Talking Bibles International, a non-denominational mission-support organization, has distributed in India more than 3,000 boxes of The Talking Bible® in 18 different languages in the last 2 1/2 years. According to Baskara Chandran, Talking Bible's India Country Director, that number will grow exponentially, up to 100,000 boxes, in the next five years.

The Talking Bibles are machines with God's word recorded on them for those who can't read. "Sixty percent of the population in India are illiterate. Once they go to the churches they listen to the pastors. For the next six days they don't have any chance to listen to the word of God. If they have (a Talking Bible) with them, every day, any time they can listen to God's word," Chandran stated.

However, Chandran said 18 languages aren't enough. "We want to record more languages because India has many language groups. Right now we have only 18 languages, 15 major languages and three tribal languages. We need to reach all of India with God's word. We need to record at least 50 more languages."

It costs about US$2,700 to translate the Holy Scripture into a Talking Bible. Chandran said funding will also be needed to purchase Talking Bibles for the Indian people because many are too poor to afford one.

He mentioned this type of outreach is very effective evangelistically. "When they hear the word of God over and over they want to follow what the Bible says. Many people's lives are changed and they accept Jesus as their personal Saviour."

Talking Bibles International is working in cooperation with national Bible Societies to produce and provide Talking Bibles® in many of the world's languages. Dr. Francois Seiberhagen, Media Consultant of the United Bible Societies is quoted as saying: "The Talking Bible will assist Bible Societies to minister to illiterate, the elderly, and the less fortunate in our societies."

For information on the work and mission of Talking Bibles International go to: http://www.talkingbibles.org