Words of Life: Weekly Christian Podcast with Testimonies & Teachings from the Salvation Army

What if sharing the gospel wasn’t about having all the right words, but about building real relationships?
In this episode of Words of Life, we’re joined by author and missionary Preston Fidler, whose book 1000 Cups of Tea has helped inspire this series on community engagement and neighboring well. Drawing from decades of cross-cultural ministry experience, Preston shares how meaningful relationships, not methods, are at the heart of effective, Christ-centered outreach.
Preston’s journey began with a simple but profound realization: the gospel is best shared through conversation, not scripts. From a memorable moment struggling to communicate in a taxi overseas to years of ministry in Asia and Central Asia, he discovered that true connection happens when we listen, engage, and meet people where they are.
This episode also challenges a common misconception about evangelism. Sharing your faith isn’t just for pastors or missionaries, it’s for every believer. You don’t need to travel across the world to live on mission. It starts right where you are, with your neighbors, your community, and the people you encounter every day.
https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife
Learn more about Preston's ministry here https://www.language180.com/books

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What does it truly mean to love your neighbor as a follower of Christ?
In this episode of Words of Life, Bernie Dake continues his powerful conversation with Major Sandra Pawar, exploring a refreshing and deeply authentic approach to evangelism and community. Together, they unpack the idea that “we don’t love our neighbors to convert them, we love our neighbors because we are converted.” It’s a shift in perspective that moves us from seeing people as projects to embracing them as genuine relationships shaped by grace, humility, and love.
Later in the episode, Jalane Rolader from The Salvation Army’s Bible Correspondence Program offers a moving glimpse into the lives of those often overlooked, men and women who are incarcerated. Through heartfelt prayer requests, we hear real stories of redemption, struggle, and hope behind bars. These testimonies serve as a reminder that no one is beyond God’s reach and that compassion must extend beyond our immediate circles.
Plus, learn about an exciting new initiative bringing Words of Life directly into correctional facilities through secure tablets, creating new pathways for encouragement, discipleship, and transformation.
If you would like to write encouragement to inmates see the following addresses to be a part of these ministries;
Christian Pen Pals
P O Box 11296
Hickory, NC 28603

Evangel Prison Ministries
P O Box 19229
Louisville, KY 40259

Romans Chapter 8 Ministries
P O Box 8771
Endwell, NY 13762-8771

WriteAPrisoner.com, Inc.
P O Box 10
Edgewater, FL 32132-0010

Prison Fellowship
Box 17500
Washington, DC 20041
https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife
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Is busyness keeping you from being the neighbor God has called you to be?
In week three of our Words of Life series on neighboring, Bernie Dake and Major Sandra Pawar tackle one of the biggest barriers we all face: a busy life. Between work, family, responsibilities, and constant distractions, it can feel nearly impossible to slow down and engage with the people right outside our door.
Looking at the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10, this episode challenges us to examine our priorities. Are we truly too busy, or have we allowed busyness to become an excuse? What would it look like to create space for people in the middle of our everyday routines?
Major Sandra offers practical and refreshing insight. Neighboring does not require adding more to your schedule. It is about inviting others into what you are already doing. Whether it is a simple wave while taking out the trash, a quick conversation in the driveway, or opening your home in small ways, these moments can become meaningful opportunities for connection and witness.
You will also hear a powerful story from Salvation Army officers in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, who stepped into a growing housing crisis in their community. Faced with rising rent and increasing poverty, they responded with compassion and action, helping dozens of families find stable housing. Their story is a reminder that loving your neighbor sometimes means meeting urgent, tangible needs and walking alongside people in difficult seasons.
This episode will encourage you to rethink your schedule, reexamine your priorities, and rediscover how God can use your everyday life to impact others.
👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
The book, THE ART OF NEIGHBORING on Amazon
The book, 1,000 CUPS OF TEA on Amazon
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What if being a good neighbor is simpler than we think?
In this episode of Words of Life, Bernie Dake and Major Sandra Pawar continue our series on neighboring with a powerful reminder. Real change in our communities does not start with programs, policies, or platforms. It starts with us.
Inspired by the book The Art of Neighboring, this conversation explores how everyday believers can take small, intentional steps to love the people around them. Major Sandra shares a deeply personal story about her family and how simple acts of connection with neighbors created a support system that showed up in one of life’s hardest moments. It is a moving picture of what it means to not only care for others, but to allow yourself to be cared for as well.
Through practical ideas and honest reflection, this episode challenges us to rethink how we engage with those living right next door. Are we present? Are we open? Or have we made neighboring more complicated than it needs to be?
You will also hear inspiring stories from Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams who are serving neighbors in crisis. From offering prayer and emotional support to first responders and survivors, to meeting physical needs in the aftermath of disaster, these teams embody the love of Christ in tangible ways. Their presence is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful ministry is simply showing up.
This episode invites you to slow down, look around, and step into the opportunities God has already placed in your life.
👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
The book, THE ART OF NEIGHBORING on Amazon
The book, 1,000 CUPS OF TEA on Amazon
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it really mean to be a good neighbor?
In this episode of Words of Life, we kick off a brand new series focused on neighboring and how Christians can intentionally love the people around them. Whether you are a church leader looking to engage your community or simply someone wanting to live out your faith more authentically, this conversation offers both vision and practical encouragement.
We hear from Bernie Dake and Major Sandra Pawar as they explore a simple but powerful truth. Our neighbor is not just the person next door. It is anyone we encounter in our daily lives. From coworkers to families in our neighborhoods, God is constantly placing people in our path for a reason.
Drawing from Matthew 22, this episode reminds us that loving God and loving our neighbor are deeply connected. But what if neighboring is not about having all the right words or a perfect evangelism strategy? What if it is about presence, relationship, and being available to what God is already doing?
Major Sandra shares a compelling story of building a genuine relationship with a family from a different culture and faith background. With no agenda, just consistent love and care, that relationship grew into something life changing. It is a picture of what it looks like to truly live out the Gospel.
We also hear powerful stories from Salvation Army pastors in Daytona, Florida, who are bringing hope to their community in tangible ways. From serving children in underserved neighborhoods to creating spaces of belonging during major local events, their mission is clear. This is more than programs. It is about pointing people to Jesus and offering real hope in places that need it most.
This episode will challenge you to rethink evangelism, embrace your everyday opportunities, and step into your role as a neighbor with purpose.
The book, THE ART OF NEIGHBORING on Amazon
The book, 1,000 CUPS OF TEA on Amazon
👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.