Can you remember the day you received your first Bible?

I want to invite you to attend a Bible study graduation ceremony.

I want you to experience the immense joy and gratitude these graduates experienced when they finally received the Bible they’d been expecting so eagerly.

Join me on my visit to Kemange, a village in Tanzania’s northern Mara Region.

Joyful Worship

It was on a Friday afternoon in October. Pastor John Mwita, Bible League’s ministry leader in Mara, drove me across bumpy, unpaved roads to Kemange.
As we approached the sanctuary, the sound of joyful worship reached our ears.

Inside the sizable, concrete, tin-roofed sanctuary, I found a colorful crowd swaying in the pews to the happy sounds of an African-style worship song. A young man dressed in black sang the Lord’s praise, and the congregants responded in beautiful harmony., clapping their hands to the rhythm.

Their excitement was so contagious that I soon found my rigid Dutch limbs moving along.

Under-resourced

On the way to Kemange, we had crossed a small river. Pastor Mwita had pointed out that water is so scarce that the villagers bathe and wash their clothes in the same stream they drink from.

Can you imagine that?

Lacking essential commodities like fresh water and still rejoicing in the Lord?

Jesus says, “But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again” (John 4:14). Kemange’s Bible study graduates gave me a new understanding of that verse.

That day, Kemange’s congregants gathered to celebrate their completion of the Project Philip Bible study program. Based on the story of the apostle Philip in Acts 8, Bible League trains “Philips” to help their relatives, friends, and neighbors study God’s Word for the first time. At the end of the course, the participants graduate and receive a Bible.

The expectation of having their own copy of God’s Word was the reason for that day’s excitement.

Following Jesus’ Words

The local pastor, Stephen Kijanga, was a stern-faced, mellow-voiced, yet passionate man in a dark brown suit. The only time I heard him shouting was when he opened the ceremony with a loud “Praise the Lord!” All the congregants responded, “Amen!”

In an introductory speech, Pastor Kijanga talked about the significance of following Jesus’ words. He quoted John 8:31-32, where Jesus says, “If you continue to accept and obey my teaching, you are really my followers. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Pastor Kijanga held up the two Bible study booklets his congregation had gone through and explained:

“These contain good teachings for the local church. They have instructions and guidance to help believers grow in Christ. However, the Project Philip Bible study program also benefits the world outside the church! It helps those who don’t know about the Bible to discover the Word of God and to learn about Jesus Christ. The program even gives them the Bible for free!”

The Word of God is Scarce

Pastor Kijanga took the time to point out how the Bible study program impacted his church.

“First of all,” he said, “the program has encouraged the believers to engage in the Word of God, which is very scarce in this modern world. Bible League made us love studying the Bible and continue learning from it. I’m speaking from experience because I was one of those Philips.”

“Secondly,” Pastor Kijanga continued, “Project Philip has brought unity to our church. Students come together in their groups, encourage and help each other to grow in faith in Christ, and unite while learning from the Word of God.”

Thirdly, the pastor praised Bible League for its sound biblical teaching. “We live in a world full of fallacies and wrong doctrines,” he said. “But with the Project Philip teachings, using the Swahili Easy-to-Read Bible translation, people now understand the message of God’s Word.”

Intensity

Before partnering with Bible League, the church in Kemange had several issues.

“We were very low in the knowledge of the Word of God,” Pastor Kijanga admitted. “It doesn’t mean that we didn’t know anything about it, but we lacked that intense way of loving the Word of God. Our morality was very low.

“However, since we started engaging in the Word of God through Project Philip, we have seen people becoming punctual and trying to be on time in church sessions.

“They didn’t want to miss the good teaching! As a result, we’ve seen the church growing day by day.”

“I want to end my speech by thanking those who brought this program here,” Pastor Kijanga concluded, referring to you, generous supporters of Bible League’s ministry. “May your work not end here, but take this project to other churches, too! I thank you.

“May God bless you abundantly.”

Plastic Chairs

The crowd responded with a round of applause.

From my position in front of the congregation, I had a great view of the attendees.

I noticed how beautiful the women looked in their traditional, colorful attire and the men and children in their best pants and shirts.

The church furniture consisted of plastic chairs in various colors, with the Swahili phrase Mungu ni Mwema (God is good) imprinted on the backrest. For Pastor John Mwita and me, though, there were fancy, big chairs in the front.

I’m sure it was an honorable place, but the imitation leather cushions made my already sweaty back even more sticky.

Yet, I enjoyed the event too much to bother.

Singing and Dancing

Pastor Kijanga ushered various singing and dancing groups to the floor to add luster to the celebration.

Many attendees were from the local Kuria tribe, and Pastor Kijanga announced they would now have a special Kuria song.

The music sounded somewhat monotonous and repetitive to me.

Still, the instantly enthused Kuria people came dancing to the front, formed some sort of messy mob, and started shaking their heads fiercely, up and down, up and down, while facing each other. It was a comical yet contagious sight!

AMEN!!!

Pastor Kijanga then handed the microphone to Stephen Mirumbe, one of Bible League Mara’s team members. As the area’s ministry coordinator, he was the one who introduced Project Philip in Kemange.

“Bwana Yesu asifiwe (Praise the Lord Jesus!)!” he greeted the congregation.

They answered with a loud “Amen!”

It wasn’t loud enough for Pastor Mirumbe, so he once again shouted, “Church, praise the Lord Jesus!” The “AMEN!!!” that followed was almost deafening.

“Based on the records in our office, we expect to graduate 112 Philips today,” Pastor Mirumbe declared.
“They attended the Bible study course to the end and will now be awarded a certificate and a whole Bible!” Cheers of expectation erupted from the audience.

“Let me tell you one thing, though,” the Bible League coordinator said. “Even though you are finished with these books and have graduated, don’t let it be the end of your learning. Don’t dismiss your groups, but stay together to learn more from the Word of God. If you keep your groups together for learning, praying, and evangelism, you’ll see the church grow! God bless you!”

Cultivating the Land

An African festive ceremony isn’t complete without all guests speaking a word or two.

After Pastor Mirumbe, it was time for our Regional Director, John Mwita. He started by appreciating the role of Bible League International.

“I don’t have much to say today,” he said after greeting the congregation. “Let’s read from Romans 10:15, ‘And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”

Pastor Mwita closed his Bible and lifted it. “You receive your Bibles today through the ministry of Bible League International,” he went on.
“These are people from far away who care to send you God’s Word.

“You can compare it with a farmer who doesn’t have enough workforce to cultivate his land. You see, the farm is the Tanzanian Church, and Bible League comes to help us cultivate that farm.”

Do you see how much your support of spreading God’s Word is valued?

Even in that far-away church in Kemange, your efforts didn’t go unnoticed.

Do you feel the direct connection with these graduates as you are reading this?

Pastor Mwita wasn’t finished yet. “Through these brothers and sisters from Bible League, we are more powerful now,” he stated. “We see the church growing because they empowered us to spread the Gospel.”

Certificates and Bibles

More music followed, increasing the excitement and building up to the great moment when all 112 participants would receive their certificates and Bibles.“These certificates may seem simple,” Pastor Mwita told the crowd, “but you have completed something important, which you can add to your CV!” An outburst of cheering and ululation came from the congregants.

Pastor John Mwita then asked me to hand them their Bibles and certificates.

I happily accepted the invitation. Suddenly, the atmosphere changed from exuberance to solemnity.

To many graduates, this would probably be the only diploma they’d ever receive. A unique experience, indeed!

Pastor Kijanga called the names of the graduates one by one.

As they stepped forward, eager to receive their Bibles, I looked them in the eyes and saw a deep gratitude in them.

Some smiled, some softly cried, and others bowed their heads as I handed them their awards.

I realized I wasn’t just congratulating them; I was blessing them and sending them off as disciples and witnesses of Christ, their living Savior!

A Growing Church

When all the graduates had received their Bibles and certificates, the celebration ended with a passionate prayer and a final praise song.

Then, we enjoyed a time of fellowship.

Pastor Kijanga gave me a tour of the church grounds and showed me a pile of bricks at the side of the church hall.

“Through the Bible study program, our church is growing,” he explained, beaming with gratitude. “We have started many cell groups and won a lot of souls. Now, we even plan to extend the church building. All of that is because of the Bible League ministry.

“People have more desire to engage in the Word of God, and we still see more people coming.”

“That’s why, on behalf of the church, I thank God for Bible League.

“May this ministry prosper and progress.

“Please extend our greetings to the global Bible League family!”

And that…

dear reader, is what I’m doing now.

Receive the warmest regards from Pastor Kijanga and his church in Kemange, and know that your labor in God’s kingdom is not in vain!

It was 1993. The average cost of a gallon of gas was $1.11. Bill Clinton was president. The Chicago Bulls won their third consecutive championship. And in February of that year, terrorism arrived on America’s doorstep with the bombing of the World Trade Center’s parking garage.

About 8 months later and 7,000 miles away, another country experienced unimaginable upheaval. After only 100 days in office, Tutsi military officers assassinated Burundi’s first democratically elected president. This sparked Burundi’s brutal 12-year civil war between the Hutus and the Tutsis. An estimated 300,000 people died, including many child soldiers.

Bosco’s path

Bosco Mutebutsi (Listen to his story on the Word in Action podcast), National Director of Bible League in Burundi, lived this trauma firsthand. He was seven years old. The assassination had only occurred a week prior. But the bloodshed was already happening—everywhere. Bosco, his mom, and some extended family members, including 15 children and 5 adults, took shelter in a home.

At 5 A.M. on October 29, 1993, the killers arrived there. Bosco was one of three (all children) to make it out alive. His mother and father didn’t survive the violent attack. Bosco and his older sister, who hid in the swamp that morning, fled. They eventually found refuge in a church.

It’s hard to understand tragedies like these. Why did a young boy like Bosco have to watch such a brutal attack? Why did he lose his parents when he was so little? Still, the Lord did not abandon him.

For years after his parents’ murders, Bosco’s life was hopeless. He recalls how he felt at age 19, “I was at that point, really so hopeless. Life had no meaning at all.” Understandably, bitterness and grief filled his heart.

He only had one path in life: vengeance.

“All I wanted to do was finish school, go into the army, get a gun, and go after every person who killed my parents.” But everything changed when he committed his life to Christ at age 19. The hope of the Gospel transformed him.

A new way

It’s been just over 30 years since Burundi’s civil war began. Today, Bosco is a 38-year-old father of three boys. He is on a path full of hope and joy. A path that he fully realizes could have gone so differently.

“I don’t know where I would be if I went that route [of going into the army]. Maybe I would be dead by now or in prison. That was the hopeless route.” But when Bosco came to faith in Christ, the hopelessness and bitterness disappeared. He says confidently, “I was able to forgive the person who killed my parents. God gave me hope of another way of living.”

Now, Bosco has one path in life: hope.

Today, this hope…this joy…this better way of life is what motivates him to reach the many young people living throughout his nation.

• He sees his story in their faces.

• He sees his wounds in theirs.

• He sees the hopelessness in the eyes looking back at him.

He remembers what it was like to find refuge in that church all those years ago. And he remembers the joy and freedom he found in Christ nearly two decades ago.

Bosco explains with a bright smile,

To me, hope resides in believing in Jesus and knowing that He has a better path for you, which is different than the wounds you have gone through in your life. I’m not the only one who went through the civil war — there are so many young people and adults who still carry the wounds of the war. Once they find Jesus and build their lives on Him, He will give them a better hope and future as they learn to trust Him.

Sharing hope in a hopeless place

Since 2018, Bible League has been working alongside Bosco to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to the nation’s many young people. About two-thirds of the population is under the age of 25, making it so important to reach the next generation with God’s Word.

Though the war ended in 2005, many in this densely populated nation struggle to survive each day. One in two children under the age of five is chronically malnourished. This country bordering Rwanda and Tanzania is one of the poorest in the world.

Most people only make about $2 a day. What Americans paid for one gallon of gas 30 years ago is only about half of what Burundians make working in a single day.

“People cannot afford to eat twice a day. Most of them eat once a day, especially in rural areas. It’s really tough,” Bosco reveals the hardships faced by his people.

It is easy to feel hopeless in this place.

• Not enough food to eat.

• Not enough money to go around.

• Civil war.

• Starving children.

Yet, many young people are finding hope just like Bosco did.

Over the last six years, friends like you have reached more than 88,000 people in Burundi with God’s Word through Bible League’s Bible studies. The vast majority of those reached were youth. In 2023, Christians in Burundi reached about 56 young people per day using Bible League’s materials.

In this nation’s schools, there are religious education classes, so believers whom you’ve helped to train share the Gospel within these classes. Bosco explains, “We are seeing most of them coming to Christ as a result and joining the local churches and continuing to grow spiritually and having hope for eternity. We are seeing many young people transformed by the Gospel. I love what is written in Romans 1:16 and we are seeing that happening.”

Ferdinand’s path

One of these young people is 20-year-old Ferdinand. His heartbreaking loss and turmoil from a young age mirrors Bosco’s in many ways.

Ferdinand grew up Muslim and lost his father while young. His mother did her best to provide for her three children. At first, she sold sweet potatoes, but when sales failed, the leftovers became the only food for her kids. At age four, Ferdinand got Kwashiorkor, a disease caused by malnutrition. His family also couldn’t afford the school fees. Like countless other young people in this country, this family’s poverty forced Ferdinand to drop out of school.

Sadly, life continued growing harder for the young man. His mother began selling her body to support the family.

Ferdinand recalls with sadness, “Life was tough; we could not find food, then my mother went into prostitution to put food on the table.”

She also pressured her kids to bring in money, forcing them to shoplift to supplement what she couldn’t provide. “If you did not shoplift, she didn’t allow you to eat or would seriously beat you.”

In an already tumultuous time of life, neither of his paths were hopeful: abuse or stealing. Ferdinand chose stealing. But even in the darkest of moments, Ferdinand tried to better his life by playing Robin Hood. He eventually began saving some of the money from his shoplifting for not only food but school fees.

In many ways, Ferdinand’s life looked bleak. Yet, just as Bosco found hope and new life in God’s Word, so did Ferdinand. It all started when he returned to school and met Pastor Libérâtes.

Believing in Jesus

“He was living a difficult life. As a parent, I wanted to help him escape his hardships,” says Pastor Libérâtes as she speaks of Ferdinand. “His being a Muslim encouraged me. It is our job as pastors to seek, serve, and disciple the lost.”

The 51-year-old mother of nine and Ferdinand both remember his first class with her where she taught a small group Bible study using Bible League’s materials. It was only fitting that on that day, Pastor Libérâtes was teaching the story of Joseph from Genesis 37. “Joseph dreamed of being a family leader, but his brothers hated him. Ferdinand loved Joseph’s story. He approached me, stating he had a problem,” she says.

He was interested in the teaching but unsure about accepting it. Coming from a Muslim home, he knew following Jesus would cause problems. She assured him they would help him. Ferdinand wanted to know more about Jesus.

“He asked me, ‘Who is Jesus?’ I said, ‘Jesus is our creator; He died on the cross to save us from our sins,’” she remembers.

Ferdinand remembers that same moment with his mentor. “I saw her joy when she taught us and felt God wanted me to tell her my story. I told her about my life, and she listened carefully. She shared the Gospel with me, and I believed in Christ,” he says.

New faith…new challenges

Now, the 20-year-old was on a path of hope. And what Ferdinand thought would happen because of his new faith came true. Unfortunately, Ferdinand’s belief in Jesus only made his home life more challenging.

He recalls solemnly,

When I received Jesus, my mother began to mistreat me.

• She got angry when I prayed and stopped stealing.

• She ceased funding my studies.

• She kicked me out.

• I spent cold nights outside.

He dropped out of school again and began sleeping in the church, fed by well-wishers. He found himself cold, hungry, and rejected. Though suffering, his faith remained firm.

“I lived in sorrow, but I kept serving the Lord,” he says. “Even though my mother was against me, I followed Jesus and got baptized.”

One day, Ferdinand returned home for a visit. He brought his mom groceries, expecting the worst. But the reality was very different. She was amazed by his sense of responsibility and his faith. Her heart softened and she invited him back home. Though she’s still not a believer, she allows her son to practice his faith.

Transformed lives

Ferdinand’s radical change is also transforming the community. “He is a changed person. He is joyful and happy to serve in our church,” says Pastor Libérâtes. Other Muslims are coming to the church because of his powerful story. “Muslims surround us. It is God’s miracle for us,” she says.

Today, Ferdinand continues studying God’s Word through Bible League’s small group Bible studies to grow deeper in his faith. “Now, I understand the Bible, I pray to God and wait for His results,” he says.

There are still so many young people like Ferdinand in Burundi and around the world who are desperately searching for hope for a better tomorrow. Just as the Lord transformed Bosco’s life at the age of 19, He has done the same for Ferdinand at 20. And he did the same for Joseph at 17.

Joseph’s path

In Genesis 37, 39-50, Joseph goes on a journey from a completely hopeless place as a 17-year-old whose brothers tried to kill him to a 30-year-old whom Pharoah put in charge of the entire land of Egypt. A path that ends with a dramatic family reunion with the brothers who tried to murder him. At that moment, he also had a choice between two paths: vengeance or forgiveness.

Joseph chose forgiveness, saying to his brothers, “It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God’s plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened.” Genesis 50:20 ERV

A brighter future

It’s easy to see why Joseph’s story touched Ferdinand’s heart on his first day with Pastor Libérâtes. A young man whose family turned against him only to have the Lord put him on a new path full of life, hopes, and dreams. It is the same hope that touched Bosco’s heart all those years ago. The same transformation he dreams of seeing in the next generation of his country’s people.

Bosco’s face lights up as he says,

Having seen how the Gospel impacted my life, I want to give an opportunity to future generations and growing generations to encounter the Gospel to also have a better future…a better hope. Because there is a lot of hopelessness among young people. Therefore, I want them to be grounded. To anchor themselves—their lives—upon God because He is able to provide for them and care for their future.

Though Ferdinand is only at the beginning of his new path, he already has a much brighter future with Christ. One where God will guide him each step of the way—even in the worst moments of his life. One where the Lord will use him to save the lives of many people…just as He uses Bosco…just as He used Joseph.

Ferdinand says, “I pray that one day, He’ll help me to teach others what I have learned. God willing, I want to care for people living difficult lives.”

Please join Ferdinand in praying for his future and the futures of the many other young people worldwide.

In the next hour alone, your gifts and prayers will reach about 137 kids and teens worldwide with God’s Word through Bible League’s Bible studies and literacy classes.

May they grow up rooted in the hope only found in the pages of God’s Word.

The moment I landed in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital city, I felt an undeniable sense of adventure and excitement. The city was a chaotic mix of honking cars, bikes, and even cattle roaming the streets. The hustle and bustle of the traffic made me feel a little unnerved, but I was eager to explore everything that Nepal had to offer.

As I made my way to the hotel with Ram Hari, the national director of Bible League Nepal, he told me how the pandemic had affected the country. And indeed, I could see the effects of the pandemic everywhere. With many people losing their jobs and tourism coming to a halt, Nepal was forever changed. But despite the challenges, the people of Nepal remain warm, welcoming, and down-to-earth.

Coming from my home country of India, Nepal felt familiar, yet wonderfully distinct. I was struck by how the Nepali people’s resilience and strong sense of community persists despite their hardships.

Pastor Gangaram

As we arrived at the Church of the Nazarene, we were greeted in the customary Nepali way—“Jai Masiki,” which means “Praise the Lord.” Pastor Gangaram and his congregation welcomed us with open arms.

Inside the church, he explained, “I was the first person in our family to come to faith.” Today, his church has grown to around 200 members. I was struck by the beautiful building that stood in contrast to the poverty surrounding it.

Gangaram (left) with his wife and son.

Gangaram, his wife, and their two grown children live in a modest mud cottage with a thatched roof just a few meters away. The pastor showed me around his home and told me about his life. They have nothing more than the bare minimum for survival. In rural Nepal, conveniences like a refrigerator, washing machine, or dishwasher are considered a luxury.

Gangaram grew up in a Hindu family in the rugged mountains of Nepalganj in mid-western Nepal. His journey to the Lord began during the civil unrest in Nepal, a nationwide war between the Nepalese royal government and the Communist Party of Nepal. Gangaram was forced to flee his homeland because of the war.

During this trying time, he heard the story of Jesus. “A brother preached the Gospel to me and I accepted it with open arms,” he said. “That moment was a turning point in my life.” His journey was far from easy, as he faced intense opposition from his family and the villagers when he began the Gospel work.

A certain passage from the Book of John had a powerful impact on Gangaram. “I used to love Hinduism and Buddhism; I memorized many passages of the texts,” he says. “But after reading in the Bible that ‘God is spirit’ (John 4:24), it changed my thinking significantly!”

He returned to his hometown with a newfound love for God and a fervent desire to share the Gospel with everyone he met. He went door-to-door, inviting people to the church, especially those struggling with poverty, illnesses, and other challenges.

Gangaram considers the villagers “needy people” patiently searching for a breakthrough. Many village residents migrated from the mountains to the plains in search of a better quality of life. Moreover, the plains had access to better schools, healthcare, shops, and other advantages. That was the means through which God led them to the church.

Gangaram’s efforts to evangelize were met with severe resistance. His relatives forced him and his family out of the village. They even burned their Bibles and hurled filthy abuses at them. “This is a foreign religion,” they accused the zealous pastor, who didn’t buckle under pressure.

Despite hostility from some in the local community and family members, the church continues to expand. Gangaram has not stopped going door-to-door and inviting people to the Project Philip Bible studies. Once people begin to slowly read God’s Word, they notice changes in their own lives.

Even after they become Christians, cultural and traditional ties still appear to exert a vise-like grip on their lives—at least from what I could tell. This is where studying God’s Word becomes crucial for experiencing true deliverance in their lives. When I brought up the topic of culture, Gangaram was quick to point out that he had a hard time breaking free from the deeply ingrained cultural and traditional practices and that he needed prayer and Bible study to do so.

Despite the obstacles, the Church in Nepal continues to grow and thrive, with Project Philip and Bible-based Literacy playing an instrumental role in bringing people closer to God.

Leading through Literacy—Shobika’s Journey

Shobika sees herself as more than a teacher; she hopes to be a mentor.

Shobika is an inspiring teacher who oversees Bible-based Literacy in Pastor Gangaram’s church. Her passion lies in educating and empowering young girls and boys in their preteens. Interestingly, Shobika comes from a Hindu family, and her father works abroad, a common trend in Nepal due to poverty and unemployment. Like in Gangaram’s story, Shobika’s father discovered the Gospel outside his home country and returned home to share it with his family, becoming the first to receive the Good News.

Shobika leads a class of seven beautiful girls who are eager to learn. They greet her with “Jai Masih.” Despite their shyness and reserved demeanor, the girls muster all their courage to ask me, “Sir, can we take a group photo with you?” I felt humbled by their request and replied, “Of course.” Behind their lovely smiles, however, lies a tragic story of pain and sorrow. Two girls come from divorced families and live in poverty, with no father to care for or provide for their needs. But despite their struggles, they come to class eager to learn and grow.

As we sat in a circle with the students, Shobika shared her story of how she came to know Christ. Her own journey to the faith had not been easy, but she was grateful for the opportunity to teach these young girls about the love of God. Her voice choked with emotion when she shared her struggles of not having a house and having to share a room with a friend, her husband, and her two-year-old son. Her husband, a church member, drives an autorickshaw for a living.

“I love to teach. I dreamed of speaking English and teaching children from childhood,” Shobika said.

She referenced Acts 8 and asked, “How can they learn and know God without someone telling them about the Bible? The nicest part about teaching is I have learned a lot.”

Shobika (back right) with her class.

Shobika’s commitment to the girls goes beyond just teaching them literacy skills. She sees herself as a mentor and role model who can help them navigate life’s challenges and stay true to their faith.

The student’s personal experiences were inspiring to hear. Shobika said, “When they first walked into class, they knew nothing about Jesus or the Bible. Now, they are all devoted Christians with big dreams and a love for the Bible.”

As we wrapped up our time together, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Shobika and the girls in her class. Through their commitment to learning and growing in their faith, they are shining examples of what it means to have faith in God.

A Desolate Land and a Jovial Pastor

“Can any good possibly come from this place?” I found myself questioning what could be found in the dry, barren land we drove through that had no proper roads or vegetation. The area was dusty and rundown, with evidence of poverty visible in the crumbling buildings. Pastor Benjamin is a jovial and welcoming person anyone would want as a friend. After he became a Christian, he changed his name to Benjamin—a normal practice for new believers here. He is short and soft-spoken, but his words carry weight.

As his story unfolded, I sat there in awe, listening intently to every word. He had lived a life full of hardship and struggles, yet his faith in God had never wavered. His life story fascinated me as he attempted to describe the unimaginable problems and unexpected turns that life held for him. In numerous statements, he acknowledged God’s hidden guidance. He said, “This wouldn’t have been possible without God.” And it’s so true!

Beginnings

Benjamin and his family.

“My parents lost seven children, and then I was born,” Benjamin begins his heartbreaking tale. Despite their religious practices of performing pujas and offering goats and sheep, his parents found no solace. At that time, conversion was prohibited, but two evangelists managed to sneak into his parents’ village and share the Gospel with the family. It changed their lives. Benjamin was the last of their children to be born after they converted to Christianity.

But their newfound faith came with consequences. Benjamin’s father was arrested, his only crime being that he was a follower of Jesus. The village council grilled and questioned him, “You have embraced the religion of cow-eaters. Will you forsake this Western religion or leave the village?”

“No, we will not leave Jesus,” he replied boldly.

“Then we will not allow you to live in our village.”

They were expelled from the village.

Benjamin’s parents walked for 10 days to another district to the house of a pastor who gave them shelter, where they stayed and grew in faith. That sounded incredibly heroic. I was reminded of the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22 NIV).

Education and Ministry

Benjamin joyfully serves the Lord even though he faces opposition for his faith.

Benjamin grew up during this struggle; his education was affected as he was in and out of school. He was expected to contribute financially to his family from an early age. He helped support them by working in a family business.

It felt like a biblical contradiction to me that the pastors and believers I have met are among the poorest people yet among the most cheerful and pleasant.

A pastor asked Benjamin, “Will you do ministry?” His enthusiastic response set him on the path of learning about God and helping His people. He studied in a Bible school, which initially laid the foundation of God’s Word. However, he had to leave his parents and travel to India in search of work because of financial difficulties. He washed dishes and cooked Chinese cuisine in a hotel.

One day, a pastor’s wife told him, “Son, there is no point in you staying here and working like this. I have seen a vision of you; you should return to Nepal and start doing ministry there.”

He heeded her advice and returned to Nepal. With his meager savings, he started a “Believer’s Restaurant.” What a lovely name for a dining establishment!

Impact and Legacy

His experience of working in India proved useful. God began blessing the restaurant, and the business grew as the years passed. He started a church adjacent to the restaurant. A pastor from Bible League introduced him to our Church Planter Training program. The ministry got off to a great start. People started coming to the church in big numbers. As it grew, he left the restaurant business and started focusing on the church.

“I have been in the ministry for the last 15 years; since then, our church has grown to more than 200 members,” he says with humility and appreciation. When asked how he built this church, he was quick to credit the humble believers who generously donated their land and money within their limited means, and God blessed them.

One of the believers gave a little plot of property, and Benjamin rode me over there on his bike to show it to me. However, they don’t have the money to construct a church building. We both lifted our hands and prayed for God to provide resources to build; the existing hall cannot contain the growing number of people.

Despite government crackdowns on evangelism, the Nepali Church continues to flourish. If reported, Christians who gather to worship will be arrested. Many such cases have happened.

One reason for the growth is that people are finding deliverance from evil spirits, childlessness, and healing from sickness in the name of Jesus. Some come to find a way out of poverty.

Pastor Benjamin, his family, and their three sons serve the Lord. They are a family devoted to the Lord! They may not have much in the way of material wealth, but they have an abundance of God’s love. He preaches in the neighboring villages that Jesus Christ is the Savior of all.

As we said our goodbyes, I felt humbled by the incredible work that Benjamin is doing. He has proven that anything is possible with faith and determination. The barren land I had initially dismissed is a thriving community, thanks to one man’s unwavering belief in a faithful God.

The Church in Nepal continues to grow and thrive amid persecution. From my conversations with scores of pastors and believers, I can tell that many people are searching for answers to their problems and are finding them in Jesus Christ. My trip to Nepal was an eye-opening experience, and I left with a renewed appreciation for the power of the Gospel to transform lives and communities.

Bobby Thomas is a Communications Manager located in India. He travels across Asia to tell stories of brave believers who are serving the Lord.

On a hot afternoon, we arrive at Rehoboth Lighthouse Church, a beautiful sanctuary in rural Masvingo, Zimbabwe. The country is in the process of rebuilding after decades of recession and myriad of challenges. Overlooking the church is a newly constructed theology school with ivory walls and a grey roof. There’s a central flower bed bringing a touch of nature and color.

The sanctuary is almost empty except for one corner filled with boxed materials indicative of active ministry. Adjacent is a large table and chairs where the children are busy coloring. The beige walls and arched blue windows accentuate an airy feeling. The pulpit has a royal purple theme and distinct brown couches reserved for church leaders. Many flags represent nations affiliated with the church, and I’m glad to see the Kenyan flag, the flag of my home country. Unforgettable is a blue cross at the center of the main wall with a couple of microphones and drum sets.

Teacher Shinga and the youth pastor, Blessing, welcome us. We go around the table making acquaintances, and the children curtsey when they greet us as a sign of respect. Blessing is eager to share the Discovery Series’ impact on children here. His green safari-style shirt and broad smile complement his charismatic and joyful demeanor. He’s devoted to teaching children God’s Word, evidenced by his heart welling up with the desire to see Zimbabwe’s children transformed.

Capturing Children

Blessing begins by sharing his outlook on these children. “They’re active, lovable, and brilliant. I believe that children are at the heart of God’s Kingdom,” he says. He quotes Matthew 19:14 ERV, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children.”

The Discovery Series reaches children at a critical age and gives them a solid foundation in God. Children can relate to Bible stories in everyday life, so the stories influence their choices. Pastor Blessing attests that since the program’s onset, the children have enjoyed attending the classes. More children participate in the classes, and the pictures in the books and the coloring captures their attention.

The 14-piece suite features teaching manuals, student Bible study booklets, and coloring books. The interactive nature of the lessons plays an instrumental role in shaping children’s hearts using God’s Word. This creative tool teaches children to use pictures, imprinting images in their minds that they recall easily. It also helps with development as younger children practice using crayons.

Pastor Blessing joins the children in the coloring session, and it’s lovely to see the children sharing crayons and showing their finished work to him. He acknowledges each child’s work, to which they respond with beaming faces.

“I like the booklet because it simplifies the Bible stories and helps me understand God’s Word,” says 11-year-old Nenyasha. “I’ve learned from the story of the 10 Commandments that following God is the best way to live. God wants us to learn his teachings and laws.”

We meet nine-year-old Vision, who is dressed in a yellow and red checkered uniform. She loves the Discovery Series books because they help her make short prayers. And Abraham and Sarah’s story has taught her that God will keep His promises to her. She recites her favorite verse–Jeremiah 29:11. It assures her that God has good plans for her.

At 11 years old, Margaret has been impacted by the story of Joseph. “I have learned that God will protect us from our enemies. We can trust He has a special plan for us even if we cannot see it,” she says. “I have changed because I now enjoy reading the Bible and believe other children should use these books to learn how to color and share. Thank you, Bible League!”

Equipping Leaders

The manuals have simplified Pastor Blessing’s teaching. Before, he had to create a curriculum. “The Discovery Series compiles everything for the teacher; all one has to do is read and understand the content. And there’s strong theological content that correlates with the children’s book. Now the teachers look forward to teaching Sunday school,” he says.

He has noticed that children are the most neglected group in many churches, yet God has ordained praise in their lips. His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 8:2 ERV, “From the mouths of children and babies come songs of praise to you. They sing of your power to silence your enemies seeking revenge.” He recommends including children in the praise and worship since they’re also involved in the day-to-day spiritual battles.

Teacher Shinga has been instructing children for four years, and I wanted to know what her name meant. “Shinga means brave,” she told me. Her commanding voice, bold disposition, and striking mustard dress were evidence that her name matched her personality.

Previously, she used biblical drama and memory verses to engage the children in God’s Word. Asked what difference the Discovery Series books had on the children, she replied immediately. “They are receiving the materials very well, especially the coloring books; the activity has taught them how to share things,” Shinga says. “It’s also playful, and they’re learning how to interact with each other very well.”

Parents are elated that their children are boldly sharing memory verses and know how to pray, something they couldn’t do before. Many of the kids now volunteer to pray during meals.

Teacher Shinga affirms that the books have taught the children to read and understand God’s Word. “As the children color the Bible character of Joseph with the coat of many colors, it brings the Bible to life,” she says.

She thanks Bible League for providing structured Discovery Series books, making teaching children easier. “I love this program because it’s targeting children; when you teach them while they’re still young, they won’t depart from it,” she says, referencing Proverbs 22:6. “They’ll grow up knowing His Word and living the way of the Lord.”

Touching Communities

This transformation has also made a difference in the lives of parents. Kids are excited to showcase the pictures they colored, and parents are equally happy, some even asking to join the classes. Some parents urge neighbors to send their children to church because of the change they see in their own kids. Often, kids are reached first, then the whole family eventually joins the church, meaning the churches here are growing. The community is pleased their children are deterred from evil and nurtured in God’s Word at a tender age.

In Crow borough, a high-density suburb in Zimbabwe, we visit a daycare where young kids are using the materials. We talk to the kids and teachers under a large mango tree overlooking a black veranda of the main house.

“The children love the Discovery Series books very much; they when I share the stories and they get to color,” states teacher Monica. She’s been teaching children for three years using her digital Bible. She noted a significant change in the children’s interactions with the books; it has enhanced their fine motor skills using crayons.

The daycare is a small room with colorful hanging artwork and colorings of Bible characters. The little ones are dressed sharply in white and red uniforms and black shoes. Some fearlessly recite memory verses while others are engrossed in their coloring books. Adele, a bold five-year-old girl, warms our hearts. Her immense love for memorizing Scripture is evident when she begins to speak.

“There was darkness; then God said, let there be light. Then the light began to shine… let me make a man and a helper for him. Eat all the fruit except the tree at the center. Then the snake lied to them, and they ate the fruit. Then God punished all of them,” she recites confidently.

Children naturally gravitate toward Monica, the soft-spoken teacher, and they have since she was a child. So, as an adult, she trained as a teacher as she enjoys interacting with the young ones. She believes training children in God’s Word at an early age keeps them from heading in the wrong direction. “Nowadays, young people abuse drugs, but if we instill God’s Word in children, they won’t lose their way. Thank you, Bible League, for providing the Discovery Series books and remembering the young children. The books have made teaching children the Word of God easier.”

Lifechanging Materials

Pastor Caroline, the mother of one of the children, attests to the program’s impact. She invites us to her home, where the children use the Discovery Series materials. We meet Princess, her seven-year-old daughter, a petite girl in a white lace dress with a deep voice. She loves the program and recites Philippians 4:4 (ERV), “Always be filled with joy in the Lord. I will say it again. Be filled with joy.”

Pastor Caroline has seen the impact of the program in her own home. “My daughter’s behavior has changed; she’s respectfully speaking to me. She’s helping with the house chores, unlike before. She’s gained courage and is participating in church doing memory verses.”

We conclude our visit with one remarkable young boy named Tanaka. The future is bright for this nine-year-old who loves reading God’s Word. We watch him narrate the creation story to his classmates and read from the book of Genesis. His internalization of Scripture is impressive; we can hear his passion and see the program’s impact on him. The program is developing young leaders to disciple their generation for God.

“I love the Discovery Series booklet because it teaches us that God protects us always,” he says. His favorite Bible story is of Noah and the Ark, which he shares from memory. His authoritative voice and engaging eyes strike us. He shares his beloved verse, Psalm 23:1 (ERV) “The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need.” This verse reassures him that God is always the provider. “I thank Bible League for publishing these booklets and urge them to make more so that other children may know the Word of God.”

Pastor Blessing sees the potential impact from a program like this, one that will change more than his community. “Society changes once the Gospel impacts the children and they understand the Word,” he says. “If Bible League can send the books to many other countries, we can change the world.”

Jennifer Macharia is a Bible League Communications Manager located in our Kenya office. She covers stories of God’s goodness across Africa and in Europe.

Each time I watch the small video I made upon arrival at Pastor Shadrack’s church in Mwamapalala, the sheer joy energizes me again. A small group of congregants sang a happy Swahili song, and although its lyrics were simple, its message was revealing.

“I am amazed by Jesus
Wherever I go, I find Him
When I go to Shinyanga, I find Him
When I go to Uganda, I find Him
When I go to Shinyanga, I find Him
When I go abroad, I find Him
When I go to Kigoma, I find Him
When I go abroad, I find Him
I find Him, I find Him.”One year ago, there was no church here, not even a Bible study group. These colorfully dressed ladies, rhythmically clapping their hands; these young men, singing with big smiles on their faces; that middle-aged woman graciously dancing around; that whole bunch of laughing children. None of them knew anything about the Lord Jesus.

“After being trained as an evangelist through Project Philip, I felt I had to come to Mwamapalala,” Pastor Shadrack told me. “I chose this area for my ministry because I felt in my heart these people needed the Gospel. We started the Bible studies in December last year. Since then, the group has grown into a church.”

“When I go to Shinyanga, I find Him…”

Mwamapalala is a tiny village in Tanzania’s western Shinyanga Region. I traveled there recently with my host, Pastor Nicodemus Kitto (pictured below), who serves as Bible League’s local ministry leader. Pastor Nicodemus is based in Shinyanga Town, the capital of the region with the same name, but most of the ministry happens in the rural areas. “Compared to the urban areas, the rural people are very poor; they can’t even afford to buy a Bible,” he explained. “Also, there are many idol worshippers in rural areas. That’s what attracted us to go there.”

Bicycle

When we left Shinyanga that early Saturday morning in July, the city was waking up. There was quite a bit of motorized traffic, but the more we left the center, the fewer cars we saw. Soon, we drove through farming fields, where donkey carts and ox-wagons were the most conspicuous vehicles. However, most people traveled either on foot or riding a bicycle.

Under-Developed

Tanzania is easily one of the poorest countries I’ve visited so far. Despite the vast availability of potential farmland, there are no large farms because there’s no money to invest in developing larger-scale agriculture. “Because of political issues, the government doesn’t have plans to empower the rural people,” Nicodemus explained. “And even if they would have, there would be no capital to do so. There is no development here, and the prices for the crops are very low. The farms are not sufficient to keep society going. There’s no heavy industry, either. We import most things.”

The most striking and sobering sight to me in this regard was young children herding cattle and even breaking the ground with pickaxes. I can’t imagine I would feel the pressing urge to send my kids out for such hard labor. Here, however, lots of impoverished peasants simply cannot miss the extra pair of hands.

Poverty is not restricted to the economy, though. Idolatry and witchcraft tend to be rife in an under-developed, rural environment like Tanzania’s Shinyanga Region. Due to a lack of healthcare, people quickly turn to witch doctors and their remedies. At the same time, the Gospel’s antidote to paganism is scarce because the few existing churches are heavily under-resourced.

“Wherever I go, I find Him…”

“If I go east where the sun rises or go to live in the west beyond the sea, even there you will take my hand and lead me. Your strong right hand will protect me,” says Psalm 139:9-10. It’s that notion that Mwamapalala’s new believers conveyed with their simple song. Led by the Holy Spirit, Pastor Shadrack (pictured below) taught them to trust Jesus, Who promised to be with us always—a promise no false god could ever live up to. The Project Philip Bible study program gave him the skills and experience to minister to the locals.

“I love the simplified language of Bible League’s Scripture materials,” Pastor Shadrack pointed out. “They are easy to read and understand, which helps me tremendously in my ministry.”

“The booklets have strengthened my knowledge of the Word of God.”

Kanisa Mlima Moria (Mount Moria Church) was the name of Pastor Shadrack’s church. The phrase “a humble abode” would be the politest way to describe it. With its rusty brown metal doors and similar iron grids over its glassless windows, the construction appeared like an abandoned workshop. There was no sign at the entrance that indicated it was a church. However, around the corner of the building, I saw the words “Karibu uabudu pamoja nasi” painted in large, regular capitals on the wall, which translates to “Welcome to worship with us.” The invitation that has attracted many already.

Inside, plastic chairs stood on the dusty concrete floor, which was in a poor state. Pastor Shadrack and his fledgling congregation had hung colorful curtains on the wall to make the room look at least a bit like a sanctuary. “That’s been our main challenge,” he intimated. “We have people, but we don’t have our own building. So, we rent this place, which, of course, is costly.”

“I am amazed by Jesus…”

Before Shadrack started his work among the people of Mwamapalala, he consulted the local government, asking their permission to start a church. “They told me there are about 200 households here, with up to 15 people in one house,” he said. Acknowledging that the few existing churches were far away, they granted him his request. Now, with his rapidly growing congregation, the rented building became too small. Again, the local government showed their favor for Shadrack’s ministry.

“The community leader has allowed me to obtain a piece of land to build our own church on,” he said with gratitude. “God is good! You can see the land if you like.”

Pastor Shadrack brought me to an uncultivated stretch of bushveld on the opposite side of the road. There, behind a row of rustling trees, lay a plot about half the size of a soccer field. Shadrack spread his arms and announced, “In August, we will start constructing our permanent building. This is where we will be worshipping!”

Worshipping that “amazing Jesus,” Who has used Pastor Shadrack to find Mwamapalala’s people. Soon, they will search His intimate presence in a sanctuary of their own. And not only they! “My vision is to expand the work of God,” Pastor Shadrack stressed.

“Other villages nearby haven’t been reached with the Gospel. I want them all to know Christ.”

The pastor then expressed the need for more training and Scripture materials from Bible League International. “I’m telling the supporters, please, continue providing these for us,” he pleaded. “I’m giving thanks for what they are doing to help us in the ministry. And please, also pray for us as we start building our church.”

“Send me, Lord…”

Pastor Shadrack arrived in Mwamapalala on a motorcycle, one of the few motorized vehicles in the vast surroundings. On top of the headlight was a black shield with white letters saying, “Nitume mimi Bwana,” Swahili for “Send me, Lord.” I couldn’t sum up Shadrack’s commitment more clearly. He has ceded the handlebar of his life to the Lord. While I’m back at my desk, watching that joyful snippet that inspired me to write this story, Shadrack is riding his motorcycle across Shinyanga’s dusty roads, seeking more people to reach with the Good News. “As the Scriptures say, ‘How wonderful it is to see someone coming to tell good news!’” (Romans 10:15)

Pastor Jacob

After visiting Mwamapalala, Pastor Nicodemus brought me to Idonho, a place even smaller and less significant. A handful of simple structures on sandy, dry soil, with a thorny tree here and there—that’s all it is. But there are lost people here, people who desperately need to hear the Good News! Here, another young pastor named Jacob (pictured below with his family) followed God’s call to plant a church.

“After I completed the Project Philip training, I chose Idonho as my target area because there was no church, not a single one,” Pastor Jacob told me. “Those who live here, mostly small farmers, are idol worshippers. I felt peace in my heart in this area,” he added. “That’s why I started here.”

27-year-old Jacob is a man of few words. He is of average height, slender, and in his yellow shirt and blue pants, he looks sober yet neat. He started his ministry in February this year.

“My first group had five people,” he recalls. “The Bible study program attracted many others, and now, we are with 28 people in our church.”

Rapid growth

I met Pastor Jacob in his church in Idonho, a small mudbrick building with a rusty tin roof. About 25 people, young and old, gathered inside. Wondering if he could keep up with the rapid growth of his congregation, I asked Pastor Jacob if he had received training to become a church planter or pastor.

“No other training than Project Philip,” he replied.

“Would you like to have more training?” I inquired.

“Very much, yes!” was his passionate response. Further education would enable the young leader to oversee, manage, and nurture his congregation. “The church keeps growing,” he pointed out. “Some of my people are waiting to be baptized, while other newcomers desire to be born-again. They used to worship idols, but now, they are coming to Jesus.”

Direction

Jacob commenced his work in Idonho by simply going from house to house, encouraging the locals to join the Bible study group he had initiated.

“I found an open attitude among them,” he said. “As soon as they joined the Bible study, they started coming to church, too. I didn’t even have to urge them.”

“The Scripture resources of Bible League International have been beneficial,” he continued. “They are giving me direction, and because the language is simplified, the people understand them very well. The best thing about those booklets is that they help people transform their lives from idolatry to serving Christ.”

Although Idonho might seem nondescript, Pastor Jacob saw much potential. “My target for the coming years is to reach 700 people with the Gospel,” he said without batting an eyelid. “I’ll need a lot of trained workers, but Project Philip will help me.”

Much to desire

At the time of my visit, the budding church rented the tiny place of worship where we met. “This building doesn’t belong to us, so we are paying monthly,” Pastor Jacob related. “Recently, however, we have bought a plot nearby, within walking distance, where we can build our own church.”

Little education, no children’s materials, ambitious expansion plans, and a still-to-build sanctuary; there is much left to desire for Pastor Jacob. What would he like to tell the supporters of Bible League International?

“I would thank them heartily,” he said in his unassuming manner, “but I’d also ask them to continue their support so we can reach more people.”

Tremendous encouragement

Driving back to Shinyanga, I contemplated the meetings I had that day. The similar needs of Pastors Shadrack and Jacob weighed on my heart—so much ground to break in the Lord’s vineyard here with such limited tools. At the same time, I rejoiced about the openness to God’s Word I had so clearly sensed. The impact of the Project Philip Bible study program is enormous in rural Shinyanga.

Pastor Nicodemus, our ministry leader, pointed out that I might be among the few white people the locals will see in their lives. They’d never imagined people all the way from Europe would make an effort to come to Shinyanga to spend time with them. Likewise, the ongoing involvement of Bible League International’s supporters is a tremendous encouragement to Shinyanga’s fledgling churches. Pondering all that, the words from that simple song resounded in my heart,

“I am amazed by Jesus,
Wherever I go, I find Him!”

Anton de Vreugd is a Communication Specialist located in The Netherlands. He has been with Bible League International for more than 20 years and has traveled extensively, witnessing firsthand the way God uses your gifts around the globe. 

A few years ago, I sat on a wooden bench in front of a small middle-aged woman with teary eyes. Her name was Lenora. I was in a tiny one-room church with woven bamboo walls, a dirt floor, and about 10 handcrafted benches for churchgoers to use during service. This church is on Samal Island, a popular place for tourists to visit in the southern Philippines.

I had asked her a simple question, “How has Bible League’s Church Planter Training helped you?” Her touching response to my straightforward question surprised me. And even though she answered me in her native language of Cebuano, the tears streaming from her eyes didn’t need any interpreting.

Before she became a Bible League-trained church planter, her church only had one Bible. Lenora and two others shared it. “So we divided the Bible. We cut the Bible into three,” she said. Cutting a Bible? A lot of us would never think of doing something so drastic. But Lenora and the two other believers had no other choice.

They split it from Genesis to Psalms; Proverbs to Jeremiah; and Lamentations to Revelation. She revealed, “It’s really true. We divided it so that each one of us could have a Bible.” Despite having shared the Gospel many times and baptizing people, this woman still didn’t have a complete Bible.

Each day there are countless others like Lenora who are trying to serve God and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in their communities, but they don’t have the Bibles or training to foster lasting growth.

Planting seeds on rocky ground

Have you ever tried to plant a garden on rocky ground?

Unless you were planting a cactus, it likely didn’t go well. Due to the harsh soil, your plants most likely struggled to grow deep roots. Unable to drink in water and nutrients to be healthy, they probably shriveled and died.

This is the same experience of many under-resourced churches around the globe. Believers like Lenora are desperately trying to plant seeds of the Gospel in their communities, hoping the roots flourish in Christ. But how can their plants take root when they are working with such rocky ground, especially when they don’t have what’s needed to cultivate growth?

Just as Jesus proclaims in the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, only seeds planted in rich soil will grow deep roots and produce a bountiful harvest.

“But some of the seed fell on good ground. There it grew and made grain. Some plants made 100 times more grain, some 60 times more, and some 30 times more.” Matthew 13:8 ERV

Bible League International’s mission is to serve the under-resourced Church with Bibles and training to transform lives worldwide through God’s Word. Under‐resourced churches like Lenora’s in the Philippines are often small, remote, or isolated with limited access to Bibles. Some of these churches experience poverty, crime, persecution, injustices, and isolation. They also lack the training they need to help people understand God’s Word, grow in their faith, and share the Gospel in their communities.

Each under-resourced church deals with unique challenges and cultures. But they have one thing in common—the seeds they are planting lack the nourishment they need to produce a great harvest. As Jesus explains in Matthew 13:18-22 ERV:

So listen to the meaning of that story about the farmer:

What about the seed that fell by the path? That is like the people who hear the teaching about God’s kingdom but do not understand it. The Evil One comes and takes away what was planted in their hearts.

And what about the seed that fell on rocky ground? That is like the people who hear the teaching and quickly and gladly accept it. But they do not let the teaching go deep into their lives. They keep it only a short time. As soon as trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching they accepted, they give up.

And what about the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That is like the people who hear the teaching but let worries about this life and love for money stop it from growing. So it does not produce a crop in their lives.

Instead of good soil that will produce a bountiful crop, most Christians whom Bible League serves live in places where the soil is hard and rocky. This is the case for those who call Sri Lanka home.

Thriving in the desert

Sri Lanka is a small island nation that relies heavily on tourism, which people simply couldn’t maintain during the pandemic. This, coupled with an already unsteady economy, has led to a steep financial crisis—especially for the many daily laborers and farmers. The situation may seem sadly familiar. For more than a decade, the world has watched as the country of Venezuela has crumbled. That nation is experiencing a humanitarian crisis with hyperinflation skyrocketing to 3,000%. People there are unable to buy food, medicine, or even get water.

Unfortunately, Sri Lanka could be heading in the same direction.

Christy, Bible League Sri Lanka’s National Director, says, “Those that are living here at the moment are really struggling. We can’t get gas for cooking or fuel for vehicles. And the price of all consumer items has skyrocketed. This is the first time in history it has ever been like this. Even the government says they have no money.”

A typical person in Sri Lanka makes only about $75 a month. Now with high inflation, the prices of even basic necessities have doubled. The people of Sri Lanka can’t feed their families, let alone purchase a Bible, which costs the same as a day’s wages. On top of these financial hardships, Christians represent only about 2% of the population. Most there believe in Buddhism or Hinduism, leaving many Christ-followers alone and without training or resources to grow God’s Church in their communities.

It seems like a desert. How could Christians produce a great crop in such a hard place? But the Bibles and training you help to provide are the nutrients they need to help their churches stay strong. Despite the harsh environment, churches there are thriving through Bible League’s Project Philip Bible studies and Church Planter Training. Right now, countless people know there is hope in Christ—even in the most hopeless moments.

Fighting the weeds

In other places, thorns plague the ground, choking out the healthy roots from local churches. When believers around the world don’t have access to Bibles and training, weeds like false teachings creep up, smothering the truth of God’s Word.

Pastor Vicente and his wife Maria are Bible League-trained church planters from Muhalaze, Mozambique. They’ve seen firsthand how weeds of false doctrine can infest a faith community if Bibles and training are unavailable. In the church they planted several years ago, a church leader began mixing biblical rituals with mutis. “Mutis is like traditional medicine—witch doctor’s stuff,” Pastor Vicente explains. This church leader created some rituals of his own, mixing oil symbolizing the anointing of the Holy Spirit with mutis and applying it to the church members. Unfortunately, the false teacher lured most people away from Pastor Vicente’s church with these practices.

This is not an uncommon story in communities worldwide, especially in parts of Africa. But it’s experiences like Pastor Vicente and Maria’s that make it so clear why having Bibles and training make all the difference in creating flourishing faith communities. It was only through Bible League’s Project Philip Bible studies that the couple’s church began to gather new church members.

Pastor Vicente reveals, “Project Philip is a powerful tool to spread the true Gospel of Jesus. Whoever follows the teachings of the Bible through Project Philip, is in the right way. Through the Church Planter Training, I’ve been equipped with the right things to do and to say.” Today, their church has more than 20 people.

Each day, Bible League’s ministry programs, materials, and training bring spiritual growth, inspiration, and encouragement to ordinary church members like those in the Philippines, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, and Mozambique.

Once they receive these vital resources of Bibles and training that they have lacked for far too long, joy flows from them. It’s as if rain has flooded dry land. Life springs up and roots grow strong. Just as Jesus tells in Matthew 13, the seeds they planted grow deep, lives are transformed, and an abundant crop is harvested.

Falling on good soil

Lenora from Samal Island knows this is true in her life. It’s the reason her eyes welled as soon as I asked her how Church Planter Training helped her. For five years, she tried starting a church on her own with only one-third of a Bible. It’s a difficult memory she would not soon forget.

Lenora described, “At that point, I had already shared the Gospel many times and baptized many, but my Bible had no Genesis. Because the Genesis section was given to someone else. That’s why when I remember it right now, I can’t help but cry. I remember what it was like.”

This woman’s life forever changed because of the training she received through your support of Bible Leauge International. Today, she has the resources she needs to plant seeds on good ground. Wiping away tears, Lenora said, “I am very thankful for Bible League International because now every one of us has a Bible to use.”

The needs of local believers around the globe can feel daunting. But they know there is still so much more of the Lord’s work for them to do. How many more people could they reach with the hope of Christ if their lives were enriched with the resources they’ve lacked for too long? Thirty times more? Sixty times more? One hundred times more?

[Jesus said,] “But what about the seed that fell on the good ground? That is like the people who hear the teaching and understand it. They grow and produce a good crop, sometimes 100 times more, sometimes 60 times more, and sometimes 30 times more.” Matthew 13:23 ERV

Marija Birchard, Senior Advancement Writer of Bible League International, has been with the ministry for almost 10 years. She has traveled to several different countries and seen firsthand how your gifts are changing countless lives.