ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (ANS) -- Faith Comes By Hearing Audio Bible Ministry began its military outreach program with the development of a deployment-friendly BibleStick in 2007.

According to a news release from Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH), the first shipments of the pocket-sized digital audio devices containing the entire New Testament went out in 2008.

Since then, more than 218,000 units have been given free to more than 1,000 chaplains who distribute them during pre-deployment briefings, counseling sessions, chapel services, Bible studies and upon direct request of service members.

FCBH said occasionally those requests increase unexpectedly, as they did during the first half of June. More than 80 chaplain appeals came in to the ministry during the first two weeks of the month, asking for over 20,000 Military BibleSticks. While a surge in demand can quickly deplete the ministry's inventory, FCBH views that as a blessing in disguise.

“We really have to work diligently year-round to meet the ongoing requests from chaplains, but the reward for us and our great donors is knowing more and more of our troops have access to God's Word with their very own BibleStick,” said Troy Carl, Faith Comes By Hearing vice-president, speaking in the news release.

FCBH said much of the support for the program comes from individual donors, many responding to on-air campaigns done on Christian radio and TV. However, the major support has come directly from the American church.

About 5,000 congregations - including nearly 280 churches that will present the project around the July 4 holiday - have partnered with the ministry to ensure America’s military continue to receive this spiritual resource free of charge.

“As we celebrate our country's birthday, we need to remember and honor those who are defending the freedom and independence we cherish,” Carl added. “We will continue to do that by providing God's Word in audio for their spiritual protection as they continue to protect us.”

Established in 1972, Faith Comes By Hearing is celebrating its 40th year in ministry. The ministry provides free access to Audio Scripture in over 650 languages through streaming and downloads on its website, via podcasts in its iTunes store and on select mobile devices with the Bible.is app.

For more information about Faith Comes By Hearing, go to www.fcbh.org

Jeremy Reynalds is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, a freelance writer and also the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, http://www.joyjunction.org He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "Homeless in the City." Additional details on "Homeless in the City" are available at http://www.homelessinthecity.com. Reynalds lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@comcast.net.