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ITISWRITTEN.COM

WINTER 2025

Adding SALT

06 It Is Written school of

evangelism coming to Union Adventist University

24 The truth about God’s chosen people Who Is God’s Israel?

of Life Water 16 in Ethiopia

PAGE

Sharing the

cover feature

Our spring mission trip to Ethiopia included preaching, health clinics, and our new humanitarian project, distributing water filters. For many, this was the first clean water they had ever tasted in their lives.

aspects 04 President’s Page 08 Mission Report 10

Escrito Está

20 My Place With Jesus 22 Community Connection 27 Staff Highlight 30 Devotional

notes 12

Partnership Highlight

Resources

26 Impressed 28 Planned Giving 29 Tributes & Memorials 31

Broadcast Schedule

06 Adding SALT

It Is Written school of evangelism coming to Union Adventist University

Is God’s Israel? 24 Who The truth about God’s chosen people

impressions magazine

Dec

WINTER 2025 ISSUE 30 EXECUTIVE EDITOR John Bradshaw MANAGING EDITOR Cassie Matchim Hernandez ART DIRECTOR Nestor Rasi Copyright © 2025 by It Is Written. All rights reserved. It Is Written, Escrito Está, My Place With Jesus, and SALT are registered trademarks and/or service marks of It Is Written, Inc.

connect with us itiswritten.com BUSINESS HOURS M – Th, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET SUBSCRIPTIONS impressions@iiw.org It Is Written, P.O. Box 6, Chattanooga, TN 37401-0006 423-362-5800

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Partnership Gatlinburg, TN

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Partnership Gatlinburg, TN

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Evangelism San Diego, CA

Chattanooga First SDA Church Chattanooga, TN

Evangelism Anaheim, CA

Piedmont SDA Church Piedmont, AL

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ariel Warren

calendar

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Jan

•7 — 15, •9 — 10

Evangelism Rally & Training Freetown, Sierra Leone

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Evangelism Rally & Training Hamilton, Bermuda

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ReCharge Retreat Atlanta, GA

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Pastor’s Retreat San José, Costa Rica

SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/itiswritten instagram.com/itiswrittenmedia x.com/itiswritten youtube.com/itiswritten DESIGNED TO SHARE This Impressions magazine is designed to be shared with your friends, family, and neighbors. When you are done reading it, please pass it on.

January 22–25, 2026 TM

speaker key J E R

John Bradshaw PRESIDENT

Eric Flickinger ASSOCIATE SPEAKER

Robert Costa SPEAKER/DIRECTOR, ESCRITO ESTÁ

W Wes Peppers

EVANGELISM & MISSIONS DIRECTOR

D Douglas Na’a

SALT DIRECTOR, SAU

Evangelism training from It Is Written

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President’s Page

An Invitation

John Bradshaw PRESIDENT

here have been a lot of highlights for It Is Written this year. We have added some remarkable new team members—one of whom you will meet in this issue of Impressions. We have greatly expanded our global television footprint, now reaching more people via television than ever before, and we have conducted numerous high-impact evangelistic series. Our April mission trip to Ethiopia saw 15,000 people receive medical treatment and 4,200 people baptized. One story stands out as I reflect on our time in Ethiopia. A man had walked away from faith in God 40 years prior after completing a master’s degree in science. His brother invited him to Wes Peppers’ meetings in Hawassa. After accepting his brother’s invitation and attending one night of the series, the man’s heart remained untouched. Yet his brother invited him back “one more time, to hear this man talk about why he is no longer an atheist.” The man grudgingly returned. After hearing Wes’ testimony, his brother was stunned to hear the man say, “All of my questions have been answered.” He surrendered his entire life to God and was baptized! And why? An invitation. In fact, a second invitation. Because his brother invited him to attend, this university professor chose Jesus. We can’t all preach, or go to Ethiopia, or be part of a mission trip. But we can invite. If you can’t go to Ethiopia, you may find Ethiopia right next door. Who can you invite to meet Jesus?

Who can you invite to meet Jesus?

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Pastor Wes Peppers (left) preaches while Atkilt Esaiyas interprets for the crowd in Hawassa, Ethiopia. The men are wearing jackets gifted to them by church leaders on the last Sabbath of the trip.

Douglas Na’a (left) and Alex Rodriguez (right).

Feature

Adding SALT: It Is Written school of evangelism coming to Union Adventist University

tarting fall 2026, the It Is Written Soul-winning And Leadership Training (SALT) program will be held on the campus of Union Adventist University (Union) in Lincoln, Nebraska. This new SALT initiative will be in addition to the existing SALT program held at Southern Adventist University (Southern) in Collegedale, Tennessee. Alex Rodriguez joins the new program as director, with Felicia Sanders filling the role of outreach coordinator. Founded in 2011, SALT—the It Is Written school of evangelism—is designed for individuals willing to dedicate one semester to intensive Bible worker training. Participants study and grow with other committed students as they attend practical, Bible-based classes and apply what they learn through hands-on outreach. Classes are taught by university professors as well as It Is Written speakers, and university credits are available and apply towards a religion minor. “SALT is high-impact, faith-building evangelism training. For almost 15 years, SALT has been a successful partnership CASSIE MATCHIM HERNANDEZ is the marketing & communications specialist for It Is Written. She helps to create and edit content for It Is Written audiences. Cassie and her family live in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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SALT It Is Written School of Evangelism

between It Is Written and Southern Adventist University,” said John Bradshaw, It Is Written president. “There are lots of people whose ministry is being transformed because of their experience at SALT, people in all different walks of life who are really serious about sharing their faith. And we are thrilled to be expanding that impact to Union. We believe that more lives and more places are going to be transformed because SALT is now going to be based in Lincoln, Nebraska, as well as Collegedale, Tennessee.” SALT students have come from many conferences in the United States, and even other countries like New Zealand and Nepal. In addition to Southern students who attend SALT, people of all ages and backgrounds have completed SALT over the years with the intention of reaching their home conference for Christ. For some time, it has been clear that the SALT program needed to grow, said Bradshaw, as evidenced by the largest class to date of 47 students this semester. So he was enthusiastic when approached by Jeff Scoggins, Minnesota Conference president and Union board member, a couple of years ago with the idea of expanding the program to Union.

Union Adventist University

God has tremendously blessed at Southern Adventist University and expand that into mid-America.” Not only do we have excellent leadership in nd Sa Rodriguez, Bradshaw said, Fe l i c i a but also in Felicia Sanders, who will lead outreach efforts. A SALT graduate, then SALT mentor for three years, Sanders comes well-equipped to help get the new program off the ground. “Felicia is outstanding,” Bradshaw shared. “She’s enthusiastic about sharing her faith, she is dynamic, and to have her on board signals to me that God’s hand is on the SALT project.” Rodriguez is currently completing SALT at Southern, learning about the program from Southern SALT director Douglas Na’a. Na’a will continue to lead the program there, and the two plan to work together to keep the programs tightly knit. “The best way to envision this is one program offered on multiple campuses,” said Rodriguez. “There is room for personalization, but the core will remain the same.”

about ministry.” And thanks to donors, the Minnesota Conference, in partnership with It Is Written, is able to fund this endeavor at Union. Union leadership looks forward to the impact SALT will have on campus and the Mid-America Union. “I am excited to support and grow a new kind of faith learner and practitioner at Union Adventist University,” said Dr. Yami Bazan, Union Adventist University president. “Long known as the College of the Golden Cords, Union has always focused on developing professionals committed to sharing the gospel of Jesus as a way of living out their faith. The SALT program aligns beautifully with our mission and our love for Jesus.” Alex Rodriguez comes to the SALT program with nearly two decades of experience in pastoral ministry and evangelism. He has always had a passion for evangelism and is already familiar with the SALT program, with two of his children being recent SALT graduates. A third plans to attend next year! “I believe in SALT and its core mission. I’m a strong believer in mobilizing churches, in mobilizing laity. The work is going to be finished at the local level,” Rodriguez said. “I’m excited about what I have seen SALT at Southern produce. And I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to grow what

“The SALT program aligns beautifully with our mission and our love for Jesus.”

“The vision that Minnesota is working under is to become a premier producer of pastors, teachers, missionaries, and tent makers,” said Scoggins. In line with that vision, his wife Becky approached him with the idea of bringing SALT to Union to teach young people how to make ministry a way of life. “I hope and pray that it won’t be just religion and theology majors that do this program,” Scoggins said. “I want to see nurses and business majors and international relief and history and education and everybody. I hope SALT will change that person’s life and make their entire career

Those who are interested in learning more about SALT Union may contact Alex Rodriguez at alex.rodriguez@uau.edu. WINTER 2025 7

Mission Report

Blessings in Roåtan ´ t the invitation of the Bay Islands Conference of Honduras, It Is Written sent a group of volunteer mission workers in February to Roatán, Honduras, a small western Caribbean island off the northern coast of Honduras. The mountainous island is less than 40 miles long and three miles wide, with year-round average high temperatures of 85–90°F. With mango and guava trees, coconuts and plantains, white sand beaches and a coral reef, Roatán is tropical and decidedly Caribbean. Since it is a popular tourist spot for many cruise ships stopping in the port for a day, one might assume that there is little want among the inhabitants, but that would be mistaken. A growing portion of the population consists of economically disadvantaged individuals who have migrated from the mainland for work. Our goal on the trip was to provide medical clinics, preach the gospel, and help the local churches and school as much as possible. Roatán is a beautiful island, with beautiful people, who blessed and impacted us as much or more than we were able to bless them. One small way we were able to bless them was through our medical team. It consisted of an emergency room doctor, a pediatrician, a medical student, a physical therapist, a massage therapist, four nurses, and many helpers. Over 900 patients were treated during the seven medical clinics, including

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a private clinic requested by our hotel staff, who brought many family members to be treated in the hotel dining area. We also distributed 600 pairs of reading glasses during the clinics. We were expecting about 600 patients for the clinics, but we received nearly 1,000! This led us to run short on a few medications, with a special need for multivitamins. The cost of vitamins locally was very expensive, so, upon the suggestion of local pastors, we visited the hospital and asked if we could purchase some medications from them. Although we didn’t have the opportunity to mention what we needed, the hospital staff

We were expecting about 600 patients for the clinics, but we received nearly 1,000! checked their supplies and said that they only had extra of one thing—multivitamins. Specifically, they had extra multivitamins for over 300 people, and they wouldn’t charge us for them! We left the hospital with a large box of vitamins, praising God for arranging this blessing long before we arrived in Roatán. What would an It Is Written mission trip be without preaching? Four high school seniors from Heritage Academy in Tennessee preached at two different sites, while the other four sites were covered

Some of the missionaries pose with Jonathan, center.

by other trip volunteers. Over the course of the 10 presentations, we preached to hundreds of visitors, with more than a dozen being baptized, and over 50 more making commitments for baptism in the near future. One of our mission trip preachers spent an afternoon with the local pastor searching for a baptistry to purchase as his personal gift for the church. Four precious souls were baptized in that new baptistry the following week. Jonathan is a young boy who heard about the evening children’s program at the church. Although not a church member, he attended every night with his sister and two cousins, all of whom were extremely pleasant and attentive. We noticed that he had a very large growth on his back, which affected almost every aspect of his life. Jonathan was unable to attend our medical clinics since they happened during school time. So, with his mother’s and principal’s permission, we had a doctor exam him at school. It turned out that Jonathan had a benign tumor that should be removed. After the trip concluded, we were able to raise funds for Jonathan to have the tumor removed in mainland Honduras, which was done in July. He has recovered from surgery and is doing well! At the Jonesville bilingual school, most of the 100+ students are non-Christian, making it a great evangelistic outreach. While at a nearby hardware store, a woman overheard me speaking with the cashier about the work that we were doing at the school. She interjected, saying that she sends her MICHAEL PELLETIER is the northeast It Is Written planned giving consultant. His wife and partner in ministry is Elena, and they have four wonderful children. Michael enjoys exploring national parks with his family.

grandchildren to that school because she loves it and it has such a good reputation. When speaking with the school principal about the unsolicited good report that I had just heard, she mentioned that the biggest obstacle to increasing enrollment was the state of certain areas of the school, primarily the school roof. Water entered the school through multiple leaks every time it rained. By God’s grace, we were able to replace that large section of the roof and complete several other projects around campus as well. As a result of all the repairs, the now very elated principal assured us that there would most certainly be a marked increase in enrollment. We thank God for allowing us to be a part of His plans to help the people of Roatán. Perhaps God is calling you to participate in a mission trip as well. Visit itiswritten.com/missiontrips to learn how you can partner with us on one of our upcoming trips.

JOIN A TRIP IN 2026! March: Philippines May: Guatemala August: Colombia September: Georgia, USA November: Dominican Republic

iiw.us/missions WINTER 2025 9

Escrito Está

Hope Restored:

Testimonies from Colombia

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ince Escrito Está’s two-minute daily devotionals began airing in Colombia in 2022, and its half-hour program launched in 2023 on the CityTV channel, we have received multiple testimonies of how the Holy Spirit is working in people’s lives. Rubén Campos, a dedicated volunteer Bible instructor, has been leading Bible study groups with up to 80 individuals, and 42 baptisms have taken place so far. One such viewer is Ana. She first encountered Escrito Está by accident while watching the news from a mental health hospital. “I became curious about what the man on the screen was saying,” she shared. “He was talking about something very similar to what I was experiencing.” Ana wrote down the number displayed and decided to call. Rubén answered. “At that point, I felt like nothing in my life made sense. I even regretted the day I was born. I wondered if God could see what I was going through and do something about it.” Through phone calls and messages, Ana began to feel God’s presence and care. “Brother Rubén told me that God knows what’s happening in my life and that He has always been present. There’s still so much I need to learn about God, but my heart is filled with gratitude. He has never forgotten me and has lifted me up through all my falls.”

CAROLINA BONILLA is the Escrito Está coordinator. Born in Ecuador, Carolina has a passion for reaching the Spanish-speaking community with the gospel.

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Another powerful testimony is that of Gerson, who was baptized earlier this year after struggling with drug addiction for over 20 years. Or consider Sergio, who participated in a recent evangelistic series and was baptized by Pastor Robert Costa. “So many things have changed since my baptism,” Sergio shared. “God has transformed my family. We are now filled with peace, faith, and love thanks to a congregation that welcomed us with open arms.” A more recent and deeply moving story is that of one of our radio listeners, Laura. During the pandemic, she and her partner worked on a farm. Laura longed to study the Bible, be baptized, and get married, while her partner was uninterested in Christianity. One day, through a mobile app, she connected with a

“I can’t wait any longer—tomorrow is not promised. I want to give my life to Christ today.” pastor who agreed to visit them. “I feared my partner would scare the pastor away, as he had done with others before. But I was surprised when he listened attentively, asked questions, and showed real interest.” That visit marked a turning point. The couple began studying together and made plans to be baptized and marry. In October 2023, Laura contacted the pastor to say they were ready. But on the way to another town for the baptism, tragedy struck. They were in an accident, and her partner passed away. Laura was in a coma and woke up days later to the heartbreaking news. “I still don’t understand why this happened, but someday I will. My life was forever changed that day.” She grieved deeply and questioned her faith. “I cried for many months,” she admitted. But over time, God brought restoration. Laura met someone else who shared her spiritual desire to know God. Together they rebuilt their faith, eventually choosing to marry and be baptized. “Our lives have changed. We listen to Escrito Está’s daily devotionals for comfort and to learn more about God. The day I decided to be baptized, I thought: ‘I can’t wait any longer—tomorrow is not promised. I want to give my life to Christ today.’” Pastor Robert Costa will return to Colombia at the end of 2025 and in 2026 to conduct additional evangelistic meetings, continuing to build on the spiritual momentum God is creating through Escrito Está. Names have been changed.

Watch uplifting Christian television in Spanish. escritoesta.tv WINTER 2025 11

Partnership Highlight

A Lifetime of Faith and Partnership: Byron West’s Story

yron West’s introduction to It Is Written traces back to his youth in Los Angeles. In 1962, when Byron was in junior high, his pastor organized an outing for young people to attend an evangelistic series led by George Vandeman at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. Though Byron doesn’t recall the sermon’s specifics, he remembers “that is where the seed was planted” for his later baptism into the church. At that time, he wrestled with what it meant to truly follow Christ, knowing that baptism signified putting God first. “As a teen, I didn’t want to make that decision, but I knew that eventually I would need to,” Byron reflected. Over the years, Byron continued to hear about It Is Written, occasionally watching broadcasts and Founder George Vandeman reading about the ministry in Pacific Union news articles. Through a friend of his wife who was an It Is Written Partner, Byron learned more about the ministry’s vision and outreach. It was in 2011, at It Is Written’s Partnership event in Monterey, California, that Byron and his wife made a defining choice. They had supported other ministries before, 12 It Is Written impressions

LOS ANGELES MEMORIAL SPORTS ARENA, LOS ANGELES. PHOTO BY PELLADON, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, CC BY 3.0.

but this was their first major commitment to one. Byron was deeply moved by his first Partnership weekend, especially as John Bradshaw shared testimonies of how God was working in people’s lives. “One of the blessings was hearing members share their own journeys,” he said. “At church on Sabbath, you often hear the pastor or leaders speak, but you rarely hear from fellow members about their walk with the Lord. That Friday night, we did just that, and it meant so much to me.”

“It’s not just John speaking at various venues. It Is Written is involved in so many different aspects.” What stands out to Byron most about It Is Written is how its ministry extends far beyond preaching. “It’s not just John speaking at various venues. It Is Written

Dr. Jacob Prabhakar (right) and a cataract patient

TAMMARA DE LEON serves as the associate director of development for It Is Written, where she connects with donors and coordinates Partnership events. She lives in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area with her beloved fur babies, Mimi the cat and Maximus the dog.

is involved in so many different aspects,” he said. “I was especially drawn to their work with one of their humanitarian projects, Eyes for India, after serving as a counselor at a camp for the blind. I’ve had my own struggles with vision, and it means a lot to support It Is Written’s humanitarian efforts through my giving.” Byron’s hope as a Partner is simple yet powerful: “I want It Is Written to reach as many people as possible with the gospel.” He encourages others to recognize their own role in ministry, whether in the home, the neighborhood, or the church. “Our church is worldwide,” he said. “I can’t be satisfied knowing there are places where people haven’t heard the gospel. I want to support that mission with my prayers and finances, and if I can, encourage others to join me.” Byron’s story is a testament to the impact of consistent support and the far-reaching ministry of It Is Written. It is a reminder that each of us has a unique part to play in sharing Christ’s love with the world.

Learn more about becoming an It Is Written Partner at itiswritten.com/partners WINTER 2025 13

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WINTER 2025 15

Cover Feature

Sharing the

Water of Life in Ethiopia

hen I decided to go on the spring It Is Written mission trip to Ethiopia, I thought I was going to serve—to bring help, hope, and healing. But somewhere between the dusty roads and smiling children, I realized that I was the one being changed. In a land where time seems to stand still and where donkeys and cows outnumber cars, I witnessed the gospel in ways I’ve only ever read about. It felt like stepping into the book of Acts, where people have a hunger for truth and where I saw firsthand an undeniable moving of the Holy Spirit. On every mission trip that It Is Written organizes, we have the privilege of being the hands and feet of Jesus practically through medical work. That was no exception in Ethiopia, a country where medical care is often inaccessible for many. In the capital city of Addis Ababa, as well as Arsi-Negele and Hawassa, large health expos along with medical and dental clinics served more than 15,000 people.

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In addition, Dr. Jacob Prabhakar from Eyes for India held an eye camp where more than 1,100 cataract surgeries were performed. It was incredible to see the gift of sight given back to so many. Over 650 single mothers with children, many disabled, were ministered to in a 10-day program where they were fed and given instructions in hygiene and inexpensive, nutritious cooking. For many, this was the first real help they had ever received.

For many, this was the first real help they had ever received. We also had the opportunity to distribute 1,000 water filters. Each one produces one million gallons of pure, clean, drinking water for an entire family and will last 10–15 years. In a country where clean water is scarce, this is revolutionary! Some of us also had the life-changing experience of

traveling to a remote village where tribal people are virtually untouched by civilization or Christianity. These kind and gentle people live simple but often hard lives where their only source of water is a stagnant pond shared with cattle. We walked a couple of miles back to their watering hole WINTER 2025 17

“This is the first time in my life I have ever had water that didn’t taste like mud or manure.” and stood staring for a long time, unable to share the love of God and the truth of His speak. It was at that moment that I realized Word. Every night, Pastor John Bradshaw, how truly blessed I am to have something Wes Peppers, and 10 other lay speakers as simple as clean water. preached the power of the Scriptures to Wes Peppers shared a short devotional thousands of eager listeners. Torrential rain about the importance of clean, physical often pounded on tents and lean-to strucwater and told the people that there is a tures, yet the people still came—hungry for God in Heaven who wants to give them the Word of God. More than 20,000 people spiritual water that will quench their attended the sites. hearts’ thirst for all eternity. We then One Muslim man attending our demonstrated this practically. We took the meetings had quite the story to tell! He muddy, parasite-filled water and turned it had been saving his money for a long into clean water that they were then able to time in order to buy cattle to support his drink. The chief, eyes wide in astonishment, family. As he was leaving the bank after said, “This is the first time in my life I have having withdrawn his money to purchase ever had water that didn’t taste like mud the cows, he was robbed. All his hardor manure.” He then somberly thanked us earned money was gone. Discouraged for coming and helping their people. He and depressed, the man turned to a life expressed that many have come before and of bitter drunkenness. His family wanted made promises to help, but we were the nothing to do with him. Even the mosque first to ever follow through on that promise. shunned him and told him not to return. This tribal chief acknowledged that he Feeling hopeless, he found a tree on could see God working through us. How which to hang himself. As he tied the rope humbling it is to answer His call! around his neck, he heard a voice tell him, While we were able to help with the many “Yes, you could kill yourself. Your family practical needs, the greatest blessing was to will mourn you for a while and then move 18 It Is Written impressions

“Get down and go find the pastor of the Sabbath-keeping church in your village.” on, and your life will mean nothing. Or, you could do something. Get down and go find the pastor of the Sabbath-keeping church in your village.” Stunned, he removed the rope, climbed down, and went to find the church. The pastor welcomed him with open arms and began to share the gospel with him. He was invited to our evangelistic meetings and learned of a God who loved him and had a purpose for him. Before long, his life began to change. So much was he changed that even the mosque asked him to come back! He simply told them, “No. I have finally found the true God of the Bible. I am now a Christian and will never turn back.” This man was one of many who gave their hearts to Christ while we were in Ethiopia. On the last Sabbath, we witnessed a sight much like the Day of Pentecost. Over 4,200 souls stepped into the watery grave of baptism and surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, with more people preparing to follow suit. Nothing can compare to that! Traveling to a developing nation isn’t easy. Our mission team of 45 worked tirelessly

every day in a place with few comforts of home. But if you were to ask if it was worth it, everyone would give a resounding, “Yes!” Ken Stroud from Alabama told us, “This was my first mission trip. It was better than a vacation and more memorable than any trip I’ve ever taken!” Dr. Rebekah Wheatley from Florida said, “It was truly humbling to minister to over 850 patients in Addis! This experience has grown my faith in ways I never could have imagined.” To see thousands respond to the gospel, to witness hope take root in dry places, and to know that God uses ordinary people to do eternal work—that’s why we do what we do at It Is Written. If you’re wondering if it’s worth the sacrifice, let this be your sign to say yes. Come with us on a future mission trip and see what God can do through you, too! MARION PEPPERS enjoys serving It Is Written alongside her husband Wes Peppers. She and their two children often travel with Wes, where she assists with mission trips and coordinates music for evangelism. Marion is a certified personal trainer, homeschool mom, and loves experiencing new cultures.

WINTER 2025 19

My Place With Jesus

Journey to a New Land “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.” Hebrews 13:14

is father’s words were clear. “I think the time has come, Mary. We must leave our home here in Leiden and start again in a new land.” Bartholomew’s mother nodded in agreement. Bartholomew’s mind was full of questions. Leiden was the only home he had ever known. The idea of sailing across the ocean sounded exciting, but it also made him a little scared. Bartholomew had sailed on small fishing boats, but, at only seven years old, he had never sailed on anything as big as the Mayflower. And the ocean was far rougher than anything he had ever known. The Allerton family had come to the Netherlands long before Bartholomew and his brother and sister were born. Bartholomew’s grandparents had died when his father, Isaac, was just a teenager. At the time, they lived just outside London, England. As Isaac grew older, he noticed that his church was teaching in ways that did not agree with what the Bible taught. When he and others spoke out about it, they were thrown into jail! Isaac knew he could not stay in England. So, with a group of other young believers, he left for the Netherlands, where people could worship God and freely follow the Bible. In this new land, Isaac met Mary, got married, and started a family. MELISSA BRADSHAW is the children’s ministries director for It Is Written. Melissa and her husband, John Bradshaw, have two children and one granddaughter and live in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area.

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But now, trouble was coming again. The peace treaty between Spain and the Netherlands was about to end, and their freedom to follow the Bible might be taken away. Many Christians began making plans to move to a faraway land where they could worship God without fear. Finally, the day came to leave. Not everyone could go. Some people were too sick or didn’t have enough money. Bartholomew hoped those friends could come later. With a heavy feeling in his stomach, he and his family boarded a ship called the Speedwell. This ship would take them to meet a bigger ship—the Mayflower—for the long trip across the ocean. For two whole months, they sailed. Sometimes giant waves crashed over the deck, but God kept them safe. One day, a man shouted, “Land! I see land!” Everyone rushed to the deck. It was true—land at last! Their long sea voyage was over, and a brand-new adventure was about to begin. It was November 1620 when they arrived in America. Just as God had kept them safe across the ocean, He would be with them as they built their new home. But that first winter was not easy. Can you imagine arriving in a strange land at the coldest time of the year— and having to find food and build shelter before winter storms come? Through every challenge, Bartholomew saw that God provided—sending new friends to help, giving food when they needed it, and keeping them safe. He learned to thank God not only for the good times, but also for the hard times when God’s care could be seen even more clearly.

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Just as Bartholomew and his family were pilgrims traveling to a new land, we are pilgrims in this world. This earth is not our forever home. We are on a journey to the most wonderful place of all—heaven—where we will live with Jesus forever. One day, our journey will be over, and we will gather in joy to thank Him face to face for bringing us safely home.

Set Sail

AN IT IS WRITTEN MINISTRY

Help the Pilgrims sail safely across the sea to the New World!

Community Connection

Little Touches,

Lasting Impact

ometimes we feel insignificant, like all we do amounts to a single note in a song no one hears. We are overwhelmed by demands for our attention, time, and finances. On top of that, we often feel guilty about not doing enough! We ask ourselves, “Have I spent time with God today? Did I reach out to that friend who is struggling? Did I share Jesus with someone today?” When the day is over, we rest our weary minds and bodies, only to start the cycle again the next morning. But contrary to how we may feel, the little touches are never insignificant. At It Is Written, we are blessed to serve God through many things, big and small. One of our goals is to empower people with resources to confidently share the gospel. My Place With Jesus, directed by Melissa Bradshaw, creates engaging resources for children, including Bible guides, Flight 3:16 Vacation Bible School (VBS), Journey

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Through the Bible—a monthly Biblereading adventure—and Buried Treasure, a complete 21-day evangelism program. These resources go out into the world and touch hundreds of thousands of people. The touches may seem small, and we may not see the results right away, but we can have confidence that the seed planted and received will produce fruit. “But he

who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces” (Matthew 13:23). Here are just a few examples of the impact our children’s resources make. Scripture songs from the Buried Treasure and Flight 3:16 VBS programs have left lasting impressions on young and old alike! Melissa shared a few testimonies, including a 3-yearold girl who loved the music so much that she didn’t want to ride in her mom’s car—because there was no CD player to play the Scripture songs! “I have adults tell me how much they enjoy listening to the songs as they drive, remarking how catchy and easy to learn they are,” said Melissa. One father who discovered the Flight 3:16 Scripture songs on Apple Music played them during mealtimes for his 2-year-old son, Bennett. “He was able to memorize John 3:16 with very little effort. Now, every time he recites the verse, he excitedly ends by saying ‘J-E-S-U-S!’— part of the Flight 3:16 theme song phrase. He’s memorized Scripture!” Bennett’s dad shared this story with a friend in England who

also has a 2 year old. She was so excited that she wanted the album, too! Camp Heritage, in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, ordered 180 sets of the My Place With Jesus Bible Guides to place in all their cabins this past summer. We have faith that God will bless this effort and touch many young people. It may seem like a small gesture, but Scripture reminds us that even

It’s the little touches from sincere hearts that are often most effective in reaching others. the smallest acts of faith can hold eternal significance. “And He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, ‘Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had’” (Luke 21:2–4). Jesus is not only looking for grand gestures or dramatic displays of effort. It’s the little touches from sincere hearts that are often most effective in reaching others. Playing a song for a child, placing a Bible Guide within reach of a searching soul, creating a resource to share Jesus in a new way, or simply sharing a meal—each one might feel like a single, unheard note. But together, these little touches add up to jubilant choruses in the halls of heaven. So, in the busyness of life, take a moment to slow down, connect with Jesus, and let Him show you how your little touches can make an eternal difference. ARIEL WARREN is the senior graphic designer for It Is Written and has served the ministry for over 10 years. A lover of Jesus, nature, and cats, she has lived in Hawaii and British Columbia and now calls Tennessee home.

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Feature

Who Is God’s Israel? BY JOHN BRADSHAW, president

hat I’m about to share is not a political statement, I promise. What I’m about to share is biblical. Yet we will see that a theological misunderstanding is currently having major geopolitical repercussions. The current unrest in the Middle East and the long-hoped-for peace that may or may not be unfolding have initiated discussions about the United States’ relationship with Israel. Some have been very vocal in saying that the United States should be supportive of Israel because of what the Bible teaches. But does the Bible say the nation of Israel is God’s chosen people? The belief that God promises to bless those who bless Israel—a misunderstanding of Genesis 12:3—has many Americans urging financial, military, and moral support for Israel. (Another disclaimer: I am not saying the United States should or should not support Israel. That is a separate discussion, and not the discussion I am having here.) So what does the Bible say about Israel in the close of time? Or, to put it another way, who is God’s Israel today? In the book of Romans, Paul addresses this very question, stating that the gospel is intended for both Jews and Greeks (or, 24 It Is Written impressions

Gentiles). Given that Jews had believed that non-Jews were grossly inferior to Jews—witness James and John unabashedly requesting that they might call fire down from heaven to incinerate a Samaritan village in Luke 9:54—this would have been a difficult pill for many of his Jewish readers to swallow. Progressing through Romans, Paul states that everyone—Jew and Gentile—is guilty before God, that salvation comes through faith in Jesus rather than the keeping the law, and that believers are, in fact, “delivered from the law” (Romans 7:6). Paul then provocatively asserts that, “they are not all Israel who are of Israel” (Romans 9:6). Strengthening his case, Paul states that God is just in calling Gentiles to be saved, just as He was just in granting the birthright to Isaac, the younger son, rather than Esau, the eldest son, as was the custom of the time. This establishes His authority to call Gentiles into His fold. Paul quotes Hosea, who wrote, “in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God” (1:10 KJV). Israel’s problem, according to Paul, is that they sought righteousness by the law,

rather than by faith. Jesus, who brought salvation, was to them “a stumbling stone” (Romans 9:32–33). In Romans 10, Paul develops his case, showing that, “they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God” (v. 3). He quotes Isaiah, who referred to Israel as “a disobedient and contrary people” (v. 21), yet is very, very clear that although Israel are the “enemies” of believers “as concerning the gospel,” “concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers” (Romans 11:28). Jews may still be saved, Paul says. He even urges Christians to “provoke them to jealousy” that they might come to faith in Christ (11:11) and is clear that “God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew” (11:2). While “Israel has not obtained what it seeks” (11:7), Paul is clear that “God is able to graft them in again” (11:23). So who today is God’s Israel? Paul is very clear. Believers in Jesus are God’s true Israel.

“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God” (Romans 2:28–29). Writing to the Galatians, Paul stated, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (3:28–29). God’s true Israel today is those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, whether Black, White, Jewish, Gentile, Asian, or Hispanic. Knowing this must motivate the church to reach out like never before to those who have not yet accepted the gospel. Jesus is coming back soon. We, as spiritual Jews, must wish to see God’s Israel expand and grow. While political questions can be very important, this is a matter of much greater significance.

“They are not all Israel who are of Israel” (Romans 9:6).

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Impressed

IMPRESSED Feedback from our followers Wow! Carefully selected words in order to bring us to the limelight about the interpretation of the Bible. When I look into the skies and see the wonders of creation, I know that God exists. —T.F.D. Always LOVE your teachings. I watch your show on TBN every week and watch online content as well. Thank you for all you do. —M.J.

Thank you so much for the work you are doing. Thank you for using your brilliance to help so many people. —Unknown I’m glad to have stumbled across this channel. Great information. God bless you. —C.M.

It Is Written Sabbath School This quarter’s lessons on the Psalms have been of such blessing to me. It has given me insights of the beauty of the WORDS of GOD. It is so fulfilling to the inner self, for it gives peace and tranquility to the soul. Thanks to Dr. Dragoslava for sharing her knowledge of the book of the Psalms may God bless her and her family immensely. —L.D.

YouTube—I was alone with my dark thoughts… What a wonderful testimony of redemption and hope! God bless It Is Written ministry. —Anonymous

Praise God! I have learned so much through y’all[s] ministry. God Bless You All. —P.J.

YouTube—Civil War Turning Points Wonderful program, really good information on the Civil War. —J.S.

YouTube—Biblical forgiveness Thank you for this story, so powerful, and moving. This has helped me in my journey towards forgiveness. I want to be a great forgiver each day God gives me. This is what we all need. —B.B.

Do you have a story about how God has touched your life through the work of It Is Written? Tell us! Tag us on social media @itiswritten

Staff Highlight

Nathan Krause ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EVANGELISM & MISSIONS

In this role, he assists with the logistics of evangelism campaigns, training events, and mission trips.

ince joining It Is Written in May 2025, Nathan has been a valuable addition to the evangelism team, helping to organize events such as the upcoming ReCharge conference, our fall evangelism campaign in Baltimore, and numerous mission trips, from the early stages of planning through execution and post-event follow-up. Moving to Tennessee had been a prayer for Nathan and his family for over 20 years. When the opportunity to join It Is Written arose, it was clear that God was opening the door they had long been waiting for. “I feel so privileged to work for such an outstanding ministry organization,” Nathan shared. Over nearly four decades of ministry, Krause has served as a pastor, evangelist, professor, and administrator. Nathan’s calling to pastoral ministry began shortly after he converted as a young adult. “I felt like a tremendous weight of fear had been lifted from me when I learned the truth,” he recalled. “While reflecting on what I had learned from Bible study, I clearly heard God’s call upon my life to share these newly discovered truths with others.” His journey has not been without challenges. “In addition to many blessings, I’ve experienced disappointment and hardship,” he said. His background includes experiences with alcohol and substance abuse, a near-fatal electrocution, Eastern religions, and New Age philosophies before finding truth and peace in Christ. “Those trials taught me to trust God completely and go forward in faith,” he said. “They’ve also given me connection points that help me relate to others who are searching for hope and truth.” John Bradshaw, It Is Written president, appreciates the wealth of experience Nathan brings to the ministry. “Nathan has a depth of knowledge that few people have,” he said. “Add to that the way he works so well with others, and we are beyond blessed to have him on this ministry team.” ELYSE BALTODANO serves as the marketing and communications intern for It Is Written. She helps shape the ministry’s digital presence through social media content, written communication, and graphic design work. She currently resides in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Get to know Nathan: Favorite food: Thai First job: Janitor in a butcher shop

Best advice:

“The future is always brighter than the past. Never give up.” —Dr. Herbert Douglass

Fun facts: He has

a black belt, ran a marathon, traveled to five continents, and met Muhammad Ali six times—once in his home!

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800-992-2219 plannedgiving@iiw.org hislegacy.com

New Income & New Tax Benefits It’s not often you can create a new income stream that gives you tax benefits. When you fund a charitable gift annuity (CGA) with our organization, we will send you fixed payments for as long as you live. You also receive an income tax deduction the year you fund it for part of the funding amount.

A gift annuity gives you: • Favorable rates that provide you with fixed payments for life

Avoid Taxes on Your IRA It may seem difficult to believe, but paying taxes on your IRA may not be as mandatory as you think. This is true even if you must take required minimum distributions. With an IRA qualified charitable distribution, you can avoid paying taxes on your IRA. You should know how to use this option to your advantage. Contact us to learn all your choices for your IRA.

• Payments to you, or to you and your spouse • The satisfaction of knowing that after paying you, your CGA supports It Is Written As a bonus, the CGA can also give you capital gains benefits. Fund it by transferring stock (never selling it), and you pay no capital gains on the transfer. Some of your capital gains are eliminated, and some are spread over the life of the annuity. The gift annuity is so flexible, it offers more options as well. Contact us to learn what your rate would be, as well as your options and tax benefits.

28 It Is Written impressions

This information is not intended as tax, legal, or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.

Tributes & Memorials If you would like to give a donation in memory of someone, please visit itiswritten.com/give or use the enclosed envelope to mail your donation. IN LOVING MEMORY OF Anderson, Jocelyn by Doug & Melody Wheeler Barrow, Ron by Lorella Howard, Crystal Walker, and Linda Gustad Barts, Jerry & Sandy by Dennis & Becky Barts Bauer, Barbara Haller by Rondi Olson Borg, Arlan by Doug & Linda Borg Bort, Marvin by Barbara Bort Burgoyne, Kel by 8 Sisters Bible Study Group Clarke, Elder John W. by Mary Jane Clark & Joan Clark Clizbe, Jim by Reuel Milton Cordell, Don by Carol Marino Cortez, Ruth by Naseem Inderias Deynes, Juan by Samuel Deynes Farrow, Linda by Alan Cameron, Donald Morton, Pinnacle Financial partners, First Horizon Advisors, and Greg Vital

Griffin, Mark by Roger & Marilyn Bracht

Muljadi, Mr. by Yin Schaff

Heinrich, Dr. Ken by Cynthia Johnson

Paigen, Virginia Wilson by Sylvia D. Harper

Henderson, Fox by Shirley Henderson

Pinnel, Nancy by Alma Sasser

Hester, Willis by Deborah Spilker, Sue Wells, Charles & Dovie Wilson, Barbara Pierce, and John & Ashley Clark

Radoycich, Helen by Judith Nelson

Knarr, Michael Thomas by Brant Murdock, Casey & Heather Harris, Richard Hottenstein, Mildred T. Johns, Bonnie Fansler, and the Walnutport Adventist Church

Satterthwaite, Betty by Debra K. Hansen

Knarr, Thomas E. by Rich & Wendy Schuen Lee, Arthur & Mary by Dorothy Tovish Lorenz, Felix, Lucille, and Fern by Kenneth & Barbara Kotchevar MacKeon, Alexander by Elizabeth MacKeon Mathey, Sylvia by Alan Mathey

Sanchez, Pastor Raul M. by Dr. Manuel J. Sanchez

Smith, James Donald by Nevilla K. Smith Williams, Eric by Dana Welch Wilson, Beverly by Minita Brinkley IN HONOR OF Mitchell, Shirlee Happy 83rd birthday! by Christopher L. Mitchell Radoycich, Grace by Judith Nelson

Mother & Precious Grandparents by Deborah Peeples

White, Denise Happy birthday! by Raymond & Marilyn Cook

Mountz, Delores by Dr. Gordon & Mrs. Carol Guild, Ashleigh Repp, and Anne D. Losee

To see the complete list of tributes and memorials, please visit itiswritten.com/tributes.

Remember someone special with your love gift to It Is Written. Your memorial or honorary gifts help share the gospel with the world. Unless you request otherwise, your name will be listed on the Tributes web page and may be printed in future Impressions. If you wish, we will send a gift acknowledgment card to your desired recipient. Please be sure to include the recipient’s name and address. WINTER 2025 29

Devotional

The of

Power

Prayer

n moments of crisis, we often find oura prayer meeting at that very moment, selves searching for strength, support, relayed the request to her group, who lifted and hope. For one grandmother, prayer their voices in unison. Friends forwarded became a beacon of light during one of the the request to others, reaching across the most terrifying moments of her life. country and even around the world, creatNot long ago, her grandson suffered a ing a mighty chain of intercession. serious biking accident while at camp. His With each prayer spoken, faith strengthinjuries were severe, requiring him to be ened, and hope flourished. And then, the airlifted to a local hospital for emergency blessing she had been praying for arrived— surgery. As soon as she the surgery was successful, received the devastating and her grandson began his Her plea for news, she turned to the one road to recovery. prayers spread thing she knew could make a This experience reinforced difference—prayer. like wildfire. what she already knew: prayer Within minutes, she brings power. Prayer unites reached out to family, friends, people. Prayer changes lives. and her faith community via email, phone In a world often filled with uncertainty calls, and text messages, urgently requestand challenges, we must never underesing prayers for her grandson’s recovery. timate the impact of our prayers. They What happened next was nothing short of can bring comfort, healing, and miracles miraculous. beyond what we can imagine. Our God is Her plea for prayers spread like wildfire. an awesome God, and through Him, all Replies poured in faster than she could things are possible. have imagined. A pastor shared that he and DALE TERRY CADY has served as the his wife had just sat down to pray when receptionist at It Is Written since 2019. A they received her message, and they immenative of New England, she relocated to diately included her grandson in their the Chattanooga, Tennessee, area to be closer to family. In her role, Dale ensures prayers. Another friend, attending 30 It Is Written impressions

smooth daily operations and warmly assists all who connect with the ministry.

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