In a world where borders often divide, EEM is crossing them—with open hearts and open Bibles. In this episode of Beyond Borders, Darryl Willis, Clyde Slimp, and John Mark Smith take us on a journey through Croatia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, where the mission to provide free Bibles is transforming lives. From backyard conversations to puppet shows in public schools, the gospel is being shared in ways that are both profound and personal.
More than just a travel recap, this is a look into what happens when you say “yes” to God and find yourself in small churches, experiencing tearful conversations, and realizing that the Bible is a source of transformation. The team witnessed firsthand the incredible impact of providing EEM Bibles and other Bible-based materials to people who have little or no access to God’s Word. The stories they bring back are a powerful reminder of how a single act of giving can spark a movement of faith and hope across nations. EEM is an organization that publishes, prints, and distributes Bibles for free in over 35 countries and 25 languages.
The Miracle of Giving: Why EEM Provides Free Bibles
Everywhere the team went, a consistent theme emerged: the miracle of receiving a Bible for free. In these underserved populations and small churches, people expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing that they could not afford Bibles on their own. EEM’s commitment to Bible distribution, as well as faith-based materials for children, is more than a logistical effort—it’s a spiritual movement. By partnering with local ministries and educators, EEM Bibles are reaching children, families, and entire communities across Eastern Europe.
Bibles for Croatia—A Backyard Revival
Some partners in Croatia shared that for many homes, the very first book they have ever owned is an EEM Bible. The team found that people in these countries are not taking this gift for granted. They understand the immense value of God’s Word and how it can change lives.
A Dream Realized
In Croatia, the mission feels intimate. Darryl and Clyde recount their visit with Mario, a vibrant 86-year-old friend and local partner whose backyard gazebo has become a hub for Christian outreach in Europe. Over coffee and conversation, they discuss how free Bibles are helping families rediscover faith. Mario’s story is a testament to how Scripture translation projects and Bible-based educational materials and resources are making the gospel accessible. His ministry is not just about giving Bibles—it’s about building relationships rooted in Christ.
Seven years ago, Mario had a God-sized dream: to see half a million Bibles distributed throughout Croatia and the surrounding regions like North Macedonia, Serbia, and Bosnia. Today, through his partnership with EEM and others, that dream has been surpassed, with over 1.2 million Bibles distributed in the region. Mario’s response to the success of this large-scale Bible distribution was filled with humility and gratitude. He insists that the thanks belong to God, who he says loves the team because they have provided millions of Bibles to people throughout these regions.
Continuing the Dream
Mario’s daughter, Jela, runs several nonprofits herself. She shared a powerful story that highlights the need for Bible access for children and families in the region. She spoke about growing up during a time of financial struggle and questioning her father’s generosity. His response was that they were “the new nobility of Croatia,” a nobility not defined by wealth or family name, but by generosity. Jela also shared that because of communism and the Balkan Wars, civil society in the region is still in its “childhood,” looking to organizations like EEM as an example of love and gratitude to God.
The stark reality of Bible access was a deeply moving experience for the team. Darryl shared that with 12 physical versions of the English Bible in his own home, he was humbled by the privilege he holds, a privilege that many around the world do not. This experience solidified his commitment to the mission of providing free Bibles to those who desperately need them, whether they know it yet or not. This journey served as a powerful reminder that what we may take for granted is a cherished treasure to others.
Bibles for Hungary—Faith in the Classroom
Hungary offers a unique opportunity: religious education in public schools. Through partnerships with ministries like Palánta, EEM is helping provide Bibles for children and educators alike. Clyde shares how puppet shows and illustrated Bibles are opening young hearts to God’s Word.
The impact is tangible. Teachers are requesting more Bible-based materials, and students are engaging with Scripture in ways that foster both curiosity and conviction. It’s a beautiful example of faith-based humanitarian aid in action.
Sowing
One of the most inspiring stories came from Hungary, where the team met with the Hungarian Baptist Union. This organization is committed to serving all the children of Hungary and has been successfully integrated into 42 public schools since 1989. The team was able to sit in on a Bible class for teenagers, where every student had a copy of an EEM Bible. This is part of a larger trend where Bibles are going into public schools in places like Ukraine, Russia, and Croatia.
One chaplain shared a particularly moving story of a student who came to him and asked, “Is this really true?”. After spending time with her, he said she “left the room with hope in her”. This is the very essence of why EEM does what it does. The mission is not just to distribute books but to deliver hope. EEM’s upcoming campaign, The Hope Campaign, is a reflection of this core belief: when you get Jesus, you get hope.
Creativity
They’ve also found a creative way to share the gospel by hosting Bible-themed carnivals in public parks. The events feature bouncy houses and games based on Bible stories like Noah’s Ark and Daniel in the Lion’s Den. The Hungarian people, who may not attend church, will come to these weekend events, where they can enjoy live music and entertainment and hear Bible stories.
These carnivals serve as a crucial entry point for people to hear the Gospel. At the end of the events, they provide EEM Bibles and other Bible-based materials to everyone in attendance. One of their leaders spoke of EEM’s role as a miracle, saying, “a big truck arrives somehow like in a storytelling in the fairy tales, and it’s just for free”. This perspective highlights the profound impact that our supporters have. While our ministry partners in the field know it’s not free, it is to the people who receive the Bibles. This makes the act of giving an opportunity to be part of something much greater than a simple donation; it’s an investment in hope and eternal salvation.
Coincider
In Hungary, the team also met Rico and Kathy Tolbler, a couple who are “seed sellers” by trade and by ministry. They run a Christian outreach in Europe and understand the importance of planting seeds, both literally and spiritually. Their ministry includes hosting Bible memory workshops for people who often don’t even own a Bible. They’ll give out a Bible and the children “are happy” to receive it. Many of these are the very first Bibles their families have ever owned.
Rico told the team that giving is not about money; it’s about inviting donors to be a part of something bigger. This echoes the parable of the sower, where a single seed can grow into a magnificent plant. A supporter who chooses to donate Bibles is not just giving $5; they are giving hope, and that is something great. The team heard a story from a partner in Poland who said, “Never give up. Don’t give up because you don’t know what that little seed is going to produce”. This reinforces the idea that every effort to provide a Bible is an act of faith with immeasurable, eternal returns.
Bibles for Slovakia and Poland—Growing the Mission
In Slovakia and Poland, the demand for EEM Bibles continues to grow. John Mark reflects on the logistical challenges and spiritual rewards of expanding Bible missions into these regions. Whether it’s a small church in a rural village or a bustling school in Warsaw, the hunger for God’s Word is real.
These efforts are supported by donors who believe in the power of Scripture. When you donate Bibles through EEM, you’re not just funding a book—you’re fueling transformation.
EEM Bibles and the Heart of Christian Ministry in Europe
EEM’s work is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to the Bible. As a Christian nonprofit organization, EEM is uniquely positioned to share the gospel in places where spiritual resources are scarce.
Bible Access for Children—Planting Seeds of Faith
Children are at the heart of EEM’s mission. Whether it’s through illustrated Bibles for kids or classroom materials, the goal is to make Scripture approachable and engaging. Clyde shares how even the youngest readers are finding joy in God’s Word.These efforts are more than educational—they’re eternal. By providing Bibles for Europe’s next generation, EEM is planting seeds that will bear fruit for years to come.
Scripture Translation Projects—Breaking Language Barriers
Language should never be a barrier to faith. That’s why EEM invests in Scripture translation projects that ensure every Bible is culturally and linguistically relevant. Darryl explains how these translations are opening doors in communities that have long felt spiritually isolated. From Hungarian to Slovak, each translation is a bridge—connecting people to the gospel in their own tongue.
Christian Outreach in Europe—Partnering for Impact
EEM doesn’t work alone. The organization partners with local ministries, educators, and volunteers to amplify its reach. John Mark highlights how collaboration is key to effective Bible missions. These partnerships ensure that every Bible distributed is part of a larger story—one of hope, healing, and transformation.
Conclusion
EEM is doing a work that no other organization in Europe is doing at this scale. We are a Christian nonprofit organization providing the Bibles, and our partners are providing the channels, and together, we are seeing hundreds of thousands of people receive the good news. This is not a task we can neglect. It’s a sobering responsibility, but it’s also a tremendous honor to be part of what God is doing.
Our Shared Mission of Faith
The journey through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Croatia was a powerful reminder of God’s work in the world. The kingdom is advancing, and God is on the move, transforming lives one person at a time. The stories from our ministry partners, from Mario in Croatia to the Hungarian Baptist Union and Palánta, show that EEM’s mission to provide free Bible distribution is not just about logistics and numbers; it is about faith, collaboration, and the power of God to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Giving Bibles, Sharing Hope
The journey through Eastern Europe is more than a travelogue—it’s a testimony. Through the voices of Darryl, Clyde, and John Mark, we see how EEM Bibles are changing lives, one story at a time. Whether it’s Bibles for Hungary or Bible access for children in Slovakia, the mission remains the same: to provide free Bibles and share the gospel with love and integrity.
If you feel called to be part of this movement, consider supporting EEM. When you give Bibles, you give hope. When you donate Bibles, you become part of a story that’s still being written—across borders, across hearts, and across generations. We invite you to join us on this incredible mission and be a part of the spiritual investment that brings hope to so many.
