March 21, 2013
Giving Thanks to God, and you!
“And the Good News must first be preached to every nation . . The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Mark 13:10 NLT/Psalm 68:11 KJV.
EveryDay Life has an exciting growth spurt. But first a bit of history . .
In 2006, EveryDay Life began as a daily email to our granddaughter as she started her university studies. Friends who knew I was writing a devotional for her began to ask if EDL could be copied to them. When the number was about 200 readers, it required a blog site to accommodate the mailing and a friend, Pete, set up EDL in a blog and mailing service, and continues today to host EDL on his company’s servers. Soon after that Paul, a pastor in Wisconsin, asked permission to provide the devotionals weekly to the police and sheriff’s departments where he served as chaplain, which he continues to do today. He weekly emails to about 300 readers and personally hands out 300 printed copies to people who have requested copies.
About three years ago, Lusi, a pastor in Sofia, Bulgaria, who had been receiving EDL asked permission to form a team of translators to provide EveryDay Life in Bulgarian. In addition to about 700 weekly emails, Friends Church began a website and later added a Facebook page for EveryDay Life. In two years, the website recorded 89,000+ readers, and in 2012 Facebook reported that the Bulgarian EDL page was read by 45,000+ persons in 83 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and North and South America.
Now about the growth spurt I spoke of. Though emails will continue to be a primary source for EveryDay Life, a creative, tech savvy friend, Michael, recently constructed a Facebook page for EveryDay Life. Every time the email is sent, EDL is also posted on Facebook. From March 10-16, Facebook reported 1,552 readers in 20 countries, with the largest % of readers, age 25-34. You can do the math and extrapolate the potential number of “hearts touched and lives changed” across the remainder of 2013.
Gayle and I give thanks to God, and you! Only God could foresee the diverse people and places His Word would reach from our “five loaves and two fish.” Nor would this have been possible without those of you who journey alongside us, ministering encouragement through your words, emails, and personal stories. Much of the growth has been from your sharing devotionals with others and your personal recommendation of EDL to friends. Thank you, and let’s rejoice and give thanks to God together.
EveryDay Life is a ministry tool for you to partner with us to share the practical wisdom of God’s Word for everyday life. Share it freely with friends as the occasion is given you, and encourage those who would be strengthened in spiritual life and growth to subscribe at the website. “And the Good News must first be preached to every nation . . The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.” Mark 13:10 NLT/Psalm 68:11 KJV.
You can always browse, or refer friends to, the archive of more than 900 previous EDL devotionals at the website – www.allenrandolph.com – or visit the EDL Facebook page – www.Facebook.com/EveryDayLife.AllenRandolph.
[If you support the ministry of EveryDay Life and have a Facebook page, would you consider going to the EDL Facebook page and indicate you “Like” Everyday Life? Thank you for your help.]
Allen Randolph
EveryDay Life Ministries
Christian Communications, Inc