Life.Church Stories - Episode 06

Not Spiritual Consumers, but Spiritual Contributors

Overview

Life.Church reminds us that we exist to contribute, not just consume. The update moves through three real-world snapshots of that conviction: a commuter in Los Angeles who turns the YouVersion Bible App into a daily evangelism tool; a church-wide surge of foster-care engagement sparked by the “How to Neighbor” series; and a new partnership with Tearfund in Uganda that equips local churches to lift communities out of poverty. Each story shows how generosity, service, and prayer inside the church ripple far beyond its walls.

Themes

Digital Evangelism on a Train

• Javier Cordova, a new believer eight years ago, spent 45-minute train rides hungry for God’s word.
• Discovered the free YouVersion Bible App and began highlighting verses and sending daily Scriptures to friends from church.
• Illustration: The conductor’s announcement and clacking tracks became the backdrop for quiet ministry as Javier forwarded verses that “really hit home” for coworkers and church brothers.
• Grateful for a tool that now sits on more than 225 million devices in over 900 languages—evidence, he says, of “God working through your church.”

“How to Neighbor”: The Church Rises for Foster Care

• Pastor Craig’s May 2016 series reframed neighbors not as “projects you help” but “people you love.”

  “Jesus is the answer. We are the servants.”

• Results inside one month:
  • 423 families said yes to becoming foster or adoptive parents.
  • 554 others committed to support foster families.
  • Engagement with a local missions partner tripled—the highest in three years.
• People also recognized relational poverty and responded by joining life groups “hundreds and hundreds” strong.
• Invitation: connect with campus staff to find your next step in meeting local needs.

Tearfund Partnership in Uganda

• A small Life.Church team traveled 9,000 feet up to witness the work of the newest Global Mission partner, Tearfund.
• Tearfund philosophy: place the local church at the center, put the Bible at the heart of development, and help people identify God-given resources already around them.
• Story: Kenneth—once an alcoholic who left school—met Christ, returned to finish his education, and now pastors in the same area, reaching former drinking friends.
• Unity across continents: “We’re Worlds Apart in the United States and Uganda, yet we come together as the church, the hope of the world.”
• Life.Church generosity funds training, empowerment, and restoration rather than handouts.

Key Truths

• Followers of Jesus are called to contribute spiritually, not merely consume.
• Tools like the YouVersion Bible App can turn everyday moments into ministry opportunities.
• Jesus is the answer; the church serves as His hands and feet to neighbors in need.
• Local congregations are God’s Plan A for addressing both spiritual and material poverty.
• Empowering people to recognize their God-given resources fosters lasting transformation.

Response

• Download the YouVersion Bible App and share Scripture with someone this week.
• Pray about fostering, adopting, or supporting a foster family in your community.
• Join or start a life group to combat relational poverty.
• Ask campus staff where your gifts can meet a local need right now.
• Continue giving generously so global partners like Tearfund can equip local churches worldwide.

Closing

Life.Church celebrates what God is doing through a contributing people—from train rides in California to villages in Uganda. Your giving, serving, and praying make these stories possible and help lead people everywhere to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

“Because of your irrational generosity, we’re able to lead the way together and enable the local Church to be the hope of the world.”

Resources

• YouVersion Bible App
• Tearfund (Global Mission Partner)