- Why do you specialize in books?
- What kind of books do you help to produce?
- Are you involved with Bible translation?
- Are all the books translated from English?
- Does your staff translate all the books?
- If you don’t speak the language, how can you know that the content is accurate and true to the Bible?
- Where does all this work take place?
- How are the books distributed?
- Where do you warehouse all these books?
- If all this work is done on the field, why is an office needed in Joplin, MO?
- What is LATM’s relationship with College Press?
- Is LATM recognized as a non-profit by the IRS?
- How is the money used that is given to LATM?
- What is the average cost of a book project?
- How can I give to LATM?
- How can my church help a specific language group?
- Could an LATM representative give a presentation at my church?
- How can I get books printed in a certain language?
- How can I order books in my language?
1. Why do you specialize in books?
There is such an abundance of books in English that we here in the United States forget, or don’t realize that in most countries of the world, books are a rarity. If a church leader has even a handful of books in his own language, he is fortunate. While there are multiple existing agencies that focus on medical needs, food distribution, Bible translation, etc., few are attempting to help produce books in other languages, which is why we make it our specialty. Top
2. What kind of books do you help to produce?
Whatever books the workers on the field see as needed. This may include Bible study books, ministry resources, commentaries, evangelistic booklets, seminary textbooks, literacy primers or hymnbooks. Top
3. Are you involved with Bible translation?
LATM specializes in the production of books, not Bibles. Many existing agencies are involved in translating and printing Bibles in other languages—and we heartily applaud these efforts. The production of books, however, is a major undertaking which few are attempting, and which we make our specialty. If you are looking for Bibles in another language, you may want to visit bibles.org or ibs.org or multilanguage.com. Top
4. Are all the books translated from English?
No. In some cases, they are not translated at all, but are written originally in the language of the people. This is generally is the best way to go. Those leaders who can write to their own people can communicate God’s truths much better than a translation from English. Approximately 35% of the projects LATM has sponsored have been written originally in the language of the field. However, there are many places where Christian writers have not yet arisen, or where a translation of a particular English book is especially needed. Top
5. Does your staff translate all the books?
No, a big part of what we do is partnering with existing missionaries and church leaders on the field. When a translation is needed, either the missionary himself, or national leaders, or other contacts the missionary has, will translate the material. Top
6. If you don’t speak the language, how can you know that the content is accurate and true to the Bible?
All our contacts are well-seasoned missionaries or national church leaders. Before entering into this relationship, we make sure that our contacts are reputable, trustworthy and committed to biblical principles. Once a project is translated, the translation goes through a series of checks to ensure faithfulness to the original, grammatical accuracy, correct doctrinal understanding, and cultural appropriateness. Top
7. Where does all this work take place?
Most of it happens on the mission field where the particular book project is needed. In many cases, the missionary or national writer has his computer equipment set up on the field for translation and formatting. We often utilize a commercial print shop in the country to do the printing. Top
8. How are the books distributed?
We always work with national leaders and missionaries who have a plan of distribution from the outset. Most leaders have expressed the desire to see the books offered for some amount of money to the nationals, even though it would be at a greatly reduced cost. This helps provide funding for reprinting the books that are produced. Top
9. Where do you warehouse all these books?
Books in Spanish, French and Haitian Creole are warehoused and distributed from our Joplin facility. Books in all other languages are printed and distributed on the fields where they are needed. Top
10. If all this work is done on the field, why is an office needed in Joplin, MO?
Very few of these book projects would be possible without funding from American churches. LATM serves as a bridge that connects American churches to our contacts on the field. Our facility in Joplin allows us to serve our two biggest purposes: to coordinate the projects, and to raise funds for the projects. Fund raising requires travel, and Joplin, MO is a central location for such travel. Top
11. What is LATM’s relationship with College Press?
College Press provides LATM with office and warehouse space, telephone service, and assistance in the areas of publishing, printing and graphic arts at little or no cost. However, they are separate legal entities. College Press is a business corporation while LATM is a non-profit organization. LATM has been greatly blessed by the symbiotic relationship we have with College Press. Top
12. Is LATM recognized as a non-profit by the IRS?
Yes, LATM is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible. Top
13. How is the money used that is given to LATM?
Undesignated gifts go into the general fund, which helps pay staff salaries, office, travel, and promotional expenses. Designated gifts are placed in a restricted account and are used exclusively for the project for which they are specified. Top
14. What is the average cost of a book project?
We have projects that range from a couple hundred dollars to over $30,000. However, the average project costs around $4500, which comes to about $1.62 per book. Top
15. How can I give to LATM?
There are a variety of ways in which you can give. Please check out our Give page for more information. Top
16. How can my church help a specific language group?
One of the best things you can do is adopt an entire project in that particular language. If you are interested in adopting a project, please contact us at 1-800-289-3300 x 156 or email Phil at phil@latm.info. Top
17. Could an LATM representative give a presentation at my church?
We’re always looking for churches that haven’t heard LATM’s story. If you are interested in having someone speak at your church, then please contact us. Top
18. How can I get books printed in a certain language?
If you are a missionary or a national Christian worker in another country, and have a particular book for which you know there is a great need, please contact us at 1-800-289-3300 x156 or email Phil at phil@latm.info, and we'll start the dialog process. Top
19. How can I order books in my language?
While not all the books are warehoused in Joplin, we do have a small supply of sample copies on hand. If we are not able to fulfill your order, we will help you get in contact with the distributors for that book. Top