Video Interview with Mike Calvo, CEO Serotek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15dhiDZzmBU
While at NFB 2010 in Dallas, we got to do something we've wanted to do for a very long time. We got to meet with Mike Calvo, founder and CEO of Serotek Corp. The part that makes it even better? We recorded it just for you!Some of you may recall a story we did about Mike back in July of 2009. Just in-case you missed it, here it is: http://audiobiblestories.blogspot.com/2009/06/june-2009-mike.html We hope you enjoy
Susan - June 2010
“I’m truly sorry. I have not the means to give you anything in return for this wonderful gift.”Remembering "The Troops" this Memorial Day
Since we have added thousands of new friends since we shared that story, I wanted to share it with you once again as we honor our Troops this Memorial Day.
FOR THE TROOPS - October 2007
I recently heard from a recipient of one of our Audio Bibles.
This brave soul has vision in only one eye. He has no legs and only one hand. My first conclusion was that he was living in a remote area in a Third World country where quality medical care is scarce at best.
But he was an American. A severely wounded member of our armed forces. And he could not have been more grateful for an Audio Bible.
You see, our American servicemen and women sacrifice everything to defend the freedoms we hold so dear . . . including our freedom to worship freely without fear of persecution or imprisonment.
For a long, painful season in their lives, they give up their families, their jobs, their hopes and dreams . . . and sometimes their very lives . . . all for you and me. Many permanently sacrifice their physical health, like the brave soul I just described.
This war in particular has introduced a new term into our vocabulary: POLYTRAUMATIC INJURY.
One of our partners explains: “What we’re seeing in Iraq, increasingly, is unlike much of what we’ve seen in the past. Soldiers used to return to us with severe damage to one hand or one foot — maybe an entire arm or leg. But this war — and these wounds — are different; more and more soldiers are arriving to us with horrible, polytraumatic injuries . . . the loss of both legs, an arm, and vision in one eye — or both hands and complete vision loss — and so on.”
As you can imagine, these wounded warriors often spiral into a pit of depression and despair. And for some, the greatest pain is not even physical. You see, at their time of deepest need, they are unable to read a traditional Bible, whether because of blindness or because they are literally unable to hold God’s Word and turn its pages.
It must be like drowning with a safety line dangling in front of your face . . . BUT YOU'RE UNABLE TO GRASP IT.
I’m writing you today because God is calling this ministry to be the safety line for these brave Americans who have sacrificed so much.
Right now, using our network of friends and partners, we have an opportunity to distribute Audio Bibles to our wounded American warriors.
But we must act today. So many are depending on us. Frankly, we never know how much time we have before it’s too late. One caregiver explains, “We’re giving soldiers your Audio Bibles — and they’re all requesting them. At such a serious and painful time in their lives, many of them are reaching out to God in search of meaning . . . answers . . . they want to reconnect with God.”
Another says: “Your Audio Bibles provide one of the brightest beams of light for these soldiers who arrive to us for long rehab stays and who have lost their vision and, sometimes, two or three limbs.”
But so many more are waiting and praying for God’s Word. We can let these brave, struggling men and women know they are not alone. We can throw them the only lifeline they will ever need: the Bible in a format they can easily use and understand.
"Bundles of Hope" for Haiti
When the devastating 7.0 earthquake and countless aftershocks crumbled the already impoverished island nation of
That’s why I’m writing to you. Today, I’m asking you to join us and serve as the hands and feet of Jesus to those who have lost their arms and legs, their homes, or their loved ones. I’m asking you to provide HOPE to survivors by sharing the promises found in God’s Word.
As the basic needs of healthcare, food, clothing and shelter are being met, we are entering Phase Two of the relief response, where we must address emotional trauma and spiritual distress. This is where you can help. As part of the next phase of response to
We have special Audio Bibles in Haitian Creole, recorded in our own studios by a Haitian man now living in
Imagine a family in one of the dozens of tent cities. Now, picture their joy as they huddle around their Audio Bible, listening to the Word of God, finding Hope in the passages spoken to them while distant hymns from neighbors carry over the mountains. What a testament to the Love of Christ! These testimonies are alive and real, and I’m inviting you to be a part of them.
Just days after his friends and family had suffered more deeply than he could ever imagine, a Haitian pastor stood in front of his church, opened his Bible and read,
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’ (Lamentations 3:22-24, NKJV)
With a Bundle of Hope,
Thank you for your most generous gift to provide Bundles of Hope for
November 2009 - Craig P.
Before you have time to realize what’s happening, you hear the sound of screeching tires, crushing metal and broken glass. You feel a sharp, sudden pain, and then all is quiet.For Craig, who survived a terrible car accident in September of 2000, this is what terror feels like. Craig suffered multiple severe injuries, including partial paralysis, a broken hip, broken ribs, a broken jaw, a crushed elbow, and the loss of several teeth. Most of his injuries would eventually heal, but there is one that altered his life forever.
When Craig regained consciousness in the hospital, he asked, “Who turned out the lights?” Craig was now totally blind.
That’s when Audio Bibles for the Blind stepped in, thanks to friends like you.
You see, Craig was in the car that day, but it could have just as easily been you or me. Blindness isn’t always something we are born with or even something that comes on gradually, giving us time to prepare. Sometimes blindness hits suddenly, and without warning it alters our lives forever.
That’s why our ministry at Audio Bibles for the Blind is so important. With your support we reach out to people when they face a life-changing crisis like Craig’s accident; together, we lift them up with a gift that provides ongoing encouragement and nourishment for their spirits.
Your generous support will go a long way in providing Audio Bibles for people like Craig, people whose lives have been devastated in an instant.
“We have to do everything we can to let people know about this great ministry,” Craig says. “I have told my church and everyone I know about Audio Bibles for the Blind. We have to do all we can to get the word out...”
Craig doesn’t just use and enjoy his Audio Bible -- he’s doing his part, too. Recently, he and his twin sister celebrated their 50th birthday party. Instead of gifts, Craig asked that his guests bring a donation for Audio Bibles for the Blind.
Craig and his sister shared their birthday with more than 100 guests at the celebration! As a result of their generosity and faithful friendship to Audio Bibles for the Blind, many others are going to receive an Audio Bible, too.
Your part in this special gift can’t be underestimated. You see, it was through the support of partners like you that we were able to give Craig an Audio Bible in the first place. Craig was so touched and encouraged by this gesture that he has taken the gift and shared it with as many people as he can.
Your gift of an Audio Bible keeps on giving and continues to touch lives far beyond what we can imagine!
Please, send in your most generous support today. No gift is too small. The seed of hope you plant with the gift of an Audio Bible grows and branches out to touch countless lives with a message of love and encouragement.
Thank you for your continued partnership and faithful generosity.
