I recently shared a story about Marie on The Edge Podcast. While incarcerated, Marie used her jail-issued pen and scraps of paper to share the Gospel |
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The Story Behind #TheMariaChallenge
It began with a simple plastic bag and a heart full of faith. During a jail Bible study in Morgan County, Alabama, a woman named Maria started writing Bible verses on slips of paper and offering them to others—from fellow inmates to correctional staff. Over and over again, the verse chosen seemed to speak exactly to what that person was facing. What looked like random scraps of Scripture became divine appointments—God’s Word showing up right on time.
When Maria left the jail, her mission didn’t end. Another inmate picked up the bag and carried it forward.
Now, we’re inviting you to do the same.
Accept #TheMariaChallenge
I am partnering with The Edge Podcast to spread the word about #TheMariaChallenge. We believe God’s Word is powerful, personal, and perfectly timed. #TheMariaChallenge is your invitation to bring Scripture into someone’s day in a simple but life-giving way. Here’s how to accept the challenge:
Need Help Getting Started? Bill from lessthantheleast.org selected 100 of his favorite Bible verses to help you launch your own Maria Challenge bag. These verses are formatted and ready to print, cut, and share — just like Maria did.
Click here to download the printable PDF
Use these to create your first verse bag and begin sharing hope, one verse at a time.
Tell Us Your Story
Have you accepted the challenge?
Did someone receive a verse at just the right time?
Did it bless you to be the one offering it?
We’d love to hear your story.
Text the word MARIA to 866-471-3576
You’ll receive a link to a short form where you can share what happened. It only takes a minute—but your story could inspire someone else to join the challenge. Some of these testimonies may even be featured in a future book, Redeemed & Reaching.
Help Others Accept the Challenge
#TheMariaChallengeIt’s about raising awareness of how powerful God’s Word can be in the hands of someone who needs it.
If this challenge inspires you, don’t keep it to yourself.
This QR code will bring them to this page:
It began with a simple plastic bag and a heart full of faith. During a jail Bible study in Morgan County, Alabama, a woman named Maria started writing Bible verses on slips of paper and offering them to others—from fellow inmates to correctional staff. Over and over again, the verse chosen seemed to speak exactly to what that person was facing. What looked like random scraps of Scripture became divine appointments—God’s Word showing up right on time.
When Maria left the jail, her mission didn’t end. Another inmate picked up the bag and carried it forward.
Now, we’re inviting you to do the same.
Accept #TheMariaChallenge
I am partnering with The Edge Podcast to spread the word about #TheMariaChallenge. We believe God’s Word is powerful, personal, and perfectly timed. #TheMariaChallenge is your invitation to bring Scripture into someone’s day in a simple but life-giving way. Here’s how to accept the challenge:
- Write out your favorite Bible verses on slips of paper.
- Place them in a small bag, envelope, or jar.
- Offer them to people around you—wherever you are.
- Let them choose one. Watch what God does.
Need Help Getting Started? Bill from lessthantheleast.org selected 100 of his favorite Bible verses to help you launch your own Maria Challenge bag. These verses are formatted and ready to print, cut, and share — just like Maria did.
Click here to download the printable PDF
Use these to create your first verse bag and begin sharing hope, one verse at a time.
Tell Us Your Story
Have you accepted the challenge?
Did someone receive a verse at just the right time?
Did it bless you to be the one offering it?
We’d love to hear your story.
Text the word MARIA to 866-471-3576
You’ll receive a link to a short form where you can share what happened. It only takes a minute—but your story could inspire someone else to join the challenge. Some of these testimonies may even be featured in a future book, Redeemed & Reaching.
Help Others Accept the Challenge
#TheMariaChallengeIt’s about raising awareness of how powerful God’s Word can be in the hands of someone who needs it.
If this challenge inspires you, don’t keep it to yourself.
- Share it with your small group, church, or Bible study.
- Post about it on social media.
- Invite others to accept the challenge and start their own verse-sharing bag.
This QR code will bring them to this page:
