Frequently Asked Questions
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? [back
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Typically, we load duffel bags or suitcases with Bibles, vegetable seeds,
etc. and fly to whatever country is in need of 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? [back
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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 rights 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 and 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? [back
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The element of risk involved in a trip depends on which country is being traveled to. Normally the risk is very minimal. Of all the trips VBB has had, 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, and He
has always proved so faithful.
What will happen if I get stopped in customs while smuggling
Bibles? [back
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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? [back
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Below is a chart of trip prices for the different trips we take. Please
keep in mind that these are just approximations of trip cost and not
actual quotes. Trip cost varies 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? [back
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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 sent to your door 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? [back
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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? [back
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What immunizations to get is dependant on where you are planning to travel,
as different countries require different vaccines to be safe. And often,
with changing health situations around the world, the 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 needed vaccines, and can
better recommend what shots 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? [back
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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? [back
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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? [back
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Contact us by phone at 307-672-5995 or submit your questions by email at vbb@vbbonline.org.