We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, so drop us a line. Below are some questions we answer a lot.
Can people overseas use English Bibles and literature?
Not everyone can, but nations like Nigeria and Ghana have taught English in their schools for many years. In India, 25% of their population of 1.4 Billion people speak and read English.
How do you get the literature overseas?
We usually ship to port cities in ocean-going containers that weigh approximately 20 tons. We also work with evangelical groups that own ships or planes, who fill parts of their cargo holds with literature from us for them to distribute overseas.
Why can’t I send bibles myself? / How much does the shipping cost?
You can, but it is far more efficient to ship this literature in the large 20-ton containers. Shipping a 35-pound package to somewhere in Africa would cost an individual over $250 via USPS. That’s quite a burden.
We draw on the excess literature and financial support of thousands of people to do what we do, making the task far easier.
The 20-ton containers we ship cost between $3500 to $9000. That’s a lot more than $250, but even when you take into account all of our expenses, the cost to ship a single piece of literature costs less than a dime per pound!
How do you know the packages arrive?
The freight companies and our distributors inform us when the large containers reach their destinations.
How is Love Packages supported?
We are supported by free-will offerings from churches and individuals who are concerned about wasting materials that teach the Word of God.
How can I get my bible and literature donations to Love Packages?
If you live close enough, you can bring it to our headquarters in Butler, Illinois, or to our second location in Decatur, Alabama. However, if you don’t live nearby, we suggest that you use the U.S. mail.
- Use sturdy boxes.
- Pack the material tightly to ensure materials will not shift.
- Please do not ship overly heavy packages. Rather, break your shipments up into smaller boxes, preferably under 35 pounds.
The most cost-effective way to mail literature to us is by using 4th class Media Mail through the United States Postal Service. Here are all of our available drop-off locations:
What happens once the literature gets to you?
We sort every piece. First, we discard non-Christian or cult literature. We then sort the materials into six primary categories: Bibles, reference materials, Sunday School literature, books, magazines and daily devotionals, music/tracts/miscellaneous.
Then, we repack material in the most efficient manner for our overseas distributors. We pack bibles together, Christian literature together, complete sets of Sunday school materials, etc.
Each box is color-coded. When our distributors overseas unpack the shipping containers, they can then tell what is in each box without having to open everything.
With whom are you affiliated?
Love Packages is not affiliated with any denomination. We seek to be a blessing to the whole Body of Christ, operating as a division of Eagles Nest Ministries, located in Butler, Illinois.
Do you work with other organizations in achieving your mission?
Yes! We have worked with various organizations, both in the United States and overseas. We have worked with the Assemblies of God, Every Home for Christ, and Christ for the Nations in establishing distribution centers overseas.
We have also recycled over-runs from Billy Graham, Crossway, Bible Pathways, Bread for Children, David C. Cook, LifeWay Publishing, and others.
How can I best support the mission of Love Packages?
You can best support us by sending us materials that spread the Word of God, through your direct financial support, and by keeping us in your prayers.
Are there any other ways to support Love Packages?
Of course!
- Volunteer: If you are close enough, and have the time, we always appreciate an extra set of hands to help us in any way you can. If you are interested in supporting us in this way, please fill out our volunteer form.
- Donate: Monetary donations are needed to maintain and expand the ministry. (A 20 ton container to Africa costs approximately $4,500.) Click here to make a donation with PayPal® (they accept all major credit cards).
- Spread the word: Tell your family and friends. Share our story on social media. Ask a local Christian bookstore to place brochures on their counter to advertise the ministry.
- Talk to your pastor: Encourage the church to support this ministry. Your pastor may even spread the word among other churches. (But also submit to your pastor’s judgment: the church may have enough work already.) Many churches like to conduct Bible drives. This is a fantastic way to create a vision for sending materials overseas. Then, you can pray for the materials before sending them to us.
- Pray: The most important element, because this ministry is depending on God, not people.
If I send you a monetary gift, how will it be spent?
The first priority is to use monetary donations to pay for the container expenses. We also have “unseen” costs of fuel and truck expenses to pick up the donations from publishers and other ministries.
We believe in being good stewards with what God has given us. We only have three paid staff members in Illinois and three in Alabama, no expensive buildings, and almost all of the work is done by volunteers. We do our best to keep all these costs to a minimum, so your gifts work hard to put the Gospel in peoples’ hands.