{"id":348393,"date":"2025-08-19T07:54:36","date_gmt":"2025-08-19T11:54:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/?p=348393"},"modified":"2025-11-20T15:38:44","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T20:38:44","slug":"exchanging-the-weapon-bible-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/universalchurchusa.org\/en\/post\/exchanging-the-weapon-bible-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"Exchanging the Weapon: Bible Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

A society affected by violence experiences no peace or rest.<\/strong>\u00a0In 2024, it is estimated that over\u00a01.2 million violent crimes<\/a><\/span>\u00a0were committed in the USA. Commonly, about\u00a030\u201340%<\/a><\/span>\u00a0of violent crimes tend to involve weapons. In that same year, there were\u00a024 active shootings<\/a><\/span>, 3 of which were mass killings.<\/big><\/div>\n
How do we address the injustices, hatred, resentments, and deep inner wounds<\/strong> experienced by so many people\u2014the pain, anger, and frustration<\/strong> that fuel violence?<\/big><\/div>\n

 
\n <\/p>\n

The Answer in the Word of God<\/h4>\n

We find the answer to healing humanity in the Word of God:
\n <\/p>\n

For the word of God is living and powerful<\/strong>, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit<\/strong>, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart<\/strong>. (Hebrews 4:12)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 
\nCountless testimonies<\/a><\/span> <\/strong>have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is only one spiritual weapon<\/strong> capable of transforming minds and hearts: the Word of God<\/strong>, which, according to Ephesians 6, is the sword of the Spirit<\/strong>.
\n 
\n <\/p>\n

The Mission of UBB<\/h4>\n

\"ExchangingThe Universal Church<\/strong>, through the work of Universal Beyond Bars (UBB)<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, is fully committed\u2014with the support of its pastors, congregants, and volunteers<\/strong>\u2014to distributing thousands of Bibles<\/strong> to inmates in prisons located in key prison states where UBB is active. This major outreach initiative is called Exchanging the Weapon.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"ExchangingInmates will receive the Word of God in the form of the Bible with Annotations of Faith<\/strong><\/em><\/a> by Bishop Macedo<\/a><\/span>, which will assist them in their study and comprehension. Their hands will hold a different \u201cweapon\u201d\u2014a spiritual one that brings peace, life, transformation, healing, and salvation<\/strong>, and nurtures a new mind and heart<\/strong>.
\n <\/p>\n

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul\u2026 <\/strong>(Psalm 19:7)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 
\n <\/p>\n

The Power of the Sword of the Spirit<\/h4>\n

Only the sword of the Spirit\u2014the Bible<\/strong>\u2014has the power to heal, convert a soul, and transform a life through faith!<\/strong> It never returns without results because it is living and powerful<\/strong>.
\n <\/p>\n

So shall My word<\/strong> be that goes forth from My mouth<\/strong>;
\nIt shall not return to Me void<\/strong>\u2026 (Isaiah 55:11)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 
\nBishop Bira Joshua<\/a><\/span> explains:<\/p>\n

\"Exchanging\u201cWhen you bless someone, the Lord blesses your life.<\/strong> This August, The Universal Church, with its pastors, assistants, and congregants, has engaged in donating Bibles<\/strong>. We are calling it \u2018Exchanging the Weapon.\u2019<\/strong> Many people are losing their lives in these active shootings that happen all over the globe, but especially here in the USA. When we give the Bible to somebody, we save souls.<\/strong> We will distribute Bibles in prisons. Only in Texas<\/strong>, we will distribute 3,000 Bibles<\/strong> to save those in prisons, those in need of spiritual help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch the video below to learn more and see the examples of Mr. Manning<\/a><\/strong> and Ms. Sheila<\/strong>, who both received Bibles through the UBB<\/a><\/span>:<\/p>\n