BSF Online reaches new people, places
From missionaries in isolation to members in far corners of the world, God is delivering in-depth Bible study to those previously beyond our reach. BSF Online was created to meet the needs of people without access to a local BSF class. Whether transportation, location or scheduling prevented participation, BSF Online allows members to connect with a diverse group in an online setting. A group member from Nigeria can connect with a fellow member in Florida while their leader lives in Scotland. Through their shared study, BSF Online members develop close-knit relationships regardless of their time zones. We’ve been amazed by God’s work through BSF Online and we ask you to join us in praying for BSF Online as registration opens again in the fall.
BSF Online members share their stories
S tranded in France, Helene Wong is patiently waiting to reunite with her husband and two daughters. In May, Helene traveled from her home in Las Vegas, Nev. to Paris, when COVID-19 restrictions prevented her return.
Settling in a small village in Normandie, Helene struggled to find a Christian community. Without a church nearby, loneliness could have been overwhelming, but through BSF Online, Helene never felt alone.
During the BSF study year, BSF Online groups meet online every week so members can gather from anywhere in the world, unlike local BSF classes, who will resume meeting in person when restrictions lift.
“To be honest, being away from my family is difficult, but I have an unexplainable peace. I miss my husband and my daughters, but with God, I’m not that sad or desperate, I feel pretty peaceful. I trust that God has a purpose for this time, there’s always a reason,” she shared.
Like Paul from the Acts and Letters of the Apostles study, Helene sees God working through difficult circumstances.
HELENE
France
HELENE
France
S tranded in France, Helene Wong is patiently waiting to reunite with her husband and two daughters. In May, Helene traveled from her home in Las Vegas, NV to Paris, when COVID-19 restrictions prevented her return.
Settling in a small village in Normandie, Helene struggled to find a Christian community. Without a church nearby, loneliness could have been overwhelming, but through BSF Online, Helene never felt alone.
BSF Online groups meet online every week so members can gather from anywhere in the world, unlike local BSF classes, who will resume meeting in person when restrictions lift.
“To be honest, being away from my family is difficult, but I have an unexplainable peace. I miss my husband and my daughters, but with God, I’m not that sad or desperate, I feel pretty peaceful. I trust that God has a purpose for this time, there’s always a reason,” she shared.
Like Paul from the Acts and Letters of the Apostles study, Helene sees God working through difficult circumstances.
“Despite trouble and danger, Paul never worried for himself. He continued God’s work without fear, the only thing he was fearing was God,” Helene said. “When I keep my focus on God, I truly believe He has a plan.”
Read the Rest of Helene's Story
A Spiritual Training Ground
When a friend first told Helene about BSF in 2017, she wasn’t really interested. Raised in Paris, Helene knew about Christian holidays, but beyond attending a few Anglican services, “studying the Bible was not on the agenda.”
Helene was content with her life in Macau, China as she focused on her two daughters and her husband’s growing culinary career. But God knew that Helene needed more. She needed Him.
“When I went back home from lunch with my friend, I discovered there was a Bible in the house. Wherever I went, that Bible was right in front of me. I was asking my husband, ‘Are you reading the Bible, is this your Bible?’ he said, ‘No.’ I asked our younger daughter and she didn’t know. We later discovered that our oldest daughter brought it home from school, but at the time, I saw it as an invitation,” Helene shared.
Helene agreed to try BSF, if only to learn more about her French heritage. But through God’s Word, Helene discovered a deep love for Christ.
“I had been asking Jesus for quite a long time, ‘Who are You?’ ‘Do You really exist?’,” Helene said. “BSF is amazing because the lessons answered a lot of my questions. Each week as I’m learning a new concept in BSF, and then something happens to help me understand it better. It’s like the Bible is the light that keeps guiding me to Jesus. It’s just amazing.”
For almost three years, Helene attended a Day Women’s Class in Macau where she developed a deeply personal relationship with the Lord. As she grew in faith, God prepared Helene for circumstances that would test her resolve and perseverance.
Prepared for Adversity
In 2019, Helene’s husband moved to Las Vegas, NV to pursue a new business opportunity. In July, Helene and her two daughters followed. Immersed in a completely foreign culture, Helene hungered for Christian community. Once again, God worked through BSF. Helene joined a local class and made deep connections with other members. But transportation issues and scheduling problems continually disrupted the group. To meet those needs, the group transitioned to BSF Online, where women from around the city were able to join Zoom meetings.
As COVID restrictions pushed all BSF groups onto internet platforms, Helene experienced the difference between BSF Online and BSF groups who met on Zoom. Before the Pandemic, BSF Online was designed to allow men and women from around the world to join BSF groups during times that fit their schedules.
Group members from Zambia, Hungary, Texas and Brazil could meet together to study God’s Word with a Group Leader who had been trained online.
When Helene traveled to France in May, BSF Online helped her stay anchored in God’s Word.
“I know it’s God’s gracious provision that sustains me through this season of waiting,” she shared. “I feel so blessed to be ‘surrounded’ online by a group of ladies who are eager to study God’s Word. And now my extended stay in a foreign country has become a spiritual retreat, rather than a season of waiting.”
Today, Helene is training to become an Online Group Leader. Still stranded in France, Helene meets weekly with other Online Group Leaders and Trainers to prepare for the Genesis study in the Fall.
Praying through her new leadership role, Helene feels called to invite several non-Christian friends from around the world to join BSF. And BSF Online makes that possible. Those friends who aren’t close to a physical BSF class or can’t attend because of scheduling, travel or transportation issues can study the Bible consistently with trained group leaders, like Helene.
“I just think God is so amazing. Each step He is guiding me. I’m weak in trust, always doubting myself, thinking I’m making the wrong decision. He’s so patient, guiding me step by step,” Helene shared. “The online class solves the problem of isolation and it’s so convenient. Driving in Hong Kong or Paris or Bangkok is so hectic. Having an online class means you don’t have to run after a bus or get stuck in traffic for hours. You’re surrounded by people like you who are thirsty for God’s Word and have questions like you too. It’s a place with answers and direction as you share different experiences from all over the world. It’s enriching, like the Bible in 3D.”
CAROL
Papua New Guinea
“BSF in Nairobi was my lifeline to study God’s Word. In 2018, God called me to become a missionary in Papua New Guinea, where I joined BSF Online for the first time.
I encountered overwhelming culture shock, was missing my normal life, felt lonely, struggled with the language and encountered hostility. My discussion leader was constantly checking up on me. We prayed on whatsapp and it brought so much consolation and comfort.
There were other missionaries in my group and we reminded each other that we were where God wanted us to be. Just knowing that our ASKs were spread all over the world made it so special. With diversity, there were enriching conversations, a physical class would not afford me this.”
BRUCE
United States
“ The past few years were exceptionally challenging at work, yet God’s truth, graciously revealed by the Spirit has given me a proper perspective as well as the peace of knowing God’s will. The Lord used BSF Online to keep me in the Word and be surrounded by men who spoke truth and encouragement. It’s been an incredible blessing and privilege to be involved in BSF online.
With the online group, attendance is more consistent because the members are able to connect from anywhere in the world. Online also provides a more diverse group. Group members participate from around the world, expanding and enriching everyone’s experience. Though it seems counterintuitive, in my experience, the men share more deeply and personally in the online group compared to the physical class.”
MARLENE
Philippines
“ God used BSF Online to teach me how to give up the comforts of being in a physical group. As I embraced the challenges of leading an online group, I learned lessons to be more God-dependent and less self-sufficient
Being an Online Group Leader is touching lives even when WiFi is weak, audio choppy, or faces frozen. The Holy Spirit connects our hearts and minds when words stop and tears flow. We pat each other’s shoulders with our nods and smiles. We hugged one another with prayers.
As I bared my personal struggles and asked for prayers, the Spirit touched my group members to bravely share their stories. Just as we are true to one another, we accept one another. God redirected my focus towards his higher purpose that His name be glorified as man is edified. It’s not about me but all about Him. God did not give up on me when I wanted to give up.”
IRENE
Hong Kong
“ I did not know how to set expectations when I started leading my first online discussion group last year for the Acts study. The ladies in my group lived in different continents, and we had never met each other before the first meeting.
There were just too many “what ifs” in my mind each week before I opened the Zoom meeting. Now with hindsight, I am so grateful God prepared me for a teaching season where I learned we are only a prayer away, despite physical distance.
With my little faith in the beginning, I had been asking God, ‘What if the ladies do not share their prayer requests?’ And God told me it’s not my job, but His. Thankfully, I did not have to wait long before the ladies started sharing their needs for prayer during discussion time.”
How can I get updates about the BSF Online launch?
Go to bsfonline.org to sign up for regular updates and countdown to registration!
Does BSF Online offer the same studies as a local BSF class?
Yes! You will access BSF’s four-fold approach to walk through the current BSF study.
Each week:
- Download and answer QUESTIONS to guide you in your personal study
- Join your global online community to DISCUSS what you are learning
- LISTEN to a lecture podcast
- LEARN the historical, cultural and life lessons in our notes.
How is BSF Online different from a local BSF class?
BSF Online is an online group Bible study experience that offers flexible group times. The online meeting platform allows you to study the Bible from wherever you are with a community of group members from all over the world .
What does an Online Group Leader do?
- Trains in a weekly Online Leaders meeting
- Leads a weekly online discussion group on Zoom at a regular time that fits their schedule
- Connects with group members during the week over WhatsApp
Hi, Due to COVID-19 will BSF online replace my local meetings via ZOOM that we started in the Spring?
HiEvelyn, thanks for asking! The answer is no, BSF Online will not replace any local class meetings. Each BSF Online group is actually part of an online class, completely separate from local classes that meet in host churches.
This is very informative. We do not have excuses not to study Gods word. It is amazing.
You make a very good point! No more excuses. Many times if I don’t have to be somewhere or if I don’t hold myself accountable, it’s easy for me to let distractions and other business come before studying God’s word! No more, there is an on-line group somewhere for me or anyone to get involved in.
I like to join BSF online bible study; but I didn’t know did I registered yet ? Which month is beginning in 2020 ?
Hi Esther, BSF Online registration is opening in August. For more information, sign up to receive updates at bsfonline.org.
How can I join BSF. I need to, please help me.
Hi Tacy, we would love to have you join a class! To join a local class, visit https://www.bsfinternational.org/map. You can contact the class administrator to learn more about registration. To join an online class, visit bsfonline.org and sign up to receive updates about registration opening in August.
Have there been any decisions made as to whether or not we are going to have in person BSF meetings. Last time my Culpeper group met in a Baptist Church. Before that I was with a group in Northern Virginia. Let me know if any decisions have been made. If we are not going to meet in person then I will join on line. Last Spring our small groups met on Zoom which worked out ok.
Hi Bobbie, your class leadership should have more information about your specific class plans. We are thankful for God’s provision through Zoom until in-person meetings can resume!
I would like to join on line BSF class
Hi Josefina, if you visit bsfonline.org, you can sign up to receive updates about registration opening in August!
I would like to sign up for the online BSF classes
Hi Joyce, visit bsfonline.org to sign up for registration updates. You’ll receive a notification when registration is open!
Yes.
How can I join the class? (Hong Kong)
Hi Grace, visit bsfonline.org to sign up for registration updates. You’ll receive a notification when registration is open!
Hi,
I am a mum of 2 young children and struggle to get to a local physical class. Please can I attend an online class?
Hi Liz, visit bsfonline.org to sign up for registration updates. You’ll receive a notification when registration is open!
Hi: I would like to join BSF mandarin online class. I live in San Jose,CA. Would you please give me the leader and email that I can connect to? Thanks.
Hi May, if you visit bsfonline.org you can sign up to receive updates about upcoming registration in August.
May I be keeping informed the Aug 2020, material down load availability date. TQ
I have sent a message few wks ago but no reply. I have signed up & I recd updates. However, how to find an Online group for Sept Genesis study?
I want to participate in Chinese
I live in Missouri
Hi Vivian, to receive updates about upcoming registration options visit bsfonline.org. We are so thankful for leaders who are willing to lead groups in multiple languages! To join a Chinese speaking group in your area, visit bsfinternational.org to find a class and contact a class administrator
BSFOnline also offer a dozen spoken languages (ie. Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, German, Romania, Korean, Sign Language, Indonesian, etc.)
Blessings, I am currently in an English speaking group where I live. They don’t have a group in Spanish.
Although, I can continue where I am, I like to explore the opportunity of belonging to an online group in Spanish. What should I do?
Thanks
Hi Milagros, visit bsfonline.org to sign up for updates about upcoming registration options. We would love to help you find a Spanish speaking group!
I love each encouraging remarks and yes due to the pandemic. I know that BSF will be faithful in reaching out to everyone in trouble time to hear unstoppable message BSF as to offer each of us. In hope that we can connect with zoom. Meeting or connecting with any sister in Christ is most helpful. We can learn from another.
I can’t wait to hear back from you.
Jeanie chuyou
Jeanie, thank you for the encouragement! We are continuing to pray that God will use BSF to share His Word with all nations. Thank you for your continued prayers for the ministry❤️
Hi, I’m wondering if I can sign up for BSF online classes please? I’m not sure if I have missed an earlier email on this.
Thank you.
Blessings in Christ,
Eleanor
Hi Eleanor, registration isn’t open yet, but if you visit bsfonline.org you can sign up to receive updates about registration options in August.
I am so excited about BSF online. I have been disabled for the last 25 years. Getting to a face to face class has been very difficult. THANK YOU to all that work so hard for us to enjoy GOD’s word.
Your BSFf is so encouraging to us all.Thanks
This is so encouraging to know my Sisters in Christ are growing in knowing our Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in many different countries by studying God’s Holy precious Word which draws us closer to Him and each other! Praise the Lord Jesus for that!
BSF, make sure you are seeing Jill’s comment on July 15, 2020 at 8:50 pm. “Not all people have access to Zoom or printing or enough internet time or ability to attend classes. We’re still here.” She needs to be encouraged and connected to another BSF member where she lives or something.
Thank you Karen!
I am thankful Jesus never leaves me. I am thankful I can tell Him everything because He already knows and has a perfect plan and answer for His Glory.
Eyes have not seen nor ears heard what God has prepared for those that love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
KNOWING THAT STUDYING GOD’S WORD IS STILL IMPORTANT IS ENCOURAGING .
Not all people have access to Zoom or printing or enough internet time or ability to attend classes. We’re still here.
Hi Jill, please reach out to your class leadership. We are encouraging all BSF leaders to assist members who may not have easy access or means to the internet or ability to print. The global pandemic has certainly caused great strain, but we are thankful for fellow Christians and BSF Members who are ready to come to the aid of one another in these challenging times. We are so encouraged by your heart to study God’s Word and understand the deep need to connect with fellow believers. We are praying for all BSF members around the world to stay connected to our Heavenly Father and one another.
I love my BSF group, either in personal or via Zoom. For last year’s study – Acts and Letters of the Apostles – we started as face to face and ended via Zoom; it showed me that indeed God’s Word is UNSTOPPABLE. I will look forward to our next study of Genesis, because I trust God will recreate my experience and draw me closer to Him.
I have invited Spanish speaking friends To join BSF on line. What steps do they need to follow? I visited Bsf online a while ago but couldn’t find any reference to Spanish registration.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Yanira,
If you visit bsfonline.org you can sign up for updates. Registration will open in August with more information about language options. Thank you for your interest and for praying as we open more online groups!
Hi,
Would love to sign up for on line BSF GROUP for next study ?
Lisa, great to hear! If you visit bsfonline.org and sign up for updates, we’ll let you know when registration opens in August.
Thanking God that after last year’s conference on the Unstoppable God and plans by team to have moved to online. Am glad that God pioneered it and we have enjoyed
I still like direct person to person meetings and look forward to the ladies I meet in my group each season. I don’t like to think of giving that freedom up anymore than giving up being able to attend my church. This whole thing has been very difficult for all of us, young and old, but we need that direct contact and fellowship of each other. This is just a season and we will get through it. 1st Peter 5:10 ” The God of all grace who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” He is our Shepherd … we His sheep.. He leads us, He gives all we need, He comforts us, He provides.. Psalm 23. I say let us put our mask on, social distance and put His armor on and be the warriors He made us to be. Iron sharpens iron… when one falls we have a sister there to pick us up… Look up, remember the Cross and what He did for each and everyone of us. I’m glad we have the technology we do but, being back in my church and with church family, mask and distancing, there is nothing better than that.
Before moving from Indiana to Charlotte, North Carolina over one year ago, I knew I needed to continue BSF! I immediately found a group..even two the area! Also, I was asked to consider leading an online group. Just the thought of meetiing other people around the country and around the world helped me feel like I was home! I have been “at home” in my new land ever since!
We are thankful to the Lord for the opportunity to have BSF online.
I look forward to receiving guidance from my group leader for September 2020.
I am at a loss, so to speak; Is this taking place of in-person classes usually held at the church? Will this be a study group? Is this a way to broaden acquaintances from far and near in a class setting or a setting outside of a class? Thank you in advance for your reply
Hi Anita, the answer is no, BSF Online will not be replacing any in-person classes. It is an addition to current and growing in-person classes. BSF Online is designed specifically for individuals who want to be placed in a BSF group but aren’t able to attend in-person meetings because of scheduling, travel, location, etc.
All in-person classes will resume regular meetings at host churches when current health restrictions begin to lift. BSF Online classes will continue to meet online, allowing thousands of Online Members to study with BSF from anywhere in the world.
This is very timely. In this time of uncertainty and in this pandemic, I feel very uncomfortable meeting in person. Online BSF will definitely be my preference.
I am lookng for a Cantonese speaking Bsf class for a new believer. She lives in San Mateo, California. Please let me know if there is one.
Hi Sandra, you can learn more about groups in her area by visiting https://www.bsfinternational.org/map. To learn more about BSF Online, visit bsfonline.org to sign up for updates and registration info.
How do i join an online class? i am in the western part of Kenya and haven’t had access to a class since i left the USA after my studies in 2007. I will be happy to join an online class with my friends and daughter. Please advise me. Thanks
You are surrounded by GOD’S love enclosed with His wisdom and strength. You were chosen by Him. We are so blessed to hear your stories and to share them with others. We sincerely thank you from our hearts to yours. With much love
Hi Deborah, If you visit bsfonline.org you can sign up to receive information about upcoming registration. To study BSF materials with friends and family, you can also download the WordGo app to create your own group, led by you!