Bibles Unbound

Bibles Unbound Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

The following is a summary of frequently asked questions that we have compiled to give you fast access to answers.

Who can participate in the Bibles Unbound Program?
What if my country is not listed?
Is there another way to send Bibles besides Bibles Unbound?
What if I forget my user name or password?
If I move or change my E-mail address, how do I up-date my contact/billing/shipping address or E-mail information on my BU personal Mission Page?
Is my donation tax deductable?
Can I change/update my credit card information on-line?
If I don’t want to post my credit card information over the Internet, can I call instead?
What other payment options are available for Bibles Unbound besides a credit/debit card?
May I pay for several months at a time and the Bible orders be sent out monthly til completed?
Can I sponsor Bibles/donate one time only?
Do I need a physical address to receive my Bibles?
How do I begin Bibles Unbound?
How do I stop my recurring Bible sponsorship?
Can I modify my existing Bible operation or number of Bibles without interrupting my monthly sponsorship process?
Can I change my existing Bible operation to a different operation/country without interrupting my monthly sponsorship process?
Can I add another operation to an existing operation and have both process at the same time with one total donation amount instead of multiple donation charges?
Can I start a new recurring Bible Operation on my existing personal Mission Page whether I wish to sponsor Bibles again, or sponsor another recurring Bible Operation in addition to my existing sponsorship participation?
Can I add a 'One-Time' Bible order to my active monthly Bible sponsorship?
Why send me the Bibles to ship? Wouldn’t it be less expensive for Bibles Unbound to ship them for me, saving postage and an extra step?
May I change my shipping option from receiving the Bibles personally to having Bibles Unbound ship them for me or vice versa?
Is sending a Bible illegal?
Does sending a Bible endanger the recipient?
Can the Bibles be traced back to me?
How do you get the names to send the Bibles to?
How do we know the Bibles will reach the intended address overseas?
What do I do when I receive the Bibles?
What NOT to do when I receive the Bibles?
Can we enclose notes, or other items with the Bibles?
What happens when the operation I am participating in completes (all names are sponsored)?
Which Bible translation do you use when translating into a foreign language?
Why do you call the program Bibles Unbound when you are only sending New Testaments?
What is a Virtual Only Operation?
What is a Covert Operation?

Answers:

Who can participate in the Bibles Unbound Program?
To receive and ship the Bibles personally you must live in the United States. If you live outside the United States you cannot receive the Bibles to ship personally, but can sign up to sponsor Bibles on the Web-site. Your country must be in the drop-down country list to participate (Country List). If you live outside the United States you must choose the 'Virtual' shipping option allowing Bibles Unbound to ship your Bibles for you. To sponsor Bibles from outside the United States you must have a credit card.

What if my country is not listed?
If your country is not listed, it is because there is a VOM mission office in or near your country (Country List). You can contact the VOM Mission office nearest you directly to find out ways you can aid the persecuted church.

Is there another way to send Bibles besides Bibles Unbound?
Yes. You can provide Bibles to restricted nations through ‘Bibles to Captive Nations Fund'. The Bibles purchased by this fund are distributed through the underground church and/or Christian VOM contacts in all the persecuted countries where VOM works. You may specify a persecuted country where you wish to fund Bibles or mark your donation ‘where needed most'. You can donate to the 'Bibles to Captive Nations Fund' on-line at www.vombooks.com, call (800) 747-0085, or send your donation to VOM, P.O. Box 443, Bartlesville, Ok. 74005.

What if I forget my user name or password?
There is a "Forgot your Password?" link on the Logon page. You should receive help by E-mail. Your E-mail address must be current in your contact information to receive help.

If I move or change my E-mail address, how do I up-date my contact/billing/shipping address or E-mail information on my BU personal Mission Page?
Logon to your personal Mission Page using your User Name & Password. You must change your information in 3 different locations. Below your Mission Map you will see 'Contact Information' and 'Edit'. Click on 'Edit' to up-date your Contact Information. Hit 'Continue' and your new contact information will be up-dated. When you hit 'continue' there should also appear a pop-up window that allows you to automatically up-date your Billing and/or Shipping information fields. If your Billing or Shipping information is different, uncheck the appropriate boxes. Hit 'Continue'. Once back on your Mission Page, scroll down to the 'Ongoing Contributions' section, Click on the underlined 'Edit' in the right column. The next page titled 'Recurring Payment Details' will display your Billing Information with 'Edit', and your Shipping Information with 'Edit'. Up-date each of these fields and hit 'Continue'. All your contact/billing/shipping/E-mail information will now be current.

Is my donation tax deductable?
Yes. Bibles Unbound is a program of the Voice of the Martyrs and Bible sponsorship donations are tax deductible.

Can I change/update my credit card information on-line?
Yes. Logon to your personal Mission Page using your User Name and Password. Below your Mission Map scroll down to the 'Ongoing Contributions' section. In the right column click on the underlined ‘Edit’ accross from your active operation listed. On the "Recurring Payment Details' page scroll down to the 'Payment Information' section, and again click on 'Edit'. The next page will allow you to enter your new card information whether you up-date the expiration date only, or enter new card information. Click on ‘Continue’, and your card information will automatically update. If you have multiple active operations please up-date your card information for each operation. NOTE: If a card transaction is declined for 3 consecutive months, the recurring monthly Bible sponsorship will automatically cancel.

If I don’t want to post my credit card information over the Internet, can I call instead?
Yes. You may call The Voice of the Martyrs at (800) 747-0085, and VOM will enter the information securely for you.

What other payment options are available for Bibles Unbound besides a credit/debit card?
Visa or Mastercard check cashing (debit) cards may be used online like a credit card. A check or money order designated for Bibles Unbound can be sent to VOM, P.O. Box 443, Bartlesville, Ok. 74005. Include a note listing the operation/country choice(s) and whether you want to mail the Bibles personally or have VOM mail the Bibles for you. Not all opertion/country choices allow you to mail the Bibles. If you are new to Bibles Unbound please also provide an E-mail address and a User Name and Password so you can access your BU personal Mission Page on-line to follow your Bible sponsorship activity.

May I pay for several months at a time and the Bible orders be sent out monthly til completed?
No. Donations must be processed at the time of receipt. All of your Bibles will be shipped at one time. You may hold and mail the Bibles out over several months if you are receiving the Bibles to mail. For the virtual, virtual only, or covert shipping options, Bibles Unbound will ship all the Bibles for you at one time.

Can I sponsor Bibles/donate one time only?
Yes. Sign up at www.biblesunbound.com to sponsor Bibles as though doing a recurring monthly Bible sponsorship. You must wait until the first Bible order shows 'Complete' in the Status column. Your Bible order will 'Complete' within 1-3 days after the date you select for your Bible order to process. After your Bible order is 'Complete', logon to your personal Mission Page using your User Name and Password. Cancel the recurring payment activity for that sponsorship. (See 'How do I stop my sponsorship of Bibles?')

Do I need a physical address to receive my Bibles?
A physical address is preferred for all Bible orders if you choose to receive and pack the Bibles. A physical address is REQUIRED for receiving all multiple Bible orders. Your Bible order(s) can ship using USPS or UPS. A physical address allows Bibles Unbound to choose the best and least expensive way to ship your Bibles directly to you. Be sure to keep your contact/shipping address information current on your Bibles Unbound personal Mission Page so your Bible orders can be delivered successfully.

How do I begin Bibles Unbound?
To sign up go to www.biblesunbound.com. Click on 'Click to Join Bibles Unbound Now'. Select an operation and number of Bibles. Click on 'Sponsor' after each choice. After completing your operation choice(s) hit 'Continue'. Enter a User Name and Password for future access to your personal Mission Page. If you have a 'VOM Books' account established with Voice of the Martyrs, you can use the same User Name and Password for Bibles Unbound. If not, scroll down and click on 'New to Bibles Unbound?' . Enter a User Name & Password (4-12 letters, numbers, combination). The User Name & Password fields are case/space sensitive. Fill in the remaining fields, complete with donation information and hit 'Continue'. Your information will be validated. On the next page check to see that your information is correct. Confirm your sponsorship commitment by clicking on 'Place My Ongoing Contribution' at the bottom of the page.

How do I stop my recurring Bible sponsorship?
Logon to your personal Mission Page using your User Name and Password. Below your Mission Map scroll down to the 'Contributions to Date' section check to see that your current Bible order is marked 'Complete' in the Status column. In the section titled 'Ongoing Contributions’ click on the underlined ‘Edit’ in the right column across from your operation details. At the bottom of the 'Recurring Payment Details' page click on 'CANCEL THIS RECURRING PAYMENT'. You have cancelled any future activity for this Bible operation and donation withdrawal. Your personal Mission Page will remain at www.biblesunbound.com, allowing you to view your sponsorship information, or sponsor Bibles again in the future.

Can I modify my existing Bible operation or number of Bibles without interrupting my monthly sponsorship process?
Yes. Logon to your personal Mission Page using your User Name/Password. Scroll down to the 'Ongoing Contributions' section. In the right column across from the operation you wish to change, you will see 'Edit' underlined. Click on the underlined 'Edit'. On the 'Recurring Payment Details' page scroll down to the 'Items Purchased' section. In the right column across from your operation you will see 'Edit/Delete' underlined.Click on 'Edit' to modify the current operation. The next page is titled 'Add/Edit Recurring Contribution'. Proceed to select a similar Bible operation, and/or change the number of Bibles. Your new operation selection will replace your existing operation. If you wish to add a 'similar' operation to your existing operation click on 'Add Items' and select the additional operation and number of Bibles. Click on 'Continue' to up-date your operation choices.

Can I change my existing Bible operation to a different operation/country without interrupting my monthly sponsorship process?
Yes. Logon to your personal Mission Page using your User Name/Password. Scroll down to the 'Ongoing Contributions' section. In the right column across from the operation you wish to change, you will see 'Edit' underlined. Click on the underlined 'Edit'. On the 'Recurring Payment Details' page scroll down to the 'Items Purchased' section. In the right column across from your operation you will see 'Edit/Delete' underlined. Click on 'Delete' if you wish to delete the current operation/country and replace it with a different operation/country. Next, click on the 'Add Items' button to add the new operation and number of Bibles. Hit 'Continue' and the new operation selection will replace your existing operation.

Can I add another operation to an existing operation and have both process at the same time with one total donation amount instead of multiple donation charges?
You can add other Bible operations to your current operation so they process together as one Bible shipment and donation amount. You must select operations with the same shipping option for all combined Bible operations - either choose the 'non-Virtual' or the 'Virtual' option for all. You cannot combine a 'non-virtual' operation with a 'Virtual Only' or 'Covert' operation in the same Bible shipment. Logon to your personal Mission Page using your User Name/Password. Below your Mission Map scroll down to the 'Ongoing Contributions' section. Click on the underlined 'Edit' in the right column across from the operation you wish to add to. On the 'Recurring Payment Details' page, click on 'Add Items'. This allows other Bible operations to be added to the current Bible operation choice(s). Select an additional Bible operation and hit 'Continue'. Repeat this process if needed. Your total operation choice(s) should now be listed together for future Bible shipments. Using this edit option will allow you to add to your current operation without interrupting your monthly spnsorship process. You will see one total amount for the combined operations.

Can I start a new recurring Bible Operation on my existing personal Mission Page whether I wish to sponsor Bibles again, or sponsor another recurring Bible Operation in addition to my existing sponsorship participation?
You can add a new operation to your existing activity or start sponsoring Bibles again with a new operation. You can enter the same or different process dates and credit card information for each additional Bible order. Logon to your personal Mission Page using your User Name & Password. Scroll down to the section titled 'Ongoing Contributions'. Click on 'Add New On-going Contribution'. The next page will allow you to select your new Operation(s). Click the 'Sponsor' button after each selection. Once your Operation choice(s) have been selected, click on 'Continue'. Next, complete your payment information and select the date you want your Bible order to process each month for the new Operation(s). Your information will validate. Re-check your information to be sure it is correct. Click on 'Place My On-going Contribution', to activate your new Bible sponsorship. Your new Operation choice(s) will not replace your current Operation(s), but will be in addition to your current Operation(s).

Can I add a 'One-Time' Bible order to my active monthly Bible sponsorship?
Yes. You must have an active recurring Bible sponsorship in order to add a One-Time Bible order on-line. Please logon to your personal Mission Page using your User Name/Password. Scroll down to the 'Contributions to Date' section. Click on 'Add New One-Time Order' to add a one-time Bible order to your active Bible sponsorship. Select the operation/country and number of Bibles. Complete the necessary information and click on 'Continue'. Your infomation will be validated. Check the next page to see that your informaiton is correct. Click on 'Place My One-Time Contribution' to activate your Bible order.

Why send me the Bibles to ship? Wouldn’t it be less expensive for Bibles Unbound to ship them for me, saving postage and an extra step?
The cost for either process is built into the Bibles Unbound program. Many people desire a more 'hands on' involvement where they can personally pray over the Bibles and for the recipients, then pack and send the Bibles on to the Re-mail Center. If you prefer, volunteers at Bibles Unbound can pack and ship your Bibles for you - saving a step, and shipping materials and postage costs. You can still view the names of the recipients on-line and pray for them.

May I change my shipping option from receiving the Bibles personally to having Bibles Unbound ship them for me or vice versa?
You cannot change the shipping option for 'Virtual Only' or 'Covert' Operations. They must be 'Virtual' shipments (Bibles Unbound ships the Bibles for the sponsor). You can change your shipping option for standard operations, Logon your personal Mission Page using your User Name and Password. Scroll down to the section titled 'Ongoing Contributions'. Click on the underlined 'Edit' in the right column across from the Operation you wish to change the shipping option for. On the 'Recurring Payment Details' page you will see 'Ship under Virtual Program.' If you would like for Bibles Unbound to ship your Bibles for you: Click on 'No, Change to Yes,' If you would like to receive the Bibles personally: Click ‘Yes, Change to No’.

Is sending a Bible illegal?
No. It is not illegal to mail a Bible into the countries where Bibles Unbound operates.

Does sending a Bible endanger the recipient?
There is always some danger when witnessing or providing Bibles in a country where religious persecution exists. Bibles Unbound sends the Bibles anonymously to the recipient. This invites less attention and danger than for a believer to physically witness or hand a Bible to the person. Should the government discover the Bible and question the recipient, he/she can honestly state that they did not request the Bible and don’t know who/where it came from. This is as safe as we can practically make it for the recipient to receive the life changing truth of God’s Word.

Can the Bibles be traced back to me?
No. The Bible packages lose all shipping history when they leave the Re-mail Center.

How do you get the names to send the Bibles to?
Bibles Unbound receives the names and addresses from trusted contacts in the respective countries.

How do we know the Bibles will reach the intended address overseas?
Prior to beginning the Bibles Unbound program this process was extensively tested with very positive results.

What do I do when I receive the Bibles?
You will receive a Bibles Unbound package with everything you need including packing instructions, Bibles, envelopes, address labels, and a large post paid envelope to forward the Bibles to a Re-mail Center. You must follow the packing instructions exactly with NO exceptions. Once your Bible package is ready to mail, you must take the package to the post office and physically hand it to a postal clerk at the counter due to security regulations. DO NOT drop the package in a postal box, hand it to a mail carrier, or leave it at a satellite postal location. IT WILL NOT BE FORWARDED.

What NOT to do when I receive the Bibles?
Please do not include either on or in your Bibles or packaging any return address, notes, letters, photos, or any other items. Please do not add to or alter the postage on your post paid envelope.

Can we enclose notes, or other items with the Bibles?
No. This could jeopardize the program and/or the Bible recipient and bring unwanted attention from postal or government authorities should the package be intercepted. The only additional item needed to complete your package is the application of your dedicated prayers.

What happens when the operation I am participating in completes (all names are sponsored)?
When all the names in an operation have been mailed Bibles, you will receive an e-mail notifying you that the operation has been completed. You will automatically be re-assigned a new operation, or you may logon your personal Mission Page and pick a new operation at any time.

Which Bible translation do you use when translating into a foreign language?
The original text of the Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek. Of that, there are several different versions. VOM/Bibles Unbouund uses what is considered, by many theologians, to be the most reliable version, called the Textus Receptus or the "Received Text". This original text is considered to be an accurate version of the Bible. Each language (Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Romanian, etc) is translated directly from this Received Text.

Why do you call the program Bibles Unbound when you are only sending New Testaments?
The word 'Bible' is synonymous with Bible 'scripture' to most whether it is New Testament or the complete Bible. In the Bibles Unbound details we have made it clear that we are currently sending New Testaments. A major reason is the cost for printing and/or shipping the complete Bible doubles or triples the cost of each Bible and subsequent postage both in and out of country. Secondly, the New Testaments are smaller and bring less attention to themselves in the postal systems of the areas we are sending them. At some point we hope to send complete Bibles as successfully into certain restricted regions. Finally, this program is Evangelical by design, and the life and message of Jesus Christ is predominantly revealed in the New Testament. As the recipient of the New Testament shows an interest in the gospel, the believers observing them will make sure they are exposed to the whole Bible through the process of evangelization.

What is a Virtual Only Operation?
The Virtual Only shipping option means Bibles Unbound must send your Bibles for you due to the nature of the Operation and how the Bibles are mailed to that country. Mailing Bibles from the US is not always possible due to restrictive mail regulations into some countries.

What is a Covert Operation?
A Covert Operation gives you the chance to sponsor Bible distribution to some of the most closed areas in the world. Click here to learn more.