"Close to one in four Canadian adults cannot read. Another one in four can read only material that is simple and clearly laid out. This means almost half of Canadian adults may not be able to fully participate in daily life… Only one in five Canadian adults has literacy skills that are strong enough to enable them to integrate several sources of information or solve complex problems" (Medical and Health Care News, March 2002). The average Canadian is reading less and less.

Shocked? This fact is affecting the ways in which Shantymen approach ministry. Many of the children and adults forming the population we are seeking to reach with the Gospel, need ministry materials that address this literacy issue in a straightforward manner. All written materials must be presented simply and clearly. Anything exceeding a Grade 5 level is generally considered too advanced. The better the illustrations and pictures, the more likely an article will be read.

An exciting tool for communicating scriptural truth has been developed recently. The Graphic Bible uses super-hero comic-style pictures with biblical text to powerfully share the living Word with people of all ages who struggle with reading comprehension.

In a cooperative venture with LifeLight Ministries, we are able to purchase and ship Graphic Bibles for the suggested donation of $20.00 each. Our goal is to provide 1000 Graphic Bibles for use in all our camps and ministries. Many of our Shantymen have received a sample of this Bible and the response is enthusiastic. Please consider a gift to get the Gospel out into the hands of Canadians.

Donations to help with this project can be sent to: Shantymen International, 1885 Clements Road, Unit 226, Pickering, ON L1W 3V4, designated "Graphic Bibles."

A Pastor's Vision
Pastor Domingo brought his family to Canada from El Salvador in response to a call from God. God has been encouraging Pastor Domingo to take the city of Mission, B.C., for Him. It started with a plan to present 1000 families with The LifeLight New Testament. This distribution is underway, and Pastor Domingo reports almost no opposition. Many new relationships are being built, and the "good news of the gospel" is being spread. Recently Pastor Domingo requested 30,000 more Bibles from LifeLight Ministries–-but funds are scarce.

Why is it so much easier to raise money for Africa, China and Asia than for North America? Why do we not have the same heart for those in Canada who have not accepted the gift of salvation? Why do we not see the same value in people that God sees? There is no less celebration in heaven when our neighbours receive Christ than when someone in Africa, China or Asia does so. Is God challenging you to join the battle just outside your door, to reach the lost in your community?

Pastor Domingo will need the help of many people to complete this task. Send him a note of encouragement or make a donation so that we can provide him with more Bibles. Make your cheques out to LifeLight Ministries, designated for "Pastor Domingo."

…to Car Racers

Another Race
Kevin Clarke

The growl of twenty stock cars washes over fans as they take the green flag, and the feature race at Winnipeg's Victory Lane Speedway has begun! In no less dramatic fashion, each of the race car drivers and all of us have begun another race, the Race of Life!

The feature race comes to an exciting and dramatic finish as the checkered flag waves and a winner is declared. The Race of Life, however, continues on, although this race also has a finish line, and some day the checkered flag will fly and eternity will be entered.

Speedway chaplains Kevin and Leona Clarke, while enjoying the racing action along with several thousand fans, have their hearts focused on another race, the Race of Life, which each of the drivers and staff is running. Each race night their passion to represent Jesus Christ to a group of 120 drivers, their pit crews and the facility staff.

The ministry involves concluding each drivers' meeting with prayer, spending time talking to, encouraging and seeking to connect on a spiritual level with the drivers and pit crews. They also spend time encouraging the fifteen or so Christian drivers, helping them to share Christ and live for Him in the pits and on the track.

Through the generous donation of 150 Path to Victory New Testaments from LifeLight Ministries, they are hoping to give each driver and staff their personal copy of the motor sports edition of this NT.

Please pray with Kevin and Leona that His word will not return empty but that it will accomplish the purpose for which it was intended, and that each of the drivers will finish the Race of Life in heaven.

…to Bikers

Invaded by Bikers

We are being invaded by bikers! It's pretty scary to have eighty-six bikers suddenly converge on your neighbourhood. This is how some of the neigbours living close to the Teen Challenge Centre in Winnipeg felt on Saturday, June 15. Some of them were ready to call the police.

CHVN Radio hosted the 1st Annual Ride for Eternity Bikers Rally on June 15, with all proceeds going to Teen Challenge. The neighbours soon relaxed when they heard the singing and the bikers sharing their testimonies.

About a hundred people enjoyed a roast beef supper provided by the Manitoba Beef Producers. The Way for Cowboys New Testaments were made available to the bikers.

Teen Challenge is already anticipating another rally for next year, with an even larger turn-out and more opportunity to reach out to non-Christian bikers.

Rays of Light

• We have used Bibles from LifeLight for a few years, and these precious books always find a home. Recently two native brothers from North Dakota met with me. The one brother had a vision to restore the devastation on his reserve by turning to God and God's Word. It was a like a breath of fresh to hear him describe how his ministry through Christ had caused revival in their little church and community. They have received How to Find God NTs and are requesting more.– Bryan
• Thank for your ministry and for helping us get Bibles for some of our youth. They were so excited to receive them. One boy said to his mom, "Look, Mom, now I have something to do over the weekend. It's great to see teenagers excited about reading the Bible! May God continue to bless you in your ministry! – Duane & Christine
• Mrs. W. called our office to order a number of Scriptures. She said they had just moved into town from the country and she wanted to be prepared to evangelize her neighbourhood.

Gender-Neutral Bible Debuted

The International Bible Society and Zondervan introduced a new gender-neutral Bible translation in April called Today's New International Version. The new translation reflects the language changes that are occurring in everyday English. The idea of a gender-neutral Bible has brought past criticism from many conservative groups. Zondervan officials say that the best-selling New International Version will continue to be published in its current form without change.

"As editor of the Student Bible, I've spent thousands of hours trying to help readers understand the NIV Bible. I'm thrilled to hear about the TNIV and its ability to help add clarity and impact to the study of God Word." – Philip Yancey. Author

Opportunity to Bless

Recently we received a shipment of 20,000 copies of the How to Find God. New Testament. It is designed to help new Christians understand and grow in their newfound faith and is also perfect for evangelism.

With your help we are able to make these NTs available to those who are searching for God. If you would like to make a donation towards the cost of these NTs, send it to LifeLight Ministries, Box 4904, Steinbach, MB R0A 2A0. American friends can send their donation, designated for "LifeLight," to International Bible Givers, Box 216, Anoka MN 55303.

Canadian LifeLight Ministries
Box 4904
Steinbach, Manitoba
R0A 2A0

The Donate Bibles Website
www.donatebibles.net