See What God Did With Your Generosity in 2024. Leading The Way is ECFA Accredited & GuideStar Transparency Gold Certified International Christian Ministry.
LEADING THE WAY 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
MICHAEL A. YOUSSEF PH.D.
To My Precious Ministry Partners,
“The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
When we see the godlessness and turmoil raging in our world, the enemy of our soul whispers to us, “You can’t possibly make a difference.” But as children of the living God, we know the Truth: No matter what is going on in the world, God is always faithful to His Word. He is always at work. And He always wins. In these last days, when the world is gripped by such evil, your partnership with Leading The Way is making an enormous impact for the Kingdom. This past fiscal year (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), God opened many doors for us—including the opportunity to proclaim Christ before nearly 18,000 people in my home country, evangelize thousands of people previously unreached by the Gospel, achieve an exciting milestone on the digital mission field, release two very important books, and so much more. As you read about the many lives transformed this past fiscal year, I want to encourage you that your prayers, your giving, your serving, your obedience matter. Thank you for standing with me as we proclaim the Good News of our glorious Savior to a lost world. God is working through you to draw souls into His Kingdom!
– Psalm 126:3
YOUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE:
13.4M
people reached on social media
641,567
Biblically-based resources distributed
In Christ,
43,553
individuals received personal counseling from trained teams
Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
39,718
people heard the Gospel at Celebrations
Unreached people groups transformed by the Gospel. Lives delivered from Satan’s grip. Churches revitalized. Communities revived. This year, your partnership enabled Leading The Way to reach more people than ever before—even in some of the most challenging places on earth.
SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER
Hearts Awakened at Hope Ireland Leading The Way mobilizes churches, equips believers, and leads the lost to Christ at two city-wide Evangelistic Celebrations (see p. 11) A Life-Changing Journey Through Scripture Dr. Youssef releases a compelling and comprehensive book outlining how to read the Bible (see p. 2)
Leading The Way Makes History in Egypt Thousands respond to the Gospel as Dr. Youssef returns to his home country for the first multi-denominational gathering in Egypt (see pp. 8-9)
“On November 3rd, the Lord changed my life and gave me a new heart.” – Caren, Age 12
MARCH
APRIL
15 Years of THE KINGDOM SAT
Insight into Israel
Leading The Way celebrates a major milestone in reaching the
Dr. Youssef offers eye-opening insights into the Israel-Hamas War amid rising conflict (see p. 3)
Muslim world (see pp. 12-13)
A Significant Digital Milestone Leading The Way ’s YouTube channel reaches 1 million subscribers, a key step in reaching a new generation (see p. 7) The Truth About Heaven Dr. Youssef’s new book equips believers with the Truth about their ultimate home (see p. 2)
JUNE
Revival in New England
Dr. Youssef returns to the birthplace of America’s historic revivals to proclaim Christ (see p. 10)
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The Gospel. It’s the driving force behind everything Leading The Way does, the reason Dr. Youssef has traveled the world 60 times over, and the reason you partner with Leading The Way . In FY24, God opened new doors for us to proclaim it boldly, with Dr. Youssef returning to his home country for a historic opportunity (see pp. 8-9), sharing Biblical insight on headlining topics through media appearances, and profoundly impacting readers around the world through two of his most foundational books to date. Drawing upon 50 years of preaching, Dr. Youssef’s book How to Read the Bible quickly became a bestseller, opening readers’ eyes to the overarching story of God’s redemption woven throughout Scripture. Six months later, he released Heaven Awaits , bringing Biblical clarity to misconceptions about the path to heaven and encouraging believers to know as much as possible about their ultimate home.
READERS SHARE THE IMPACT
“Reading this book was like hearing Dr. Youssef give you a one-on-one message straight from the pulpit.”
“One of the most important books I’ve ever read. It came at exactly the right time and place in my life.”
“ HOW TO READ THE BIBLE IS THE CULMINATION OF A LIFETIME OF PASSIONATELY PROCLAIMING UNCOMPROMISING TRUTH.” – DR. MICHAEL YOUSSEF
“Dr. Youssef paints a beautiful picture of heaven that will leave you yearning for more.”
2 | ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Drawing from his Middle Eastern background and expertise as a cultural anthropologist, Dr. Youssef appeared on The Watchman with Erick Stakelbeck to provide a Biblical framework for understanding the current unrest in Israel and Palestine. “You come to a point where you can’t just make peace at any price.” UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO ISRAEL
“I want everyone everywhere to hear the Gospel
of Jesus and be changed.” – Dr. Michael Youssef
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“The Word of God is the means God uses to change hearts and transform lives. This is why I won’t stop proclaiming it until God calls me home.” – DR. MICHAEL YOUSSEF
or half her life, Melissa had been a drug addict. Her addiction landed her in prison, and soon after, she received the devastating news that her husband had died. In desperation, Melissa prayed— and God answered. “Two days after my husband’s death, I cried out to God, and He saved me,” she says. “Shortly afterward, He led me to the Leading The Way LIVE service online.” For Melissa, Dr. Youssef’s messages, livestreamed from The Church of The Apostles every Sunday (LTW.org/LIVE), become a spiritual lifeline within the confines of the local prison. “Dr. Youssef’s programs [on the tablets in the prison] were such an amazing tool God used to mold me into the faithful servant I so desired to be for Him,” she says. “When I needed words of encouragement, God let me hear them. When I needed confirmation, He gave it to me.” “I can’t even describe what Leading The Way has done for me and my relationship with my Lord. . . . Your broadcast is guiding me,” she says. “I am so excited to see what big plans God has for me out in the world. Thank you for everything you are doing for the Lord. Please pray for God to use me in whatever way He sees fit for His Kingdom!” It was your partnership that enabled Melissa to hear Biblical Truth in her time of need—and it is your partnership that is now enabling her to thrive as she prepares for life beyond incarceration.
Melissa is one of millions you are reaching here at home through Leading The Way . As listeners and viewers tune in to Dr. Youssef’s messages, from cars to homes and even in prison cells, God is redeeming hearts in Christ and raising up a new generation of disciples ready to trust and obey His leading.
Dr. Youssef examined key Truths about God’s character, eternity, and spiritual warfare, equipping viewers with eye-opening Biblical insight. POPULAR NEW TEACHING SERIES FROM DR. YOUSSEF
4 | ANNUAL REPORT 2024
YOUR IMPACT
FINDING TRUE PEACE
14,925
minutes of Biblical programming produced “Your radio show pointed me to Jesus.” – Lou, NE
24 hours
the response time to messages received through our Finding True Peace evangelistic website
DR. YOUSSEF’S GOSPEL MESSAGES RECEIVE 112M VIEWS During a 3-month campaign on major media outlets, including Fox Business Network, CNBC, and more, Dr. Youssef’s evangelistic commercials received an estimated 112 million views —driving viewers to find true peace in Christ alone.
”I have always believed in God but never really had a true relationship with Him. Can you help me?” – Stacy, RI
641,567
resources distributed “At 99 years old, MY Journal is like a gift to my mother. Each month, she tells me how much it means to her.” – Kim, AL
“I want to grow spiritually. Where do I begin?”
– KATHY, TX
PRAYER MOVEMENT REACHES 1,250 CONSECUTIVE DAYS OF PRAYER
Ahead of an embattled election season, Awake America has now mobilized 450,000 prayer warriors to join together in prayer for our nation, empowering believers to keep their eyes fixed on eternity. Daily prayer prompts have engaged believers in prayer for more than 1,250 consecutive days.
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THROUGH YOUR PARTNERSHIP, THE GOSPEL IS GOING FORTH IN:
Israel — where only 1.9% of the population believes in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Your support is reaching the world’s most hostile regions with the peace and love of Christ.
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Ukraine — where over two years of war have destroyed cities and displaced families.
hrough indigenous programming, personal evangelism and discipleship,
and connecting believers with underground churches, Leading The Way is bringing the hope of God’s Word into war-torn areas across the globe.
“Your ministry has made a profound difference in my life.” – ISRAEL
Iran — where regional conflict is creating an environment of heightened fear and uncertainty.
“I felt something drawing me to Jesus—like a gravitational pull I had no control over. I believed in my heart and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as Savior. Since then, my heart has changed.” – IRAN
Algeria — where the government has forced a nationwide shutdown of all churches.
“I’m thanking God that I came across your video!” – UKRAINE
Sudan — where civil war has left churches scattered and believers in danger.
YOUTUBE
Reached a record 1M subscribers, approximately 58% of whom are under 34 years old
“Dr. Youssef’s sermons feed my soul and help keep my eyes fixed on the Jesus of the Bible.” – RONNY, YOUTUBE VIEWER
CANDID CONVERSATIONS PODCAST
Engaged listeners in 160 countries Popular New Episodes: The Deconstruction of Christianity (#246) New Age to New Life (#238) Is God Real? with Lee Strobel (#235)
“This conversation answered questions I’ve always had about the new age. Thank you Leading The Way and Jonathan!” – JOANNE, CANDID LISTENER
A RAPIDLY GROWING MISSION FIELD YOU’RE HELPING US REACH RECORD NUMBERS AS WE EXPAND OUR DIGITAL MEDIA FOOTPRINT. If you want to reach the next generation, you have to go where they are: on their smartphones. The average American spends 4.5 hours a day on their mobile device. Through your partnership with Leading The Way , you are reaching this growing digital mission field for Christ —making Biblical Truth more accessible than ever through podcasts, YouTube, Leading The Way LIVE, digital resources, social media, Roku, Apple TV, and more.
LEADING THE WAY LIVE
Leading The Way ’s weekly livestreams received approximately 440,000 views
“Your leadership in pioneering Jesus’ love to a bleak world has reached me!” – RYAN, LIVESTREAM VIEWER
MY DEVOTIONAL
5.1M daily e-devotionals distributed to spiritually hungry readers
“I can trust your teachings knowing that you never compromise God’s Word.” – DEBORAH, MY DEVOTIONAL READER
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Among a crowd of nearly 18,000 people in Egypt, Hania knew God was speaking directly to her...
“I felt the kindness and mercy of the Lord,” she says. “I felt Him saying to me, ‘You are not alone; I am with you.’”
H
ania was diagnosed with cancer at just 36 years old. In the wake of the darkest
season of her life, she was abandoned by her family and friends. Her depression grew deeper with isolation. Just as hope seemed farthest away, Hania was invited by a local church to Leading The Way ’s Evangelistic Celebration in Cairo, Egypt. Sitting among thousands, Hania felt God speaking directly to her through Dr. Michael Youssef. That night, Hania surrendered her life to Christ. Shortly thereafter, she became involved in a local church and is already impacting others around her—ministering God’s love to those experiencing health challenges, just like she experienced.
Hania is one of nearly 10,000 people who gave their lives to Christ this year alone after hearing Dr. Michael Youssef preach in person at one of Leading The Way ’s Evangelistic Celebrations.
8 | ANNUAL REPORT 2024
YOUR IMPACT LIVES CHANGED
Dr. Youssef Returns to His Home Country for Historic City-Wide Evangelistic Celebration
“It was the best day of my life being in God’s presence.”
Cairo, Egypt — Born in Egypt and having fled a socialist dictatorship, Dr. Michael Youssef’s prayer has always been for the people in his home country to know Christ. When the opportunity came for him to return and preach the Gospel before thousands, it was a door only God could have opened.
“Once I heard Dr. Youssef’s sermon and the invitation to surrender my life to Christ, I couldn’t stop myself from standing up.”
“In a country where Christians face extreme restrictions, this access to openly share the Gospel is a gift that could only come from the Lord,” Dr. Youssef shared. In the midst of turbulent wars and ongoing unrest in the region, thousands traveled from across the Middle East and North Africa to attend Leading The Way ’s city-wide Evangelistic Celebration with Dr. Youssef on November 3, 2023. The scale of the event was unprecedented, becoming the largest Christian event in Egypt’s history as well as the very first multi- denominational gathering. Nearly 18,000 attendees flooded the 10,000- seat outdoor venue to hear the Word of God proclaimed as Dr. Youssef preached a dynamic message on the end times, urging listeners to surrender their lives to Christ while the door is still open: “When you put your whole trust in Jesus Christ, when you love Him with all your heart, He will protect you from the danger that awaits the world.”
“After the Celebration, my life changed, and I became a new person.”
“It has never happened in Egypt to have a Christian event with so many people and to see such a large number respond.” – REV. SAMEH MAURICE, CHURCH PARTNER
Nearly 8,000 people surrendered their lives to Christ, and 35% of those who made decisions for Christ were youth.
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IN THE MOST POST-CHRISTIAN CITY IN AMERICA PROCLAIMING CHRIST
LIVES CHANGED
Springfield, Massachusetts — What was once the birthplace of the First Great Awakening has now become the least-churched region in America— and it’s where God opened doors for Dr. Youssef to passionately proclaim the Gospel at Leading The Way ’s Rise Up New England Celebration.
“The simple message of John 3:16 and the explosion of worship onstage gave me a new fire and more hope than ever before.”
LIVES CHANGED
“I was encouraged to see many come forward to give their lives to the Lord. God is on the move!”
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ust miles away from where the revivalist Jonathan Edwards preached the message that ignited America’s First Great Awakening, Dr. Youssef emphasized the saving love of Christ: “No religious system can save you or assure you of eternal life in heaven. Only Jesus can! No matter how many times you’ve rejected His invitation in the past, He’s extending an invitation to you tonight. Come and be assured of eternity in heaven.” By God’s grace and through your support, within a week, approximately 80% of those who made decisions for Christ had already received personal follow-up and been connected with local churches. For local pastors, the Celebration was an answer to their prayers for God to once again spark revival in New England—an area not typically sought out by most ministries.
Through Rise Up New England, your partnership made a lasting spiritual impact in the most post-Christian city in America: MINISTERING in Spiritually Dry Places
Strategically positioned between the three most unchurched cities in America
Within a 25-mile radius of 25 universities, some of them the most influential in our nation
Where roughly 40% of the population consider themselves non-religious
10 | ANNUAL REPORT 2024
HEARTS AWAKENED in Dublin and Belfast
LIVES CHANGED
“Hope Ireland encouraged and uplifted me in my Christian walk, and I recommitted my life to Christ.”
Dublin & Belfast, Ireland — “The Bible tells us that the door of salvation will not stay open forever,” Dr. Michael Youssef proclaimed to the people of Ireland. “The opportunity to respond to God’s loving invitation is now.”
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n September 2023, Dr. Michael Youssef stood before thousands at Leading The Way ’s Hope Ireland Evangelistic Celebrations to share the simple Truth spoken by Jesus in John 3: You must be born again! In a spiritually dry nation, lives were transformed as many came to the altar to surrender their lives to the Lord. Seven months after the Celebration, the Leading The Way team continued to hear from ministry leaders on the ground about the impact of Hope Ireland. One pastor shared, “Our church is still riding the wave of blessing and seeing fruit from all Leading The Way has done in Ireland.”
LIVES CHANGED
“I was so encouraged to
witness the harvest at Hope Ireland and see so many give their lives to God.”
MORE THAN 16,000 PEOPLE HEAR THE GOSPEL IN MEXICO
Veracruz, Mexico — On April 27, 2024, a police officer was working security at Leading The Way ’s ‘Come and See’ Evangelistic Celebration. As he was patrolling the venue that night, he heard the uncompromising Truth of the Gospel—and was moved to tears.
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ensing that God was doing something in the man’s life, a trained volunteer from the event approached him and asked him if he would like to surrender his life to the Lord. God had already prepared his heart, and he said yes! That very night, the police officer was saved from spiritual death to eternal life in Christ.
This man was one of 1,439 who responded to the Gospel invitation and put their faith in Jesus.
“I thank God for His servant Dr. Michael Youssef! I could see his love for souls . . .” – VERACRUZ ATTENDEE
This is the power of the Gospel! Thank you for your partnership in making these strategic city-wide outreaches possible.
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“Do you believe the Bible is God’s infallible Word? Do you accept Jesus’ death and resurrection? Do you confess that you have been saved by the blood of Jesus?” or those leaving Islam to follow Christ, answering “yes” to these questions is one of the most dangerous decisions they’ll make. But that’s the power of the Gospel—and that’s why, just months ago, a former Muslim named Walid from Iraq responded to those exact questions at his baptism, along with his wife and three children. His answer? Not just “Yes,” but “Absolutely. Without a doubt.” That day, he and his entire family all went under the water together— declaring absolute trust in Jesus. In a nation like Iraq, where only 0.28% of the population are evangelical Christians, how did Walid and his family hear the Gospel? F
“It was THE KINGDOM SAT team member who inspired me, through the Holy Spirit, to live for Christ and give my life to Him,” Walid shared. His journey began when he came across the Arabic teaching videos of Leading The Way ’s KINGDOM SAT TV channel. He then connected with one of our Biblically-trained counselors— also a former Muslim—who helped lead him to Christ. But Walid couldn’t keep his faith to himself. So, he told his wife and children—and they, too, were saved.
12 | ANNUAL REPORT 2024
FY24 HIGHLIGHTS
“How can I thank you enough? Your channel was the reason I left Islam and accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior.” – HAMID, MOROCCO
4.8M VIDEO VIEWS
ON FACEBOOK ALONE
45,653 UNIQUE CONVERSATIONS
BETWEEN FIELD TEAMS AND SPIRITUALLY HUNGRY VIEWERS
TOP COUNTRIES ENGAGED: ALGERIA, EGYPT, MOROCCO, YEMEN
NEW PROGRAMMING
This is the domino effect of your partnership: entire families transformed by the Gospel as one changed life leads to another. This year, Leading The Way ’s KINGDOM SAT TV channel celebrated 15 years of broadcasting the Gospel 24/7 into the Muslim world—15 years of lives changed, families transformed, and the Truth of Christ going forth into restricted areas. THE KINGDOM SAT’s unique programming has made it one of the top three Christian channels in the Middle East, attracting a loyal following among young viewers. The channel has even earned the National Religious Broadcasters’ prestigious Television Channel of the Year Award. Its 15-year streak of 24/7 programming has also enabled it to broadcast Biblical Truth amid some of the most significant events in modern Middle Eastern history—from the Arab Spring to the Israel- Palestine conflict. This is the impact of your partnership: 15 years of continuous 24/7 broadcasting into the Muslim world. You’ve reached thousands of people like Walid, who has already led over a dozen people to Christ. Thank you for making it possible to proclaim Jesus—and see spiritual revival—in one of the most restricted regions on earth.
Bless My Country — While the Israel-Palestine War rages in the Middle East, this timely program exhorts viewers to find refuge in Christ, who hears the prayers of His people. Featuring passionate prayer and worship, viewers are drawn to the throne of grace.
Foundations — This robust new discipleship program unpacks the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith, providing a solid theological framework for new believers.
Let Us Reason (Season 4) — A Saudi convert answers viewer questions about the Trinity, the crucifixion, and the incarnation—refuting Muslims’ most common objections to Christianity. 13
A REMARKABLE YEAR FOR NAVIGATORS 26 COUNTRIES, ONE GOSPEL MESSAGE
Rural villages. Blind communities. Underground churches. Persecuted believers confined to their homes. All reached through your partnership.
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corching temperatures, copious rainfall, rising hostility toward the Gospel—none of this could stop our work together. Despite significant obstacles and great risks, with the help of trusted partners, Leading The Way successfully transported 10,000 Navigators to unreached people groups in Bangladesh— where 99% of the population is either Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist. After receiving the Navigators — Leading The Way ’s solar-powered audio devices—thousands heard the Gospel for the first time in their native tongue of Bengali. As a result, 5 new churches were planted with more than 400 people surrendering their lives to Christ! And that was just the beginning. Your impact in Bangladesh continued when, after traveling to areas where Navigators had been distributed—places without access to electricity, internet, and traditional broadcast media—one of our partners heard something amazing: the messages on the Navigators playing faintly in the village. So many were coming to Christ that a large group of Islamic leaders rallied together to confront our trusted partners, seeking to confiscate the Navigators . Though the boxes were stored in plain sight, the leaders could not see them and gave up their search. The rest of the Navigators were then sent to another hiding place and are ready to be transported to more Bangladeshi people this year.
Government clashes, deadly unrest, and the imprisonment of Christians have resulted in widespread tension among the
Bangladeshi people this year. The country, home to nearly 300 unreached people groups , is now hearing the Word of God in their native Bengali language. Thanks to your partnership, illiteracy, technological limitations, and isolation are no longer barriers to sharing the Gospel in far-off lands.
“I believe that God is starting a revival in Bangladesh, and it may even be the beginning of a movement in that nation.” – CHURCH PLANTER
14 | ANNUAL REPORT 2024
REACHING THE UNREACHED ONE DEVICE AT A TIME “The audio Bible has been a great comfort to me. I lost everything in the fire, “The Navigator devices are a great tool for
us in reaching people with the Gospel here. The messages given by Dr. Youssef are so inspiring and solid in the Word.” – TANZANIA
including my Bible. But now, I can listen to the Bible whenever I want! It helps me to remember God’s love and promises.” – PAKISTAN
“We had distributed Navigators to the lost people of Sumba. . . . When we returned, nearly every person in the village said their life had changed and they had faith in Jesus.” – INDONESIA
“Now that we have Navigators , children at the school of the blind can finally hear the Word of God. This will change lives.” – KENYA
YOUR IMPACT THIS PAST FISCAL YEAR:
Delivered Navigators to 26 Countries
Gained Countless Trusted Partners
Distributed 46,420 Navigators Worldwide
including shipments sent to the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Senegal, and Switzerland for the first time.
enabling Leading The Way to transport Navigators into restricted areas.
with the potential to reach nearly half a million people.
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“At 71, I’m finally coming to Jesus. He is moving in my heart.”
– DOUG, USA
“Your programs led me to Jesus Christ. . . . I started evangelizing, and 40 people accepted Christ.”
– SELAH, YEMEN
“I am not able to read well, but because of you, I can listen to the Bible whenever I want. This will help me grow in my faith.”
– SUNDAR, PAKISTAN
“I found Christ last year while incarcerated. . . . I haven’t found a local church yet, but I’ve been streaming your
“You have opened my eyes to the Truth. . . . Thank you for making the Word of God easier to understand.”
services. When you speak, it’s like you’re speaking to me.”
– LUKE, AUSTRALIA
– BONNIE, USA
16 | ANNUAL REPORT 2024
FY24 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
TOGETHER, WE INVESTED
TO ADVANCE THE GOSPEL! $26,514,166 90% 117,821
of total expenses went directly to program services, which means your gifts were stewarded efficiently and with maximum ministry impact
“It’s an honor to participate as a partner in your ministry.” – LINDA, MINISTRY PARTNER gifts were received from generous partners like you
U.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dennis Chorba, Chairman Eric Graham, M.D. John Morris, Treasurer The Honorable Sonny Perdue Alfred Sams, Secretary Margaret Young Elizabeth Youssef Michael Youssef, Ph.D., President
Program Services Management & General Fundraising
This past fiscal year, Leading The Way received 12 generous estate gift commitments from faithful ministry partners whose Gospel legacy will continue for many years to come.
DID YOU KNOW?
LEARN MORE
Dr. Youssef receives no compensation from Leading The Way , making him the ministry’s #1 volunteer! Leading The Way is a debt- free ministry committed to stewarding your gifts as unto the Lord.
WHAT’S NEXT?
A 5-Year Plan to Passionately Proclaim Uncompromising Truth in 3 Strategic Areas
Leading The Way U.S. is a member of the Evangelical
NORTH AMERICA
MUSLIM WORLD
REMOTE VILLAGES
Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
Your ongoing support will help us reach the unreached, unsaved, and unengaged for Christ.
LEARN MORE
“JESUS IS REAL. . . . I AM FORGIVEN.” – LEADING THE WAY VIEWER, AUSTRALIA
LTW.ORG
UNITED STATES PO Box 20100 Atlanta, GA 30325
CANADA PO Box 18033
UNITED KINGDOM Unit 9, Burnt Oak Farm Waldron, Heathfield TN21 0NL
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