Our Story
God began the Every Word story years ago when Susan and her family were living in a country where people had little or no access to the Bible. Understanding the privilege of having unlimited access to the Bible and discovering it takes about 90 hours to read from beginning to end, Susan committed herself to read the Bible over the next 90 days. This was a life changing experience. Several years later and back home, Susan shared her experience with Molly and another friend. They decided to read and discuss the Bible through the course of 90 days using a chronological reading plan.
Hoping to better understand the redemptive story, that summer of 2014 the 3 friends grew into 25 friends reading and wrestling through questions, but emerging with a bigger and greater view of God. The Great Story had lifted off the pages and settled in their hearts and minds. They were in awe of the loving God who would reach through all of history to bring them back to Himself.
Interest grew and in January of 2015, Susan and Molly were given the opportunity to lead a group of women to read through the Bible in 90 days at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia. They guided readers through the whole Bible, by teaching them to follow the Bible’s story and to recognize how everything points to Jesus. Every January since, Susan and Molly lead groups to read through the Bible in 90 days. Jennifer joined Susan and Molly early on to participate as a reader. Soon, she joined the teaching team adding valuable insight regarding Church history and Christian apologetics.
The Every Word experience has grown exponentially as groups multiply into new groups that gather in living rooms, church classrooms, coffee shops and Google hangout sites. Simply put, people are gathering around God’s word, and life change is the result. Susan, Jennifer, and Molly have developed a chronological reading plan and written Every Word as a guidebook to help individuals and groups discover the great story of the Bible and discover how to take their place in that story.
About the Authors
Susan Goodwin
Susan loves the Bible, and having been personally transformed by its message, she desires for everyone to read it for themselves. Her goal in teaching and writing is to connect the ancient but timeless truths of the Bible to everyday life. Her daily life includes being wife to Tom and mom to 5 beautiful daughters and new son-in-law. The Goodwins serve on staff with Cru and have enjoyed living in Atlanta for the last 20 years, taking a year of that time to live overseas. A family dinner, having friends over and shopping at TJMaxx are some of Susan’s favorite activities.
Jennifer Peterson
Jennifer is a Jesus-follower in the Atlanta area who has taught alongside Susan and Molly, challenging them and others to know why they believe what they believe. She encourages Bible students to consider the history of how the Bible came to us and to be able to articulate their faith well. She is quick to remind that an argument never brought anyone to Christ, but a gentle answer and a life lived to God’s glory in congruence to His word will speak volumes. She is married with children.
Molly Sawyer
Molly attempts everyday to live a Jesus-centered life as an obedient participant in His story. She is captivated by the wonder and relevance of God’s word. She loves gathering with women to help them understand the Bible’s story, its relevance and life-giving principles, and ultimately to behold God. Her favorite things are good friends, good conversation, a good book, a good laugh, a good cup of coffee, but better than all that is life in Atlanta with her husband Doug and their three kids Avery, Abby, and Hayes.
To learn more about Every Word and the mission behind it, check out the resources below:
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