Funding will launch “Songs of Faith, Stories of Light,” a national storytelling initiative
A $4.45 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. is fueling a groundbreaking initiative by Lutheran Braille Workers (LBW). The project, titled “Songs of Faith, Stories of Light,” will bring together singer-songwriters and members of the blind and visually impaired community to create music that tells stories of resilience, hope, and faith. LBW is one of 60 organizations nationwide selected for funding through Lilly Endowment’s National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life 2025, which supports efforts to share compelling narratives that reflect the vibrancy of Christian life.
About LBW
Since 1943, LBW has provided Braille and Large Print Bibles and Christian resources worldwide at no cost. Founded by Helene Loewe Koehler in response to the persecution of people with disabilities during Hitler’s Third Reich, LBW continues to serve as a lifeline for individuals seeking spiritual resources in accessible formats. The organization is headquartered in Yucaipa, California.
The Vision Behind the Project
“This initiative is about amplifying voices that are often overlooked,” said Rachel Potts, LBW’s Director of Ministry Relations and Strategic Partnerships. “We want to create intentional collaborations between people who are blind or have low vision and talented singer-songwriters to share their stories of faith and the light of Christ they’ve discovered through their lives.”
LBW President Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell added: “The courage and faith of the blind community inspire us daily. Through music, these stories will reach hearts far beyond our walls.”
Why It Matters
In the United States, more than 9 million people are blind, yet only about 5% participate in church life, compared to much higher rates in the general population. This project seeks to bridge that gap by celebrating their faith journeys and inviting the wider church to listen and learn.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of about religion and lift up in fair, accurate and balanced ways the roles that people of all faiths and various religious communities play in the United State and around the globe traditions in the United States and across the globe.
Get Involved
LBW is inviting individuals who are blind or visually impaired to share their stories and welcoming singer-songwriters eager to transform these narratives into original music. In a pre-qualifying grant, Dr. Brook Pernice, LBW’s Director of Outreach and leader of the group Bible Braillists, composed three original songs ,based on her own experience as a person who is blind. “The blind, like all humanity, have spiritual gifts,” Dr. Pernice said. “God has allowed me to share Christ’s love in spite of, and often because of, my lack of physical sight.”
Listen to Dr. Brooke Pernice’s song’s here:
Light of the Savior
Blind and Sighted Eyes
As They’re Going
Connect
To contact LBW regarding the many free resources they offer or to inquire about “Songs of Fath, Stories of Light” contact Rachel Potts at [email protected] or 909-795-8977.
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