1980: Purified By Fire
Manila was just coming to life on the morning of March 10, 1980, when the fire broke out in the Philippine office.

A custodian discovered it just after 6 AM and immediately alerted two young lady employees who lived in the top floor of the building. They escaped just in time, leaving all their belongings in the burning building.

The firemen arrived on the scene, but by the time the blaze was brought under control, 85 percent of the building had been completely destroyed, along with most of its contents which included 1,000 Bibles which had just arrived for sale in the bookstore.

After the fire, one of the staff members remarked that the fire was only disaster, not a tragedy because God spared the employees' lives.

There was a sense of unity as the staff met together at a nearby church for devotions.


1980: The Ministry Continues
The fire did not bring the work to a halt.

The English and vernacular programs continued daily without interruption, thanks to a tape duplicator and master tapes brought from the home office with Howard Eppler, who was sent to Manila for three months to help re-organize he work.

The fire was a disaster, but God has turned the event into triumph.


1981: A Larger Ministry
On December 19, 1981, a taller and more modern building was dedicated at the same site, with improved facilities, bigger bookstore space, and a recording studio.

The fire was but part of God's plan to purify His people for a larger ministry.

The 21st Century : New Challenges
In today’s ever-changing world, Back to the Bible is committed in making disciples of all peoples through the unchanging message of Christ. God has called upon each of us to open our eyes to the opportunities He is giving us.

There is urgency about our task. As Peter wrote in his first letter, ”The end of all things is near” (I Peter 4:7a). Our goals are straight-forward.

A changing world will not wait for us to adapt our strategies to a new reality. With radio as our means to deliver the Gospel, Back to the Bible believe that new technologies will become integrated into the national effort to share the good news to Filipinos in the Philippines and all over the world.