By John and Rebekah Durst
FirstLove is set for yet another banner year, already surpassing 500 orders in the first 5 months of 2024. With the average customer receiving at least two books, the ministry is on track to distribute over 2000 books in 2024. This comes in addition to the many book orders from prisoners across the United States as well as the overseas printing and distribution of over 7000 books completed and in progress. Consistent with our Ministry Distinctives, we do not charge for any books and books are provided free through the on-line store, and at conferences in the United States and throughout the world.
Ministry Summary
FirstLove distributes books to all 50 US States as well as overseas through our branch leaders in Nigeria, Nepal, and the Philippines. We have recently partnered to distribute in South America and Peru. We hope to begin distribution in India in the near future. EBooks continue to be a sought-after resource and FirstLove is in the process of formatting many of our books into a Digital format for free worldwide distribution. Two of our newest titles, “Introduction to Theology,” and, “Systematic Theology,” by W.R. Downing are already available for download as an eBook and can be accessed at the following hyperlinks:
Systematic Theology – Digital – FirstLove Ministries
Introduction to Theology – Digital – FirstLove Ministries
We continue to stock many titles and our latest print run increased the inventory of two our more popular titles: “The Sovereignty of God,” by A.W. Pink, and “Presuppositionalism,” by Dr. Paul Nelson. They can be ordered here:
Meet our Bookstore Managers: John and Rebekah Durst
John and Rebekah live in Florida and oversee the inventorying, distribution, and shipping of the FirstLove library. We have been privileged to oversee the book ministry for five blessed years. During that time, we have witnessed the Lord’s ability to bless and grow a ministry through prayer and faith by supplying for every need without fail. It came to us in the summer of 2019, starting humbly in our garage and with the need to rebuild the ministry from the ground up. Many saints across FirstLove worked hard and tirelessly towards the effort. The Lord has since grown it each year moving it from our garage into a church building and adding many new titles and authors. While we are a small ministry and without the vast resources and fanfare of other publishers, we have found we are not at all alone in our desire to edify God’s children with the printing and publishing of books. Some of our readers may be familiar with the great writer Arthur W. Pink and it will come as no surprise to them to know that Pink met with great difficulty in his efforts to print, publish, and distribute his writings. Yet the Lord met the need faithfully and without fail. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2Co 5:7)
To God be the Glory!
We serve a good God who is able to provide encouragement even in the most unlikely of circumstances. In the words of our dear Friend and FirstLove President Joe Jackowitz, “He has never lied to us.” This truth has sustained us every step of the journey. We look forward to seeing what God will do in 2024 and beyond. Whether we distribute 10000 books or none we know God will glorify himself and see his great work through to completion!
God bless you all .
May our great God continue to bless FLM!