Audio Bibles and Healthy Fare

A sign promoting Audio Bibles hangs above a stack of menus at Richard’s Mexican Restaurant, reminding Albuquerque diners You've Got The Time to listen to the Bible.  As satisfied patrons pay their bill, some pick up free MP3 discs containing the Audio Drama New Testament produced by Faith Comes By Hearing. 

As Faith Comes By Hearing’s You've Got The Time Albuquerque campaign increases in interest, reach and impact, home grown promotion is spreading God’s Word to our community.

Nearly 10 years ago, restaurant owners Karla Viramontes and her late husband, Richard, began partnering with Faith Comes By Hearing to support Audio Bible listening in the Albuquerque community and around the world.  

“Many business leaders like to be a blessing to their local community,” said Jerry Jackson, founder and president of Faith Comes By Hearing.  “Karla and her husband are a perfect example of how business people can empower a ministry and advertise their confidence in God’s Word.”

In fact, this couple has not only given financial gifts, they have also contributed to international recordings and local listening projects.  For example, Richard helped record character voices for the Gospel of Mark in Spanish.  In addition, Karla and Richard received approval from St. Joseph’s Hospital (now Lovelace Hospital) to air the Audio Drama New Testament on their closed-circuit TV station.  Patients and staff now have access to Audio Scripture around the clock.

“What better place [for an Audio Bible] to be than in a hospital?” Karla asked. 

Currently, Karla continues to support Faith Comes By Hearing and promote Audio Bible listening by giving away free MP3 Audio Drama New Testaments to her restaurant clientele.

Karla said her support for Audio Bibles stems from her love for God’s Word, which dates back to the beginning of her relationship with God.

“The Bible was the way I came to know Christ,” Karla said.  “After I committed my life to God, I was so gung-ho.  I began to check out the [Audio Bibles] tapes and listen to them while driving.”  In that time, Karla said, “God became so real to me.  He became alive to me through the Bible,” she said.

Many people don’t have access to the Bible, Karla noted.  “Everything we need to know is in the Bible; everything to be happy, have joy, health and prosperity,” she said.  “The New Testament is 2,000 years old, but it is still relevant to our needs today and not outdated.”
Karla said she still listens to her Audio Bible every morning.  “There’s something about hearing the Word.  By listening to it, I understand the scene better.  And when you listen to it often, the verse stays with you and then pops in your mind whenever you need it,” she said. 

Jackson said he appreciates Karla’s love of God’s Word and her desire to share it with her community.  “The Bible is full of stories about the love and respect God has for people, so any opportunity to give people this hope through Bible listening should be taken,” said Jackson.

At Richard’s Mexican Restaurant, Karla and her crew serve healthy Mexican cuisine.  Karla said the most popular dishes include the grilled chile rellenos, the lentil and brown rice and the carne adovada.   Richard’s Mexican Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday and is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  The restaurant is located at 3301 Menaul Blvd. NE in Albuquerque.