
Dear Friends,
First, we would like to say how grateful we are that the Lord has allowed us to have another prosperous year. Our thanks to all who continue to engage with the ministry through prayer, encouragement, or any other type of support. As many of you may have noticed, we have gone back to the book of Genesis, and the beginning of our ministry. A few changes have come over the years, and we will be using this newsletter to bring everything up to date.
When Les was first approached about recording for television, although he had faith in the plan, he had no idea what God was setting in motion. He never foresaw that one day he would complete his 984th program, that his teachings would be seen all over the world, and how his "simple, down-to-earth teachings, would change people's lives".
Over the years, materials started being produced - books, cassette tapes, and VHS tapes in the beginning. Although we no longer have cassettes or VHS tapes, you can get the programs in that same book form, and on CD or DVD. Our numbering system was determined by how much material you could fit on one tape. In order to help viewers understand how to order "book - lesson - part" was established and later, written on the blackboard. Since it wasn't done in the earlier programs, you can now find the book-lesson-part information at the beginning of the program, during the opening waterfall scene.
Those early programs were a learning experience. Les didn't use a script and due to an error with some recordings, there are a few programs that do not match the books as closely as the more current books. Over the years a few corrections have been made, but some of the content was left the way Les originally recorded.
Les made his first television recording in October of 1990 and his last in October of 2009. Over the years we have taken great effort to keep our prices as low as possible, going years without a price increase. You might hear Les mention books for $2 each, the cost now, 36 years later, is $7 per book and all 82 books are available to purchase. The Question & Answer book wasn't produced until 2003, but it is available to purchase for $15 total, which is an increase of four dollars over a 23-year span. Those prices include postage, which has gone up exponentially over the years. Part of the proceeds of the sale of materials goes toward our missions, which include prison ministries, free materials for the blind, and furthering the Gospel around the world by our friends and missionaries. The purchase of materials makes those missions possible and for that we are incredibly grateful.
Another thing that Les could never have anticipated was the overwhelming generosity of the audience. He will even remark on the program, how they were stunned at the number of letters received in those early days. At that time, the ministry was run by a few family members, along with a few volunteers. We are still a small staff, no longer volunteers but full-time paid employees, who have grown close to Les & Iris over the years and understood his mission for the ministry. Those of us in the office feel blessed with the responsibility of carrying on his work and ensuring that the programs continue to reach that audience.
Streaming services have made our programs more accessible on a large scale. Internet access and a smart TV or streaming device is all you need to view all 984 programs, at your convenience. All programs can be found on YouTube.com, ROKU, Apple TV, Amazon Fire by searching "Through the Bible" or "Les Feldick" or on our website at www.lesfeldick.org. Just last year we launched our own app, which you can download by going to your app store and searching for "Les Feldick".
Les would be so thrilled to know that the ministry is doing so well and that is thanks to the generosity of you, the viewers. This has been a tough year for so many and your thoughtfulness has not gone unnoticed. The ministry does depend on donations to remain on the air, but Les stated many times, he did not want anyone to go without just so they could give. Please do not feel guilty or ashamed if you are no longer able to give. We do not want anyone to feel that way. We are aware that so many are struggling and our prayers are with you all. As Les always said, keep looking up! God Bless!
Just a Reminder
For those of you who have made donations this year and need a year end statement for tax purposes, please contact our office and we will get one mailed out to you in a timely manner.
Happy New Year!
Numbers 6:24-26
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace.