Dear iStudy Participants and Followers,
It is great to celebrate the end of our current study in Antigua where God first called two people (Micki and I) on a boat to spread in-depth Bible study internationally, first to the Caribbean with CBSI and now the world with iStudyEBS.
Such a celebration is just another expression of God’s faithfulness to us and His calling on our lives. Just Saturday God provided another expression when two iStudy group leaders were hopeful about producing translations into Filipino and Spanish with the impetus for this coming from members of their respective groups.
While in Bonaire in March, 2013, God opened the door to a potential partnering relationship with TransWorld Radio. TWR translates and broadcasts in over 220 languages reaching out with internet and all forms of media. Such a synergistic partnership could provide a huge step forward for worldwide expansion of iStudy and the transformed lives this represents.
At this time in 2012, we had completed a year-long online pilot course of the Book of Revelation demonstrating how in-depth Bible study worked effectively online. This confirmed God’s calling to help more believers learn, love and live out His Truth by making in-depth Bible study a reality online and available to all beyond the constraints of time and space.
Another confirmation was the multi-talented steering committee God brought together to make online Bible study a reality.
Next, God provided the course materials and non-profit ministry structure through Explorer’s Bible Study headquartered in Dickson, TN. At the time we introduced the concept to EBS, they were praying for a way to take EBS online! As God’s answer to their prayer, we became the iStudyEBS Division of Explorer’s Bible Study.
God led the steering committee to prepare for worldwide release by running a beta course to test the functionality of all the components.
The steering committee members prepared for the Beta from September to December, 2012, by doing the actual study we would use, “Making Sure of the Truth”, a 15 week, verse by verse study of Philemon, Colossians, Jude, 2 Peter and 1, 2, & 3 John. Beyond the editing of lessons, video recording the teachings, and practicing online group leadership, God guided the development of our website, www.istudyebs.org, social media outreach, student registration and placement, and much more.
As the Beta proceeded from February 2013 and ending this week, God revealed some vital lessons which will be implemented as we open iStudy participation to a wider audience this Summer and Fall.
God has also provided group leaders for a 6 week summer course, “John – Witness to the Truth” starting the week of June 10th.
Then the week of September 9th, the first full year of iStudy begins with a fall term 15 week study of the “Gospel of Mark” followed by an Old Testament course in the winter/spring term.
Whew! It seems more like a career than a year, but God has been faithful!
If you are not currently involved in an in-depth study of His Word, you are missing the empowerment that only comes from time spent in His Truth. That empowerment will help you bring order and peace to the chaos and noise of today’s world.
Come and see for yourself. Go to www.istudyebs.org for more information and to enroll for the six week summer term or reserve your spot for the “Gospel of Mark” this fall.
Love In Him,
Chuck & Micki Harding
Executive Director and Teacher
chuck.harding@istudyebs.org
