North America Archives - Bible League International https://www.bibleleague.org/region/north-america/ Transform Lives with God’s Word Wed, 07 May 2025 17:02:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Staff Corner – Meet Nikesha https://www.bibleleague.org/stories/staff-corner-meet-nikesha/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=staff-corner-meet-nikesha Wed, 07 May 2025 11:00:58 +0000 https://www.bibleleague.org/?post_type=stories&p=23559 Nikesha

Nikesha, being with Bible League for eight-and-a-half years, serves as U.S. Ministry Specialist. Whether it’s here at Bible League, or around the southside of Chicago, Nikesha is always finding ways to serve the Lord.

At Bible League, Nikesha knows that she helps make a difference.

I get a real sense of accomplishment from collaborating with my peers and improving the way we approach projects together. It makes me feel like my efforts have purpose and that I’ve made a difference on my team!

Nikesha was able to see the difference that Bible League makes in communities around the world.

In March of 2018, I traveled to Nicaragua as a representative of Bible League. It didn’t take long for me to witness the deep passion and hunger there for God’s Word, as ordinary people were making a real difference in their communities. New believers eagerly embraced their faith, and began sharing the Gospel with their families and neighbors right away.

They were unafraid to go door-to-door, inviting non-believers to join their small groups—or even host one themselves! I heard countless stories of people, families, and entire communities being transformed as they participated in Project Philip, and chose to share the Good News after coming to Christ. This experience was truly a blessing and a source of great encouragement for me.

Here in the U.S., Nikesha is actively serving as the hands and feet of Christ on the southside of Chicago.

I faithfully serve as a greeter at Disciples Church, because I believe everyone deserves a genuine smile and a warm welcome as they enter the house of the Lord. A simple, friendly greeting might be exactly what someone needs on any given day! I also serve at the Hope Center, an extension of my church that supports the underserved residents of Blue Island.

There we provide fresh produce, as well as hands-on learning experiences in gardening, technology, and small engine repair. These are practical resources and skills that help people become more self-sufficient. Occasionally, I volunteer at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

I believe all people should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their socio-economic status. God has given me the capacity to serve in these ways as a servant leader.

 

Nikesha Gcfd

Her tenacity for new challenges and opportunities comes from her favorite Bible verse

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13 KJV

With the Lord’s help, I believe I can accomplish anything that aligns with His will. I suppose that’s why I’m always taking on new challenges!

 

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Nikesha Nikesha Gcfd
Staff Corner – Meet Lucas! https://www.bibleleague.org/stories/staff-corner-lucas/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=staff-corner-lucas Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:04:27 +0000 https://www.bibleleague.org/?post_type=stories&p=23028 Meet Lucas! | Bible League

As Bible League’s Director of Global Partnership Operations, Lucas has traveled all over the world to see how the Holy Spirit moves!

In eight years with us, he remembers a story from one of his very first ministry trips.

Lucas Staff Corner | Frist Ministry Trip

One of my first trips for Bible League International was to Peru in 2017. There, we traveled to an area on the outskirts of Lima, the country’s capital. It was very impoverished, and many people had left their homes to try and make a better living. We were serving an under-resourced church that used to be a drug house. While there, we met a lady called Flor. Someone from the church studied the Gospel of John with her on a weekly basis, and she became a Christian. She had been homeless, abused, and under the addiction of drugs. Flor and her husband, who had seven children together, were very poor and used to fight a lot. She said that she wanted to commit suicide, but God did not allow that to happen and showed Himself to her through His Word. Both of their lives changed completely!

It’s encounters like this that have encouraged Lucas in his faith.

What brings me joy is connecting often with our beloved regional directors from various parts of the world and their partners. It’s a blessing to understand how God is working in so many contexts!

Another context where he sees the Spirit move is in his home church.

My wife and I teach nine- and ten-year-old kids in our local church on Sundays, and we lead a Bible study group in our house too!

A verse that has inspired me in faith and ministry is from the story in Numbers 21:4-9.

So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived. Numbers 21:9 ERV

Praying for Lucas | Bible League.

I believe it shows how the Lord is a father concerned with helping us grow and learn. He makes us braver.

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Meet Lucas! | Bible League Lucas Staff Corner | Frist Ministry Trip Praying for Lucas | Bible League.
Staff Corner – Judy https://www.bibleleague.org/stories/staff-corner-judy/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=staff-corner-judy Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:00:46 +0000 https://www.bibleleague.org/?post_type=stories&p=22807 Meet Jody

Judy is another one of our faithful prayer warriors here at Bible League! In the past six years—now as Senior Administrative Assistant—any of her responsibilities have been focused on prayer

Prayer is something that brings Judy much joy

I love the variety of administrative work that I do, and if I had to choose one aspect that brings me the most joy, it would be the ministry of prayer. I am privileged to be a part of the Prayer Team, and I love starting out each Monday morning with them in prayer for the ministry. I also do administrative work for the weekly Global Prayer calls, and I am involved with scheduling and participating in New Hire Prayer team meetings. I love working with the U.S. volunteers’ prayer ministry, where I prepare and send out an email with prayer requests. I also receive, edit, and send out prayer requests from our Verse of the Day readers to volunteer prayer warriors. I am so thankful to be a part of prayer in all of these various ways, because prayer is a core value here at Bible League.

Outside of Bible League, Judy takes on a leadership role within her church.

I serve the Lord at my church as a small group Bible study leader. It is called Women in the Word. Serving in this way has helped me to grow in my relationship with the Lord by studying the Word on my own. I’ve also learned from the other women in the group, and from the author of the study through video teaching. It has been great to share trials and joys with other women. It has made me realize that I am not alone on my journey. The prayer time with the group is also very special; and I have grown in my prayer life through praying with others, on my own, and in the group. Lastly, I enjoy leading the ministry with my God-given organizational skills to coordinate and communicate details with everyone involved. 

Judy’s faith has grown through prayer and reading God’s Word.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV

This verse has impacted me because it teaches that true hope, joy, and peace can only be found in God. I also like the emphasis on trusting in God so that hope may overflow. This is only by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Meet Jody
Staff Corner – David https://www.bibleleague.org/stories/staff-corner-david/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=staff-corner-david Sun, 02 Feb 2025 11:00:07 +0000 https://www.bibleleague.org/?post_type=stories&p=22444 David Massie | Bible League

David Massie is one of Bible League’s Donor Relations Directors.

Throughout his 10 years of service, David has shared stories of transformed lives to donors that have generously given to Bible League.

I enjoy bringing the Good News to so many people, all for the glory of God. People feel connected to the work of God through the ministry of Bible League in ways that only a personal connection can bring.

In 2015, David was able to see these lives transformed in the field.

I had the honor and privilege of visiting Bible League’s ministry in the Philippines—from the impoverished streets of Manila to the rural communities in the north, even to the islands of Laguna de Bay. Our group saw such joy in the hearts of the people living in poverty… yet their faith in Jesus helped them rise above their hardships. They displayed a true and sincere love and adoration for the Lord. The experience was lifechanging, and it was a reminder of the blessings we have and how grateful we should be for our freedoms in Christ.

It was also very humbling, and I am reminded of a church we visited. To reach it, we needed to hike up a long hill past grazing black goats to deliver Bibles to this small church. Our group was running late, but the congregants still waited several hours for our arrival. We all participated in a rousing time of worship that included children,  followed by an amazing time of fellowship. We also shared in a feast the loving people had prepared. Amidst the celebration, a huge hog tied up behind us was snorting to the sounds as it happily wallowed in its mud bed. It was all surreal and truly amazing, as we were so blessed by the people.

Being a pastor himself, David understands the importance of showing Christ’s love through service to others.

I serve in the roles of preaching and counseling, sharing from my 30-year walk with the Lord as a pastor, church planter, and spiritual mentor. I believe serving is the way one stays strong in the faith. It brings on hardships of its own, but it also keeps us in the life of faith.

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68 NIV

It is in our service that we emulate our Lord Jesus to the glory of God. The abundant life is to love God and serve others.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40 NIV

David has many favorite Scriptures, but frequently leans on one.

There are so many that I call “life scriptures.” One that is near and dear to me is from Luke 21, which I often use as an exhortation to close my sermons.

“When these things begin to happen, stand up tall and don’t be afraid. Know that it is almost time for God to free you!” Then Jesus told this story: “Look at all the trees. The fig tree is a good example. When it turns green, you know that summer is very near. Luke 21:28-30 ERV

Jesus is speaking to the signs of the end times and His return. In His concluding remarks to the disciples, He declares, “When you see these things happening, [the previously described signs] look up as your redemption draws near.” By redemption, Jesus meant the eternal age for believers. How I see this verse is that, regardless of the “when,” believers should live with a “look up” attitude. It is to be our attitude of the heart.

We should live out every day in anticipation of the Lord’s return, and we should do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). It’s not about us—it’s about Jesus and people getting to know His love. So beloved in Christ, “Remember to always look up!”

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David Massie | Bible League
Staff Corner – Melania https://www.bibleleague.org/stories/staff-corner-melania/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=staff-corner-melania Wed, 01 Jan 2025 08:00:12 +0000 https://www.bibleleague.org/?post_type=stories&p=22200

Melania has been serving Bible League for two years as Systems Administrator.

Her technical skills have provided a necessary foundation that the team needs!

One aspect of my role that brings me great joy is the understanding that, while I may not interact directly with our partners, my work maintaining secure and up-to-date servers plays a vital role in supporting them. By ensuring our systems are reliable and efficient, I am fulfilling a purpose in God’s plan through this technical work.

Melania also supports her church by helping with childcare.

I serve in the childcare ministry at my church. When I see parents entrusting me with their newborns, it brings me joy. I take great comfort in knowing that, during that hour, those parents can have peace of mind, knowing their babies are well cared for, allowing them to concentrate on the service without worry.

The Lord has been faithful to Melania, which led to her joining our team!

A few years ago, I was going through a challenging time, uncertain about my career path. I knew I needed to change employers because there was no room for growth. I also recognized the importance of advancing my skills by obtaining a network certification, but I struggled to concentrate. Then I came across Philippians 4:4-7.

Melania Socia loves serving in the children's ministry at her church.

Melania Socia loves serving in the children’s ministry at her church.

Philippians 4:4-7 ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

It wasn’t until I began meditating on these verses that my mind started to clear, and I began to see a clearer path forward. I started to understand the material I was studying, and not only was I able to pass one certification, but I successfully completed two. And ultimately, I was blessed with a job at Bible League!

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Melania Socia loves serving in the children's ministry at her church. Melania Socia loves serving in the children's ministry at her church.
Meet Jason! https://www.bibleleague.org/stories/staff-corner-jason/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=staff-corner-jason Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:00:24 +0000 https://www.bibleleague.org/?post_type=stories&p=21966 Meet Jason Lauthers | BLI

As Bible League’s Video Production Manager, Jason has a gift for telling the stories of believers around the world. With all the stories Jason has captured in the nine years he’s served with Bible League,  he recalls being most touched by Jose Miguel’s story in Colombia.

In 2018, I traveled to central Colombia to interview a young pastor named Jose Miguel. When he was only 12 years old, Jose Miguel was hit by a motorcycle and lost his vision. But he never let that stop him from raising a family, planting a church, and sharing the Gospel. He joined Bible League’s Church Planter Training and now uses Bible League materials to impact his community. I see many of our partners, whose life circumstances are less than ideal, but they are dedicated to sharing God’s Word.

Watch Jose Miguel’s Story

Watch the Video

Meet Jason Lauthers | BLI

Jason is also dedicated to sharing the Gospel with his wife and two boys at home.

Right now, I am focused on discipling my family and attending my local church. I’ve spent a lot of time serving in video production roles and youth ministry. It has shown me there is always a need for people to hear the Gospel, to be discipled, and to grow in their walk with Christ.

A Bible verse that encourages Jason is found in the Gospel of John.

A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good. John 10:10 ERV.

One of my favorite verses is this one. It reminds me that God is the giver of life, and he wants me, and everyone, to experience new life in Him. He has a purpose for me.

Watch the latest video that Jason has produced!

See Here!

Watch the Video

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