How do you smuggle Bibles?
Why do you need to smuggle Bibles?
Is it dangerous?
What will happen if I get stopped in customs while smuggling Bibles?
How much do the trips cost?
How can I get involved in a missions trip?
What parts of the world do you travel to?
What immunizations would I need to travel?
What is the age limit for a VBB trip?
If I go on a trip, will I have to carry the 60 to 70 pound bags?
If I have a question that is not answered on this page, what should I do?
How do you smuggle Bibles?
Typically,
we load duffel bags or suitcases with Bibles, vegetable seeds, etc. and
fly to whatever country needs them. We then attempt to carry
the bags through customs without being x-rayed or checked and, once
through, deliver the contents of the bags to our contacts who are then
able to distribute the materials throughout the country.
Why do you need to smuggle Bibles?
In
many countries around the world, people have never heard of Jesus
Christ or about the salvation that He offers. This is sometimes due to
geographical reasons (the people are isolated from Christian
influence), or in many cases the system of government these people live
under restricts their right to the free exchange of information and ideas and suppresses their beliefs. We feel it
our responsibility, in accordance with the Great Commission put forth
to us in Matthew 28, to make the Gospel available to all people, to
“make disciples of all nations”, and to share the love of Christ with
them by helping meet their spiritual and physical needs.
Is it dangerous?
The
element of risk involved in a trip depends on the country being visited. Normally the risk is very minimal. Of all the trips VBB
has made, only once has anyone ever been arrested and physically
touched, but not beaten. But God used that situation as well for His
glory. We believe that God has anointed us to do this work, and instead
of thinking of the consequences, we see it as a chance to put our trust
more fully into God. He has always proved so faithful.
What will happen if I get stopped in customs while smuggling Bibles?
As
mentioned above, the bodily risk is extremely minimal. However, the
risk of being stopped IS real. If the bags are x-rayed or inspected,
the customs officials will often confiscate the materials and question
all those who they know are involved from the team. Some countries have
tighter security than others. We do not lie to the customs officials
and are as cooperative as possible with them. But being stopped does
not mean the trip is a failure. We have often watched God do amazing
things in the hearts of customs officials through our witness, and
sometimes getting stopped has actually opened more doors for us in the
future. So, we completely trust God’s plan, whether we make it through
or not.
How much do the trips cost?
Below
is a chart of prices for the different trips we take. Please keep
in mind that these are just approximations of trip costs and not actual
quotes. Trip costs vary mostly because of the expense of airfare,
which fluctuates depending on how far in advance tickets are purchased
and during what season travel will occur.
| Southeast Asia | ||
| 3 week trip | = | $3,900 |
| 2 week trip | = | $3,500 |
| Hong Kong / China | ||
| 2 week trip | = | $2,800 |
| Turkey / Romania | ||
| 2 week trip | = | $2,200 to $2,500 |
| Cuba | ||
| 7-10 day trip | = | $1,800 |
| Morocco | ||
| 2 week trip | = | $2,500 |
How can I get involved in a missions trip?
The
first thing you need to do, of course, is to make sure that God is
calling you to go on a trip with us. Once you feel you have
confirmation, you can either call our office to have an application
mailed to you, or you can click on the link below to be routed to
the application page of our website.
What parts of the world do you travel to?
We
are currently focused on Southeast Asia and China, working to take
materials into the communist and restricted countries in that area. We
are also becoming more and more involved in the Islamic world, with
trips to Turkey and Morocco. Cuba is also an area we are trying to work
in.
What immunizations would I need to travel?
Which immunizations to get depends on where you are planning to travel,
as different countries require different vaccines to be safe. As health situations fluctuate around the world, the
required or recommended immunizations can change frequently. We ask that before
traveling to any country, you consult your physician or a local
neighborhood community health clinic. They usually have updated records
of required vaccines and can better recommend which ones you will need
for the particular area you will be traveling to. Hepatitis A and B
vaccines are very important to have, and it is a good idea to start
checking into them early because they are a multiple series and take
several months to complete. You can also go to the Center for Disease Control website
and look under the Traveler's Health
section. Input the areas you will be traveling to and it will give a
list of recommended immunizations.
What is the age limit for a VBB trip?
If
a team member is under 18 and is applying for a trip to a restricted
country, we require that they are accompanied by a parent or legal
guardian. We do not have an upper age limit set, but base qualification
more on the ability of the applicant to physically perform the duties
required on the trip. We have had people over 70 years old go with us
on trips and love it!!
If I go on a trip, will I have to carry the 60 to 70 pound bags?
Yes.
We will ship the materials to you (wherever you live) and you will
then, on the day of your flight, have to transport the bags to the
airport and check them in. Once they are checked in you won’t have to
worry about them again until you get to your destination, at which
point you can load the bags on a cart and wheel them instead of carry
them. Then the bags will probably be transferred into a taxi or van,
and delivered to the contacts. If you feel this might be a problem,
then hopefully there will be enough people with strong arms on the trip
to help!! And in the event that you do have to lift the bag, we will
just trust the Lord to give strength. He has many times before!!!
If I have a question that is not answered on this page, what should I do?
Contact us by phone at 307-672-5995 or submit your questions by email at mailto:vbb@vbbonline.org