Bible League International // The Word in Action Podcast
43 episodes - English - Latest episode: 25 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsBible League International shares personal experiences and compelling stories from around the world with special guests and engaging talks that connect you to our mission. 85 years of serving the under-resourced Church with Bibles and training to transform lives worldwide through God's Word.
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Episodes
God Replaced Bosco's Rage with Peace and Love
April 01, 2024 04:01 - 21 minutes - 20 MBBosco suffered a terrible tragedy as a child when his parents were murdered in a conflict within the country of Burundi, Africa. Throughout his teenage years, he lived with unforgiveness and rage, even wanting to take revenge on his family's killers, but God transformed Bosco's life and brought him peace after he heard the Gospel preached in a church he visited. Today, Bosco leads Igniting Communities for Jesus (ICJ), a partner of Bible League International, that creates brighter tomorrows ...
From Darkness to Light in Madagascar
February 12, 2024 18:30 - 19 minutes - 18 MBHenri was dedicated as a child by parents to serve the family's idol. After engaging in demon worship and life as a cattle robber, he became a believer after a life-changing encounter with a Christian in the island nation of Madagascar, Africa. In addition, the former witchdoctor who knew no peace received his very first Bible. And a Bible study from Bible League International helps lead a group of villagers living steeped in spiritual darkness to the wonderful Light of the Gospel. These a...
A Woman's Journey to Recovery and New Life
January 17, 2024 21:55 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBEven the most broken lives can be restored and made whole when women in recovery are engaged in God's Word. The Lord is transforming lives around the world and that's especially true in Hong Kong through a Bible League International program that ministers to women battling drug addiction. Candy lost her father when she was young, and her mother was mostly absent from the home. This led to a life of rebellion, drug and alcohol abuse, and time spent incarcerated as an adult. Through love a...
A Look Back, A Glance Forward
January 01, 2024 04:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBWhen you seat the Chairman of the Board, CEO and Executive Vice President in a studio together, the conversation is likely to be lively. Today, host Michael Woolworth welcomes Dan Chapman, grandson of Bible League founders William and Betty Chapman, along with Jos Snoep and Rob Bullock. Together, this trio will share the air of excitement, and yet the rest in the Lord, they experienced at a recent gathering of staff and partners in Bangkok, Thailand. They'll also look back on the blessings ...
Pastor Jakkarao Brings Hope to India's Koya Tribe
December 01, 2023 04:00 - 19 minutes - 5 MBPastor Jakkarao's village in southern India is dotted by mango, tamarind and coconut trees. It's also filled with orphans, widows and people in severe need. He, his family, and his congregation work tirelessly to serve the needs of the Koya tribe and to point them to the hope of the Gospel with help from Bible League International. As Pastor Jakkarao's story unfolds, you'll learn that his father, as a young man, was taunted by users of black magic, how new believers were baptized in an unco...
Impacting South Africa's Schools for Christ
September 26, 2023 15:45 - 14 minutes - 5 MBWe know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can change an individual's heart, but we don't often think about how the Good News can transform entire communities. In the Gauteng Province of South Africa, government school students live without any knowledge of the Bible and its teachings. As a result, schools experience teen pregnancies, drug and alcohol abuse, gang violence, and even the use of witchcraft in classrooms. But through Pastor Thokozani Tshabalala and his use of Bible League materi...
Lorijane's Disability Didn't Define Her
September 21, 2023 16:59 - 19 minutes - 5 MBLorijane was born with one leg shorter than the other. She was bullied by other children, her parents divorced, and she wanted to end her life. But her disability and circumstances did not define her. God did, and He showed Lorijane her incredible worth and gave her the gift of caring for others in one of the world's poorest areas. Today, she ministers six days a week in the Mindanao region of The Philippines, traveling by foot, horse and on the back of a motor scooter. Host Michael Woolwor...
Re-airing One of Our Most Popular Podcasts: Kacy's Hope
September 05, 2023 14:40 - 20 minutes - 5 MBThis month, we're re-airing one of our most popular podcasts from December 2022. Our prayer is that you'll enjoy it again, or for the first time. Imagine being a child only 3 or 4 years of age and dropped off with your siblings at an orphanage by your own parents. You would never see your mother again. One would think that this pain and rejection could easily ruin a child like Kacy. But enter the hope of the Gospel and a dear elderly Christian woman named Lola (Grandma) Nits. Grab a ...
Giving the Gift of Literacy in Zambia
August 01, 2023 04:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBMore than one million residents in Zambia cannot read or write primarily because of poverty and the inability to access quality education. More than 80% of these are women who are often forced to marry young or to work to support their family. Bible League International is giving the gift of literacy and introducing participants to the hope of the Gospel through Bible-based Literacy. Join host Michael Woolworth and his guest, Lovely Kayombo, who shares about Mambo, a local pastor and Bibl...
More Bibles and Study Materials, Please!
July 01, 2023 04:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBRecently, a number of Bible League staff from around the world met in Greece and the message couldn't be clearer -- we need more! More Bibles and study materials are needed because people are hungry and thirsty for God. Our partners are asking for more resources with a sense of urgency and excitement for how God will respond to meeting this incredible need in the coming year. Rob Bullock, Executive Vice President of Advancement at Bible League International, was part of those meetings and...
God is Moving in Malaysia
June 01, 2023 04:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBMalaysia is one of the largest Muslim-majority countries in the world. It's also a place where the "Longhouse People" have lived for centuries steeped in spiritual darkness as animists.But it's also a part of the world where Bible League has a strong presence through familiar programs like Project Philip and Bible-based Literacy.Host Michael Woolworth and his guest, Romi Barcena, traveled to Malaysia earlier this year to experience the beautiful modern city of Miri and to go deep into the j...
Bold Witness in Albania
May 01, 2023 04:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBEvangelical Christians make up a very small part of the population in Albania in eastern Europe. At times, believers face persecution from members of the majority religion. One example is of a young Christian woman whose family forced her to marry a non-believer. Another is windows at a local church vandalized by radicals. Because poverty is widespread among Christians, many pastors must find additional work since churches are unable to pay them a livable wage. Despite these challenges,...
"The Scum of the Town"
April 01, 2023 04:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBThe locals in the South African village of Zeerust referred to the street gang comprised of young people as "the scum of the town." They were homeless beggars, addicted to drugs, and engaged in crime. But transformation came when a godly widow named Onica invited them to learn about Jesus. Eventually, the mayor would visit this Bible study to find out what changed these young people and caused a drop in crime in their town.Join host Michael Woolworth and guest, Ben Setshwaelo, as they sh...
Reaching Egypt's Uneducated Women with God's Word
February 27, 2023 05:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBMany women in upper Egypt -- in large part, because of cultural and religious norms -- are treated as less valuable, forced to marry young, and denied access to education. Many cannot read or write, so Bible-based Literacy from Bible League International is giving the gift of literacy and dignity to women and showing them God's great love.Hear about Magda, a wife and mother who was asked by her husband to skip literacy classes. She endured and something beautiful came from her determinatio...
Let the Little Children Come to Me
February 01, 2023 05:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBJesus said in Matthew 19:14, "Let the little children come to me." Sharing the Gospel with children and discipling them to know and love Jesus is important to Bible League International and that's evident in our new Discovery Series for Children. Students and teachers alike are showing excitement in using the booklets, manuals and coloring books. Parents are seeing in their children the desire to obey, to do chores cheerfully and to invite others to class. Join host Michael Woolworth and...
The U.S. Needs the Gospel
January 05, 2023 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.14 MBIt's likely that when you think of Bible League International, you picture ministry that's carried out in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, but our organization is doing more and more in the United States. From Bible-based Literacy to Church Planter Training, many are engaged in God's Word and learning to be a light here in America. Join host Michael Woolworth and his guest, Andrew Earnshaw, for a look at Bible League's U.S. Ministry that reached more than 40,000 pe...
Kacy's Hope
December 01, 2022 05:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBImagine being a child only 3 or 4 years of age and dropped off with your siblings at an orphanage by your own parents. One would think that this pain and rejection could easily ruin a child like Kacy. But enter the hope of the Gospel and a dear elderly Christian woman named Lola (Grandma) Nits. Grab a tissue and join host Michael Woolworth and his guest, Romi Barcena, for this hope-filled story from The Philippines. Length: 20:09.
Training Pastors in Tanzania to Reach the Lost
November 01, 2022 04:00 - 12 minutes - 8.75 MBNot long ago, many parts of Africa were known for being steeped in spiritual darkness. Today, the Gospel is spreading in countries like Tanzania, but pastors and evangelists often lack the skills and resources to share the Good News. Join host Michael Woolworth and his guest, Anton, to hear how God is using Bible League International to help transform lives, including those of the village witchdoctor and a drunkard who abused his wife. Invite someone to listen with you. Length: 12:40.
Blessed are the Persecuted (in Southeast Asia)
October 01, 2022 04:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBIn Matthew 5, Jesus said, "Blessed are the persecuted." Many are singled out, monitored, denied basic rights, beaten, jailed and even threatened with death simply for believing that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. That's especially true for persecuted Christians living in Southeast Asia where Bible League International serves in the countries of Indonesia, The Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and others. Join host Michael Woolworth and his guest, Thony (last name withheld for sec...
From the Boardroom to the Field
September 01, 2022 04:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBIt's assumed that ministry executives are confined to the boardroom. That's simply not true for Jos Snoep, President and CEO, and Leanne deKoning, Executive Vice President of People and Culture, of Bible League International. The pair traveled recently with others to the countries of Egypt and South Africa, visiting with ministry partners, staff and amazing believers. On today's The Word in Action Podcast, Jos and Leanne join host Michael Woolworth to share how important it is for them ...
Making The Bible Easy to Read in Croatia
July 01, 2022 04:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBGod did not intend for His Word to be hard to understand. In 2020, translators completed the entire Bible in contemporary language in the country of Croatia. It is the first modern translation in more than 50 years and Christians are providing great reviews. One believer says, "I am now able to understand the Bible for the first time in my life." Join Michael Woolworth and guest, Goran (last name withheld for security purposes), on The Word in Action Podcast as they share how the Croatian...
Leah Disciples Teens in her Zambian Village
June 01, 2022 04:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBThe Bible is replete with women who've made a tremendous difference for the sake of the Gospel: Sarah, Esther, Elizabeth, Mary the mother of Jesus, and the list goes on. Leah is a wife and mother of two in the eastern part of Zambia in Africa. She lives in a simple hut, draws clean water from a well, and cooks over an outdoor pit. Leah finds great joy in discipling Christian teens in her primitive village using God's Word and Project Philip Bible studies from Bible League International....
Fighting the Good Fight in Sri Lanka
May 01, 2022 04:00 - 14 minutes - 9.93 MBChaminda is a tea seller in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka. He was short tempered and quarrelsome while serving in the navy during the country's civil war in which thousands were killed. Even though he credits God for saving his life three times as an unbeliever, he felt empty after following several religious traditions. Today, as a Christian, he invites people to learn about Jesus and often transports Bibles by tuk-tuk, a motorcycle taxi. Hear how Chaminda befriended a Buddhist monk who ...
Reaching Children and Youth in Nicaragua
April 01, 2022 04:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBYoung Pedro was abandoned by his parents and raised by his grandmother. He was beaten and bullied by classmates at school and lost his will to live. His life changed when a neighbor invited him to learn about Jesus. The Bible study gave him a reason to live: “I learned that I matter because of what Jesus has done for me.” Learn how children in Nicaragua, like Pedro, are not only the future of the church, they are the church now, and need God’s Word. Invite a friend to listen with you ...
Walking by Faith and Not by Sight
February 21, 2022 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBShantivardhan is completely blind. He and his mother live in a poor village in India. His father died when he was just 10. His life has been far from easy. But despite the struggles, Shantivardhan has a joyful faith in the Lord. Thanks to an Audio Bible, Shantivardan can hear the Word of God! And he ministers to others, including his own mother, those in his village and others in the visually impaired community. Tune into this Action Podcast to hear Shantivardhan's full story from hos...
Ministering Amid COVID-19 Lockdowns
February 01, 2022 05:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBWhen the COVID-19 pandemic hit Mozambique, every organization was forced to change its processes, including churches.Pastors and ministry leaders prayed for direction and the Lord led them to Family Project Philip, a new take on the Bible League Bible studies that have already been largely successful across the country. In this episode, Pastor Jaime Guite joins host Michael Woolworth and talks about the process of introducing the program and the incredible results. We’ve said it before and...
A Couple's Journey to Church Planting
January 06, 2022 19:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBTraining and Bibles provided by Bible League International prepared church planters Manny and Rosa to start a local congregation ministering to migrant families in Williams, California, a community of 5,000 near the capital of Sacramento and known for gangs and violence. When Rosa became a believer years ago, she joyfully hosted a Bible study in their home, but Manny was bitterly opposed to Christianity. That study led him to accept Christ and now their hearts are on fire to reach their...
From Cartel Member to Church Planter
December 01, 2021 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBFive years ago, Mexican authorities captured El Chapo -- one of the most powerful drug traffickers in the world. Today, the Sinaloa Cartel kingpin is serving his life sentence in a U.S. prison. For years, a man named Pablo was on this very same path to destruction until he found the narrow path to leads to life.On this Action Podcast, join host Michael Woolworth and his Bible League colleagues, Ryan and Denisse, as they share the amazing story of this former cartel drug dealer and debt col...
Haiti: Into the Kingdom of His Son
November 01, 2021 04:00 - 23 minutes - 15.8 MBHaiti has been a hot topic on news outlets for months. Its president was assassinated. The country was rocked by a devastating earthquake. Violence and crime dominate the headlines. And Bible League partners in the area aren’t immune to the struggles—recently a pastor of a Bible League partner church was kidnapped and there was a shooting in another partner church. While the situation in Haiti seems impossibly dark, the Lord continues to shine His light. On this episode of the Action Pod...
Sharing the Good News in Peru
October 01, 2021 04:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBAs the Scriptures say, “How wonderful it is to see someone coming to tell good news!” (Romans 10:15 ERV). For some people in Peru, they’ve never seen the person coming to tell the Good News. Not because there are no Christians to share the Gospel—but because many live in secluded, remote areas. To reach these people, one must literally climb mountains. So that’s exactly what Bible League-trained Christians started to do. In this episode of the Action Podcast, you’ll hear about Peru’s Bi...
Making God's Word Accessible, Part 2
August 31, 2021 04:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBGod did not intend for His Word to be difficult. But the Good News is hard to understand for many of the people we serve. They are among the poorest and least educated in the world, often living in remote villages or under‐developed urban centers. Many have never known or even heard of Jesus Christ. These are the people who need the hope of the Gospel, who need to understand God’s love for them, so that they can believe. That is why Bible League International’s easy‐to‐read Bible transl...
Making God's Word Accessible, Part 1
August 02, 2021 13:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBGod did not intend for His Word to be difficult. But the Good News is hard to understand for many of the people we serve. They are among the poorest and least educated in the world, often living in remote villages or under‐developed urban centers. Many have never known or even heard of Jesus Christ. These are the people who need the hope of the Gospel, who need to understand God’s love for them, so that they can believe. That is why Bible League International’s easy‐to‐read Bible transl...
Engaging Nepal in God's Word
July 01, 2021 04:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBNepal, in south Asia, is home to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak situated in the Himalayan Mountains. The prevalence of Hinduism and the influence of communism within the country means stiff opposition to Gospel evangelism. In fact, new anti-conversion laws make it difficult for Christians to share that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Despite these challenges, the Church is blossoming. Bible League International programs are vital to this growth as you’ll hear from host Mi...
Bold Believers in Bangladesh
May 20, 2021 19:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBBangladesh, located in south Asia, is one of the world’s most populated countries. Living in this Muslim-majority nation, Christians are a small minority and often face persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. A major obstacle is lack of training in evangelism and discipleship, and many Bangladeshi believers face poverty and illiteracy. But in spite of these factors, host Michael Woolworth and his guest, Phelip (last name withheld for security purposes), share that Christians are bold...
Kenya: Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the Lord
April 21, 2021 22:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBWith more than 54 million people, Kenya is among the most populated countries in Africa. It's bordered by South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania and the Indian Ocean. The location of Kenya is strategic to the ministry of Bible League International and provides openings to unreached tribes, such as the well-known Maasai. Host Michael Woolworth is joined by his guest, Pastor Joel of Kitale, Kenya, who shares how the Gospel is changing lives in his native country, where the majori...
Indonesia Travelogue
March 24, 2021 20:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBIndonesia is the largest island nation in the world. Located in southeast Asia, it's also the world's most populous Muslim-majority country with nearly 270 million people. "Indonesia and its people are absolutely beautiful and kind," says host Michael Woolworth of Bible League International, who traveled there in 2020 with four U.S. radio hosts. From visits to bustling cities and remote villages, the group met with Christians who live out their faith with boldness and great joy despite g...
Standing with the Persecuted Church in India
February 22, 2021 23:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBIndia is the second most populated country in the world with 1.3 billion people, and it's the land of the late independence leader, Mahatma Gandhi. Eighty percent of the population follows Hinduism. Persecution against Christians grows stronger daily throughout India. But facing hostility hasn't silenced them. Instead, as host Michael Woolworth and his guest, Subish (last name withheld for security purposes), discuss, believers stand ready to boldly share the hope found only in Jesus Chr...
Latin America: A World Center of Christianity
January 25, 2021 18:00 - 10 minutes - 7.35 MBLatin America is quickly becoming one of the world's centers of Christianity. In countries like Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and others, the evangelical Church is growing and thriving. And this in spite of extreme violence, poverty, remoteness and the influence of traditional religion. Join host Michael Woolworth and his guest, Rafael (last name withheld for security purposes), as they talk about how Bible League International is helping to bring God's Word to this vibrant part of th...
Training Inmates to Reach Others in Prison Ministry
December 17, 2020 19:00 - 9 minutes - 6.71 MBMinistry can happen in difficult places, even in jails and prisons. An important part of Bible League International's ministry here in America is serving inmates. This includes leading inmates to Jesus Christ, discipling them in their new faith, and training them to reach others. Join host Michael Woolworth and his guest, Harold Trujillo, as they talk about the remarkable success of a pilot program aimed at seeing the Great Commission realized in Chicago's Cook County Jail and in correcti...
God's Word in Eastern Africa
November 18, 2020 20:00 - 10 minutes - 7.51 MBThe growth of the evangelical church on the continent of Africa is nothing short of amazing. In 1900, the Christian community totaled ten million. Today, more than 400 million follow Jesus Christ, but it's been said that Christianity in Africa is "a mile wide, but only an inch deep." Credit this saying to many issues, such as syncretism, the blending of the Gospel with traditions and pagan practices in some churches, and to the dire need for Bibles and training. Listen to this Action P...
The Gospel is Changing Lives in Southeast Asia
October 12, 2020 20:00 - 10 minutes - 7 MBSoutheast Asia is home to Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, six countries where Bible League International has a strong presence. In this region, known for its tropical climate of hot, humid and rainy seasons, ministry can be difficult among those that practice Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and other religions. Many languages are spoken here, including Malay, Indonesian, Filipino and Thai. Remoteness, poverty and the task of navigating islands and jungles pr...
Bringing Hope to the Middle East
September 22, 2020 01:00 - 13 minutes - 9.6 MBThe Middle East is known for many things -- radicals, refugees, terrorist cells, conflict, suffering and storied history. Home to the Holy Land, it's also where life began, where the ancient Israelites were guided by God, where the early Church was birthed, and where Jesus lived and ministered. Today, since Christians comprise only a small percentage of the population, one would think that the Church here is weak, outnumbered and retreating. Host Michael Woolworth and his Bible League Int...
Ministry in Albania and Armenia
August 11, 2020 16:00 - 10 minutes - 7.02 MBIn the late nineteenth century, philosophers in Europe declared God dead, but in spite of this, God's Church is growing in Europe. While some here embrace atheism, Islam or traditional religion, many are witnessing the collapse or emptiness left by these systems, and placing their faith in Jesus Christ. On this inaugural Action Podcast, join host Michael Woolworth and his colleague, Anton (last name withheld to protect identity), as they share how the ministry of Bible League International...