Three Years Led to This
This is another blog post in which I share the behind-the-scenes story of distributing Bibles in Birmingham, AL, on July 3, 2024. Knowing what took place before the Bibles were distributed would make you feel more connected to this Bible distribution.
On July 3, 2024, I joined two friends in Birmingham, AL, for a night of distributing Bibles and groceries to children and families. My two friends are Nolan Meadows, a friend from college and former intern for Know Ministries, and his aunt Kerri Bunn. Nolan and I became good friends in 2020-2021, and he got his aunt Kerri involved with Know Ministries to help with marketing ideas. As part of Nolan’s internship with Know Ministries, he hosted a Bible distribution event called Hoopin for Hope in Jackson, MS. At this event, almost 30 children received Bibles, and I was able to talk with a five-year-old who wanted to learn how to become a follower of Jesus.
Three years later, I contacted Kerri Bunn to collaborate on an idea to have people she knew highlight their favorite verse inside a Know Bible and write a note explaining why they chose it. Kerri’s passion for this project helped make it successful. Her goal was to have her friends match her $350 to pay for the 50 Bibles at $7 each. The response was overwhelming as she shared the idea with her friends on social media. People gave and joined in highlighting verses for children. Kerri far exceeded her goal to match her $350 donation.
Kerri’s excitement for seeing children receive Bibles grew, and she wanted to participate in a Bible distribution. I began to discuss potential opportunities with her. Initially, the Bibles that she received to have verses highlighted were to go with me to Baltimore, MD, in May 2024. However, plans changed as I worked with Kerri to find an opportunity to distribute Bibles in her hometown. A few days later, Kerri connected me with her pastor at Arise Birmingham. The three of us shared our vision to reach underprivileged children and families by sharing the Gospel with them. After some discussion, plans were made to distribute Bibles at Arise Birmingham’s grocery distribution on July 3, 2024. Not only was Kerri able to participate in her first Bible distribution with Know Ministries, but her nephew and my friend Nolan participated as well. Three years after distributing Bibles to children in Jackson, MS, Nolan joined us for another distribution- this time in his hometown.
As the grocery distribution began at Arise Birmingham the night before July 4, one child entered the church lobby and immediately grabbed a Know Bible. Kerri, Nolan, and I began to talk with him. We heard his story and explained to him why we were distributing Bibles. He then told us that the Bible we gave him was his first Bible. The first child we met received his first Bible. I was able to have a personal moment with him. I got to explain that someone highlighted John 3:16 for him as I read that verse.
The excitement continued as more children arrived with their families. The three of us continued distributing Bibles and listened to families explain how excited they were to have new Bibles. As the night went on, I watched as my two friends were filled with joy. I could tell they felt connected to our mission.
Not only was the first child we met able to receive his first Bible but so was the last one. We began packing our materials because the grocery distribution was ending, and no new families had arrived. As we began to walk out the door, one child caught our attention. Just like the first child we met that night, this young boy rushed over to us to grab a new Bible. His dad caught up to him and told us, “He has been looking to get a Bible.” His dad further explained that the Know Bible he picked up was his first Bible. Therefore, we began and ended the night with a child receiving their first Bible.
Stories like my experience with my two friends and the Arise Birmingham grocery distribution make me grateful for the calling God gave me to minister to inner-city children and provide a Bible to them. Often, I can take the Bible for granted. If I wanted a new Bible, I could easily get one. Yet, moments like these remind me that many children need a Bible. Ministering to unreached and underprivileged families reminds me everyone needs God’s Word. I am thankful for people like Kerri and Nolan who believe in and support Know Ministries. I am grateful God allowed us to have a memorable night together. Watching children in Birmingham, AL, pick up their first Bible illustrates children's hunger for knowing Jesus. Let’s not hinder the little children from coming to know Jesus.
Bishop Barlow
President of Know Ministries