An Open Letter to International Bible Societies, Bible Printing Agencies, Bible Distribution Ministries, Christian Missions, and Missionaries

Sardar Mushtaq Gill Calls for a New Standard in Bible Distribution: 

“A Bible Must Be Read, Not Simply Distributed”

LEAD Ministries Founder Appeals to Bible Societies, Printing Agencies, Missions, and Donors to Prioritize Readability, Quality, and Responsible Stewardship

By Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries

There is an important issue within Bible distribution that deserves greater attention: the readability and practical usefulness of the Bibles and Christian literature being distributed around the world.

I write this open letter with respect for the many Bible societies, Christian organizations, missionaries, churches, donors, and volunteers who work tirelessly to make the Word of God available to people who might otherwise have limited access to it.

Their work is valuable. Their mission is important. The financial sacrifices made by donors deserve our highest respect.

But precisely because these resources are precious, we must also ask whether we are using them as effectively as possible.

A Bible Should Be Readable

When a Bible is printed for distribution, the first consideration should not simply be how many copies can be produced for a particular amount of money.

We should also ask a more fundamental question:

Can the person receiving this Bible comfortably read it?

If the print is unnecessarily small, the Bible may become difficult or even impractical for many readers. This can particularly affect older people and those with visual difficulties, but readability is important for everyone.

A Bible is not valuable merely because it has been printed and distributed.

Its purpose is fulfilled when people can open it, read it, study it, return to it, and keep it as part of their lives.

When Saving Money Becomes a False Economy

Christian organizations understandably have to manage limited financial resources. Printing Bibles in large quantities can be expensive, particularly when publications must be transported across borders and distributed in remote or economically disadvantaged communities.

There is nothing wrong with seeking economical and efficient ways to print and distribute Scripture.

However, cost reduction should not undermine the usefulness of the final product.

Reducing the physical size of a Bible may require less paper, occupy less storage space, and sometimes reduce transportation costs. But if reducing the size of the publication also results in unnecessarily tiny text, organizations should carefully consider whether they have achieved a genuine saving—or simply produced a publication that many recipients may find difficult to use.

The cheapest Bible is not necessarily the most effective Bible.

True stewardship means finding the right balance between affordability, quality, durability, readability, and usefulness.

Distribution Numbers Are Not the Whole Story

Bible ministries often report the number of Bibles and Christian publications they distribute. Such figures can demonstrate the scale and reach of their work.

But distribution figures alone cannot tell the complete story.

We should also consider what happens after a Bible has been distributed.

Does the recipient read it?

Does the family keep it in the home?

Can an older person read the text comfortably?

Does the recipient use it for prayer and Bible study?

Does the publication become a lasting resource rather than something that is put away and forgotten?

These questions do not diminish the importance of Bible distribution. Instead, they can help ministries understand whether their efforts are producing the intended long-term benefit.

Special Consideration for Older Readers

One of the concerns I wish to highlight is the practical difficulty that small print can create for older readers and people with reduced vision.

A Bible may be complete and beautifully produced, yet still be difficult for someone to read because of its typography and font size.

This is particularly important when publications are intended for broad public distribution.

A ministry cannot assume that every person receiving a Bible has the same eyesight, reading conditions, or ability to handle very small text.

A Bible read under bright conditions at a desk is different from a Bible read at home, in a church, during a Bible study, or in a community where adequate lighting may not always be available.

Readability is therefore not merely a matter of appearance. It is a matter of practical access.

Quality and Quantity Should Work Together

This appeal is not an argument against producing Bibles economically or distributing them in large numbers.

Rather, it is a call for quality and quantity to work together.

A ministry may be able to distribute more copies by making a publication smaller and reducing production costs. But if the resulting Bible is difficult to read, the ministry should carefully consider whether increasing the number of copies is truly the best use of its resources.

A smaller number of high-quality, readable Bibles may have greater long-term usefulness than a larger number of publications that recipients find difficult to read.

The objective should not be to choose between quality and quantity.

The objective should be to achieve the greatest possible impact with the resources available.

A Message to Bible Printing Agencies

My appeal also extends to Bible printing agencies and publishers.

Bible printing is a specialized responsibility. Decisions about font size, typography, paper, layout, binding, and overall design can directly affect the experience of the person who eventually receives and reads the Bible.

Printing agencies and publishers should therefore consider the final reader—not simply the specifications of the printing order.

A publication can be technically successful from a production perspective while still being less successful from the reader's perspective.

The person who receives the Bible is the ultimate user.

The user’s ability to read it should remain at the heart of the design.

A Message to Missionaries and Distribution Ministries

Missionaries and distribution workers are often the people who see firsthand how recipients respond to the materials they receive.

I encourage these workers to communicate honestly with the organizations that supply their Bibles and Christian literature.

If recipients consistently say that particular publications are too small, difficult to read, or impractical, that feedback should be taken seriously.

Field workers can provide valuable information that cannot always be obtained from printing and distribution statistics.

They know whether people are taking the materials home, whether families are reading them, and whether certain formats are more useful than others.

The experience and feedback of the recipient should become part of the decision-making process.

A Message to Donors

Donors also have an important role to play.

People who contribute to Bible distribution are entrusting their resources to ministries because they want to see Scripture reach people.

They should therefore be encouraged to ask organizations responsible for Bible distribution reasonable questions about how those resources are being used.

 Donors may ask:

• What type of Bible or Christian literature is being printed?
• Is the text sufficiently readable?
• Who is the intended audience?
• How was the format selected?
• What feedback has been received from recipients?
• How does the organization measure the effectiveness of its distribution?
• How is the ministry balancing cost, quality, readability, and usefulness?

Such questions should not automatically be interpreted as criticism.

Responsible questions can lead to responsible ministry.

Transparency, accountability, and good stewardship can strengthen confidence in Bible distribution rather than weaken it.

From Counting Copies to Measuring Impact

The broader message is that Christian organizations should consider moving beyond a single measurement of success.

The number of copies distributed is important, but it is only one indicator.

A more complete evaluation could also consider whether publications are being read, retained, shared, and used over time.

A Bible that remains in a home and is read regularly has achieved something different from a Bible that was merely handed to someone and never opened.

The distinction is important.

Distribution is the beginning of the mission, not necessarily the end of it.

The ultimate hope is that Scripture will enter people's homes, families, conversations, and daily lives.

This Is a Call for Improvement, Not Condemnation

This open letter should be understood as a constructive appeal rather than a condemnation of Bible societies, missionaries, publishers, or distribution ministries.

Around the world, thousands of Christians and Christian organizations dedicate their time, money, and lives to making Scripture available.

Their work deserves recognition and encouragement.

The purpose of raising the issue of readability is to encourage these organizations to examine whether there are areas where Bible distribution can become even more effective.

Every ministry should continually ask how its methods can be improved.

Good ministry does not simply repeat what has always been done. It listens, evaluates, learns, and improves.

The Responsibility Behind Every Donated Dollar

Behind every Bible distributed, there is often a donor who made a sacrifice.

Someone gave money.

Someone prayed.

Someone organized a collection.

Someone helped transport the books.

Someone printed them.

Someone carried them into a community.

And finally, someone received the Bible.

That chain of responsibility means that every stage matters.

When resources are limited, ministries have a duty to use them thoughtfully.

The question should not simply be:

“How many copies can we produce?”

It should also be:

How can we make every copy as useful as possible?”

The Appeal

My appeal to international Bible societies, printing agencies, missions, missionaries, churches, publishers, and donors is therefore straightforward:

Please do not sacrifice readability for the sake of numbers.

Where circumstances allow, Bible distribution programs should prioritize clear typography, comfortable font sizes, durable construction, and formats appropriate for the intended recipients.

Special editions can be designed for particular needs, but general distribution should take into account the broad range of people who may receive and use the Bible.

A Bible should be something people can comfortably hold, open, and read.

A Bible for Every Home—and a Bible People Can Actually Read

The vision behind Bible distribution is a powerful one: 

That people everywhere should have access to Scripture.

But access should mean more than physical possession.

True access means being able to read the words.

It means being able to engage with the message.

It means having a publication that can be used repeatedly in the home, church, and community.

It means giving people something they are pleased to keep rather than something they find difficult to use.

I therefore conclude this appeal with a challenge to the Christian community worldwide:

Let us continue distributing Bibles—but let us distribute better Bibles.

Let us continue raising funds—but let us use those funds wisely.

Let us continue measuring distribution—but let us also measure usefulness and impact.

Above all:

Let us not simply put Bibles into people’s hands. Let us put readable Bibles into their hands—Bibles they can open, read, keep, and share.

This is not an argument against Bible distribution.

It is an argument for better Bible distribution.

It is a call to respect the donor, respect the recipient, and respect the purpose for which these resources were given.

Because when the objective is to make the Word of God accessible, readability should never be treated as an afterthought.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill

Founder, LEAD Ministries

Death of Sanitation Worker Raises Questions Over Safety and Workers' Rights in Multan

Pastor Imran Amanat Calls for Immediate Measures to Protect Sanitation Workers and Ensure Equal Rights Across Punjab

MULTAN: The reported death of a sanitation worker in Multan has brought renewed attention to the difficult and often hazardous conditions under which sanitation workers across Punjab perform their duties, while raising serious questions about workplace safety, timely payment of wages, access to healthcare and the protection of fundamental workers’ rights.

Rambo, a sanitation worker associated with the Suthra Punjab Agency, reportedly became seriously ill while performing his duties and later passed away. According to his family, he had allegedly not received his salary for three months and was facing financial difficulties that prevented him from obtaining proper medical treatment.

Despite his illness, Rambo reportedly continued to work in order to support his family and fulfill his responsibilities. His family said that he was assigned sanitation duties covering UC-24 to UC-26 and that his health suddenly deteriorated while he was carrying out his work.

Rambo leaves behind a seven-year-old daughter and a family that depended on his income, according to his relatives.

The circumstances surrounding his illness and death have raised concerns about whether sanitation workers are receiving adequate occupational protection and whether sufficient mechanisms are in place to support workers who become ill while performing their duties.

Sanitation Workers Face Serious Occupational Risks

Sanitation work is among the most physically demanding forms of employment. Workers are routinely exposed to garbage, contaminated waste, unhygienic environments and potentially dangerous materials.

Without proper protective equipment, these working conditions can expose workers to serious health risks.

The provision of gloves, masks, protective footwear, uniforms and other appropriate safety equipment is therefore essential. Workers also require appropriate training, supervision and access to medical assistance when their health is affected.

The reported circumstances of Rambo’s case have intensified concerns over whether sanitation workers are receiving adequate safety kits and whether workplace safety measures are being properly implemented.

Pastor Imran Amanat Calls for Action

Pastor Imran Amanat, head of LEAD Ministries, has urged the authorities to take immediate and concrete steps to protect sanitation workers throughout Punjab.

Pastor Amanat called upon the government and relevant sanitation agencies to ensure that workers are provided with proper protective equipment, paid their salaries on time and given access to medical care and safe working environments.

He emphasized that sanitation workers perform an essential service for society and should not be expected to compromise their health or safety simply to earn a livelihood.

Pastor Amanat also stressed that Christian sanitation workers deserve dignity, respect and equal protection under the law.

He urged the authorities to ensure that Christian workers employed in sanitation services are not subjected to discrimination or unequal treatment and that their rights as workers and citizens are fully respected.

He further called for the allegations surrounding Rambo’s case to be properly examined, particularly the claim that he had not received his salary for three months and the concerns regarding his access to medical treatment and workplace safety.

Christian Workers and the Question of Equal Treatment

The situation of Christian sanitation workers deserves particular attention because many members of Pakistan’s Christian community are employed in sanitation-related occupations.

For workers from economically vulnerable communities, losing wages or facing unsafe working conditions can have consequences that extend to their entire families.

Employment should provide workers with a means of supporting their families without forcing them to accept unnecessary risks to their health or lives.

Religious identity should never determine whether a worker receives protective equipment, timely wages, healthcare or other basic employment protections.

Pastor Amanat’s call is therefore not only about improving workplace safety but also about ensuring equality, dignity and non-discrimination for Christian sanitation workers.

Three Months Without Salary

The allegation that Rambo had not received his salary for three months has become a central concern for his family.

For a worker supporting a household on a limited income, prolonged wage delays can create severe financial pressure. When income stops, families can struggle to pay for food, education, housing and healthcare.

According to Rambo’s family, his financial circumstances made it difficult for him to obtain appropriate medical treatment while he was ill.

The allegation should be investigated by the relevant authorities, and any wages or employment benefits legally owed to the family should be addressed through the appropriate process.

Healthcare Must Be Accessible

The reported circumstances also highlight the importance of healthcare access for sanitation workers.

Workers engaged in physically demanding and potentially hazardous occupations need access to medical assistance when they become sick or sustain injuries.

A worker should not have to continue working while seriously ill simply because his family depends upon his income.

There should be effective procedures allowing workers to report illness, seek treatment and receive appropriate support without fear of losing their employment.

Safety Equipment Is a Basic Requirement

Protective equipment should be considered a basic requirement for sanitation workers rather than an optional benefit.

Workers handling waste or working in hazardous environments need equipment suited to the specific risks they face. Protective gear should be properly supplied, maintained and replaced when necessary.

Authorities and sanitation agencies should also ensure that workers receive appropriate instructions on how to use protective equipment and how to respond to dangerous situations.

The absence of adequate safety measures can turn an already difficult occupation into an unacceptable risk to life and health.

The Human Cost of Unsafe Work

The story of Rambo demonstrates the human dimension behind discussions about workplace safety.

He was not simply a sanitation worker performing a daily task. He was a father, a provider and a member of a family that depended upon him.

His seven-year-old daughter has reportedly lost her father, while his family has lost an important source of financial support.

Every sanitation worker represents a family and a community. When a worker becomes seriously ill, suffers an injury or dies, the consequences are felt far beyond the workplace.

Authorities Urged to Investigate

The concerns raised by Rambo’s family should receive a serious and transparent response from the relevant authorities.

An appropriate examination should establish the circumstances surrounding his employment, salary payments, illness, access to medical treatment and working conditions.

Authorities should also assess whether sanitation workers in Multan and elsewhere in Punjab are receiving adequate protective equipment and whether existing workplace safety procedures are being followed.

Where shortcomings are identified, corrective measures should be implemented to prevent similar incidents.

Protecting Those Who Keep Cities Clean

Sanitation workers perform a service that is essential to public health and the functioning of communities.

They clean streets, remove waste and undertake difficult tasks that most people rarely see. Their contribution often goes unnoticed, even though the consequences of inadequate sanitation can affect entire communities.

The people responsible for maintaining cleanliness and protecting public health must themselves be protected.

They deserve timely wages, appropriate safety equipment, access to healthcare.

Suspected Targeted Killing: Christian Man Shot Dead Outside His Home in Chichawatni

CHICHAWATNI, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN— A Christian man, identified as Ashram Masih, was reportedly shot dead outside his home in the Ghaziabad area of Chichawatni by unknown attackers, in an incident that has caused grief and concern among the local Christian community.

According to reports, Ashram Masih was standing in front of his house when unknown attackers allegedly opened fire on him. A bullet reportedly struck him in the forehead, causing fatal injuries.

The identities of the attackers and the motive for the shooting remain unknown. However, members of the Christian community have described the incident as a suspected targeted killing and are calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Police Register FIR and Begin Investigation

Police have reportedly registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the killing and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting, identify the unknown attackers, and determine the motive behind the killing. Authorities are expected to gather evidence and examine available information as part of the investigation.

Community members are urging law-enforcement authorities to ensure that the investigation is conducted promptly, transparently, and impartially, and that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

Pastor Imran Amanat Condemns Killing

Pastor Imran Amanat, head of LEAD Ministries, strongly condemned the killing of Ashram Masih and expressed deep sorrow over his death.

Pastor Amanat called for justice and urged authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident. He also appealed to the Christian community and people of goodwill to pray for Ashram Masih’s family, asking God to give them strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.

LEAD Ministries’ Advocacy for Justice

Under the leadership of Pastor Imran Amanat, LEAD Ministries advocates for persecuted Christians and other vulnerable communities in Pakistan through human-rights documentation, legal advocacy, and public awareness initiatives.

The organization does not provide financial assistance for individual cases. Its work focuses on justice, religious freedom, minority protection, and raising awareness of persecution and human-rights violations.

The killing of Ashram Masih has renewed concerns about the safety of Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan. Community members are calling for effective protection of vulnerable communities and accountability for those responsible for acts of violence.

As he investigation continues, the Christian community remains hopeful that the perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice.