2024 IMPACT REPORT Connecting the World to God’s Word
BUT THE WORD OF GOD INCREASED AND MULTIPLIED. ACTS 12:24 ESV
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INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
Connecting the World to God’s Word
Introduction
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Letter from the President
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Who We Are
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Strategic Initiatives
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Financial Reporting
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Leadership
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Board of Directors
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Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) is a donor-supported, global organization dedicated to fueling a lifelong love for the Bible. Simply put, we love God and His Word. We want to share that with the world, and we know you do too! Your partnership with ODBM reminds us of the early church in Acts where “the word of God increased and multiplied” (Acts 12:24). Due to their unmoving faith and dedication to what truly matters most—loving God and serving others—they were able to spread the gospel message. We want to look like this early church and encourage people to receive, reflect on, and respond to God’s Word so the Holy Spirit can transform lives. We are so thankful for your financial gifts and heartfelt prayers. Because of you, we’ve been able to reach communities with resources and programs that connect people to God through Scripture. Your support has enabled us to share God’s love, fostering spiritual growth and renewal in the lives of countless individuals and families. We hope you will enjoy reading the stories and highlights in this Impact Report so you can see how God is working. Together, we share a passion for God’s Word and a deep commitment to spreading His love to every corner of the earth. Looking ahead, we are excited to deepen our impact and reach even more hearts with Scripture’s life-giving message of hope and redemption. Thank you for joining us on this journey as we multiply what matters!
Cover Photo: In Indonesia this year, we distributed 5,000 Light Kits containing biblical resources and solar-powered lights to people in communities without a reliable source of light at night.
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LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
WHO WE ARE
Reflecting on the past year, I am grateful for your unwavering commitment to our shared mission of Bible engagement and spreading the love of Christ around the world. Your support means we can continue this important work. I’m excited to share the remarkable impact we have made together. In an increasingly digital world, we recognize the importance of using technology to spread God’s Word. From upgrading our internal systems to improving the user experience on the Our Daily Bread app, we can reach new audiences and make the Bible more accessible. By using research to better understand how people interact with Scripture, we remain dedicated to meeting people where they are and guiding them on their journey of faith.
Matt Lucas, D.A. President/CEO Our Daily Bread Ministries
He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! ACTS 28:31
OUR MISSION:
Make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.
Preparing ODBM resources to send to the world.
OUR VISION:
See people of all nations
Our global outreach efforts have expanded in exciting ways. From remote African villages to bustling urban centers like Singapore, we are privileged to partner with churches, organizations, and individuals to foster a deeper engagement with Scripture. Through collaborative initiatives, training programs, and resource distribution, we are empowering communities to encounter God’s Word in meaningful and transformative ways.
experiencing a personal relationship with Christ, growing to be more like Him, and serving in a local body of His family.
In this report, you will see that we are embracing new methods and strategies, but we remain firmly grounded in our commitment to God’s Word and prayer. We are excited to share these stories of impact and opportunity as God continues to use us in His work.
BIBLE ENGAGEMENT FOR LIFE:
We strive to live a life consistent with biblical principles, engage
I hope you will continue to pray with us as we make the lifechanging wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all. Together, we are sowing seeds of faith, cultivating disciples, and watching as the Holy Spirit transforms lives.
with the Bible on a consistent basis, and demonstrate continued growth and spiritual development.
Thank you for partnering with us in this vital work.
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Filming The Whole Man, a video series and devotional designed to support men’s spiritual development.
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CANADA
EUROPE
Web Users
65,695
Web Users
123,575
App Users
138,312
App Users
49,305
Web + App
204,007
Web + App
172,880
UNITED STATES
INDIA
Web Users
541,789
Web Users
195,800
App Users
386,531
App Users
26,738
Web + App
928,320
Web + App
222,538
IBERO -AMERICA & CARIBBEAN Web Users
266,667
App Users
265,000
Web + App
531,667
ASIA PACIFIC
AFRICA
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Web Users
179,229
App Users
51,262
Web + App
230,491
Web Users
438,139
App Users
200,800
Web + App
638,939
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STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Fueling a Global Bible Engagement Movement Partnerships and research strategies give us better paths to move forward in making the Bible a vital part of everyday life for more people around the world.
Our Daily Bread Ministries acquired the Institute for Bible Reading (IFBR) in 2023 as part of our strategic plan to help fuel a Bible engagement movement around the world. Building on IFBR’s four key pillars of Research, Resources, Education, and Mobilization, ODBM will fully leverage its global network of offices, strategic partners, and expertise in translation and contextualization to maximize the impact of all IFBR assets, including the award-winning Immerse: The Reading Bible.
This authentic way of reading Scripture helps readers enter God’s story in a unique way. It has helped numerous churches, schools, groups, and individuals experience the greatest story ever told in a way that engages them like never before. The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association named Immerse: The Reading Bible the Bible of the Year in 2022.
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INSTITUTE FOR BIBLE READING (IFBR)
In June 2023, Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODBM) took a significant step forward in measuring the impact of Scripture engagement by acquiring the Center for Bible Engagement (CBE). This strategic move empowers ODBM to assess the spiritual growth of our audience and gain valuable insights into the spiritual climate. By understanding how people interact with Scripture, we can tailor our programs and resources to meet their needs. As part of this endeavor, ODBM is developing the Spiritual Journey Accelerator (SJA). This tool is designed to evaluate an individual’s spiritual progress and categorize them into one of four journey stages: Curious (needs evangelism), Believer (needs discipleship), Follower (needs activation), and Discipler (needs connections). This assessment will guide individuals toward a deeper understanding of God’s Word and an active Christian life of discipleship.
Currently collaborating with 74,403 churches in the United States, we have initiated a pilot program for the SJA. The survey, which takes just two minutes to complete, will provide participants with personalized recommendations based on their spiritual journey stage. It also offers church leadership anonymous data about their congregation’s spiritual health. ODBM plans to expand the SJA globally, beginning with English-speaking churches before translating it into additional languages. With our extensive reach, publishing capabilities in nearly 60 languages, and expertise in developing contextualized content, we aim to support the global church with this invaluable tool. We envision inviting every church in the United States and Canada to participate, ultimately fostering spiritual growth and discipleship worldwide.
In our rigorous due
In response to the decline of Bible reading across North America, a small group of Bible publishing executives formed IFBR in 2014. Several transformative resources were developed to change the way people read the Bible so it can become the story that defines their lives.
diligence, we were excited
One of these resources is Immerse: The Reading Bible, a 6-volume set that allows people to explore God’s Word without chapter and verse breaks and in a more historical order.
remarkable global footprint.
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CENTER FOR BIBLE ENGAGEMENT (CBE) SPIRITUAL JOURNEY ACCELER ATOR
to discover Our Daily Bread Ministries to be a deeply kindred spirit, with multifaceted competencies, and a Paul Caminiti
Senior Director for the Institute for Bible Reading
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Igniting Hearts & Empowering Lives through Scripture These exciting initiatives provide daily opportunities for people to receive, reflect on, and respond to God’s Word. LILLY FOUNDATION GRANT AWARDED FOR THRIVING BLACK CHURCH INITIATIVE
RECLAIM TODAY COLLEGE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP
We’re collaborating with strategic partners across the United States on a multi-year, multi-state, cross-denominational initiative to empower Black churches and communities to grow and thrive. Our goal is to create sustainable solutions that foster deeper relationships with God, stronger connections within congregations, and meaningful contributions to the vitality of communities. Through community-based multimedia programs, we’ll address the evolving needs in a post-Covid environment, ensuring that support reaches where it’s needed most.
Reclaim Today is leading the way in understanding the next generation and equipping university leaders to better disciple their students. Through a partnership with the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), Reclaim Today has trained student leaders in writing and design and is scheduled to train more in February 2025. Reclaim Today continues to work with colleges and universities around the United States engaging and equipping students and staff with research insights and discipleship pathways for Gen Z and Millennials. A partnership with researcher Dr. Todd Hall and partial funding from an anonymous foundation will enable Reclaim Today to begin working with 125+ Christian colleges and universities and reach more than 65,000 students.
COLLEGE STUDENT BIBLE STUDY GROUPS IN BR A ZIL The Brazil Team of Our Daily Bread Ministries has launched a University Ministry project (Conexão Universitária COUNI). Piloted in over 50 Bible study groups across several universities throughout Brazil, this initiative aims to deepen students’ engagement with the Bible. Specifically crafted Bible study resources are helping students on their journey of exploration and understanding. We want to connect Brazilian students to God, themselves, and others around them, encouraging them to develop life purpose and identity. This will lead to an expansion of the kingdom and a transformation of society in various professional fields. We pursue these objectives through constancy, communion, and transformation.
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Where Ya From? podcast host, Rasool Berry, speaking at chapel at the ODBM U.S. office.
Spreading God’s Word in Indonesia through the gift of a Light Kit.
David Medders, the Executive Vice President of ABHE describes the training this way: “The Reclaim Today Intensive has proven to be a significant event calling out students to be God’s voice for their generation . . . [and] calling them out to use their life as His witness to their generation.”
Behind the scenes in California for Unshakable Moxie, a 6-part video series and Bible study created to bring women together to explore meaningful questions through a biblical perspective.
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YOUTH LITER AC Y IN AFRIC A Traditionally, it takes 5 to 7 years to learn a new language. ODBM’s YOURS (Year-Long ODBM Unique Reading System) program, however, helps participants learn English in just one year! With the help of trained leaders and volunteers, more than 100 students in Tanzania have successfully learned English through YOURS, which utilizes Our Daily Bread modified devotions, Bible stories, Discovery Series readings, and Our Daily Bread University courses. ODBM plans to expand YOURS to 1,000 African churches and 1,000 African schools.
SO FAITH COMES FROM HEARING, AND HEARING THROUGH THE WORD OF CHRIST.
TR AINING FOR HMONG PA STORS IN VIETNAM Our Daily Bread University(ODBU) is working on a pilot project to offer an online course, New Testament Basics. This course will serve as foundational teaching material for Hmong pastors, with plans to adapt it for on-site training sessions. Our aim is to identify local trainers who can multiply and replicate this model, empowering more pastors within the community. We are expanding our reach by building the Vietnamese ODBU website to provide the New Testament Basics course online in Vietnamese and Hmong languages. By making quality resources accessible in local languages, we’re enhancing learning opportunities and equipping pastors for effective ministry.
ROMANS 10:17
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Volunteer and student in the YOURS literacy program in Africa.
Service Partner volunteering time to help mail ODBM resources.
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PRISON MINISTRY IN THE UNITED STATES
EVENING MEDITATIONS PODC A ST IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Our Daily Bread Ministries currently reaches 48% of the jails and prisons in the United States with materials that help inmates connect with God. We received three grants in 2023 totalling $180,000 for the purpose of extending our reach to more prisoners at additional facilities. This gives us new opportunities to share the gospel with content and platforms specially designed for incarcerated men and women.
Created to provide short, uplifting meditations from God’s Word, the Evening Meditations podcast from the United Kingdom has reached more than 1 million downloads. These 10-minute meditations are designed to create a space at the end of the day for listeners to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust their burdens to Him, and fill their minds with His promises and faithfulness. With soaring global statistics of a mental health crisis, Evening Meditations is an ideal way to help listeners calm their hearts and meditate on Scripture as they wind down.
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Order Fulfillment Specialist gathering resources to ship.
I was sent to the hole and found an Our Daily Bread in my cell. I read it every day while I was there and every day after and haven’t been in the hole since! Nicholas Inmate
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Men’s Bible study in partnership with Crossroads Prison Ministries.
Church leaders worshiping in a Hmong congregation.
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Our Daily Bread Ministries & Affiliates
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the fiscal year ended
3/31/2024
3/31/2023
Support & Revenue Contributions Sales Investment Income Other Income Total Support and Revenue
$
65,565,866 10,008,124 3,846,603 2,862,784
$
69,106,315 9,851,082 (796,584) 2,154,578
82,283,377
80,315,391
Program Services Print Ministry Video Ministry Audio Ministry Online Learning International Ministry
48,403,415 3,346,202 2,775,977 1,472,789 16,835,772
48,162,500 4,383,589 2,595,820 1,091,125 16,231,246
Total Program Services
72,834,155
72,464,280
Supporting Services Management and general Fundraising
6,624,224 1,367,045
6,952,489 1,265,261
Total Supporting Services
7,991,269
8,217,750
Total Expenses
80,825,424
80,682,030
641,349
(1,122,109)
2,099,302
(1,488,748)
$76,547,280
$74,447,978
Operating Expenses
SUPPORT & REVENUE CONTRIBUTIONS SALES INVESTMENT INCOME
Foreign Currency Translation Excess of Support and Revenue over Expenses
OTHER INCOME
End of Year Net Assets
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LEADERSHIP
MAT T LUC A S
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NANCY SCHOONMAKER
CHRISTOPHER BARRON
Senior Vice President of Global Finance/ Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Chief Digital and Technology Officer
VICKI HARRIS
LUIS SEOANE
NET T Y SUSANTO
JEFF L AMBERT
DIANE MAHER
DEBBYE TURNER BELL
JENNIE DIMKOFF
C ARLSON CHOI
Chief People and Culture Officer
Senior Vice President of Africa, IberoAmericas, and Caribbean Regions
Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific
Businessman
President/ Chief Executive Officer Retail Automotive Holding Company
Author/ Speaker/ Consultant/ Pastor
Author/Speaker
Chief Executive Officer Cyber Security Company
President/ Chief Executive Officer
MAT T LUC A S
MART Y DOORN
RICK DEHA AN
BILL BONTEKOE
President / Chief Executive Officer
Chairman / Radio Business Owner
Former President
Business Owner
Our Daily Bread Ministries
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
USA
STEVE MITCHELL
WILL OECHSLER
TIM L ANIAK
PETER AMEADA JI
QUEK JIN WEE
Senior Vice President of Europe
Senior Vice President of US Operations
Senior Vice President of Global Content
Lawyer
Consultant
Pastor
Businessman
Malaysia
Brazil
United Kingdom
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Nigeria
L. ROBERTO SILVADO
USA
STEVE APTED
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PO Box 2222, Grand Rapids MI 49501 616-974-2210 | odb@odb.org
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SC AN TO DOWNLOAD THE APP
or visit odb.org/page/odbm-download-app
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PGREP2024