Distributing the Bible (ie. Scripture portions, the New Testament, or the entire Bible) electronically has become so important lately. As billions of people purchase smartphones and tablets, the demand for the Bible and Scripture resources for these devices only increases. Wifi media boxes (WMBs) like the Lightstream and ConnectBox were designed to meet this growing demand and make it easier to distribute Scripture and Scripture-based resources.
“I had the opportunity to work with a partner organization in Ukraine, and we shipped two LightStreams to them and traveled to teach how to install and utilize the devices. Unfortunately, the items got stuck in customs, so our time spent in Ukraine was more of an introduction the LightStream than anything else.
A few months pass and I periodically check in with our contacts there to see how things are going and how the LightStream is working out. The response each time is noncommittal and skirting the topic. I took it as a sign that it didn’t go so well, and they ultimately did not need it. I was disappointed, but know that is bound to happen from time to time.
I travel back to Ukraine [two years later], this time in a reporting role. Although we visited the same organization, we met with chaplains that we didn’t know previously, and they offered to show us their military barracks where they work close to the front lines of the Russia/Ukraine conflict. As we’re driving, Volodya starts telling me about this incredible device they have there where they can access the Bible and discipleship materials. As he talks, it starts to sound more and more like the LightStream.
Lo and behold, it is. For nearly two years the device had been nailed to a tree in the middle of their base, available to soldiers who pass through. I couldn’t believe it.”
–Testimony from an EMDC participant
Relay Trust has helped create new tech advances that empower WMB owners, from a distance, to change the content available on their ConnectBoxes and also collect data about end-users connecting with their devices. It now works with Moodle classroom materials and builds communication bridges between teachers and students from afar.
Lightstream has developed a new user experience with a Netflix-type of interface, supporting content in many languages based on the preferred languages of connecting users.
Here are 28 Ways to Use a Wifi media box.