WORDS OF LIFE is a 15-minute, weekly show from The Salvation Army. It features interviews and powerful testimonies, engaging conversations about topics impacting the church today, and deep dive Bible studies. The show is available on your favorite podcast store and is airing on more than 200 radio stations around the world.
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 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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.
In this powerful final installment of a four-part series, Words of Life host Bernie Dake concludes his moving conversation with members of the Salvation Army’s Southern Staff Band as they reflect on their life-changing ministry trip to South Africa. After ten days of teaching music, creative arts, and Scripture to more than 120 young people at a camp, the band stepped into deeply sacred spaces—Salvation Army children’s homes serving some of the most vulnerable children in the region. What followed were moments of worship, joy, and holy interruption that none of them will ever forget. This conversation closes with a resounding theme that echoes throughout the trip: the joy of the Lord. A joy not dependent on circumstances, but rooted deeply in worship, community, and the unmistakable presence of God. 🎶 Learn more about Salvation Army Music Ministries:ussmusicandarts.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In part three of this four-part Words of Life conversation, members of the Salvation Army Southern Staff Band continue reflecting on their life-changing journey to South Africa. During a 10-day visit filled with worship services, music education, and shared meals, the team encountered moments of humility that reshaped their understanding of generosity, hospitality, and joy. Much of this episode centers on a Salvation Army music camp—an event that hadn’t taken place in nearly a decade. Young people traveled extraordinary distances, some enduring 20- to 27-hour journeys, to gather for worship, learning, and fellowship. Despite modest accommodations and limited resources, the spirit of gratitude and unity was unmistakable. Through shared bowls, patient hospitality, vibrant music, and wholehearted praise, the band members witnessed a faith that overflowed with joy—even in scarcity. This episode offers a powerful reminder that true worship isn’t dependent on comfort or convenience, but on hearts fully surrendered to God. https://www.ussmusicandarts.org/ https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
What happens when Western expectations collide with Spirit-filled joy? In this episode of Words of Life, the team reflects on an unforgettable journey to South Africa and a visit to the Corps just outside Johannesburg. Hundreds of Salvationists—young and old—welcomed the team with radiant smiles, waving hands, and spontaneous singing. From junior soldiers in uniform to seniors with canes and walkers, the joy was unmistakable. It was a living testimony to God’s faithfulness in the midst of struggle. The visit coincided with the dedication of a new corps building and the celebration of the corps’ 75th anniversary. Worship erupted immediately—outside, without accompaniment, unplanned and unrestrained. Singing flowed naturally, not just during services, but throughout daily life. Meals turned into moments of praise. Preparation turned into worship. This episode is a reminder that joy is not dependent on circumstance, worship is not confined to a style, and God’s Spirit moves powerfully wherever hearts are open. https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In this episode of Words of Life, host Bernie Dake is joined by members of The Salvation Army’s Southern Territorial Staff Band following their powerful international tour to South Africa. Together, they reflect on what it means to take part in an evangelical musical ministry across cultures—and how God meets us in both our preparation and our surrender. You’ll hear from Bethany Farrell of the Territorial Music and Arts Department, Darryl Crossland, Assistant Divisional Music Director for Florida, and Brad Rowland from the Territorial Communications Department. Each shares honestly about the personal, professional, and spiritual headspace they brought with them on this journey—from the weight of leaving family behind to the challenge of releasing expectations and trusting God with the unknown. The conversation explores the unique role of Salvation Army brass bands as tools for evangelism, often described as “portable organs,” and how music continues to open hearts and create sacred moments around the world. With humor, humility, and deep faith, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at ministry on the move—and the quiet, transformative work God does in the process. Whether you’re a musician, a ministry leader, or simply someone discerning God’s call in a busy season of life, this episode invites you to listen closely to how obedience, openness, and community shape a meaningful witness. https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Words of Life is highlighting another powerful podcast from The Salvation Army: Open Air, hosted by Ashley Escobar. Open Air features honest, unscripted conversations with women serving in ministry and leadership across The Salvation Army. In this featured episode, Ashley sits down with Gloria Diavangama and Melissa Powell from the Territorial Youth Department to talk about faith, leadership, and the importance of empowering the next generation of girls. Together they explore what it means for women to step into the calling God has placed on their lives. From cultural expectations and personal experiences to the importance of mentorship, Gloria and Melissa share how the Church can create spaces where young women are encouraged to grow in faith and leadership. Listen to OPEN AIR on your favorite podcast store or click here- https://www.salvationarmy.org/resources/open-air-podcast Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
In this episode of Words of Life, we explore the powerful role of the written word in sharing the gospel and shaping Christian faith—especially within the ministry of The Salvation Army. Host, Chris Benjamin is joined again by Kristin Mudge. And they are joined by Major Jamie Satterlee and Jeremy Roland. From territorial publications like The Southern Spirit to national resources such as The War Cry, Peer Magazine, Word & Deed, and Salvation Army–published books, this conversation highlights the deep commitment The Salvation Army has made to producing biblically sound, theologically grounded resources. Jamie shares insight from her time at National Headquarters, explaining how manuscripts are carefully reviewed through the Literary Council, a vetting process that includes theological, historical, and editorial discernment. The group also reflects on why printed resources still matter in a digital age—especially for those without access to online content, including individuals in prisons and marginalized spaces. Listeners will hear moving stories of how Salvation Army publications have brought hope into the darkest places and why discernment is essential when choosing Christian books in today’s crowded publishing landscape. Find books published by The Salvation Army at: https://mytradesouth.com/books Crest Books Other publications include: Southern Spirit https://www.thewarcry.org/ https://peermag.org/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Bernie is a lifelong Salvationist and serves as the Territorial Director of Communications for The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory. He has been hosting Words of Life for the last 10 years.
