From David Collum: “I have a passion to see people meet Jesus and get to know God. Why? Because for years I was one of those guys who tried to follow all the rules, do everything right, and I even had some success. In the end though, my focus on “being right” led me to actually behave as if “I was always right”. I was no fun to be around. God in his mercy let things fall apart and then met me in my brokenness.
I have been fortunate to work in Corporate America, with my last position leading the organization that cared for the nuclear power plants of our nation’s fleet of nuclear submarines. I also had the privilege of working in the Church as a full-time Pastor for 12 years.
Today, I serve as the chief executive officer of The Pocket Testament League, where I get to lead this global movement of Christ-followers who are sharing Jesus in His own Words.”
A TEEN’S EXTRAORDINARY VISION
The Pocket Testament League began in 1893, led by a 12-year old girl. One night, at a meeting, she gave her life to Jesus. She was so excited she went to school and told her best friend that she, last night, had become a Christian!
Her best friend said, “I’m a Christian, I go to church.” Helen is said to have responded, “I don’t think going to church makes you a Christian.” She must have said it with kindness. The next day Helen brought her Bible to school, and the two of them read it. Helen’s friend read a little more at home and prayed to receive Jesus.
The two of them set out to invite everyone in their school to read the Bible with them. 80 students accepted Jesus into their hearts.
That Helen, our Helen, was Helen Cadbury, daughter of the president of Cadbury Chocolates. She was so excited about how powerful God’s Word was that she organized a group of girls who sewed pockets onto their dresses to carry the small New Testaments her father had provided. The girls called their group “The Pocket Testament League.” Using small membership cards, they pledged to read a portion of the Bible every day, pray, and to share their faith as God provided opportunity.
That same vision still drives the ministry today under the leadership of CEO David Collum. Through its many years, the ministry has enjoyed tremendous moments of victory in reaching people for Christ.
In 1969, Helen Cadbury Alexander went to be with the Lord, but The League and its Members continue sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with enthusiasm. Since its founding through 2018, millions of League Members have invited 130 million people to meet Jesus Christ using a Gospel of John. All because one brave young woman had a vision to bring God’s Word to the lost souls around her. She had said,
“If only we could get people to read the Book for themselves it will surely lead them to Christ.”
—Helen Cadbury
What about you? Would you like to join this exciting movement and continue the legacy begun by Helen Cadbury? All it takes is a desire to share your faith. We can help. Join the movement today!