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Verse By Verse Ministry International
From humble
beginnings to
350 downloads
on smartphone
apps per day
BY JENNIE ROSIO
B E A CON E D I TO R
In 2003, Stephen Armstrong invited
some office buddies to begin a Bible
study. Now almost 16 years later, people
from all over the U.S. and 200 other
countries join his studies – in person, via
smartphone apps, and website videos.
How did this happen? Participants
in early years loved the little study and
Stephen’s deep, verse-by-verse
approach. They realized that finally,
someone was showing them answers to
the hard questions about their lives –
based on the Scriptures. They felt
freedom flowing into their hearts and
relationships.
Along the way, someone suggested
that he start a podcast. This led to free
podcasts – then free online videos and
notes. Curiosity seekers would try a few
lessons and they were hooked. Ministry
leaders, believers and unbelievers asked
for more.
“People have started to feel a hunger
and a thirst for the meat of scripture,”
says Kathryn Bashaw, Operations Director
of Verse By Verse Ministry International
(VBVMI). Spiritually related teaching
in our culture, she says, has tended
toward feel-good messages which lead
people into searching for deeper
insights.
Kathryn recalls, “He was doing this
because he’s passionate and gifted in his
teaching. Then he began getting checks
in the mail.” The 501(c)(3) status
followed shortly after.
In 2013, Verse By Verse Ministry was
rebranded to add “International” to the
name. They also added social media. The
Facebook following alone is now over
75,000, says Kathryn.
Half of the Facebook followers live
outside the United States. This is thanks
to Stephen’s wide travel (60,000-plus
miles in 2018 alone) and thanks to teams
who help worldwide where Stephen has
brought his teaching to them.
“Tony Lee is our director in Asia,”
says Kathryn. “He goes from Singapore
to the Philippines to Taiwan. He runs all
of the Asia operations, mobilizing his
volunteers to get the word out.”
“Fede Acuña is our Director of Central
America,” adds Kathryn. He translates
the resources into Spanish for his
audience. When Stephen comes to speak
in Costa Rica, Fede is the translator.
Ottar Graasvoll, based in Norway, is
the Director of Europe. “Stephen often
travels to Norway and teaches church
members and leaders how to study the
Bible – and how to teach the Bible,” says
Kathryn.
The ministry’s leadership in New
Zealand has a fascinating history.
“Stephen went to New Zealand to do a
Verse By Verse Ministry International’s mission is
equipping the saints for the work of ministry and
reaching the unbeliever with God’s truth. Pastor
Armstrong baptizes a new believer who is ready to
start his walk with the Lord.
big Bible teaching seminar. He met a
gentleman named Tom Carey who said,
‘I used the Verse By Verse Ministry
International's iPhone app and found a
way to make it even better.’ So Tom just
created his own app and showed it to us!
We were like, ‘Wow! That’s amazing. We
would love for you to remake our app.’
Now he contracts as our software development
director.” Now the app is uniquely
nimble for on-the-go use and tracks
each user’s Bible study progress.
The ministry even reaches into the
remotest parts of the world, where Bible
teaching is often non-existent. VBVMI
resources are being taught in Arab
countries, where new converts crave
God’s truth.
Pastor Armstrong has taught through more than 45
percent of the Bible. Each study has audio and notes.
Some studies include videos and handouts, as well.
Access for free online or via the Verse By Verse Ministry
International's app.
20 www.saBeacon.com March / April 2019
/www.saBeacon.com