Live the Gospel
"In the same way, let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
– Matthew 5:16
Will you Live the Gospel by supporting God’s life-changing work through Moody Bible Institute, Moody Radio, and Today in the Word? Join us as we share the good news of Christ and the transforming truth of God’s Word with listeners and readers around the world—and train the next generation of Christian leaders to shine the light of Jesus wherever He leads.
Your gift of any size is greatly appreciated to support our Fiscal Year End ministry needs of $1.8 million for Moody Radio, $1.7 million for Moody Bible Institute, and $200,000 for Today in the Word by June 30!
Moody Bible Institute
Partner with our undergraduate, seminary, online, and nontraditional educational ministries today as we pursue these Live the Gospel initiatives for God in the 2023–24 fiscal year:
Meet |
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Meet crucial educational needs through programs like a pastoral care certificate to train and equip lay leaders in churches, parachurch ministries and those working in mercy ministries. |
Develop |
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Develop new degree programs in specific areas of critical need, such as the new Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Preaching and our newly revised Master of Arts in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership. |
Answer |
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Answer the heart’s cry of pastors worldwide for truly biblical training through more non-traditional means such as Moody School of the Bible in West Africa. |
Training Leaders at Moody School of the Bible
Your year-end giving will support the training of pastors and ministry leaders in West Africa through Moody School of the Bible. “This school has helped me so much to study the Bible and understand it.”
Taking the Gospel to Public Schools
When Cora heard about Decision Point she was instantly drawn to its mission of equipping Christian public school students to reach their peers with the gospel. As part of Moody Bible Institute’s Practical Christian Ministry program, the freshman Elementary Education major would mentor student leaders of Christian clubs in public high schools across Chicago.
But Cora’s first assignment didn’t go as expected. With the Chicago public school system shutting down in-person instruction due to COVID-19, Cora first met her mentee, Jill*, via Zoom in January 2021. Jill was a sophomore leading a new Christian club at her high school in Chicago. As they got to know one another, Cora quickly discovered that they were different in nearly every conceivable way. Cora grew up in a traditional two-parent Christian household in a middle-class neighborhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Jill was being raised by an unbelieving grandfather in a lower-income urban environment.
Living in a dysfunctional, unchurched family, Jill wasn’t the typical Christian club student leader. During her eighth-grade year she happened to find a Bible at her grandfather’s house, began reading it on her own, and became interested in spiritual matters. Since her grandpa wasn’t a believer, Jill took it upon herself to search online for a church until discovering one nearby. She visited the church by herself as a freshman in high school, heard the gospel for the first time, and placed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior.
As a sophomore Jill started serving in the church’s music and children's ministries. Soon after she applied and was accepted to be a student leader with Decision Point. The nationwide evangelistic ministry trains student leaders of public-school Christian clubs through one-on-one relationships with Decision Point coaches who mentor leaders in how to share the gospel, plan outreach events, and lead Bible studies.
Jill received permission from her high school’s administration to lead an extracurricular Christian club and began meeting for an hour each week with her mentor, Cora, to prepare for her leadership role.
Overcoming fear and isolation
In her meetings with Cora, Jill initially was overwhelmed juggling her new faith and new leadership position. She also had no family support.
“I mentored her for a whole semester with her Zoom camera off,” Cora says. “She didn't want to turn her camera on. I knew what she sounded like but didn't see her face the entire semester, but I felt we had a lot in common in our love for God and His Word, so I decided I'll keep trying. The next fall we began meeting in person as COVID began letting up.”
Cora’s coaching sessions allayed Jill’s fears, building a biblical foundation for her young faith and infusing her with confidence. Each week Cora and Jill developed lesson plans and outreach opportunities for her club, discussed issues she was facing, studied how to communicate the gospel and share a personal testimony with other students, and learned biblical principles about discipleship, leadership, evangelism, and identity as a child of God.
“She also had a goal to have outreach events with her club. She wants every student on campus to hear the gospel,” Cora says. “We talk about how to invite the students at her school to club events and how to find good guest speakers. We also talk about her legal rights in sharing the gospel at a public school.”
Faithfulness to fruitfulness
After collaborating with Jill to establish a Christian club at Jill’s school, Cora looked forward to helping Jill take the club to the next level in the 2022–23 school year. But Jill battled feelings of doubt over whether the club would even continue.
“Jill was discouraged,” Cora says. “Her family aren't believers, and she hadn't heard from anyone in her club since the previous school year had ended. I said, ‘Let's just promote the club at the start of the school year, show up, and be consistent.’ She had a table for the club at the school's student fair, and 60 people signed up who were interested in the club. That was so encouraging for her.”
With Cora’s vision and support, Jill planned a variety of outreach activities for her club that have attracted students from every grade level. She invited former NFL athletes, spoken word artists, and other guests with name recognition among teens to speak at after-school events. She even hosted outreaches over lunch periods to make it easier for students to take part in the club during the school day.
Dedicated to proclaiming Christ
In spring of 2022 Cora began mentoring eight female students from high schools around the city. Mentoring student leaders from public schools has stretched Cora’s own leadership skills and her own dedication to proclaiming Christ.
After graduating in May with a BA in Elementary Education, Cora leaves Moody with a deep appreciation for her education and ministry training, which cultivated her desire to reach public schools with the gospel through her influence as a coach.
“Moody has helped me stay focused and on target in helping students with their goals of leading a Christian club at their school,” Cora says. “Moody is a supportive Christian community where everyone cares about you not only as a student but also in your relationship with God and in every aspect of your life.”
*pseudonym
Sharing Christ in a Closed Country
As the Islamic call to public prayer blares over a loudspeaker from the tower nearby, Frank* and a friend follow hundreds of men and boys to a mosque to observe one of the five daily prayer times for the Islamic faith.
Once inside, an imam leads the assembly in reciting a prayer from the Quran. Watching men of every age group praying in unison from a humble kneeling posture while facing Islam’s holy city of Mecca, Frank is impressed—and troubled. As a missionary who studied at Moody Bible Institute, Frank teaches English as a second language (ESL) at a university in the city, an open door for him to quietly introduce Muslims to Jesus Christ.
“I felt a tremendous sense of community,” he says. “They were all praying in the same direction as every other Muslim in the world and all following the same prophet. But you almost feel a demonic sense of false community. It makes my heart break for them to experience true community and intimacy in the one true God.”
New country, new calling
Before journeying to his new country, Frank graduated with a BA in Intercultural Studies from Moody, where he learned to communicate God’s truth and interact with people across cultures, backgrounds, and barriers. After graduation, Frank earned an ESL teaching certificate, raised support, and trained with his mission agency to teach classes at a university.
In his role as a missionary, Frank leads a missions team comprised of two married couples with children, a third married couple with no kids, three single women, and two single men. Two of his colleagues are also teachers; the other teammates are doctors and nurses at a hospital. By holding two jobs, Frank is able to fulfill his ultimate purpose—proclaiming the gospel in one of the world’s most unreached nations.
Frank’s missions team has served in its current city for three years. Because Christian activities are against the law, teammates rely heavily on one another for support. Aside from one national believer, they are the only known Christians in the city. Team members meet twice weekly to pray and once a week to discuss strategy.
With church gatherings prohibited, the team forms its own clandestine house church and worships privately together on Sundays. “Everything we do needs to be underground in our homes,” Frank says.
Wise as serpents, innocent as doves
Although the government bans proselytizing, Frank and his team openly discuss matters of faith with unbelievers. For security reasons they use alternative words when communicating with teammates and with others in their home country in case authorities are tapping their electronic devices.
“The verse ‘Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves’ (Matthew 10:16) is applicable here,” Frank says. “In this country you’re a sheep among wolves. There’s suspicion underneath my interactions with them. I’ll tell them, ‘I’m American and teach at the local university.’ Some say that’s cool. Others are more suspicious and ignore me or get upset. I’ve had people rudely say to me, ‘You’re an unbeliever’ and ‘What you believe is fake and you’re going to hell.’ It’s an intense culture.”
Persecution is an even more dangerous reality for nationals. “I’ve had people tell me if they (accepted Christ) they’d be killed by their parents,” Frank says. “Others have said they’d be rejected by their families and friends.”
Relational evangelism
Since the government prohibits Christian proselytizing, Frank and his teammates depend on one-on-one conversations to spread the gospel.
“Our evangelism is done through relational evangelism. We don’t hide the fact that we follow (Jesus),” Frank says. “We simply try to share in a contextualized way that draws people in and doesn’t offend immediately. I often will use (the Quran) to validate and prove that (the Bible) hasn’t been changed. I also like to quote some of (Christ’s) ‘I am’ statements from (Scripture) to start a dialogue about Him.”
Frank often draws on the principles he learned at Moody.
“We talk about how to proclaim the gospel in ways that make sense to them and yet is still faithful to the teachings of Scripture,” says Dr. Timothy Sisk, one of Frank’s professors at Moody. “We’re taking the gospel to them to point them to Christ and His Word. We want our witness to be sensitive and meaningful to their culture and faithful to the Bible.”
Overcoming language barriers
After years of study, Frank can speak the local language deftly enough to talk with residents on a basic level. Many nationals are fluent in English, allowing him to share biblical truth in depth.
“In some of my relationships with fellow teachers I’ve shared the good news plainly with them,” Frank says. “They’ll say, ‘Why do you believe (Jesus) is the Son of God?’ or we’ll discuss what the Trinity is or why (Christ) would die for you if you can save yourself through good works as Islam teaches.”
‘Removing rocks before seed can be sown’
In an unreached nation where Christianity is outlawed, Frank and his team have experienced significant resistance to the gospel.
“We compare it to the parable of the sower. In many ways we’re removing rocks before seed can be sown,” Frank says.
Most locals express a steadfast belief in Islam and a staunch distrust of the Bible. Spiritual darkness maintains a stranglehold on nationals’ hearts. “We remind ourselves this war is not against flesh and blood but against rulers and powers and authorities,” Frank says.
According to Frank’s mission agency, which has stationed undercover missionary teams in a few cities in this country and in other Islamic nations, Muslims typically take several years of witnessing before trusting Christ for salvation.
“Having conversations with people here and sharing (Christ) and His truth the last two years, it truly is the (Holy Spirit) who softens hearts and convicts of sin,” Frank says. “We continue to ask God to draw people to Himself and remember prayer is the greater work.”
*Names, locations, and personal details have been concealed for safety reasons.
Moody Radio
Partner with Moody Radio as we pursue these Live the Gospel initiatives for God in fiscal year 2023–24:
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Take the biblical, practical messages of Bold Steps with Dr. Mark Jobe to the nation’s top 25 cities/markets—and expand ministry partnerships so that Bold Steps broadcasts the good news of Jesus in more countries worldwide. |
Reach |
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Reach 100 million unsaved people with the gospel and become one of the five most used media sources for discipleship by increasing our podcasts, social media, and searchable digital content with biblical, relevant messages. |
Launch |
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Launch Moody Radio stations in more key cities and regions of the US so we can impact more of our neighbors with the gospel. |
An Anchor in the Storm
When Matthew began his six-month sentence, the weight of his penalty wasn’t the only burden he carried into his prison cell.
“I was so shackled by alcohol and drugs for 20 years, partially due to a broken home growing up,” he says. “I failed at marriage, lost jobs, then both my parents died in early 2022, five days apart. It took its toll.”
Matthew’s mental health broke under the strain, and his despair led to suicide attempts. Matthew says, “I found myself on a 72-hour psychiatric hold and then shackled by cuffs for the fifth time. I was very much dead inside and attempts to take my life had occurred, all while fighting to find a better way and praying for God to step in.”
Answered prayer
Matthew’s prayer was answered beyond his greatest expectations.
“I received a ministry packet from Set Free prison ministries,” he recalls, referring to a partnership with Today in the Word. “It contained a Bible study on Proverbs and a pamphlet from Moody. I noticed the Moody Radio app marked in the pamphlet. That was the point where I first heard about Moody Radio.
“Although I was unable to use the app for a while (inmates could not have phones), I couldn't wait to download it when I was able.”
An anchor and steppingstone
After his release, Matthew sought out a recovery support group and began listening to Moody Radio.
“I've been using the Moody Radio app as an anchor and a steppingstone between me and my relationship with Jesus Christ,” Matthew says. “I started (listening to) Moody Presents and was really excited to see that Pastor Mark Jobe had another program called Bold Steps and Bold Steps Weekend.”
The Moody Radio app has served as a lifeline for a new Christ follower now living with a new purpose.
“I've been out of jail for several months now,” Matthew says, “and have been relying on the app to get me through a lot of struggles I've been experiencing while fighting off the temptation to sink back into old ways. But now I feel better prepared because of what God has shown me through Moody’s app, and I'm inspired to get into the Word.
“God is definitely there with you all the time and (the gospel message) reached me while I was hopeless and suicidal. I lost my job, my home, my belongings and—more importantly—my parents. But God is giving me another shot and the biggest restart I've ever experienced at the age of 38.”
Forever grateful
Now Matthew feels hopeful about the future.
“I have over nine months been clean and sober. I am forever grateful for the Lord’s grace and mercy that He’s shown me. By the grace of God and through recovery, I can now breathe and let the past be a healthy reminder of what changes need to be made for the future and the life I so desperately want and need. I can’t thank everyone at Moody Radio enough for the spiritual progression and freedom I’m able to have now.”
From Hopeless to Hope-Filled
“I really didn't know anything outside of abuse and just a lot of dysfunction.”
Megan’s life story is a hard one to tell. Her father wanted to live “off the grid.” Megan’s parents raised her and her six siblings in a remote wooded area outside of Coeur D’Alene, Idaho.
“We were raised in the woods and homeschooled in a hand-built log cabin. I spent the first decade of my life there,” Megan recalls. “We never had a phone out there. And it wasn't until I was 5 or 6 years old that we got electricity and a well, so it was pretty primitive.”
Though her parents made sure all the children were formally educated, there was no emphasis on faith. “My dad was an atheist. Even the few times he talked about Christians or the Lord, it was very negative,” Megan says. “We were raised with no spiritual background whatsoever. I did know that my mom was raised in the church, but she didn't talk about it much.”
Cycles of abuse and neglect
Making Megan’s home life even more difficult was emotional abuse that was always present. Then, at age 12, Megan was victimized by a child predator. This new kind of abuse continues to impact Megan 30 years after it occurred.
Megan and her siblings received a lot of unsupervised freedoms for kids so young, and those freedoms led Megan to pursue toxic relationships. At 13, she was dating men in their 20s. “I now know,” she reflects, “that I was probably seeking the approval of older men.”
Megan’s parents eventually divorced. Both left the home, leaving Megan and some older siblings to raise themselves for a while.
By age 26, Megan had four children—the first at age 16. She had been married twice and was in the process of trying to escape an abusive relationship. She and her children moved to another town to stay with a friend’s parents, who were Mormons.
Meeting Jesus through Moody Radio
The family was kind to Megan and she tried to fit in, but she was never comfortable with their religious practices. While Megan was questioning some of the spiritual principles her host family was teaching her, she began to read the Bible to, as she puts it, “fact check” what she was being told. It wasn’t long before she was introduced to KMBI, Moody Radio’s station in Spokane, Washington, by an unlikely source: her estranged mother.
“We were riding in the car,” says Megan, “and—this was so far from anything she'd ever introduced me to—but she said, ‘I found this radio station, and I thought you might like it.’ I was about 28 at that time. And I just loved it. I started listening, and I would get up early and have my notebook out and my Bible.”
Megan’s trials and difficulties would continue for many more years, including a period of trauma and sexual abuse as recently as 2020. But, having placed her faith in Christ more than a decade ago, she maintains a steadfast belief that God has never abandoned her and that Moody Radio’s biblical teaching has brought her strength.
A favorite is John MacArthur’s Grace To You program. “I love the Bible. I love the word-for-word, line-by-line teaching,” Megan says. “I listen to Dawn and Steve in the Morning. And then from there, it's Colin Smith and then Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth (Revive Our Hearts) and Erwin Lutzer. I listen all throughout the day to the entire lineup. People know (when I’m listening) that I’m not going to answer the phone.”
Finding a pathway to emotional healing
Now in her 40s, Megan is seeing a Christian counselor for the first time. She is also connected with two local churches and two faith-based recovery programs (Reboot and Celebrate Recovery) where she’s receiving trauma-informed care and support as she finds a pathway toward emotional healing.
Megan loves to encourage others to listen to Moody Radio, especially those who feel lost and alone.
“You are going to find out who your Father in heaven is. You are going to come face to face with people who know and love Him and can share truths, solid truths, stuff you can trust,” she says. “There's never a day that God's voice doesn't come through. So you get God. I believe that I really do get to come face to face with God, you know, knowing Him. Moody Radio helps to facilitate that every day. It's amazing.”
Today in the Word
Your gift to Today in the Word allows the unchanging truth of God’s Word to change lives in more than 175 countries throughout the world. Partner with Today in the Word as we pursue an exciting Live the Gospel initiative for God in the 2023–24 fiscal year:
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One Million in the Word: Our goal is to increase the readership of Today in the Word to one million by June 30, 2023! Today in the Word is 100 percent reader-supported. Your gifts support the ongoing ministry to our current readers and to reach many others with God’s Word. You’ll be excited to learn we have grown from 100,000 to 800,000 readers in just five years! In 2023 we hope to see one million men and women reading God’s Word together through this ministry. |
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Since 1988, Today in the Word has helped people stay rooted in God’s Word with monthly Bible studies written by Moody professors. God is at work, and we are seeing more people than ever sign up to receive our daily devotionals. The most exciting development is that our fastest-growing audience is overseas. Today in the Word is now serving readers from 176 countries. |
Connecting the World to the Word
God is using Today in the Word to reach readers outside of the US at an ever-increasing rate. “I stumble and fall almost every day, and Today in the Word reminds me of the abundant promise God has for us.”
Peter from Uganda writes, “Today in the Word has had a significant effect on my life. I stumble and fall almost every day, and Today in the Word reminds me of the abundant promise God has for us. I am filled with hopelessness, but Today in the Word revives my hope.”
Mhaarie from the Philippines writes: "Every morning when I am awake, this app always reminds me how important the Word of God is in our daily lives. Keep on reminding us to be still with His words and promises. Filter our minds and thoughts to do good things. Be Christlike all the time. Ask God for forgiveness for all our sins. Be thankful for all the provisions and all the blessings coming from Him."
Okike from Nigeria says, “This is one of the best devotionals I have ever come across. I love this app. No doubt any Christian who uses this devotion will move to a new level in faith.”
Ifeoma from the United Kingdom says, "I started using Today in the Word a few weeks ago and it's been enormously helpful and such a blessing. I particularly like how the Scripture reading is not a few verses but usually a chapter or two, as that makes me get into the Word.”
Brooke from Australia says, “Highly recommended. It’s a well-respected Bible study as we must beware of and call out false teachers. This app is well laid out. You are able to tick off completed studies, add your own notes, access the Bible in a number of translations, and go deeper in study. Excellent, short daily study.”
Not only are people growing in God’s Word, but they’re sharing what they learn with others. Menlei from India asked, “Can I use your message to share in our morning devotion and prayer meetings? It’s so amazing. Thank you!” Please continue to pray with us that God will use Today in the Word to bless many with His Word.
International website visitors*:
Philippines
66,411
Nigeria
33,618
India
28,215
*2022
International app users*:
Philippines
55,932
India
47,877
Nigeria
31,531
Ghana
26,468
Uganda
16,094
*Cumulative to date
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