Global Impact Report 2014 by MK Designs

GLOBAL IMPACT REPORT

GLOBAL IMPACT REPORT Walk Thru the Bible 4201 North Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30341 www.walkthru.org 2014 Published annually President Phil Tuttle Vice President for Advancement/International John Houchens Editor Chris Tiegreen Designer Michael Koiner Contributors Chris Tiegreen Dave Ball

WALK THRU

the

BIBLE

What?

We ignite passion for God’s Word. We take the cellophane off the Bible for readers to engage with it every day. We help people get through Leviticus—and the kings, prophets, and begats. We equip leaders and develop mature, committed, and spiritually reproducing believers. We help people understand the book so they can know its Author. And hearts and minds are forever changed.

How?

We develop innovative live events and inspiring biblical resources. We serve the whole body of Christ across denominational, cultural, and national lines. We partner with the local church worldwide to fulfill its mission, coming alongside pastors and leaders to help them in their ministries. Our live events tell God’s story in a way that’s interactive, relevant, and fun. Our resources help people grow in their relationship with God. Every day, His Word fills them with power and purpose.

Where?

Walk Thru the Bible ignites passion for God’s Word through innovative live events, inspirational biblical resources, and lasting global impact.

© 2013 by Walk Thru the Bible® Ministries, Inc. Contents may not be reproduced in any form unless authorized in writing by the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 2011 by Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Through our strong global network, our live events and small-group curricula are taught in more than 45 languages by more than 25,000 trained instructors in more than 100 countries. More than 100 million devotionals have been packaged into daily magazines, books, and other publications that reach over five million people around the world every year. As people grow deeper in their desire for God’s Word, they grow deeper in their love for Him.

Why?

Lives are transformed when people regularly and frequently encounter God in His Word. They see with new eyes and live with new passion. This is the heart of discipleship, which in turn is the heart of the Great Commission. As people engage with Scripture, they grow to be like the one who inspired it. Radically changed by His Word, they are ignited to change the world.

Take a Walk. Change the World.

CONTENTS 4 7 9 10 11 13

A World of Need Our Training Model What They Are Teaching Biblical Character Series God’s Grand Story Our Newest Resources

17 Where in the World? 18 Hotspots and Hard Places 20 Beyond the Walls of the Church 21 Africa 25 Asia 29 CIS/Ukraine 33 Europe 37 Middle East/North Africa 41 Latin America 45 North America 49 52 53 54

The Big Picture What’s Your Passion? Letter from the President Our Leadership

THE NEED A world of new believers The number of Christians in Africa has increased from 143 million to 630 million since 1970—and is expected to double in the next 25 years. In the same time period, Christians numbering less than 100 million in Asia have now grown to more than 400 million—more than double the growth rate of the general population.* New Christians are added daily on every continent. Who will disciple them?

A loss of biblical worldview The Bible is God’s Word, yet many Christians don’t know it very well. We live in a sound-bite generation when few people take the time to understand God’s epic story of redemption. Pastors necessarily focus on the most pressing needs of the congregation and may not feel equipped to help people regularly engage Scripture, or even to teach biblical courses on subjects like marriage, parenting, and interpersonal skills. Who will help them?

A church of underequipped pastors Many pastors outside of North America and Europe have little or no training, and culture, cults, and dominant religions can easily fill the void. Many pastors have never studied the Bible formally; some have not finished high school. In describing his call to ministry, one African pastor said that when the evangelistic meetings successfully converted his village and then left town, he was chosen as pastor because he had the loudest voice. Leaders like him are hungry for more training and resources. Who will provide them?

A scarcity of resources In North America, Christians can go to any bookstore or search any online bookseller to find a vast wealth of biblical resources. In some countries, only a handful of Christian books exist in the local language. And many Christians in those countries aren’t able to read them anyway. Christianity is growing, but discipleship resources and live training are not. Who will develop and deliver them?

Outside the U.S. and western Europe, as many as 90% of pastors have no formal Bible training. 4

*Christianity in its Global Context, 1970-2020, Center for the Study of Global Christianity, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, 2013.

kgf The Great Commission is about making disciples, not making converts.

THE MISSION The whole commission Most Christians are familiar with the Great Commission, Jesus’ last words to His disciples in the Gospel of Matthew: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20 niv). The church has done a good job of emphasizing evangelism and decisions for Christ. But Jesus didn’t say to make converts; He said to make disciples. Followers. People who understand God’s Word and are committed to living it out. That requires more than powerful meetings and great speakers. It involves long-term commitment, trained teachers, and an ongoing investment in lives. It isn’t a quick process.

Multiplying effects New Testament Christians understood t h i s p ro c e s s . P e t e r, P a u l , a n d t h e other great leaders of the early church preached the gospel message and then taught new believers about God’s ways. Those believers were then equipped to teach others, on and on into widening circles of influence. Paul put it this way: “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others” (2 Timothy 2:2 nlt). This is exactly w h a t o u r training model accomplishes.

THE RESPONSE To all people With our focus on the biblical story itself and on the core teachings broadly accepted by Christians, God has given us a unique platform for crossing denominations, cultures, and racial and language barriers. We don’t target a certain group of people; we equip Christians and church leaders with the tools they need to develop their own communication skills and teaching. The truth of the Word spreads organically in a local context. This is how movements are not only launched but also sustained over time. With local churches The local church is God’s plan for reaching people, so we come alongside churches to set them up for success. It’s powerful when one person sees the big picture and becomes a part of God’s story, but it’s even more powerful when a church does that together. So we give pastors and leaders

everything they need to cultivate a Bible movement in their church. They can use whichever components they want—our resources are adaptable to the context and easily transferable from teacher to teacher across cultures. Immersing a congregation in the Word makes a dramatic difference in the lives of the church and its people.

In every area of life Our goal is not just to make a difference. We’re very interested in the kind of difference we make. We love to see changed lives and churches, but the vision is bigger than that. In God’s big-picture plan, He wants His truth to reach outside the walls of the church and impact every area of life—in every community, city, country, and continent. We’re thrilled that our materials have been used not only in churches but also in school systems, government programs, prisons, social reform movements, and more. God’s Word has the power to change lives, families, businesses, organizations, and even entire cultures.

WE HELP PEOPLE EVERYWHERE LIVE GOD’S WORD.

f IF YOU TRAIN

IF YOU INFLUENCE A

A PASTOR,

IF YOU EQUIP A

COMMUNITY,

IF YOU IMPACT A

YOU EQUIP A

CHURCH, YOU

YOU CAN

COUNTRY, YOU

CHURCH.

INFLUENCE A

IMPACT A

CAN CHANGE THE

COMMUNITY.

COUNTRY.

WORLD.

The 2-2-2 Plan

Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. —2 Timothy 2:2, nlt

a Model for Multiplying It begins in the hands of a few people and ends up reaching thousands. Or hundreds of thousands. Or perhaps millions. Like pebbles in a pond, a Walk Thru the Bible course creates overlapping ripple effects that continue to expand. A new course goes through several stages of development—from conception to research and development within a team, and then to international input from regional directors. After all components are produced—live event, visual aids, workbooks, leader guides, and often more—it is presented to a handful of trainers in each country that chooses to use it. These trainers, usually representing zones within their country or region, give input too. What works in that culture? Which illustrations might not go over well? How can the course be tailored to the relevant issues of the culture? What questions are likely to come up when this material is taught? Sometime during this two-way process, an adaptable, transferable, context-appropriate resource emerges.

After that, things take off. Trainers are either trained in an exclusive group setting or in a model presentation open to the public. They learn the material and see it taught effectively, and they practice it. Then they take it and run with it. They will teach it when they have opportunities, but they will also train others to teach it in various congregations and settings. (See example on next page.)

The result is exponential increase. A few people train several, those trainers each train many more, and those who have been trained to teach it use it in their ministries again and again. By the third or fourth generation of teaching, the course has impacted tens of thousands of people. And over time, that number grows. Lives change. And passion for the Word burns brighter.

Content that is easily adapted without being compromised.

TRAINING DIAGRAM Research & Development Team

Concept Creator Regional Directors

Zone/District Trainers

Teachers and Trainers fkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkff ffkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkf ffkfkfffkfkfffk People in Churches, Organizations, Agencies, Businesses fkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkfff fkffffkffffkffffkfffkfkfffkfkffffkffffkffffkff ffkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkfffkfkff fkfkfffkfkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkffffkf fffkffffkffffkffffkfffkfkfffkfkfffk

EXAMPLE—300 LEADERS IN MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA: f One leader will impact and teach 100 people. fffff Five of the 100 he impacts and teaches will be leaders, too. And those five leaders will impact 100 more.

f One leader = 600 people 300 leaders = 180,000 people

TOP 7 COURSES Globally

For 37 years, Walk Thru the Bible has created, distributed, and taught more than 30 biblical courses. Crucible and Detour have just been launched and are two of our fastest growing courses. Other courses launched years ago still have significant impact around the world. So which of our courses are most often taught globally? 1. Walk Thru the Old Testament. The course that launched Walk Thru the Bible is still the most popular and helps people engage with Scripture as they never have before. 2. Biblical Portrait of Marriage. Restoring and strengthening marriages is a significant need in every part of the world. 3. Walk Thru the New Testament. The story is fulfilled in the New Testament, and hearts are powerfully transformed by understanding it. 4. Prayer of Jabez. Bruce Wilkinson’s bestselling resource continues to help churches and Christians ask for and experience God’s blessings. 5. Solving the People Puzzle. This paradigmshifting approach to interpersonal relationships has not only helped churches and marriages but also businesses and government agencies. 6. Vision of the Leader. Great leaders don’t happen accidentally. They grow in their vision and calling and learn to discern how God is leading them.

7. The 7 Laws of the Learner. Understanding how learners learn has helped pastors and teachers communicate biblical truth more powerfully and effectively. Not surprisingly, all three major categories of our biblical teaching—“Thru the Bible,” marriage and parenting, and leadership training—are represented in the most popular courses. Others that have been taught in the last two years include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Crucible Detour Effective Parenting in a Defective World Experiencing Spiritual Breakthrough Five Lies that Ruin Relationships Foundations of Faith God’s Answer to AIDS The House that Makes a Home How to Grow a High Impact Church The Invisible War Kids in the Book Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships Loving and Leading The Miracle of Life Change Personal Holiness in Times of Temptation Raise Up a Child Secrets of the Vine Seven Stages of Spiritual Growth Teaching with Style The Testing of Your Faith The Three Chairs Understanding the Love of Your Life Walk Thru the Pentateuch Women Who Make a Difference Your Divine Design

A QUESTION OF

CHARACTER What are the world’s worst social problems? That question generates a range of answers: the breakdown of the family, addictions, corruption, declining moral values, rampant materialism, extreme poverty . . . the list could go on and on. But all of them, to some degree, are character issues. They are largely the product of human choices. The Bible’s instruction on character traits like faith, patience, generosity, integrity, discipline, and perseverance addresses most of the world’s social ills. That’s why churches and leaders around the world asked us to develop biblical resources on character. We began a multi-year effort in 2012 to address that need. The first resource in the Biblical Character Series was called Crucible, a six-session teaching on key decisions in the life of David. It includes live-event material, including PowerPoint visuals, a

workbook for large- or small-group participants, a DVD for small groups, and a fulllength book that includes two additional chapters. This year’s installment is Detour on the life of Joseph. Already translated into 9 languages including Spanish, Arabic, and Hindi, these courses are meeting a vital need around the world. This year’s character in the series is Mary, mother of Jesus. These resources can make a significant impact on discipleship efforts around the world, eventually reaching thousands of churches in hard-to-reach fields of ministry. They are helping growing Christians live with character in a world full of problems. By helping them walk in the footsteps of David, Joseph, or Mary, we help them change their world. For more information on the Biblical Character Series, visit

www.biblicalcharacterseries.com.

or scan with your smartphone

THE ANSWER TO

WHAT’S NEXT? “I’ve never understood the Bible like this before! I can’t wait to see what’s next!” That’s how many people respond to a Walk Thru the Old Testament or New Testament live event. But that enthusiasm sometimes lasts only a few weeks or even days without a follow-up plan. We have some of those: The Daily Walk Bible or The Great Rescue Bible for a year; 90 Days Thru the Bible for individuals or small groups; or one of our many shorter smallgroup discussion guides. But most are up to one person, or perhaps a few, to keep the momentum going. Engaging with God’s Word often requires more. We began a pilot program this year that engages the entire church community in daily Bible reading and prayer for at least six weeks—long enough to establish habits and change the culture of a congregation. God’s Grand Story is a comprehensive

campaign that involves virtually every ministry of the participating church. It is currently being tested in select churches in North America, South Africa, and the Philippines. “Our Old Testament and New Testament events have been great catalysts for stirring passion and getting people to engage or reengage with God’s Word, but we have never followed them up with a structured curriculum plan for the entire church,” said John Houchens, senior vice president for advancement and international. “We want to provide six weeks of guidance that will hopefully build a habit so people will continually stay in the Word.” The campaign launches with a Walk Thru the Old Testament live event and then follows up with daily Bible reading, a weekly Bible study overview of the Old Testament with DVD and guidebook, and sermons

“Church attendance alone doesn’t necessarily transform a life. But regular engagement with God’s Word does.” —Phil Tuttle, president

that introduce and explore the Old Testament in six major sections. It doesn’t just start the momentum. It keeps it going. Habits change, passion for the Bible ignites, and lives are transformed. Some of those results are measurable, so

independent auditors are currently in a process of determining the impact of the campaign on churches. Next year, we hope to make the campaign widely available to any church of any size in any part of the world—and watch God spark movements with His Word.

“There’s something significant about engaging with the Word together. The Holy Spirit uses it for purposes we could never even dream of.” —John Houchens, senior VP for advancement and international

“God’s Grand Story...a pastor’s best friend.” —Kurt Parker, pastor

“It’s unifying for a church. Everyone is literally on the same page.”

Get more info on your smartphone

—Phil Tuttle, president

Learn more about this easy to implement, momentumbuilding campaign at www.walkthru.org/ggs.

• Innovative Live Events • Biblical Resources • Global Impact www.walkthru.org | 1.800.361.6131

RESOURCES that IGNITE Passion Deepening the walk of people in the Word. Increasing the effectiveness of teachers of the Word. Strengthening the relationships of families through the Word. Did you know . . .? • Millions of readers use devotional magazines we’ve produced for LifeWay Christian Resources, The Salvation Army, and other ministries. • There are more than 700,000 English copies of The Daily Walk Bible in print. • Walk Thru the Bible resources have been translated into more than 40 languages. Day by Day Devotionals Some of the best material from devotional magazines we have produced for Lifeway Christian Resources has been compiled into books published by B&H Publishing Group. Stand Firm Day by Day: Let Nothing Move You and Journey Day by Day: Living Life Well, released this fall, are 365-day hardcover devotionals that will help readers stay in God’s Word throughout the year. In Journey Day by Day, each daily reading begins with a verse or passage from scripture, includes a short vignette that relates the Bible to daily experience, suggests a related passage for further insight, and concludes with a prayer In Stand Firm Day by Day, each daily reading includes a verse or passage of scripture, a related quote or anecdote, some commentary on the scripture, a “bottom line” insight or application, and a suggested related passage for further study.

World Religions In nearly every corner of the world today, religious pluralism is an everyday experience—and a challenge for those exploring the similarities and differences of what they and others believe. How do you talk about God with a Mormon or a Buddhist? How do help Muslims understand Jesus? Walk Thru the Bible’s new World Religions workbook helps navigate the basics of five of the most common faiths a North American Christian will encounter: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Mormonism, and popular spirituality. This book is not intended as a comprehensive or in-depth resource, but rather as an introductory guide from a Christian perspective. The guide is designed for individual use or small-group discussion. Each religion is covered in five brief readings, which are followed by questions for personal reflection. Group questions are provided at the end of each section, and a leader’s guide is provided at the end of the book.

In the Last Year... Detour The second installment in the Biblical Character Series (see page 10 for details) is Detour: Finding Purpose When Life Doesn’t Make Sense—a 6-session study on the life of Joseph. Detour resources include a live event with PowerPoint visuals, a DVD and workbook for small groups, and a full-length book with two additional chapters. The six sessions of the event and small-group curriculum explore the issues and dynamics of Joseph and his family, his work, his choices, his nation, his heart, and his legacy. The book also examines his perspective and his success. The series offers insights into how God accomplishes His purposes in each of us and helps us read between the lines of our lives to see the story He is creating.

Pocket Devotionals 365 Pocket Devotionals: Inspiration and Renewal for Each Day, released this fall by Tyndale House Publishers, is an easy-to-carry, quick-access book containing daily reflections. Each day’s selection begins with an inspirational, thought-provoking reading and ends with a biblical promise. The devotionals are adapted from previously published books from Walk Thru the Bible and Tyndale—The One Year At His Feet Devotional and The One Year Walk with God Devotional. The size, durable leatherlike cover, and brief scriptural insights make it easy for busy readers to begin to connect with God each day.

NT Live Students have always participated in general-audience versions of the Walk Thru the Old Testament and New Testament events, but now they can learn the same material in events that are more directly relevant to their needs and experiences. In an era in which fewer students are learning biblical truth or even being exposed to it, that’s a significant step toward meeting a vital need. Developed over the last couple of years, OT Live and NT Live adapt the Walk Thru events specifically for student audiences for them to experience with their peers in a youth group or student conference setting. Both events are now being taught around the country with increasing frequency to high school and middle school students.

For complete product information on these and other resources, visit www.walkthru.org/resources 14

Browse our estore on your smartphone.

Once-a-Day Large Print Bible Zondervan published three Bibles recently using Walk Thru the Bible content: the Once-a-Day Bible, the Once-aDay Chronological Bible, and the Once-a-Day Bible for Women. This year the publisher released a large-print version. Like the other Bibles in the series, the large-print Once-aDay Bible is organized into 365 daily readings that include an Old Testament passage, a New Testament passage, a passage from Psalms or Proverbs, and a brief devotional reflecting on one of the passages.

God’s Grand Story Part of a comprehensive church-wide campaign, God’s Grand Story resources include a book with daily Bible readings, discussion guide, and a weekly Bible study overview of the Old Testament; a DVD with introductions to each week of material; and sermon outlines for pastors who preach through the six weeks of material. (see pages 11-12 for more details)

Walk Thru the New Testament and NT27 The Walk Thru the New Testament redesign is a follow-up to last year’s revision of the Old Testament event materials. The redesign includes the New Testament workbook, PowerPoint visuals, promotional materials, and everything else that goes into a training event. The result is a contemporary look and greater usability for the participant. As with the redesign of Walk Thru the Old Testament and the development of OT39, part of the enhanced New Testament experience is NT27, a Keyword Learning System that makes it easy to remember the books of the New Testament and the major theme each one covers. With updated graphics, the keywords have been developed for use by anyone, whether within or outside of the context of an NT event. The components of the system include an iPhone and iPad app, flash cards, a coloring book, a slide show presentation, and a teacher’s guide.

OVERVIEW OF RESOURCES BIBLES • The Daily Walk Bible (KJV, NIV, LB, NLT), Tyndale 1987, 1997, 2008, 2013 • The Great Rescue Bible (NIV), Zondervan 2012 • The Once-a-Day Bible (NIV), Zondervan 2012 • The Once-a-Day Bible Chronological Edition (NIV), Zondervan 2012 • The Once-a-Day Bible for Women (NIV), Zondervan 2012 • Once-a-Day: 31 Days of Wisdom—Proverbs (NIV), Zondervan 2012 BIBLICAL CHARACTER SERIES • Crucible: the Choices that Change Your Life Forever by Phil Tuttle (with Chris Tiegreen), 2012 • Detour: Finding Purpose When Life Doesn’t Make Sense by Phil Tuttle (with Chris Tiegreen), 2013 DEVOTIONALS • 365 Pocket Devotions: Inspiration and Renewal for Each Day by Chris Tiegreen, Tyndale 2013 • 90 Days Thru the Bible: a Devotional Journey from Walk Thru the Bible by Chris Tiegreen, Tyndale 2012 • Journey Day by Day: Living Life Well, B&H Publishing Group 2013 • Stand Firm Day by Day: Let Nothing Move You, B&H Publishing Group 2013 • The Once-a-Day Devotional: Walk with Jesus, Zondervan 2011 • The One Year At His Feet Devotional: 365 Daily Readings to Instruct, Strengthen, Encourage, and Challenge Your Faith by Chris Tiegreen, Tyndale 2003/2006 • The One Year Walk With God Devotional: Wisdom from the Bible to Renew Your Mind by Chris Tiegreen, Tyndale 2004 • The One Year Worship the King Devotional: 365 Daily Bible Readings to Inspire Praise by Chris Tiegreen, Tyndale 2008 • The One Year Wonder of the Cross Devotional: 365 Daily Bible Readings to Renew Your Faith by Chris Tiegreen, Tyndale 2009 • Your Daily Walk, Zondervan 1991 DISCUSSION GUIDES • Story Thru the Bible: an Interactive Way to Connect with God’s Word by Chris Tiegreen, NavPress 2011 • A Walk Thru the Book of Acts: Faith that Changes the World, Baker 2010 • A Walk Thru the Book of Ephesians: Real Power for Daily Life, Baker 2009 • A Walk Thru the Book of Esther: Courage in the Face of Crisis, Baker 2010 • A Walk Thru the Book of James: Faith that Endures, Baker 2009 • A Walk Thru the Book of John: Encountering a Surprising Savior, Baker 2009 • A Walk Thru the Book of Jonah: Experiencing God’s Relentless Grace, Baker 2009 • A Walk Thru the Book of Luke: A Savior for the World, Baker 2010 • A Walk Thru the Book of Philippians: Experience the Joy of the Lord, Baker 2010

• A Walk Thru the Book of Ruth: Loyalty and Love, Baker 2009 • A Walk Thru the Life of Abraham: Faith in God’s Promises, Baker 2010 • A Walk Thru the Life of Elijah: Standing Strong for Truth, Baker 2010 • A Walk Thru the Life of Joseph: The Power of Forgiveness, Baker 2009 • A Walk Thru the Life of Peter: Growing Bold Faith, Baker 2009 • A Walk Thru the Life of Solomon: Pursuing a Heart of Integrity, Baker 2009 • A Walk Thru the Faith: the Power of Believing, Baker 2010 • A Walk Thru Love: Loving God, Loving Others, Baker 2010 • World Religions from a Christian Perspective, 2013 MAGAZINES • Closer Walk • Daily Walk • Indeed • Pathways • Tapestry • YW DVDs • Biblical Portrait of Marriage, Bruce Wilkinson • The Heart that Makes a Home, Donna Wilkinson and Bruce Wilkinson • Leading and Loving, Bruce Wilkinson • Personal Holiness in Times of Temptation, Bruce Wilkinson • Raise Up a Child, Phil Tuttle • Surviving Financial Meltdown, Ron Blue and Jeremy White • The 7 Laws of the Learner, Bruce Wilkinson • The 7 Laws of the Teacher, Howard Hendricks • Teaching With Style, Bruce Wilkinson • The Testing of Your Faith, Bruce Wilkinson BACKLIST • Almost Every Answer for Practically Any Teacher by Bruce Wilkinson, Multnomah 1992. • Closer Walk devotional, 1992 • Closer Walk New Testament, 1997 • Family Walk Bible, Zondervan, 1996 • Family Walk: 52 Weekly Devotions for Your Family, 1991 • Family Walk Again: Family, Friends, Self-Esteem, and 49 Other Weekly Readings for Your Family Devotions, 1993 • Lifewalk devotional, 1998 • Talk Thru the Bible by Bruce Wilkinson and Kenneth Boa, Thomas Nelson 1983, 2005 • Talk Thru Bible Personalities by Bruce Wilkinson and Larry Libby, Thomas Nelson 1983 • The 7 Laws of the Learner by Bruce Wilkinson, Multnomah 2005 • Your Daily Walk devotional, 1991 • YouthWalk Devotional Bible (NIV), Zondervan 1992, 1997 • YouthWalk devotional, 1991, 2002 • YouthWalk 2 devotional, 1994, 2003

RISKS

IN HOTSPOTS AND HARD PLACES

The world is not a safe place. But God never called His people to play it safe, did He? Many of our instructors live in dangerous places, especially for those who follow Jesus. But they choose to stay in the fire because igniting passion for God’s Word and impacting eternity is better than safety and comfort. They know nations bow to Him, and they consider Him worthy of the risks. Some countries are relatively safe but still place restrictions on biblical teaching. Even so, our instructors look for opportunities to teach when they can. Following are a few examples of global hotspots or restricted areas where Walk Thru the Bible is reaching lives. Please remember them in prayer: Syria—Despite the ongoing civil war and the international tension it is creating, three instructors recently met with us in Lebanon to receive training. Even in areas of active conflict, they and others trained by Walk Thru the Bible are taking opportunities to proclaim the message of reconciliation with God and others. Libya—One of our instructors was jailed for more than a month last year for distributing Bibles and engaging Libyans with the gospel message. He and his family are safe now. But their heart still beats for Libyans. Egypt—It has been a tumultuous two years for Egypt, but our team at the Middle East Leadership Training Institute are still taking advantage of every opportunity, in spite of threats against them. North Africa—Some Walk Thru the Bible instructors are finding openings

to use our resources with Muslim-background believers, most of them very young in the faith. They are being rooted and grounded in biblical teaching. Israel/Palestine—Walk Thru the Bible instructors are working in Israel to develop training that bridges cultural divides and reaches past the complex divisions of the region. In Haifa, an instructor who is a Ukrainian immigrant is ministering to Russian, Arab, and Jewish people. Sudan—One of our instructors was arrested for teaching the Bible. She was under house arrest for more than a month while authorities pressured her to share more details about her network of believers and fellow teachers. She remained faithful in protecting their identity and is now safe. Angola—Though the 30-year civil war is over, division between government and rebel loyalists is not. Even the church has been split between these two sides. But in the spirit of post-war reconciliation, one of our instructors is reaching across lines and training Christians who have been marginalized. Iraq—As in many war-torn countries, Walk Thru the Bible events continue to be held in major cities. And a newly trained instructor is taking biblical teaching into the northern area of Kurdistan (straddling the borders between Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan). Pakistan—There are few legal and political restrictions against Christians in Pakistan, but cultural pressure can be intimidating. Yet trainers and teachers faithfully continue to teach and even hold open-air evangelistic meetings that

sometimes attract thousands. Our country leader is a frequent organizer of and preacher at these events. Sri Lanka—Many Tamil and Sinhalese don’t work together, but our instructors on both sides do. They target their teaching primarily to their own cultures, but they cooperate well. In fact, one training event for instructors was held in spite of nearby fighting, and when roads were shut down and instructors couldn’t return home, they simply extended the training and the fellowship with each other. Bhutan—Our country director belongs to Bhutan’s minority Nepalese community, which is losing legal status and is often persecuted for cultural differences. Many Nepalese have left the country, but he has chosen to stay and continue teaching those who aren’t able to leave. Vietnam—Our instructors in Vietnam carry on quietly in several cities. Their counterparts from Singapore and the Philippines make regular trips into the country to encourage them and offer further training.

There are other areas where Christian work is difficult too—not necessarily hotspots or danger zones, but places where the cultural or political climate has a chilling effect on biblical teaching. In China, for example, we have growing work in both registered and unregistered churches. In places like Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela, as well as other regions of Latin America, our training and resources are reaching people in the midst of tribal conflicts, political factions, and drug cartel activity. In countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, small and marginalized Christian communities are receiving much needed nourishment and encouragement. One of the most beautiful expressions of the Great Commission is when God’s people make huge sacrifices for His purposes. Our instructors around the world are doing exactly that every day. And lives torn by the dangers of the world are being restored by the power of His Word.

BEYOND Ministry often seems confined within the walls of the church while those who need it most—non-Christians or nominal Christians—remain unreached. But many Walk Thru the Bible resources, especially those dealing with leadership issues and marriage/family issues, create opportunities for biblical teaching among people who would never enter a church on their own. For example: Mexico—The municipal police and at least five schools in Juárez—a city in the crossfire of drug wars—recognize the need for Walk Thru the Bible courses and use them in their training. And pastors are meeting with the mayor and city officials regularly to pray for the needs of the city. The mayor of Monterrey has begun using our courses for his administrative offices and the police force. In Puebla, the University of Madero is giving course credit for every Walk Thru the Bible course students elect to take. Honduras—Sixty police officers from Olancho, many of whom had never been exposed to biblical teaching or considered its relevance to their work, attended a conference on The Power of Decisions (the Latin American version of Crucible) last year. Philippines—A series of citywide training events involving pastors and leaders from a variety of denominations not only brought disparate congregations together, they also attracted the blessing of municipal authorities.

THE WALLS

The former director of police used several Walk Thru the Bible events for more than a year to teach staff and police cadets about character, integrity, and personal relationships. Europe—Public schools in England and Sweden require an introduction to the Bible for elementary school students. More than 30,000 students in each country now go through age-appropriate versions of Walk Thru the Old and New Testament each year. For many, it’s their first exposure to the Bible. Angola—As courses like Solving the People Puzzle are being used in broad leadership initiatives with the military officers club, the fire department, and the secret service are benefitting from a biblical understanding of interpersonal relationships. Southern Africa—God’s Answer for AIDS is being taught in public schools and prison systems throughout South Africa, Zambia, and Swaziland. In South Africa, the chaplain corps of the police force also offers Effective Parenting in a Defective World. North Africa—In recent years, Muslim authorities exposed to Solving the People Puzzle and The 7 Laws of the Learner requested modified versions—edited for social and religious concerns, but with biblical principles remaining intact—for training in government agencies.

WALK THRU THE BIBLE

young pastor, one of the privileged few who was able to attend college and get some ministry training, dreams of coming back to his hometown to preach scripture, disciple his congregation, and see lives changed. He knows that the Word of God breathes life into hopeless situations, and his community has encountered its share of hopeless situationsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;poverty, AIDS, and a seemingly endless cycle of debt from funeral expenses. But his dream has a hard time getting off the

ANGOLA BENIN BOTSWANA BURKINA FASO BURUNDI COMOROS GHANA IVORY COAST KENYA LESOTHO LIBERIA MADAGASCAR MALAWI MAURITIUS MOZAMBIQUE

NAMIBIA NIGERIA RWANDA SEYCHELLES SOUTH AFRICA SWAZILAND TANZANIA TOGO UGANDA ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE 21

Scan with your smartphone for more photos of Walk Thru the Bible Africa, or visit www.walkthru.org/where-we-work/africa

PASTORS/TEACHERS TRAINED )))))))))))1,523 EVENT ATTENDEESfkfkfkfkfkfkfkfk182,846 BROADCAST AUDIENCE ```````````716,452 RESOURCES DISTRIBUTED/SOLDBBBBBBB27,864 ~ Stats for Africa ~

ground. He finds himself spending most demands of ministry are pressing in. And of his weekdays visiting bereaved families pastors and leaders who have had no minand most of his weekends officiating at istry training find them essential tools in funerals. Over time, the tone of his ministheir professional development. try is affected by seeing children and young adults, one after Pastor Praise Nkosi of another after another, Soweto believes our die early, unnatural training approach deaths. HIV rates among 15- to addresses one of 49-year-olds in sub-Saharan the region’s greatThis is a typiest needs: leadAfrica range from less than 10 cal dilemma for ership developmany pastors percent in some countries to nearly ment. Most of in Africa. The 30 percent in others, resulting in South Africa’s need for biblimillions of children who have lost Christians agree cal truth is overat least one parent to AIDS. These that the counwhelming, but numbers weigh heavily on the try has no shortthe demands of church; our resource God’s age of powerful practical minispreachers, but few Answer to AIDS helps Christians try are urgent and of them represent overwhelming. And address the problem. effective leadership most pastors hold jobs in any widespread or outside of the church to long-lasting level. Pastors help support their ministry. like him are looking to make a Our courses and teaching series deeper impact. “We need to raise up make it easier for pastors to give instrucleaders who can fill a leadership vacuum tion to their congregations. Well-eduin the community.” cated pastors find them helpful when the

HIV

GLOBAL LEADERS

Stephen Mairori, East, West, and Central Africa Stephen accepted Christ in 1985 and later served as a pastor and in regional leadership with the Africa Inland Church. He planted a church in Kitale, Kenya, where he was lead pastor for 10 years. Stephen studied in the U.S. and earned his Master of Divinity degree in 2003. He joined International Christian Ministries in 1997 as a staff member and was appointed director of ICM Kenya in 2003.

Phil Walker, East, West, and Central Africa Phil is the president of International Christian Ministries (ICM), which was founded in 1986 in Kitale, Kenya. Walk Thru the Bible and ICM forged their partnership in 1990 with the purpose of bringing Walk Thru the Bible resources to communities throughout Africa. ICM exists to serve the church by discipling and equipping its leaders. ICM and Walk Thru the Bible work together to train Christian leadership from every arena including pastors, elders, and community leaders throughout the countries of East, West, and Central Africa.

Lee Helling, Southern Africa Lee graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Communications degree from the University of Witwatersrand. He attended his first Walk Thru the Old Testament live event while still a college student. While working with student ministry on a local university campus, Lee and another instructor formed Walk Thru the Bible Southern Africa. Initially, their activities were on a part-time basis, but it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take long for their efforts to lead to tremendous impact throughout the region. Lee became the regional director in 2005. Lee and his wife, Brigette, have three daughters: Robyn, Erin, and Laura.

WALK THRU THE BIBLE

ohn Houchens traveled nearly 9,000 miles from Atlanta to lead a conference in Hyderabad, India. It was 10 times farther than any other attendee’s journey, but some spent a lot more time getting there. Many journeyed 20 hours on various modes of transportation— bus, train, or something else, as the options in India are numerous. But no one traveled longer than Samuel from Bhutan. Samuel’s trip began with a bus ride from Phuentsholing, Bhutan, to Siliguri, India— a five-hour ride. The train from there to

AUSTRALIA BANGLADESH BHUTAN CAMBODIA CHINA INDIA INDONESIA JAPAN MALAYSIA MONGOLIA MYANMAR NEPAL NEW ZEALAND PAPUA NEW GUINEA PHILIPPINES SINGAPORE SOUTH KOREA SRI LANKA THAILAND VIETNAM 25

Scan with your smartphone for more photos of Walk Thru the Bible Asia, or visit www.walkthru.org/where-we-work/asia

PASTORS/TEACHERS TRAINED )))))))))))3,130 EVENT ATTENDEES fkfkfkfkfkfkfk1,232,071 RESOURCES DISTRIBUTED/SOLDBBBBBBB83,352

~ Stats for Asia ~

Kolkata was 12 hours, “but I got a nice rest there for four hours before catching the train to Hyderabad.” The last portion of the trip was 30 hours. On one train. A 51-hour trip overall.

Christians don’t even rank a percentage point. But there are some, and Samuel spends much of his time training and equipping the pastors of these isolated, persevering churches.

Why would Samuel take In most areas of South more than four days Asia, Christians are of travel time (both a small minority of ways) for a threethe total populaday conference? tion. Church lead“Because I can’t Hindus 827,578,868 (80.5%) ers often feel isoget this teaching Muslims 138,188,240 (13.4%) lated and face anywhere else.” intense oppoChristians 24,080,016 (2.3%) We hear that a sition in their Sikhs 19,215,730 (1.9%) lot. “The people work. This cretell us, ‘You have ates a profound wonderful teachneed for buildOf the 1.1 billion people of India, only ing’,” says one ing relationships 750,000 claim no religious affiliation. pastor in western with a network of Christians are outnumbered more India. “We tell them other leaders for felthan 40 to 1. it is not ours. It is Walk lowship, accountability, Thru the Bible’s. But feedback, and exchange really it is God’s.” of ideas. That need is deep enough to prompt a pastor to travel Samuel is the only Christian in his extended for days to meet it. family of 52 and the only member of his

RELIGION IN INDIA

family remaining in the country. Bhutan is 75 percent Buddhist and 25 percent Hindu;

GLOBAL LEADERS

Vallab Sathyabal, South Asia Brother Sathyabal was born and raised in a Christian family and accepted Christ in 1980. After being called to the ministry full time four years later, he joined Bible Centered Ministries (BCM) as a missionary to work among children. While serving with BCM, he received training on how to teach Walk Thru the Bible live events and has coordinated trainings for thousands, just like the one he attended. He has been regional director for South Asia since 2005. He and his wife, Anitha, have a son, Isaac.

Gen. Herman Mantiri, Indonesia Lieutenant General-Army (retired) Herman Bernhard Leopold Mantiri was born in 1939 in Bogor-West Java. In his 32 years of military service, he had an exemplary career starting from a platoon leader in 1963 to his last post in 1995 as Chief of General Staff in the Army. He earned a total of 17 military medals and stars. In 1996, Gen. Mantiri was appointed by the second president of Indonesia as the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambassador to Singapore. Gen. Mantiri currently serves as National President of Full Gospel Business Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fellowship International. He founded Walk Thru the Bible Indonesia in 2001 and continues to serve as the regional director of Walk Thru the Bible Indonesia.

Federico Tancongco, Philippines Federico Primavera Tancongco is a lawyer whose present practice and professorial load is focused on banking, taxation, trusts, securities, corporation law and governance. He is a senior executive at Banco de Oro, the second largest bank in the Phillippines, seconded to its subsidiary as the Head of Legal and Compliance Division. Over the last two decades, he has served in various capacities in boards of corporations engaged in industries including automotive, real estate, and joint ventures, and also in non-profit corporations. He is the chairman of Conservative Baptist Seminary, Asia Foundation, the training arm of Conservative Baptist Association of the Phillippines and the former chairman of Faith Christian Fellowship, Antipolo.

Chae Lee, South Korea Chae immigrated to the United States at the age of 19. Within a year of his immigration, his entire family accepted Christ. Chae graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1991 and has been involved with Walk Thru the Bible since then. He trains Korean pastors in China, the United States, Korea, and throughout South America. Chae resides in Seoul and Los Angeles with his wife, Hwa, and three children: Joyce, Joshua, and Timothy.

WALK THRU THE BIBLE

ARMENIA AZERBAIJAN BELARUS KAZAKHSTAN MOLDOVA RUSSIA TAJIKISTAN UKRAINE

astor Peter’s oldest daughter, Alyona, a wife and mother of two children in Vladikavkaz, conducted live radio broadcasts on the only Christian FM station in Russia. She daily presented messages about Jesus to Muslims in the northern Caucasus. But in the fall of last year, Alyona got sick. The doctors didn’t know what was wrong, so Peter’s family moved her to St. Petersburg, where it was discovered that she had stage-four cancer involving her lymph nodes. Shocked and discouraged, Peter and

Scan with your smartphone for more photos of Walk Thru the Bible CIS-Ukraine, or visit www.walkthru.org/where-we-work/cis-ukraine

PASTORS/TEACHERS TRAINED )))))))))))1,747 EVENT ATTENDEESfkfkfkfkfkfkfkfk140,038 BROADCAST AUDIENCE `````````7,000,000 RESOURCES DISTRIBUTED/SOLDBBBBBBB17,186 ~ Stats for Ukraine & CIS ~

his family began to lose hope.

in it. But the question ‘what?’ has hope Like most of us, Peter asked “why?” And, in it,” he explains. And that hope led the like most of us, he sent out emails requestwomen in the hospital to receive Jesus as ing prayer from his Christian friends. their Savior. A few hours later, Yuri ShelesOne year later, Alyona has tun, Walk Thru the Bible’s been through seven country director for rounds of chemoUkraine, called him therapy. She is weak with words of comin the flesh but fort. “Do not ask More than 37 percent of Eastern strong in spirit. ‘why’, Peter. Ask Because of her ill‘what’. ‘What Europeans under communism ness, many docdo you want were atheists or agnostics in 1970. tors, nurses, and to teach us in Today, that number has dwindled to patients have this situation, heard about Lord?’” less than 10 percent.* Members of Jesus and have the Orthodox church have nearly Yuri also sent admired her faith doubled since communism, and Peter a DVD series and optimism. on How to Rebuild evangelical groups have They have learned Your Broken World. not only how to begun to flourish too. Peter’s family watched rebuild a broken world; the sessions nightly and they have witnessed the were greatly encouraged. hope of the gospel. In the mornings, he would go to the hospital and teach the material to his daughter—and other women with cancer. “The question ‘why?’ has disappointment

DECLINING ATHEISM

*Christianity in its Global Context, 1970-2020, Center for the Study of Global Christianity, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, 2013.

GLOBAL LEADER

Yuri Shelestun Born in Kiev to a Christian family, Yuri wanted to enroll in the Institute of Economics but was denied entry because of his religious status. Christians were not allowed to study at universities, so he studied at a vocational school and became a refrigerator repairman. After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Yuri entered the Ukrainian Bible Seminary and became a missionary. He began teaching Walk Thru the Bible programs to his students as he worked in middle schools. Yuri began working with Walk Thru the Bible in 1994 and was appointed director of Ukraine four years later. In 2000, he became the regional director of the CIS and earned a Master of Divinity that same year. Yuri and his wife, Natasha, have been married for 25 years and have three children: Liza, Benjamin, and David.

WALK THRU THE BIBLE

lena often overheard her mother praying, “God, please help my children find a real purpose for their lives.” Elena tried. She saw people with money who seemed to live only for making more money. She saw friends investing themselves in fun and relationships but ending up sad and tired. Determined to make a difference, Elena became a teacher. But after seven years in a public school, she began to lose her passion and didn’t understand why. With a resignation letter in hand,

AUSTRIA BULGARIA DENMARK ENGLAND ESTONIA FINLAND FRANCE GERMANY HUNGARY ITALY LATVIA NETHERLANDS

NORTHERN IRELAND NORWAY POLAND ROMANIA SERBIA SCOTLAND SPAIN SWEDEN 33

Scan with your smartphone for more photos of Walk Thru the Bible Europe, or visit www.walkthru.org/where-we-work/europe

PASTORS/TEACHERS TRAINED ))))))))))))440 EVENT ATTENDEESfkfkfkfkfkfkfkfkf85,091 BROADCAST AUDIENCE `````````5,957,796 RESOURCES DISTRIBUTED/SOLDBBBBBBB46,587 ~ Stats for Europe ~

she went to the school to end one phase of her life and look for another. While there, out. She learned about Jesus as the model teacher, and about the real purpose of His she saw a Walk Thru the Bible poster: life and mission on earth. And she learned “Ignite your passion for teaching,” the that He was looking for a personal poster read. Further down were relationship with her. the words, “Take a walk; change the world.” Pas“Me, a teacher sought sion and purpose—just by the great Teacher. what Elena was hunI could not resist gry for. The Romani people—better known the invitation to in the U.S. as gypsies—are scattered receive the gift On a rainy day in throughout the world, especially in the of salv at ion. ” western Romacountries of continental Europe. Population Elena called her nia, Elena and statistics are unclear, but they may number mother to tell a colleague her that she had attended the as many as 12 million. Walk Thru the Bible finally found her training event. resources have impacted the Romani in real purpose. As she listened, many of these countries, particularly she felt like she Austria, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Elena’s passion was becoming a Romania, and Spain. was restored. She new person. She began to read the caught a vision for Bible every day. She implementing new shared her life with her communication skills and students and hopes they see methods. Jesus in her. And she believes that Still, something was missing. What did many more teachers in public schools will be transformed by training events like the these trainers have that Elena didn’t? In the one she attended. last session on “internal beliefs,” she found

GYPSIES

GLOBAL LEADERS

Paul Keeys, Western Europe Paul’s enthusiasm for Walk Thru the Bible began when he was just 11 and saw its early growth as his parents established the ministry in the U.K. Paul was trained as a live event instructor in 2005 and has taught Walk Thru the Old Testament and Walk Thru the New Testament regularly since then. Many of his early live events were in the northeast of England. In 2007, he became a full-time staff member and moved south to lead the children’s ministry team. In 2008, he succeeded his dad as director for Western Europe. Paul’s passion is to see his nation reached with the Word of God in a relevant and life-changing way. When he’s not teaching or working in the office, he spends almost all of his free time with his wife, Jane, and their two cats, Fred and Ginger. Paul and Jane enjoy leading tours to the Holy Land.

Beni Lup, Eastern Europe Beni was born into a Christian family and raised in a persecuted church. He is ordained with the Romanian Evangelical Alliance. He graduated from law school in 2008 and is currently enrolled in a master’s degree program. In addition to their training and counseling efforts, Beni and his team established a publishing company that has been nominated for several awards. Beni became involved with Walk Thru the Bible in 2000 and believes that the ministry is the tool that God will use to reach Eastern Europe for Christ. Together with his team, he teaches in public schools, churches, Bible schools, prisons, orphanages, and youth camps. Beni also plants churches and is a frequent guest on radio and TV programs. He and his wife, Eugenia, have a daughter named Christiana.

WALK THRU THE BIBLE

ome might find the pastor’s evangelistic approach a little unusual, but it’s working in North Africa. After he explains the way of salvation, he tells his Muslim listeners to put his words aside. “Don’t rely on what I say,” he declares. Instead, he urges them to ask Jesus for confirmation. He knows their faith will not endure if it’s based on a single testimony rather than a divine encounter. So his listeners pray. They talk to Jesus Himself. They ask for some kind of sign, some answered prayer, some confirmation that

ALGERIA CYPRUS DUBAI EGYPT IRAQ ISRAEL JORDAN KUWAIT LEBANON LIBYA MOROCCO PALESTINE /WEST BANK QATAR SAUDI ARABIA SUDAN SYRIA TUNISIA TURKEY 37

Scan with your smartphone for more photos of Walk Thru the Bible MENA, or visit www.walkthru.org/where-we-work/mena

PASTORS/TEACHERS TRAINED ))))))))))))287 EVENT ATTENDEES fkfkfkfkfkfkfkfkf7,146 BROADCAST AUDIENCE ````````10,000,000 RESOURCES DISTRIBUTED/SOLDBBBBBBB21,824 ~ Stats for Middle East / N. Africa ~

“these things are true.” And, because God is faithful to His Word, they hear from Him.

He feels the need to protect his flock from the ideas and teachings of foreign ministries, especially those from the West. Most of the church in this North AfriBut Walk Thru the Bible resources can city have come to Christ transfer well across cultures, this way—through some and he says he can’t get sort of miracle or enough of them. Unlike Train 300 leaders in at least answered prayer. One many conferences one course in the next year is a woman who and pre-packaged prayed and expematerials, they are • ONE LEADER WILL IMPACT rienced an end to AND TEACH 100 PEOPLE rooting his church the bitterness she • FIVE OF THE 100 HE IMPACTS AND in the Bible itself. TEACHES WILL BE LEADERS TOO felt toward the That’s especially father who long • THOSE FIVE LEADERS WILL IMPACT 100 MORE important in ago abandoned 1 Leader = 600 people this area where her. Like many 300 Leaders = 180,000 Christians are in this small but treated badly growing church, Cost per trainee: $120 and some have she knows her 300 in 12 months = $36,000 received threats. heart has changed. Our courses are helpImpact: 180,000 people This pastor is origiing his congregation nally from Lebanon, but and others endure and God called him to a country even thrive in a difficult enviin North Africa years ago to minronment. ister to Muslims. His congregation is made up of believers who have come out of Islam and many who are still seeking.

GOAL:

GLOBAL LEADER

Wahid Wahba A dentist by trade, Wahid left his practice in 1994 to enter full-time ministry with the Bible Society of Egypt. He graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1998. At a training meeting with the British and Foreign Bible Society of England, he met an instructor who invited him to a Walk Thru the Old Testament live event. Wahid enjoyed it so much that he became an instructor and met with Walk Thru the Bible to discuss becoming the regional director of the Middle East. Before becoming the regional director of the Middle East and North Africa region in 2002, Wahid served as the executive director of the Haggai Institute for MENA from 1999-2001. Wahid founded The Good News group, the first evangelistic group in the Catholic Church in Egypt. Wahid and his wife, Laila, have two sons: Sameh and Nader.

WALK THRU THE BIBLE

even years ago, Mexico’s seven largest drug cartels waged open war in the streets of Juárez. At first it only involved drug traders, with an occasional bystander getting caught in the crossfire. But drug lords soon began to target employees of multinational corporations, wealthy citizens, and even churches. Lalo, a bivocational pastor who came out of the drug trade years ago, found his past invading his present. His son was targeted and killed. Then his daughter, a married

ARGENTINA BELIZE BRAZIL CHILE COLOMBIA COSTA RICA CUBA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC EL SALVADOR ECUADOR

GUYANA HONDURAS MEXICO NICARAGUA PERU TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Watch a video interview of Lalo at www.walkthru.org/where-we-work/latin-america 41

Scan with your smartphone for more photos of Walk Thru the Bible Latin America, or visit www.walkthru.org/where-we-work/latin-america

PASTORS/TEACHERS TRAINED ))))))))))))351 EVENT ATTENDEESfkfkfkfkfkfkfkfkf22,444 BROADCAST AUDIENCE `````````7,601,196 RESOURCES DISTRIBUTED/SOLDBBBBBBBB4,518 ~ Stats for Latin America ~

mother of two, was kidnapped and held for six weeks. Fellow pastors and churches contributed to the ransom to purchase her release.

memory. Hardly anyone goes out after dark.

This is the environment in which pastors serve each week—and in At times, cartel members which 60 church leaders would come to a random gathered to hear about church on Sunday, point Walk Thru the Bible a gun at the pastor, recently. Teaching and have the conand training, espegregation pass the cially on topics offering plates Latin America is the least religiously like perseverin exchange for diverse region of the world, but tension ance and faith, his life. Congrebetween denominations runs high in are vital encourgations began many places. Walk Thru the Bible events agement for meeting in people who cousmaller groups and resources are broadly trusted and, rageously face at less public in some areas, are bridging the gap many challenges. locations.

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

between Christians through crossdenominational events and initiatives.

The violence has decreased recently, but the damage has been done. Empty stores line many of Juárez’s streets. Playgrounds are vacant. Factories have shut down and moved elsewhere. The evening entertainment and shopping that used to enliven the city are a fading

And those resources are spreading beyond the walls of the church into government offices, police forces, and educational institutions. Growing relationships between pastors and the mayor’s office kindle hope for lasting solutions. And truth gains a little more influence in the streets of Juárez.

GLOBAL LEADERS

Alejandro Oviedo, Central America Alejandro has a degree in general medicine and worked as a forensic physician for the Public Ministry of Honduras. After serving in this capacity for nine years, he felt a deep need to serve God. He had been thinking of producing a radio program focused on family values and decided to pursue his dream. A busy schedule of counseling, lectures, and preaching soon followed, as well as the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in pastoral theology at the Latin University of Theology. Alejandro has served as regional director since 2002. He and his wife, Luisa, have three children: Alejandro, Laura, and Ana Lucia.

Alex Colombo, South America Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Alex graduated from Word of Life Bible Institute for Theological Studies and earned his B.A. in education from Universidad Autonoma de Asunción. He is the current general director, CEO, and founder of Grace Education Center, Biblical School in Asunción. Prior to this, he and his wife founded the Educational Biblical Foundation, worked for the Theological Evangelical College of Asunción, and Word of Life, and also planted a church in Fernando de Mora, Paraguay. Alex serves as a board member of ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). Alex and his wife, Mirta, have two daughters: Laura and Sandra.

UNITED STATES CANADA BERMUDA WALK THRU THE BIBLE

t had been a difficult year for Darrell—a year full of “crucible moments” that left him feeling beaten, bruised, and broken. That’s when he came across the Crucible book, the companion volume to Walk Thru the Bible’s course on David and the choices he made. At several strategic crucible moments, Israel’s king made decisions that impacted the course of his own life as well as those of the people around him. Darrell could relate. His critical moments had been a challenge too.

Scan with your smartphone for more photos of Walk Thru the Bible North America, or visit www.walkthru.org/where-we-work/north-america

PASTORS/TEACHERS TRAINED))))))))))))))64 EVENT ATTENDEESfkfkfkfkfkfkfkfkf42,000 RESOURCES DISTRIBUTED/SOLD BBBB3,454,611 ~ Stats for North America ~

Like David, Darrell struggled between fear Many others have encountered the same and faith, despair and resolve, and disapencouragement and strengthening durpointment and expectancy. Like most of ing the course of a live event, through a us, the tension between these perspectives devotional magazine, or in a daily were stretching him and changing Bible reading. God has a way his relationship with God. But of causing expressions of uncomfortable situations His Word to intersect like these are often the with our moments catalyst for growth in of need at just the our lives. Nearly 80 percent of Americans right time. His Darrell found that consider themselves to be Christian. Yet … Word speaks life to be true, and into difficult situ• Fewer than half of American adults he discovered ations and helps can name all four gospels. it in an encounus persevere • 60 percent of Americans can’t name ter with a Walk through trying five of the 10 Commandments. Thru the Bible times. And our • 82 percent of Americans believe “God helps book. He felt his crucible moments those who help themselves” is a Bible verse. faith strengthbecome our great• Only half of self-identified Christians ened, his trust est blessings. believe the Bible is accurate in the restored, and his principles it teaches. confidence grounded

BIBLICAL LITERACY

in the knowledge that God’s ways with him were the same as God’s ways with David, a man after His own heart. Like David, Darrell sensed the courage and faith to overcome his disappointments and press ahead into God’s calling.

GLOBAL LEADER

David Hodge David Hodge is vice president for North American Ministries, but also functions as regional director for the U.S. and Canada. Prior to his role with Walk Thru the Bible, David served as executive director of Winning With Encouragement for 11 years. Before WWE, he enjoyed his initial tour with Walk Thru the Bible for 10 years, serving as director of leadership training. David has also served as a pastor and college instructor of Greek and New Testament. As director of North American ministries, David leads three areas of Walk Thru the Bible: publishing, live events, and product development. He lives in Atlanta with his wife, Pam, and three children.

THE BIG PICTURE )

Pastors/ Teachers Trained

Event Attendees

A B

TV Audience

Radio Audience

Resources Distributed/ Sold

Africa

1,523

182,846

–

716,452

27,864

Asia

3,130

1,232,071

–

83,352

CIS/Ukraine

1,747

140,038

7,000,000

–

17,186

Europe

440

85,091

7,000,000

1,356,600

46,587

Middle East/ North Africa

287

7,146

10,000,000

–

21,824

Latin America

351

22,444

4,601,196

3,000,000

4,518

42,000

–

3,454,611

7,542

1,711,636

28,601,196

5,073,052

3,655,942

North America TOTAL

In the last two years, Walk Thru the Bible teachers have taught in 111 countries.

We currently teach in 22 time countries where we’ve taught in the last 2 years zones. A couple of volunteers to teach in countries projected in the next 3 years French Polynesia and the Yukon would make it all 24. ALGERIA DENMARK KUWAIT PALESTINE/ THAILAND

• •

ANGOLA ARGENTINA ARMENIA AUSTRALIA AUSTRIA AZERBAIJAN BANGLADESH BELARUS BELIZE BENIN BERMUDA BHUTAN BOTSWANA BRAZIL BULGARIA BURKINA FASO BURUNDI CAMBODIA CHILE CHINA COLOMBIA COMOROS COSTA RICA CUBA CYPRUS

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ECUADOR EGYPT EL SALVADOR ENGLAND ESTONIA FINLAND FRANCE GEORGIA GERMANY GHANA GUYANA HONDURAS HUNGARY INDIA INDONESIA IRAQ ITALY ISRAEL IVORY COAST JAPAN JORDAN KAZAKHSTAN KENYA

LATVIA LEBANON LESOTHO LIBERIA LIBYA MADAGASCAR MALAWI MALAYSIA MAURITIUS MEXICO MOLDOVA MONGOLIA MOROCCO MOZAMBIQUE MYANMAR NAMIBIA NEPAL NETHERLANDS NEW ZEALAND NICARAGUA NIGERIA NORTHERN IRELAND NORWAY PAKISTAN

WEST BANK PAPUA NEW GUINEA PERU PHILIPPINES POLAND QATAR ROMANIA RUSSIA RWANDA SAUDI ARABIA SCOTLAND SEYCHELLES SERBIA SINGAPORE SOUTH AFRICA SOUTH KOREA SPAIN SRI LANKA SUDAN SWAZILAND SWEDEN SYRIA TAJIKISTAN TANZANIA

TOGO TRINIDAD & TOBAGO TUNISIA TURKEY UGANDA UK UKRAINE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNITED STATES VIETNAM ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE

GUATEMALA MAURITANIA YEMEN LAOS EAST TIMOR KYRGYZSTAN LITHUANIA

CHRISTIAN GROWTH TRENDS BY COUNTRY* Iraq -2.46

Largest net Christian gain and loss per 100 Christians (2010)

Moldova -0.82 Bulgaria -0.68 Georgia -0.6 Turkey -0.49 Germany -0.42 Romania -0.41 Guyana -0.36 Kazakhstan -0.34 Ukraine -0.27

DR Congo 3.21 Uganda 3.26 Tanzania 3.36 Benin 3.47

Projected Christian growth % by country, 2010-2050

Timor 3.63 Burkina Faso 3.8 Nepal 4.12 Burundi 4.25 Cambodia 4.72 Liberia 5.01

Y Walk Thru the Bible courses have been taught in 58 verified languages 5

4.69

4.5

4 3.5

3.2

3.09

(and likely some we don’t know about). Published material is in at least 38 languages. Walk Thru the Bible has produced at least 176 products — books, videos, workbooks, flashcards, leader’s guides, etc. — in various languages. 3.01

2.94

2.89

2.83

2.79

Nepal

Benin

Mongolia

Niger

Chad

Burundi

Burkina Faso

2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0

North Korea

Cambodia

Liberia

*Atlas of Global Christianity 1910-2010, Todd M. Johnson and Kenneth R. Ross, eds., Edinburgh University Press, © Center for the Study of Global Christianity, 2009.

TAKE A WALK. CHANGE THE WORLD.

...HOW?

WHAT’S YOUR PASSION?

• a particular region or country? • a specific segment of the population? • a kind of ministry? • a topic that addresses a distinct need? • new resources or innovative techniques? Maybe you’re moved to invest in God’s kingdom but can’t put your finger on exactly how. You know the needs but haven’t yet connected your interests with one of them. We can help you invest your heart and your resources into an area of ministry that will have real impact—an investment with eternal returns. THINK ABOUT IT: YOU CAN HELP . . . • transform a church in central Africa • put God’s Word in the hands of Christians in a Muslim country • improve the effectiveness of teachers in Southeast Asia • restore marriages in Europe • and much, much more. There are several ways Walk Thru the Bible can help you connect your heart with God’s purposes for the world:

l support a country or region Our partners already know the language and culture, and they are already trained to serve and equip others. This allows for a highly efficient use of your resources in direct ministry.

l support a type of ministry Leadership training, developing print resources, broadcasting, marriage and family . . . Walk Thru the Bible is continually

developing resources for print publishing, video recording, broadcasts, and live event presentations. These resources are highly effective but costly to produce and distribute. Designated gifts can fund their early development or their on-thefield implementation, and everything in between.

l support a specific project We have frequent opportunities and requests to produce new, targeted resources like devotional Bibles, training series, small-group aids, conferences for leaders in a particular city or country, and more. Funding a specific project is a direct, tangible way to connect your resources with a need.

l support the ministry as a whole “Wherever needed most” may not be an exciting category, but it’s an extremely important one. General gifts to Walk Thru the Bible enable the ministry to meet urgent requests from the field, support vital staff positions, sustain ongoing partnerships, and respond to unexpected circumstances in any area of the world—whenever and wherever needed.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP If God is prompting you to connect your heart and your resources with His work in the world through Walk Thru the Bible, you can partner with us by:

c calling Mitchell Ridgeway, manager of donor services, at 678-578-5534

w connecting to www.walkthru.org/donate 52

FROM THE PRESIDENT Pastor Joshua and several leaders in his South African church needed help, so they attended a few of our training sessions. Not only were they given tools for effective ministry; they became certified instructors to pass those tools on to others. Joshua’s congregation began commenting on his practical teaching, and the church soon doubled. The leadership team began training other leaders in nearby communities, and their churches grew too. The multiplying effect has extended even into local prisons as lives are being changed. God promised in Isaiah 55 that His Word would always accomplish its purposes. It would not return to Him empty like land without fruit. It would produce a harvest. His Word carries the power to change lives, families, communities, and even nations. When people engage with the Bible, they have meaningful encounters with God Himself. But there’s one condition. For God’s Word to bear fruit, it has to be taken into the world. It can’t change hearts if it never reaches them. The Word has to be taught effectively in order to bring back a harvest. You’ve seen many examples of changed lives in this year’s Global Impact Report. That’s what your prayers and generous support of this ministry have accomplished, and we all thank God for that. Now we want this harvest to continue and even increase—to impact more people, more families and churches, and more countries. We want more stories of changed lives. Please partner with us to help people everywhere live God’s Word. Help us ignite passion for Him. Together, we can provide the means to transform lives, equip leaders, strengthen families, grow churches, and impact society. We can change the world through the power of His Word.

Phil Tuttle President

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. John H. Isch, chair John is a retired cardiovascular surgeon from Indianapolis, Ind., where he founded and served with a large clinical practice for 32 years. He continues to serve on the board of St. Vincent Health Systems and the dean’s council of the Indiana University School of Medicine. He is a consultant to the Indiana Heart Center and teaches for the Christian Medical Society. He serves on the board of the Navigators and the advisory board of Wheaton College. John and his wife, Mary, are active in teaching and discipling in their community, local church, and home.

Thomas W. Steipp, vice chair Tom is the president and CEO of Liquidmetal Technologies, a leading force in the research, development, and commercialization of amorphous metals. Other career highlights include marketing and general management positions in mass storage, computer networking, and government programs. He has had assignments in the U.S. Air Force as an electrical engineer in support of Titan missiles and as a T-38 instructor pilot. Tom received his BSEE from the U.S. Air Force Academy and an MBA from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University. He currently serves on the boards of several public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Tom and his wife, Deb, live in California and have two married children and three grandchildren. Paul H. Johnson, treasurer/chairman emeritus Paul is a semiretired real estate developer in Birmingham, Mich. He studied architecture and design at the University of Michigan before starting his own construction business in 1950. He has been a leader in the Christian Business Men’s Committee of U.S.A. He has held many leadership positions at his home church, Highland Park Baptist in Southfield, Mich., as well as Maranatha Bible Conference in Muskegon, Mich. Paul also served as chairman of the board of Moody Bible Institute and Walk Thru the Bible, where he currently serves as board member emeritus. Paul has three adult children and fourteen grandchildren. He and his wife, Pam, live in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Dr. Mark L. Bailey Mark joined Dallas Theological Seminary in 1985 as a professor in the Bible exposition department. In 1997, he was appointed as vice president for academic affairs and academic dean and assumed the additional role of provost two years later. In 2001, Dr. Bailey was named as the fifth president in the seminary’s 80-year history. For more than 25 years, his career passions have been theological education and pastoral ministry. He was an event instructor for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries for 20 years. Mark and his wife, Barby, have been married for over 30 years. They have two sons and two grandchildren.

Edwin T. Bryant Ed earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in actuarial science from Georgia State University, and he is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries. Ed spent his professional career with Towers Perrin, a large international management consulting firm, where he was the managing director/principal for the firm’s southeastern offices. Since his early retirement, he has been president of his own consulting firm, Bryant Advisory Group, and has served as chief operating officer for Firstdoor, Inc., a human resource technology firm. In addition, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Walk Thru the Bible from 2005 to 2007. Ed and his wife, Lorraine, live in Atlanta and have two adult children and four grandchildren. Russ Crosson Russ is president and CEO of Ronald Blue & Co. He was hired by Ron Blue in 1980 as the second employee of the newly founded firm. He has worked extensively in all areas of financial planning, specializing in comprehensive financial planning, estate planning, and transgenerational family planning. As president & CEO, Russ is active in developing the firm’s strategic initiatives and its overall management. Russ is the former director of the National Christian Foundation and has written three books, Money & Your Marriage, A Life Well Spent, and The Truth About Money Lies and has been a featured speaker in many venues including Promise Keepers. Russ and his wife, Julie, live in Atlanta with their three sons.

Lisa Geeting Lisa has been involved with Walk Thru the Bible for more than a decade. Actively involved in both local and international missions, she has traveled to 28 countries to share the joy and redemption of Jesus Christ. Lisa has had the opportunity to speak to a variety of international audiences including the Romanian parliament. Lisa and her husband, Marc, sit on the Board of Visitors for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is a member of Calvary Baptist Church and is currently involved with an initiative to engage the church body in fulfilling the great commission found in Acts 1:8. Lisa and Marc live in Clemons, N.C., with their two sons.

Dr. Carter Harsh Carter has been a practicing neurosurgeon in Birmingham, Ala., since 1991. He is a member of the Alabama Medical Association, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. He is also involved in his church in a variety of positions, including the global missions leadership team. He has served on the boards for the Christian Medical Ministry of Alabama and Briarwood Christian School, and in leadership for Young Life. He and his wife, Cindy, have four children.

John Van Diest A book publisher for more than 30 years, John founded Multnomah Press and Vision House and currently serves as associate publisher of Tyndale House Publishers. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. John has helped establish publishing in Russia, China, and several Muslim countries. He serves on the board of directors of the Portland Rescue Mission and Teeny Foods Corporation. He and his wife, Pat, have three adult children and eleven grandchildren.

EXECUTIVE TEAM Philip S. Tuttle, President & CEO For more than two decades, Phil Tuttle has been a vital member of the Walk Thru the Bible family. While pastoring in central Illinois, he began teaching Walk Thru the Bible’s live events in 1988 and then moved to Atlanta in 1992 to serve full time as dean of faculty. He later served as senior vice president for International Ministries and global teaching pastor before becoming president and CEO in 2007. A native of Normal, Illinois, Phil received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education and Bible from Wheaton College in 1980 and his Master of Theology degree in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. As president of Walk Thru the Bible, Phil continues to share God’s Word throughout the world in churches, Bible conferences, Christian education conventions, and corporate gatherings. Phil is also deeply involved with his home church, The Bridge, in Duluth, Ga., where he serves as a teaching pastor. His unique blend of biblical instruction, real-life illustrations, and spontaneous humor makes learning easy and enjoyable. Phil and his wife, Ellen, have two adult children, Emily and Philip. John Houchens, Sr. VP for Advancement and International Ministries John Houchens is a graduate of Atlanta Christian College. He cut his teeth in ministry on the streets of Atlanta in the early ’80s and since then has pastored congregations in the inner city and rural Appalachia. John originally joined the staff of Walk Thru the Bible in 1998 to serve as director of Outreach North America, a program that partnered with organizations such as Prison Fellowship, Salvation Army, and Campus Crusade for Christ to reach prisons, inner cities, and under-resourced areas of the U.S. with Walk Thru the Bible’s tools. He now serves as senior vice president for advancement and international ministries. John and his wife, Debbie, have two sons: Taylor, a student at the University of North Carolina, and Ryan, a student at the University of Georgia. David Hodge, Sr. VP for North American Ministries For over two decades, David Hodge has been helping train and develop leaders to achieve success in any field of expertise. Prior to his role with Walk Thru the Bible, David served as executive director of Winning With Encouragement for 11 years. Before WWE, he enjoyed his initial tour with Walk Thru the Bible for 10 years, serving as director of leadership training. David has also served as a pastor and college instructor of Greek and New Testament. David has traveled all over the United States leading seminars and workshops on topics including leadership, encouragement, building effective work teams, integrity, marriage, and people/relational skills. David leads three areas of Walk Thru the Bible as director of North American ministries: publishing, live events, and product development. He lives in Atlanta with his wife, Pam, and three children, Elizabeth, Jamison, and Spencer. Genny Baxley, VP of Human Resources and Administrative Services Genny studied music and voice at the University of West Georgia and somehow ended up in administration, which has turned out to be her true calling. She has served in a variety of positions at Walk Thru the Bible over 20 years, and began serving in human resources in 2000. She is passionate about providing the environment and tools for the staff and associates of Walk Thru the Bible to be able to truly help people everywhere live God’s Word. Genny oversees the areas of human resources, information technology, and facilities management. Genny is also a certified Lay Speaker and a Stephen Minister. She and her husband, Allen, live in Cumming, Ga. Allen Baxley, VP of Finance Allen is a graduate of North Carolina State University. He also holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering and in operations research, both from Georgia Tech. For Allen, the bridge from operations research to finance was a short one, and he brings unique gifts combining his skills in operational efficiency with financial operations. He serves as a true business partner to the executive team at Walk Thru the Bible. Allen and his wife, Genny, live in Cumming, Ga.

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walk Thru the Bible Ministries

4201 North Peachtree Road Atlanta, Georgia 30341-1207

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

OVER 60 BIBLICAL RESOURCES . . . AND GROWING! Discover more with our e-store at

WWW.WALKTHRU.ORG/RESOURCES

• Biblical Resources • Innovative Live Events • Global Impact www.walkthru.org | 1.800.361.6131