Latest News from The
Pocket Testament League
What’s Happening
There's always something going on in this dynamic ministry. We recommend that you check back regularly to see what's new. Here's a list of the most recent developments:
Planning a mission trip?
“Go,” Jesus said, “and make disciples of all nations.” See how our members are reaching out to others in this story posted on our website by Gina C. from Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
“I am able to give the new Japanese Gospels of John to a lot of people, including a missionary couple. I was even able to give away some Chinese Gospels. I left them at a restaurant near a Chinese language ESL school. The Gospels of John are gone in less than a week every month! God bless all PTL members and all your work!”
In almost every community in our country, there are people who speak a language other than English. That's why, in addition to several English translations, The League offers Gospels in Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Italian. In addition, you'll find Spanish/English and Chinese/English bilingual editions. We're constantly expanding our selection to better meet your real-life sending situations!
Whether you're planning to visit another country, or you want to reach out to communities right here at home, you can find the Gospel of John that's right for you at: www.ptl.org/gospels.
Los Angeles Students Sharing on College Campus
Students are motivated to share the Gospel. Here's an encouraging example posted on our website by Melody C. in Los Angeles, California:
“My campus fellowship frequently goes out around campus to share the Gospel and talk to fellow students there. The campus is so large and often if we just stand there trying to hand them out, people will ignore us. We try to make it more personal by approaching students one-on-one so that we can sit down and share our story and the Gospel with them. The Pocket Testament Gospels are a beautiful way of reminding them as well as sharing the Word of God with them…If at least one of the many Gospels we have given out is read and has brought someone closer to Christ, then we rejoice for that person's soul.”
In a place of higher learning, Melody and her Christian classmates are sharing the knowledge above all knowledge – the Good News of Jesus Christ. They're willing to speak about their faith among their peers, despite the rebuffs of those who refuse to listen. Why? For the sake of those who will listen and believe! The Bible says in Luke 15:10, “I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Share your faith continually and courageously. Talk about the saving gift of spiritual knowledge. Hand out Gospel of John Pocket Testaments. You can order a new 30-day supply now at www.ptl.org/gospels.
Does this break your heart?
Does it make your head ache and heart break when you read the news? We live in a broken world.
Did you know that?
- Nearly half of pregnancies among American women are unintended; about 4 in 10 of these are terminated by abortion.
- Gonorrhea is a common bacterial infection that infects over 700,000 Americans each year. Sleeping with multiple partners helps this disease spread. Many times there are no symptoms leaving many women infertile for life.
- Oral sex is becoming more and more common among young people. There is a pervading notion that it is no big deal because it is “not sex.” Oral sex puts kids at risk for syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, HPV and HIV.
- Recently “hooking up” has replaced traditional dating on college campuses in the United States. A “hook-up” is a sexual encounter – usually occurring between people who just met or are casual acquaintances – for which there is no expectation for a future relationship.
Does this break your heart? It breaks ours. Can you do anything about it? You bet you can! There is a solution, a remedy! It’s the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God wants you to make a difference in the world and The Pocket Testament League is here to provide the resources you need to share Jesus with others.
God will use you to change our culture… one person at a time. Order Gospels and share one every day. Visit www.ptl.org/gospels.
Help us equip Christians to share the Gospel!
Do you know what League sponsors do? Let Elwood in Williamstown, Kentucky, tell you about his sponsors:
“A million thanks to those who have sponsored me! The Pocket Testament Gospels are going to those who are suffering from depression, feelings of loss, etc. These Gospels give hope to so many who have never been exposed to the true Good News of a Savior who loves them and seeks to be not only their Lord and Savior, but their Friend. Thank you, and God bless you all.”
Elwood's sponsors are fellow members who are donating the cost of the Gospel shipments he receives. Through his sponsors' generosity, Elwood is able to reach suffering souls with the healing message of Christ's forgiveness, compassion and love.
Many League members are motivated to share their faith, and they are eager to follow up their words with a Gospel of John. Due to financial limitations, however, they're unable to receive their Gospel order until another member steps forward to sponsor them. Does this sound like something you could do?
Sponsors make a difference. They touch lives. They bring hope and peace to people. To join in this life-giving and life-saving work, visit www.ptl.org/sponsor.
A Story of Perfect Love
What could be a greater example of love than God's love for us, demonstrated through the sacrificial gift of His own Son? This is one love story the world needs to hear!
This Valentines Day share A STORY OF PERFECT LOVE, a Pocket Testament designed to share the greatest love story. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son… for God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:16-17).
Who do you know that needs to hear God's love story? Order a supply of A STORY OF PERFECT LOVE Pocket Testaments today!
FREE Daily Devotional for 2013
Refresh your quiet time by beginning 2013 with a new daily devotional from The Pocket Testament League. So far over 55,000 people have signed up for our FREE daily devotional email, including Autry from Grove City, Ohio. Check out this story that Autry posted to our website:
“My wife and I are on different tracks with the daily Pocket Devotionals. However, what is enjoyable is the sharing we have when one particular lesson or so applies to our walk of faith, and we share. The lessons are easy to read and to apply. I highly recommend getting these Pocket Testament devotionals on a daily basis and sharing the Thoughts for Today with someone. You will experience with me the feeling of spiritual enrichment and encouragement simply by sharing.”
The League's Daily Devotionals are designed to do for you what they're doing for Autry and his wife. By reading a short Bible-based devotional, you can open each weekday with God's Word, His guidance, and His encouragement. We offer practical suggestions on how you can apply what you've learned to your life, and we leave you with a thought or reflection to carry you through the day.
Our Daily Devotionals also work to help you share God's Good News with others. A conversation might start with something like, “Say, do you know what I just learned this morning?” The Devotionals are free and they come to your inbox every weekday. You can read today's reflection and start receiving them immediately by visiting www.ptl.org/devotionals.
Give the Gift of the Gospel to start the New Year!
There are only a few days left until we celebrate the birth of our Savior. And then we celebrate the New Year!
Have you thought about how wonderful it might be to kick off the New Year by giving your Christ-following friends a supply of Gospels? How about sharing with your pastor or Sunday school teacher? Encourage them to share with others.
We are praying that the ministry will continue to explode with new members in 2013 and with your partnership it can!
Tell others about The League and the wonderful resources we offer including pocket-sized Gospels of John, Evangelism Boot Camp, and the online Scripture Journal!
What an awesome way to honor Christ as we celebrate the real reason for the season... Jesus Christ came to die for us! What an amazing God we have! Get prepared to keep sharing the Good News. Order Gospels now for 2013!
2012 Annual Report
As we finish this year, we are celebrating the awesome living Word of our Almighty God!
Ready for a spiritual challenge?
Are you ready for a spiritual challenge? Start with the Gospel of John.
The Gospel of John presents Jesus Christ as true God and true man, sent from heaven to carry out God's plan of salvation. Through the book of John, we learn of His ministry among the people of His time on earth, and His ministry that continues among us today. The message is simple to understand, yet so dynamic that with every reading, we're drawn deeper into our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our 21-Day Challenge is a FREE program designed to guide you through the book of John. Reading one chapter a day, along with a short commentary, brings you to a deeper knowledge of and appreciation for God's message of love and salvation. Why wait? I urge you to start today at: www.ptl.org/21DC. You'll be glad you did!
Add this to your Christmas shopping list!
Limited Edition Christmas Gospel Cover: THE BEST GIFT OF ALL
Christmas is a season of love, family, and tradition. So many people get caught up in the hype of searching for that perfect gift, or struggling through the endless shopping mall commercialism that they miss the reason for the season. Use this Gospel during the holidays to let someone know that the very best gift of all has already been purchased – and His name is Jesus.
Keep a stash of THE BEST GIFT OF ALL Pocket Testaments and give them to your friends, neighbors, waitress, mailman... or whomever the LORD shows you! They are perfect to include with every gift you give. Order today while supplies last!
Limited-Edition Christmas Gospel
Limited quantities are available. Order today!
Bring the Gospel to your city!
Learn more at www.ptl.org/sponsor.
Heritage Moment: How Word Of Life Got It's Name
Heritage Moment: How Word Of Life got its Name from Word of Life on Vimeo.
October Ministry Update
October Ministry Update - From The League's President, Michael W. Brickley
The Gospel has what people are looking for, for God’s Word is “more precious than gold”. It is the very source of life. Psalm 19 says that God’s Word revives the soul, makes us wise, gives joy to our heart and radiant light to our eyes (verses 7-8).
Revival, wisdom, joy, and radiant light.....we are talking about transformation here!
FREE DOWNLOAD - Small Group Bible Study
This Book is Alive is a dynamic Bible study that makes it easy for you and friends to gather around God's Word. Each of the six topics covered invites you and your group to read a relevant portion of Scripture. Helpful notes, videos and questions guide you as you discuss what you have read, and discover practical ways to apply biblical principles to everyday life.
Everything you need to host a small-group Bible study is on our website. It's free and easy to navigate, and you can print out materials to share with your group. In addition, you can connect with our online community of members who are taking the study and share your reflections, experiences and insights.
Don't forget to share this with your pastor and small group leader. This Book is Alive is the perfect study to kick off the new year! Learn more today at www.ptl.org/tbia.
New Cover: Light of the World
Don't miss the NEW Pocket Testament Cover: Light of the World.
Order a supply of Light of the World Pocket Testament Gospels today!
Thanksgiving Is Around the Corner!
Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! As we get busy with the turkey and all the trimmings, it's easy to forget about the food that nourishes not just for a day, but for eternity.
Holiday meals and get-togethers with family and friends are good times to talk about God's message of salvation in Jesus Christ. At Thanksgiving, many of our members have “served up” the “Bread of Life” Gospel of John, and that's why we're offering it again this year.
It's the perfect touch at any table, and the best gift you can give to a searching soul. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:48).
This Thanksgiving, fill hungry souls with the bread that truly satisfies! You can order a shipment of Bread of Life Gospel of John Pocket Testaments today at Order Gospels.
New Gospel Cover for Teen and Pre-teen Girls: Transformed
We live in a world where beauty and image are important to a young girl. The world is often enforcing an unrealistic expectation of how she should look, what she should say, and how she should act. Every young girl needs to grab hold of the truth that when you know Jesus, you are truly beautiful. Use this Gospel to reach a teenager who needs to hear that God does the ultimate makeover free of charge – He’s already paid the price through Jesus.
Click here to learn more about the Transformed Pocket Testament.
A Precious Poem by John N. Bachmam, Sr
John Bachman is an old friend and long time supporter of The Pocket Testament League. He is in his 80's. He wrote this poem in 1946, after getting out of the Navy, prior to entering college. It’s called "Course Determined". We hope it blesses you as much as it has blessed us.
Course Determined
My dream is not of mansions large
Of great financial gain;
Nor is it international praise
My soul hopes to attain.
My heart cries out not for these things
But has a higher goal
An aim which when I realize
Will ever thrill my soul.
Things such as home and wealth and fame
Have power to betray,
For many times we do forget
These all must pass away.
Eternal things or things of God
Are all that will endure
Beyond the realm of earthly life;
Of this we all are sure.
Why then do temporary things
Demand the best in man,
And things of God are cast aside
As chaff before a fan.
Most people realize all too late
That service for the King
Not only grants eternal gain,
But daily blessings bring.
I know the course I want to take
To some it will seem odd;
But O to lose myself within
The Perfect Will of God!
Regardless where the path may lead,
I’m willing Lord to go;
For Thou, I know, wilt care for me,
As in Thy love I grow.
--- John N. Bachmam, Sr.
1946
Gospels are now available in Japanese!
We are thrilled to announce that pocket-sized Gospels are now available in Japanese! With more than 130 million Japanese speaking people worldwide, we recognize that this is a God-sized opportunity to reach more people with the message of Jesus Christ... but we can't do this without you!
Share the Word:
- Japanese Pocket Testaments are now available to order in the US to ship within the US.
- Later this summer, Japanese Pocket Testaments will be available to order in Japan for shipping within Japan.
New Video Series: Sharing the Gospel Just Got Easier
"Why am I here?” “What is my purpose?” and “Is Hell a real place?”
If you're like many Christians, you know the Bible contains the answers to life's most difficult questions, but explaining the truth can be a challenge.
Have you ever found Scripture hard to share? We've got an idea for you!
The new “Your Story” viral videos, recently launched by The League, presents a series of original whiteboard illustrations that showcase man's fall, his need for a Savior, and ultimately his eternal destination.
In six short minutes, viewers will hear God's plan and purpose for life, in a simple and compassionate way. As the Good News is shared, viewers will be led in a simple prayer of commitment to Jesus Christ.
Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Italian and Japanese, help us send these videos around the world.
These videos can be shared in multiple venues, including your ministry websites, through email, and through social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Visit ptl.org/yourstory to view, download, and share!
Five Reasons to Read the Bible
The Bible is the single most important book ever written. It is an eyewitness account of historical events of such magnitude that they have literally shaped the world in which we live. Without this book the Western world and a good deal of the Eastern world would be completely different today than if the events of this book had never occurred.
It is not too much to say that the events recorded in this book are claimed by a significant percentage of people who have ever lived on this earth to be the most important events ever recorded in the history of the world. This book is foundational to just about everything mankind will ever know or accomplish. It has directly led to massive undertakings of good will and charity. Because of this book, great projects have been undertaken, hospitals have been built, multitudes fed and clothed and orphanages founded.
more...
Multiply your personal ministry through the Impact Club
The Impact Club rewards your efforts to recruit your Christian friends as members of the League. Unlike other clubs that you have to join, this one is automatic. As soon as two people have joined The Pocket Testament League with your referral number,* you're a member of the Impact Club!
By getting your friends involved, you can multiply your personal ministry 100 times or more. Imagine the impact we can make for Jesus Christ if every League member recruited just five more members in the coming year, and each one of them recruits others to share their faith!
We know that the motivation to get others involved is not driven by human awards, but by a sincere desire to reach the world for Christ, with eternal rewards. At the same time, we think it's only fair that people who actively encourage others to share their faith deserve a little something to recognize their efforts.
The Impact Club involves four levels of achievement, with a special reward at each level. Regular League members and Speaker Reps/Pastors have different levels to keep things fair for everyone.
Power Up Your Sharing - Download our New App
Sharing your faith is now easier and more exciting than ever! Our new mobile app is available for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices! Just search your app store for The Pocket Testament League to find it.
Sharing your faith is now easier and more exciting than ever!
We're pleased to 
announce our FREE new mobile app that puts sharing the Gospel literally at your fingertips.
Made to work on a variety of mobile platforms, our new app makes it easy to encourage others as you share your faith. Plus, you get quick, easy access to Scripture and other League resources.
Interactive map
Every time you share a Gospel of John, simply drop a pin on the map to share your city and the excitement of your sharing effort with other members.
When you launch the app, you'll see pins popping up all over as members share life-changing Pocket Testaments in their community.
Tap on any pin to go right to the story about how that member is handing out Gospels and changing lives. It's a great way to encourage yourself and others, and you can comment immediately.
Reading Scripture is now just a touch away
Read the Bible and Daily Devotionals right on your mobile device. Take advantage of resources like the 21 Day Challenge and Evangelism Bootcamp.
Available for multiple platforms!
The app is available for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices! Just search your app store for The Pocket Testament League to find it.
New Pastor Resource Channel on Vimeo
All your favorite PTL vidoes in one place. You can embed the videos into your presentaions or copy and paste a link that will take you direct to the video channel.
Follow teh cahnnel and you'll be updated as we add new videos. https://vimeo.com/channels/pastor
Signup process simplified
The Pocket Testament League dramatically simplified the signup process for those wanting to join. Because Gospels and publications need an address for shipping purposes, the League had, in the past, required an address.
And, because of the large number of members, the League used additional member data like birthdate to minimize costs by directing printed communications to specific groups of members. But advances in technology have reduced the need to send as much printed communications. New products have been introduced that don't need to be shipped, as they are available online -- such as the daily devotionals, Boot Camp and the 21-Day Challenge. So the signup process was redesigned to require only an E-mail address. If members wish, they can provide additional information to make their membership experience richer and more enjoyable, but this is entirely optional. Orders will, of course, require an address.
NEW GOSPEL COVER TO REACH DISABLED COMMUNITY
Joni Earekson Tada has been an inspiring ray of hope to millions of disabled people around the world.
We're thrilled to have partnered with Joni and Friends Ministries to produce a powerful new Gospel of John cover that's especially designed to reach people with disabilities.
New Spanish/English bilingual Gospel
A superb way to put God's Word into people's hands is through English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs.
Our new Spanish/English bilingual Gospel of John does that beautifully, by providing the book of John with Spanish on one side of each spread and English on the other, matched up verse-by-verse throughout the booklet.
Cover design contest
Response was outstanding for the League's first member Gospel cover design contest.
We asked members to submit their designs. 130 creative designs were received from which League staff selected 20 finalists for voting by members. Thousands of votes were received, with members giving each design a rating from 1 to 5. The two designs with the most votes were the winners and will be printed as actual Gospel of John covers that members can order. more...
New Gospel of John for lovers of the outdoors
The League introduced a Gospel of John cover designed to be used along the pathways and byways of everyday life.
The cover features a striking image of a beautiful forest path, with the headline "The Way." This cover is ideally suited for people who like to go hiking, those who are into trail running, and anyone else who can relate to the headline and image.
