Operation to Give 100,000 Bibles to U.S. Troops in 100 Days
Several large Christian organizations kicked off a campaign Sunday that aims to give 100,000 Bibles to U.S. troops worldwide over the course of 100 days.
The Operation Worship Bible, a special edition of the New Living Translation, was made available exclusively at Christian Booksellers Association retailers on June 1 for customers to buy and write a personal message of encouragement to an active-duty member of the military.
CBA is working with Operation Worship, a Christian ministry that works with U.S. troops, to help distribute the Bibles to soldiers. Meanwhile, partners Tyndale House Publishers is producing the Operation Worship Bibles, and the K-LOVE Radio Network is promoting the campaign through its airwaves.
"What better impact can you have on a soldier than to provide them with the Word of God," said Jeff Hilliard, co-founder of Operation Worship and Open Window Foundation, in a statement.
"No matter how we feel about the war, our soldiers need our support. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to write a message of encouragement in a Bible and forwarding it to an active-duty soldier!"
Organizers hope to impact U.S. troops with God's Word and urge American Christians to participate in the campaign.
Christians are invited to buy the special Operation Worship Bible at CBA retailers, write a personal message, and return it to the store where it will be shipped to Operation Worship for distribution to troops overseas.
"It is a privilege for Tyndale House to help 'rally the troops' in this unique outreach to our military," said Blaine Smith, associate publisher at Tyndale House Publishers. "An Operation Worship Bible containing a personalized message offers tangible opportunities to let those who serve us in the military know we are praying for them and that they are not forgotten."
During the week of July 4, K-Love Radio Network will feature a nationwide promotion of the campaign that includes more than 100 on-air giveaways and Internet spots broadcasting to nearly 2 million weekly listeners and 250,000 weekly Web site visitors.
The national marketing campaign also includes radio spots on Salem Radio Network, airing in 149 markets the week of Independence Day.