Fall 2024 Mission Update
When I was writing this letter, it was the time of Thanksgiving. We are thankful for all the years that CSM has been working on the tasks that the Lord has placed before us. When Lauren and Dorothy Redinger felt the call to gather the fragments as told in Matthew 14:20 over 30 years ago, they did not realize the impact that simple task would have on the world in their lifetime. We have been blessed with the volunteers and supporters that have joined in the commission of spreading the Gospel throughout the world by providing Christian books and materials to believers around the world.
Last year we celebrated a milestone of six million pounds of material being sent out through the work of the ministry throughout the years. We have no idea the countless number of individuals that have been touched by the resources that we have provided to a variety of ministries. There is always a need for volunteers in all aspects of the ministry, especially in the warehouse to assist with sorting and packing the materials for shipment. If you are able to provide any assistance as an individual or a small group on an occasional basis, it would make a profound impact on the ministry as a whole.
As the year is ending, we also want to remind all our generous supporters that they can make a lasting impact on the world. We appreciate your donations of books and other materials that can be used by ministries throughout the world. We constantly receive thank you emails from pastors and mission workers for supplying them with resources.
In addition, we would like to remind you to have CSM Canada on your list of financial support not only during the year, but also with your year-end donations. Even though we are a great army of volunteers working on this mission, the costs of shipping have risen after COVID, where we are looking at the average cost of shipments ranging between 7 – 9,000 dollars (with some locations at even higher cost). We also are thankful for your continued prayer support of the ministry as we continue to fulfill the Great Commission with your help.
Dennis Cheredar, CSM Board Chairman
What's new at CSM?
Well it has been a busy summer! Many shipments have been delivered via transport truck, minivans, even small hatchbacks. We’ve been busy sorting and packing books and so grateful that the Lord keeps supplying for our needs through his saints in Canada.
Save the Date!
April 26, 2025, Burlington Convention Centre
We are inviting all our volunteers, supporters and supporting churches to a time of celebration to fellowship and hear of the impact that CSM continues to make in the world for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What an exciting time to bring friends and relatives to the celebration so that they can also learn about the ministry and hopefully see how they can participate in reaching the world with the Gospel. We are looking forward to seeing you at this special event and want to make sure that you do not miss this opportunity.
Cheerfully in Christ, Valerie in the office
Where do the books go?
One of the more frequent question we hear from people dropping off books at CSM is “Where do the books go?” Its usually quickly followed up with “But how can they use English language books?”
These are great questions!
The process for sending a container starts when we receive a request for books from a ministry overseas. Our Board of Directors will review the requesting ministry, and if they are suitable, will add them onto the list of upcoming shipments. CSM has two non-negotiable requirement for ministries to receive books: firstly they need to use English language books. Common sense would tell us that the countries in Africa, and other places like the Philippines and India would mostly use native languages, and they certainly do! However, you would be surprised just how widespread the English language is! Most of the countries CSM sends Bibles to actually list English as their primary official language.
The second major requirement is that the ministry must be able to manage 30,000 pounds of books. We’ve figured that’s upwards of 20,000 Bibles and books. The receiving ministries must be responsible for clearing the container of books through their local port (and pay any duties and taxes that may be required), transport the boxes to a storage facility, and then oversee the distribution process.
It is truly astonishing to think that the spare Bible that used to sit in your bookshelf or that little commentary on Ephesians you had sitting around after you read it, could make its way into the hands of a believer tens of thousands of kilometers away. What a great opportunity we have to support the bride of Christ in such a practical way!
Volunteer Retirements
Our volunteer, Len Breen in Sexsmith, AB, has recently retired after many years of assisting CSM as an area representative. Thank you Len for all of the books!
Recent Shipments
July 2024 —INDIA—34,273 lbs.
Due to government regulations in India, it has been challenging over the past few years to send containers into that country. This past July we did load a very heavy container, which is set to reach the port in India at the end of October. We ask you to join us in praying for a smooth clearing process for the receiving ministry, and that they are able to send the books to resupply churches in areas that have been hit hard with persecution. It is their hope to replace books that have been burned in Norther communities in India. Shipping costs for this container were $5,598.
September 2024 —THE PHILIPPINES —32,793 lbs.
In 19 of the past 20 years, CSM has been blessed to be able to send Bibles and evangelical books to support a huge pastor’s conference held in the Philippines. Harvesters Baptist Church, located in London, Ontario, helps to facilitate the conference with their international missionaries in the region. Hundreds of pastors in the Philippines gather together to share meals and sound teaching, then receive the Bibles and books. This container was funded by Harvesters International Ministries.
From Grateful Recipients
CSM’s second container of 2024 was also the second container we have sent to Eastern Africa’s largest nation, Tanzania. There are over 65 million people that live in Tanzania, and 50% of them identify themselves as Christians.
The Lake Tanganyika Development and Relief Organization received this container after patiently tracking it over the ocean for nearly four months. They quickly began distributing the Bibles and books inside it and had this to share with CSM:
“We finished well the church leadership training at Butiama in Mara region. More than 600 participants attended. We distributed books and Bibles and people are very excited. We thank you all for big support in our ministry. May God continue to use you all for His purpose.”
