The Windows of Heaven were Opened 

On Thursday evening, October 22, a rainy, dreary night, a crowd of approximately 625 people gathered together at Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids at Bibles International’s annual Harvest Dinner. Friends exchanged greetings in the church foyer as they glimpsed other believers and supporters of BI. In some cases, they’d not seen each other in the past year, since the previous Harvest Dinner. Small groups huddled around the cheese and punch bowl, enjoying the hors d’oeuvres in anticipation of the tasty meal awaiting them inside the auditorium. 

Pianist Becky Kerr entertained guests as they passed through the doors into the auditorium. Precisely at 6:30, Director Hantz Bernard welcomed the guests and asked the Lord’s blessing on the food and fellowship. Guests began enjoying their salads and delicious rolls. Soon volunteers began serving the tasty entrée prepared by Chef Besh.

Event organization was obvious to those who attended. Most of them had no idea however, that planning begins about six months before the event. In fact, BI administrators and missionaries faced a very difficult decision this past spring: In light of the present economic conditions, especially in Michigan where unemployment is higher than any place in the nation, should we even hold the event? Knowing the challenges our churches and individuals are already facing, should we present them with yet another stewardship opportunity? Seeking the Lord’s direction, they believed He led them to move forward.

Pastor Maxime Pierre-Pierre, a Haitian who had served on the New Testament project for his people, spoke that evening, emphasizing the need for the Old Testament in Haitian Creole. John Shear’s tenor voice thrilled the audience. 

The Lord’s hand of blessing was obvious. That evening, and throughout the following weeks, almost $42,000 was received toward the translation project of the Haitian Creole Old Testament. God was faithful, as He always is when we turn to Him in time of need. Rejoice with us at what He has done again, helping us to facilitate the ongoing translation work in this hemisphere, as well as in other parts of the world. Will you thank Him, as we are doing? Once again He opened the windows of heaven pouring out a blessing, one that was exceeding abundantly above all we asked or thought.