An Interview with JASON WOOLFORD –
Executive Director of CHRISTIAN RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL
Christian Resources International (CRI) is a vibrant organization effectively carrying the Gospel into many nations around the world. CRI’s Executive Director, Jason Woolford, kindly agreed to answer our questions about the good work this organization is accomplishing.*
LWF: CRI utilizes the proven strategy of empowering native missionaries, but it seems to do this in a unique way. Your website explains “The mission of CRI has been reclaiming God’s resources for His purposes. We have done this by asking people to share their bookshelves that are filled with Bibles and God’s teaching tools. Once we have received those materials, CRI sends them around the world …” So what kinds of tools do you distribute in addition to Bibles?
Woolford: In addition to the Bible we send seminary books, and Christian authored books as well!
LWF: We very much like CRI’s logo of “Share, Send, and Sow God’s Word!” How can we as individuals be as effective as possible in becoming “book missionaries” and joining in the work you are doing? Do you have lists of “most needed” works or types of Christian literature that we can contribute? Are there other ways people can give of their time to help?
Woolford: Financial giving is a high priority so we can send the material overseas, and additionally finding Bibles or Christian books that are new or used at garage sales, book stores, library sales or friends’ homes will be a good place to start. You can find a list of books on www.missioncry.com but mostly Bibles and seminary books, and then Christian authored books are important. Yes, people can donate their time while volunteering in sorting and packing books at the HQ that will end up in the hands of people overseas!
LWF: This seems very worthwhile because by providing free Christian teaching tools in addition to Bibles, you also avoid putting the Word of God into people’s hands without necessary background and proper explanation. But how do you achieve consistency and avoid doctrinal differences inherent in some Christian works?
Woolford: Our goal is to send the word of God and books that point or tell people of the only way of salvation and that is Jesus Christ. We have sent books from multiple Christian denominations and if they do not agree, people then give them to their friends or acquaintances who might be of a different denomination. I still have yet to read in the Bible which denomination God is!
LWF: CRI has also begun to plant central distribution centers and libraries in a number of countries. Tell us about the role of these centers and libraries.
Woolford: Imagine a place where people who live in extreme poverty can go and get God’s word absolutely free. Whether you are currently seeking God, just recently gave your life to God, or are wanting to be a leader, pastor or evangelist, the CRI Distribution locations provide the materials you need for your personal and congregational spiritual growth for free!
Distribution centers are locations that we have strategically set up around the globe that will allow people easy and free access to the word of God. These are simple but profoundly important facilities helping us make sure we can get the word distributed quickly — whether through our CRI Missionaries or those from other denominations.
LWF: We understand that CRI has been empowering native missionaries since 1956 and has already sent over $282 million in Bibles and Christian teaching tools to over 170 nations around the world. That must be having a tremendous impact. But it’s not all CRI does! Can you tell us briefly about some of the other ways in which your organization is doing its work?
Woolford: We have held pastoral conferences and crusades, most recently in Ghana, Africa and Manila, Philippines. I have had the privilege of encouraging and instructing pastors to stand by the whole truth, and encouraging them with our families’ stories of trials and victories, encouraging them to continue to do what they have been called to do!
LWF: If we may end on a personal question, you served in the US Marine Corps and then in a series of executive positions, and we know how often our life experiences end up informing and helping in the work we are called to do. Are there particular lessons or skills from your background that you bring to your current work?
Woolford: For sure, the USMC taught us to never give up, to improvise, adapt and overcome, to be always faithful (Semper Fi) and to be men of our word! In addition, I had the ability of running companies that sent and received containers around the globe, so God was setting me up if you will! I have been given the gift of admission and evangelism so this is a great fit for the calling and the appointment.
LWF: Thank you for taking our questions, Director Woolford. May the work of CRI continue to be blessed with growth!
* LivingWithFaith.org recommends Christian Resources International’s website: http://cribooks.org/
Executive Director of CHRISTIAN RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL
Christian Resources International (CRI) is a vibrant organization effectively carrying the Gospel into many nations around the world. CRI’s Executive Director, Jason Woolford, kindly agreed to answer our questions about the good work this organization is accomplishing.*
LWF: CRI utilizes the proven strategy of empowering native missionaries, but it seems to do this in a unique way. Your website explains “The mission of CRI has been reclaiming God’s resources for His purposes. We have done this by asking people to share their bookshelves that are filled with Bibles and God’s teaching tools. Once we have received those materials, CRI sends them around the world …” So what kinds of tools do you distribute in addition to Bibles?
Woolford: In addition to the Bible we send seminary books, and Christian authored books as well!
LWF: We very much like CRI’s logo of “Share, Send, and Sow God’s Word!” How can we as individuals be as effective as possible in becoming “book missionaries” and joining in the work you are doing? Do you have lists of “most needed” works or types of Christian literature that we can contribute? Are there other ways people can give of their time to help?
Woolford: Financial giving is a high priority so we can send the material overseas, and additionally finding Bibles or Christian books that are new or used at garage sales, book stores, library sales or friends’ homes will be a good place to start. You can find a list of books on www.missioncry.com but mostly Bibles and seminary books, and then Christian authored books are important. Yes, people can donate their time while volunteering in sorting and packing books at the HQ that will end up in the hands of people overseas!
LWF: This seems very worthwhile because by providing free Christian teaching tools in addition to Bibles, you also avoid putting the Word of God into people’s hands without necessary background and proper explanation. But how do you achieve consistency and avoid doctrinal differences inherent in some Christian works?
Woolford: Our goal is to send the word of God and books that point or tell people of the only way of salvation and that is Jesus Christ. We have sent books from multiple Christian denominations and if they do not agree, people then give them to their friends or acquaintances who might be of a different denomination. I still have yet to read in the Bible which denomination God is!
LWF: CRI has also begun to plant central distribution centers and libraries in a number of countries. Tell us about the role of these centers and libraries.
Woolford: Imagine a place where people who live in extreme poverty can go and get God’s word absolutely free. Whether you are currently seeking God, just recently gave your life to God, or are wanting to be a leader, pastor or evangelist, the CRI Distribution locations provide the materials you need for your personal and congregational spiritual growth for free!
Distribution centers are locations that we have strategically set up around the globe that will allow people easy and free access to the word of God. These are simple but profoundly important facilities helping us make sure we can get the word distributed quickly — whether through our CRI Missionaries or those from other denominations.
LWF: We understand that CRI has been empowering native missionaries since 1956 and has already sent over $282 million in Bibles and Christian teaching tools to over 170 nations around the world. That must be having a tremendous impact. But it’s not all CRI does! Can you tell us briefly about some of the other ways in which your organization is doing its work?
Woolford: We have held pastoral conferences and crusades, most recently in Ghana, Africa and Manila, Philippines. I have had the privilege of encouraging and instructing pastors to stand by the whole truth, and encouraging them with our families’ stories of trials and victories, encouraging them to continue to do what they have been called to do!
LWF: If we may end on a personal question, you served in the US Marine Corps and then in a series of executive positions, and we know how often our life experiences end up informing and helping in the work we are called to do. Are there particular lessons or skills from your background that you bring to your current work?
Woolford: For sure, the USMC taught us to never give up, to improvise, adapt and overcome, to be always faithful (Semper Fi) and to be men of our word! In addition, I had the ability of running companies that sent and received containers around the globe, so God was setting me up if you will! I have been given the gift of admission and evangelism so this is a great fit for the calling and the appointment.
LWF: Thank you for taking our questions, Director Woolford. May the work of CRI continue to be blessed with growth!
* LivingWithFaith.org recommends Christian Resources International’s website: http://cribooks.org/