revival in the Rubble. Months later, they Their country has long been closed to them may return to their native Nepal and well. As we neared our destination, Daniel
saw each other and the young woman traditional missionaries and is under carry with them the eternal gospel of Jesus said, “Pastor, you have to understand. I
said, “You will never know what God did great turmoil. But, I was told, these who Christ, capable now of evangelizing their have been waiting for years to ask these
for me through that book! My life was at have come to Malaysia are open to the own people! questions of someone!”
a crossroads when I came to see you, and gospel. I expected a few dozen people to
God has done a great work in my life.” have gathered, but was shocked when we Some of my most significant ministry What a joy to find hearts so hungry after
entered the room and found it jammed to happened informally. One such occasion the truth of the Word of God! Oh, that
One day while in prayer, God implanted overflowing with hundreds of young Nepali occurred while on a long car trip. I was more were so desirous of understanding and
in Lawrence’s heart the idea to invite people! The service unfolded before me, being driven by Lawrence and with applying the Scriptures to their lives!
CLC author John Kitchen to come to complete with Nepali cultural dance and us were Daniel, an Indonesian, and
22 23INTERNATIONAL
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