The Operation Worship Bible was created to point people to God’s hope. No matter our circumstances, internal or external, we have a God who cares. The first thing someone sees when they open one of these Bibles is Jeremiah 29:11:

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

It is only in trusting in that hope that any of us can move forward into the future, no matter what it holds.

Read the words of Lt. Colonel Steven R. Young, retired chaplain in the U.S. Army, has he shares this hope in the forward of the Bible.

To all you—our men and women in uniform—and to your families,

It is our prayer that the contents of this book will feed your soul, enrich your heart, and broaden your understanding of relationships with your fellow man and with your Father in heaven, who loves you beyond compare.

The Bible is a book about hope, forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. It has rightly been declared the greatest book ever written, for it openly reveals the loving heart of the Everlasting God. It is his love that compels us to serve well, to live with honor, and to defend the causes of right and freedom throughout the world, protecting the vulnerable and promoting equality. The world’s greatest minds have studied its sacred contents, and the world’s premier orators have proclaimed its truth principles. We are honored to provide this Bible for your enrichment and edification.

Perhaps you’re now serving in a foreign country, far from home, where hostility and uncertainty are the norm. Or perhaps you’re serving safely at an installation elsewhere. To all, we want you to know that America supports your efforts and deeply appreciates your tremendous dedication to duty. Your distinguished service demonstrates with remarkable clarity the values you believe in and the determination of character you bring to your profession. Because of your faithful service, not only are hostile tensions diminished, but the helpless, the hopeless, and the oppressed have hope for a better tomorrow.

Jesus Christ entered a hostile environment more than 2,000 years ago. He came on a rescue mission. John 3:16 says, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus saw a troubled world in desperate need of help—so he came. He lived a sinless life and he died a sacrificial death, all for you and me.

The sacrifice of Christ on the cross has provided every person with the opportunity to gain eternal life with God. Though the appointed time for Christ’s first coming occurred a long time ago, the results of his life and death are still in full effect today.

If you’re in close communion with Christ, keep it up. There is no greater joy in life. If you feel distant from God, please be encouraged. Your Savior has never left you. He remains as near as ever. Call on Christ Jesus often, anytime—anywhere. Call on him in your time of need. That’s when he loves to hear from you most. Whisper his name—he will joyfully and quickly respond. Request his grace—he will be merciful beyond measure. Believe in him—and all the promises contained in this Bible will become your inheritance instantly.

To those who wear the uniform, thank you for your service to our great nation. As you continue to carry out the mission before you, we pledge our loving support to you and your families. To family members and friends, you are the reason for our constant duty. With all of our strength and will, we are devoted to protecting your freedom and safety.

Learn more and how you can be a part of Operation Worship

“When I got the cannon, I wanted to take it for a test run, and my buddy said, ‘why not put stuffed monkeys in there instead?’ I thought he was crazy, but when we gave it a try at the concerts, the people in the audience went nuts. That’s when I got the name ‘the Monkey Commando,’” said Jeff.

Though not Jeff’s favorite nickname, the Monkey Commando was soon well-known across Southern California.

“Totally out of the blue, I got a call from a chaplain of a military base near us. He asked if the Monkey Commando could come and shoot monkeys to the kids on the base during a concert. I, of course, said yes, and that is what started our connection with the military. Soon we found ourselves traveling to military bases to put on Christian concerts and, of course, shoot stuffed monkeys from the cannon, and Operation Worship began,” said Jeff.

While at one of these events, Jeff sat down with the chaplain on base and asked him, if the sky was the limit, what would he want for his military personnel?

“I was floored when he said Bibles. I said, ‘There are all kinds of places you can get free Bibles.’ He said, ‘But those aren’t the kinds of Bibles we need.’”

The chaplain shared three specifics: It must include both Testaments, you have to be able to carry it in your pocket, and the cover needed to be camo to match uniforms.

“I’m a web guy. I didn’t know anything about publishing Bibles, but I knew we had to make this happen. Through some friends, I reached out to Tyndale House Publishers, and they made the chaplain’s dream come true” said Jeff. “Not only did it include all the chaplain’s specifications, it was in the New Living Translation, which couldn’t be more perfect for this ministry.”

The first 25,000 copies of the first edition of the Operation Worship Bible in Army camo were sent to Fort Hood. Word spread quickly, and within a week the Bibles were gone. Since then, more than 1.5 million Operation Worship Bibles have been distributed to military personnel around the world. The Bibles are available in camo matching every branch of the military’s uniforms and with different unit insignias, signifying that the Word of God is uniquely personal for each one of us.

Most recently, with the help of a donor, Operation Worship was able to give every member of the Belize Defense Force an Operation Worship Bible with the Belize military logo. (see the video)

“U. S. Military chaplains and commanders from all over the world have reached out asking, ‘Are you the Bible guy? How can I get Bibles?’ They know the importance of this ministry. When you get on a plane or a boat heading to who knows where and have no idea what you’ll be facing, you take a closer look at your life and you need the peace that only God gives,” said Jeff. “Each one of these Bibles is personal, and each person who receives one is precious. I hope that when they open that Bible they are able to understand who God is and that he has a purpose for them.”

From Monkey Commando to Bible Guy, Jeff has let God lead the way. Health issues, difficulty finding funding, and discerning the next step has brought Jeff and his wife, Patti, to their knees in prayer, asking for God’s leading.

“We told God, ‘This is your ministry, not ours. You tell us where to go and what to do,’” Jeff explained. “And God is always faithful.”

Operation Worship continues to look for partners to help them put the Word of God into the hands of soldiers all over the world. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Operation Worship story, visit OperationWorship.com.