The R4L New Testament Inaugural Program

IBS began using R4L New Testaments for youth ministry in South Africa in February 2004. Trained volunteers serving Scripture Union, Youth for Christ, Into Africa Sports of OMS, and other ministries and churches use our R4L New Testaments for Life Skills instruction in classrooms, for Bible study programs integrated into sports programs, and for ministry at other venues where youth gather.

Volunteers reside in the communities they serve. The training they have received and their work and message for the youth are well respected by public officials, school administrators, parents, and youth. The volunteers are appreciated because the instruction and the materials they offer lead directly to healthy, wholesome, and productive lifestyles.

Volunteers who distribute R4L New Testaments in the schools facilitate classroom instruction on biblical values, HIV/AIDS, and risky behavior. Classroom teachers and administrators appreciate the skills, perspectives, and resources the volunteers offer. Volunteers facilitate youth to form R4L cell groups in schools and churches. These groups study their R4L New Testaments together and encourage one another to remain pure.

The Results

Our follow-up with youth who received New Testaments shows that about 95 percent of the youth had never had a Bible or New Testament or meaningful exposure to God's Word. Seventy-seven percent read some or most of their R4L New Testament, and 70 percent found our program was at least “very beneficial and relevant.” Fifty-one percent recognized spiritual benefits for themselves. Of particular note, the perception of benefit from and relevance of our R4L New Testament seems to increase as time passes since the initial distribution and instruction.

One coach serving with Into Africa Sports of OMS reports that he gave Philimon, age 13, an R4L New Testament. Within days, Philimon expressed knowledge about HIV/AIDS and God's instruction that seemed out of character for his background and actions. The coach soon discovered that Philimon took initiative to study ahead in his R4L New Testament because the material and presentation prompted him to want to learn more.

Indicators show that each R4L New Testament distributed impacts the recipient plus an average of four additional youth.