In almost every state and town across the United States exists a trend that many are learning about known as the “Little Free Library” Beginning in 2009 a man had an idea to build a small model house with a door on it only to fill it with books along with a sign that said, “take one, leave one”. The first Little Free Library was born. By 2013 a non-profit organization was established with tens of thousands of similar mini-libraries springing up across the country. Our first encounter with these little libraries was on our last furlough. We started to notice them everywhere while driving across country. It was during this time that we came up with a plan to use these libraries for ministry purposes!
During this recent furlough we have purposely visited little free libraries everywhere we go with the express purpose of leaving a new bible with a gospel tract inside of it on the John 3:16 page. We believe that this is an excellent indirect ministry that anyone can do. Just as the Gideons have made it their ministry to leave bibles in every hotel across the country, we have decided to do the same with little free libraries in each area that we visit. Wouldn't that be expensive? Fortunately for us, Dollar Tree sells complete KJV bibles for $1.50 each. Every state that we have been to has had multiple Dollar Trees that sell these Bibles! You can get a box of fourteen for about twenty dollars. You can also go online and order bulk KJV bibles for even cheaper from various websites.
How do we find these little libraries? On the Little Free Library website there is a map function in which you can look up your area. It will show you the addresses of registered Little Free Libraries in your area. You can also download the Little Free Library app on your smartphone as well. Often times there will be Little Free Libraries in your city that have not been registered, so you will have to keep a close eye out for them as you are out and about. In some major cities there can be dozens of Little Free Libraries. You can also make your own if you do not have any in your town or church. We plan to do so once we get back to Japan, as there are very few there. Just by keeping the Little Free Libraries in your area stocked with Bibles you can have a big spiritual impact. Many people may be curious about reading a bible, but will never go to church or buy one at a store. This may be their chance to grab one and read it.
Start praying about doing this ministry in your area! Put a gospel tract with your church address in it along with the Bible into each Little Free Library in your area. We never know what kind of impact that we can have. What else can be done? Often times when going to Little Free Libraries you will find cult material placed inside (JW, Mormon, false gospels, etc.). I would encourage you to gather up those materials and dispose of them. Also, you may find occult books about new age practices, magic, evil content, etc. I would encourage you to gather them up and dispose of them as well. Anything that you think that could potentially be a wicked influence in someones life, I would encourage you to remove it at your own discretion. The United States is in the middle of a dark spiritual struggle, so every small bit helps. Often times we end up with a pile of wicked books after doing a Little Free Library run! By doing this we can actively help limit the potential evil influence that those books may have otherwise had on a life. Pray over these Little Free Libraries and reach your city for Christ!
