BibleWay started as a non-profit organisation in 1964 in Idaho with the initial mission to support new missionaries being sent to Africa. Alvin Cobb, who was already serving as pastor in Albany, Oregon, felt called to missionary work and moved with his family to Madagascar on September 10, 1966, after initially planning to go to India. They focused on the Western community in Madagascar, witnessing conversions and baptisms from 1966-1968 and 1969-1970.
The operation transitioned from Africa to West Germany (Europe) in 1971. In the fall of 1972, they relocated to Mainz, Germany, where Alvin served as the pastor of the Wiesbaden Branch for six years. During this time, they rented and refurbished a large 50-room castle that served as both a training center and a church, offering services in both German and English. The church grew from 12 to 150 members in its first year and eventually moved to Schloss Freudenberg (the Lighthouse) in Wiesbaden, experiencing many blessings and miracles along the way.
The ministry expanded to include an English service, a German service, a small Bible school, a Christian bookstore, dormitories, apartments, and a thriving coffee house. Alvin’s two older children Kevin and Kerry decided to leave home to pursue their biblical training. Alvin, Rhoda and their youngest child Kendall continued to serve in Wiesbaden for (years?) and moved to Baumholder to establish a ministry for U.S. military personnel by opening a coffee house in a bunker. This later moved to a remodelled grocery store in town, where it operated for six years till…. While serving in Baumholder, Alvin received a letter in 1981 inviting him to a pastoral role in Hong Kong.
In 1983, Alvin with his family established a ministry to transport Christian literature into China, supporting the growing underground church. They hosted safe houses and facilitated the movement of hundreds of thousands of tracts, Bibles, and study materials over 17 years, resulting in about 15 million books printed in China. BibleWay established a core Mainland China Team of 12 Chinese pastors and church planters in 8 provinces centered in Chengdu, China.
After Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997, Alvin, Rhoda, and Kendall moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 1998 and 1999, uncertain of their next ministry but following divine guidance. In 1999, Alvin established Asia Communication & Training Services Co., Ltd. (ActsCo Printing), supported by the Morse Family. ActsCo Printing is now 26 years running and effectively making an influence in Christian literature printing & distribution in Asia and beyond.
Alvin and Rhoda now at the age of 94 and 95, are living in assisted care in Chiang Mai surrounded with the love and care of their children. They continue to encourage younger missionaries serving in Asia.
Spreading the Gospel through the printing and distribution of Christian literature.
Sharing the Gospel and discipling believers among persecuted and marginalized people groups.
Supporting Christian missions in Southeast and South Asia by channeling project based support to hard-to-reach areas.