History

The SWORD program was originally implemented in the Teen Sunday School class at Bethel Baptist Church in La Plata, MD, in October of 2005.

The pilot core group consisted of ten youth, and within a year grew to an enlistment of thirty-six. In that first year, the young people collectively memorized over 1,200 verses and handed out more than 3,400 tracts!

Overview

When a new recruit enlists, they are considered a private (E-1). They receive an ID card, and are assigned their first operation. Each operation includes a select set of scripture and a points total necessary for promotion.

When a soldier achieves a certain rank, they become responsible to recruit and train new soldiers. They are personally accountable for the success of those under their supervision. It is difficult, but not impossible to make the change to non-commissioned status.