International Bible Society in Slovakia Calls for Funds
Slovakia – Decreased funding to the International Bible Society leaves volunteers with full hearts but empty hands.
"We have used the stock from our warehouse. It is (nearly) gone. We still (have) some reserves for Christmas, but then we will stay here with empty hands,” said the IBS Slovak director Alex Erdelyi.
The drop in revenue began nearly two years ago, following the recession in America that lowered the value of the U.S. dollar. According to Erdelyi, the 17 percent drop in value forced the IBS in Slovakia to cut their budget by 75 percent.
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The struggling Slovak economy also raised a financial burden. "We are working on building our own donors. We are asking the believers here to help us, but their possibilities are really limited,” said Erdelyi.
Nonetheless, Erdelyi says the team in Slovakia is pressing forward with a goal of printing 10,000 New Testaments and other study aids and children material.
"We are getting into a critical situation. We have to approach the Lord with our prayers asking, 'Lord, will we survive? Should we continue?' We would like to continue. So we are looking for those willing to help us," said Erdelyi.
Individual and congregational donations can be sent to the International Bible Society at 1820 Jetstream Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80921.
