Letters from Our Listeners

I have been listening to your sermons via the Pandora App every week (or when there's a new sermon). I appreciate how you don't sugarcoat the Word. I appreciate how you remain humble (acknowledge your sin(s) too). I appreciate how your message doesn't sound like an advert using Christ and salvation as a selling point. I just wanted to really say I appreciate all your work. And thank you. I felt moved to encourage you and I send all my love. Your congregation is blessed. (Comments shortened for length)

Thank you! I really enjoy your podcasts.

Hi Mark. I would just like to tell you that your sermons are just this side of fantastic. I've listened to all you have on Spotify, some more than once. God has given you a truly good gift and I have liked the Bible Study as well (waiting for more). I wish you were still in Wisconsin, for that is closer for me than Alaska but I will listen all the same. Thanks. Sean

I listen to the Pandora podcasts every single night! Please keep them coming.

Hi Pastor. We have not met. I came across your (Return to the Word) sermons and Bible teachings from a Pandora program, and although I do not claim to be any type of biblical scholar, I would like to thank you in particular for teaching what I would consider disciplined sermons on the proper meaning and intent of God's scripture. Also as an added compliment the interjected humor and similes for more emphatic and vivid descriptions in your articulations are especially effective. (I enjoyed the disciplining of the foul mouthed parrott). I felt it necessary to express my thankfulness and appreciation that you are doing a fantastic job.

I just recently found your ministry site. I've enjoyed listening to your sermons. Thankful for all of the teaching on grace. Take Care. God bless you.

Thank you pastor for being such a wonderful messenger that articulates the Word so precisely.

I really like the preaching/explanation from Pastor Mark! I just found this last week on Pandora search, and I can't stop listening. Praise the Lord!

Thank you for bringing God's Word to life everytime!!! I always get something out of your messages.

Dear Pastor Mark,

You do not know me, but God used you to save me. I am 53 years old. I have been a bad person and have done some very bad things all my adult life. Just recently, my sister moved to Texas, where I live. She has been walking with the Lord for some time. She would preach to me every time she saw me, and I would listen. One day, we were eating dinner, and she said I should get baptized. I thought about it in my head. That night, I had a bad experience. Something visited me, and it went away after I said, "Jesus help me." The next day I wanted to listen to God's Word, so I turned on a Pandora radio station and found your podcast, Return to the Word. I listen to you every day. I love the way you preach. I am almost done with your 197 podcast episodes, and I love them all. I can't get enough. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Wish I went to see you when I was in the army. You have a good way of articulating and interpreting the scriptures. Love your messages.

Mark is a fantastic teacher that simply shows us what the Bible says and does a great job explaining why. Thank you, Mark!

I listen to your podcast every day at work, at home, and before church. I have listened to all of them more than once. I want you to know that your understanding of the Word and your commitment to the faith is such an encouragement and a blessing. I am learning to fall in love with scripture and Jesus all over again through your works and dedication to Christ. With tears in my eyes, I want to thank you for allowing me to worship God with you every day.  It has changed my life and given me a whole new understanding of God's love for His people. (Comments shortened for length)

I just wanted to say thank you on your teaching of Revelation! You are answering so many of my questions. I am a 60 year old farmer out in West Texas and am very thankful that I found your station!!

I am not sure how I came across your site but I always pray that the Lord would lead me to pastors who have a genuine love of the Lord and are preaching His Word in truth. I have only listened to around three of your sermons so far but from what I have heard, I really like what you say. May the Lord bless your ministry abundantly!

I would like to thank your ministry for providing a clear, informative, and thorough teaching of the Word of God. I listen to your podcasts as I work, as a landscaper. I grew up in a Southern Baptist Church, and have gradually drifted away as life started happening. Finding your podcast was definitely in God’s plan for me! Thank You.

Thank you for all you do! Please never stop doing it. You help us have better eyes to see and ears to hear! You have helped to change our lives.

Thank you, your ministry has drawn me closer to Christ Jesus.

Hello, Mark.

I hardly know how to start this message.  As a life long child of the Father, I have seen the Word watered down gradually over the years, until we have what it has become in most churches today. It was so refreshing that God led me to your podcast on Pandora.  Your knowledge of the Word impresses me. But not as much as your love of the Father and your willingness to speak the truth of the Word. I listen to your teachings every morning during my workouts. It's like going to Bible College for free!  It's gives me so much to study and read on.  I thank you and applaud you for your obedience to God and the spreading of HisTruth. If you are ever in Ohio, please contact me. Until we meet, may God bless you and your family.

Your brother in Christ,

Gary M.

Thank you for the podcast, I listen to it most nights.

Pastor Mark’s teaching influenced my then atheist husband. My husband started listening to him during the height of the Pandemic lock-down. I have been saved and a believer for years now but it was actually my husband who introduced me to this podcast. Pastor Mark’s teaching and situational stories speaks to my soul. Definitely an instrument of God. Now my husband and I are part of a growing church and are also serving. Just like what Pastor Mark said on his study of the book of Philippians, be BOLD AND COURAGEOUS TO STAND FOR THE LORD!

Thank you for connecting, Mark. I have been listening to Return to the Word on Pandora and I enjoy every sermon. Thank you for all that you do in the name of our Lord, God Bless you!

I love the podcast, thank you for holding true to the Word of God!

I want to personally thank you for all of your efforts to spread the Gospel across many platforms. I am blessed to get to hear your sermons and lessons through the Pandora app here in South Carolina.

I stumbled across your Pandora station, and once again, feel completely changed by the Gospel that you are teaching me. I listen to your station daily, sometimes listening to the same sermon multiple times so I can take notes on subjects and teachings to bring into our Life Groups. Through your sharing of the Word, I have found much deeper meanings to the verses I'm studying. It has inspired me to start my own study website to help others across the world to come to know the love of Jesus. I'm sure you get much praise from your community within your church, but I wanted to take moment to let you know how your discipleship is reaching people across the country and the world to further their walk with Christ and strengthen their relationship with Him. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into your study to enlighten others in the faith, and may God bless you with many more years of teaching. (Comments shortened for length)

God loves you and we love you! You are a fantastic teacher and we enjoy your message. You are a gift to us from God. We will keep you in our prayers and please do the same for us. With love,

I just wanted to say thank you for providing your teachings! I’ve been listening to your podcasts, and they have greatly impacted my life. I grew up in a Christian household, but I would consider myself a lukewarm Christian trying to return to the Word. My faith in God is big. I know He is the One and Only and I would be nothing without Him. I feel my faith and love growing each and every day. I’ve been leaning a lot on your podcast to understand the Bible and learn more about our Lord. I filtered your podcast and am listening to the beginning of your podcasts and I’m currently listening to the book of Daniel! You posted those teachings in 2016 and as I’m listening and I’m comparing how Daniel's prophecies relate to the times we are in now. I’m no expert but it feels as if the Lord is coming soon. I’ve been wanting to read the book you wrote on the end of times, but I’m hooked on your podcast and don’t know how to balance it all.

Thanks.

Thank you so much for all you do. You will never know how much it means to me.

Hi Mark. I live in Battle Creek, Michigan and I found your sermon series on Pandora. I love the Lord and I love deepening my faith and experience in Him. I just want to give you a very sincere and deep thank you for walking a life of faith. I know that you have spent time with God because I can hear His voice through yours. You're a good man and I have listened to several teachings over the last few days and I love the way that you are able to articulate what you're saying with metaphors. Very impressive,  they're right on. I hope I have encouraged you and your ministry and your family because you have, in turn, encouraged me greatly as well. Blessings and one day we will meet face to face. Thank you sir.

Thank you for your podcast. It helps me gain more knowledge of the Bible as I drive home nightly.

Return to the Word has to be my most influential Bible study that I follow. The lense that Pastor Mark sees and uses to share the gift of the Gospel with us with has to be the closest to a true heart for God that I have heard in my entire life. Thank you for sharing your gift with God's sons and daughters. I pray God continues to use you for the glory of Him in His kingdom!

Thank you for bringing out the true meaning of the Word. So much more of this is needed, especially at the top, so it can roll downhill. Thank you.

I started listening to your podcast in early January. I had listened to three of the current episodes and decided that [I] had to go back as far as could, January 2015. I mainly listen while exercising. My next episode is October 25, 2016. I enjoy them very much. Thank you and have a Blessed Day.

Thank you, Mark. I always tell everyone that God has given me a true gift, which is Return to the Word Bible Study [and] to download it to their phones, but to me you changed my life through your teaching. It’s truly a blessing. I love it. Thank you again. I have definitely turned to Christ. God bless you and your family.

Your Bible study really means a lot to me. I am a young Christian at 41 years old. Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your lessons! They have helped me grow stronger as a soldier for Christ and brought me closer to our Savior Jesus Christ!

The Return to the Word podcasts are so educational and wonderful for me. I don't know how many times I have listened to the John 3:16 episode, but it always lifts me up. I thank God for what you do and can't wait to meet you; if not down here, then in Heaven.

Thanks for all you do.

Thank you Pastor Mark for being a message of hope, especially now.

Great teaching of the Word.

Well done. Mark, you have a remarkable talent for teaching the Gospel. The best reading and interpretation relating to our contemporary lives I've heard anywhere.

Thank you Pastor Mark Fontecchio for your teachings in the Word of God. I just love it. Happy AND BLESSED NEW YEAR, with your Beautiful family.

Thanks for the more frequent uploads as of late. Even if only one is saved by your ministering the Gospel of Jesus and sharing studies of God's Word, it is worth it! One is worth the cheers and applause of the angels. You led me to renewing my faith, and my true rebirth in Christ Jesus. Thank you for your dedication and love for God and His commandments! It is flowing from you like a river of living water! God bless and Godspeed, brother!

God bless you guys. You have truly inspired and encouraged me so much.

Thank you for your Bible driven ministry.

May the Word of Jesus Christ continue to be preached all over the world. I thank God I found your station in Pandora, and I can’t stop listening.

Recently I did a search for bible teaching in the form of a podcast on Pandora. I happen[ed] to come upon your podcast "Return to the Word" and knew instantly God led me to the right place. I am very grateful [for] your knowledge and stories. I am a new Christian and have been listening to Billy Graham on Sirius but needed something different. Thank you.

I came across your radio program and I have been so blessed. I just started listening recently and I believe that God has been trying to get my attention. Your bible teachings have cleared up a lot of things I've had struggles with. I want to grow deeper in God's grace and truth. (Comments shortened for length)

I’ve been listening on Pandora for 6 months just discovered you on Facebook. Powerful stuff especially during these times and when church was closed. I love Mark's approach and the way he delivers his message. The Word doesn’t lie.

I felt the need to reach out to you as we ground our beliefs on the same basis. I adore your podcast and listen often. The podcast from 05/03/2016 you concluded by asking your listeners to reach out and say hi! So here I am listening for the first time, responding to you years later and saying hi from New York. Thank you, I look forward to the episodes to come. (Comments shortened for length)

I listen to the podcast on my way to work or whenever I get a chance. It has helped me deal with very difficult times when I had no light. I didn't really think I would enjoy it, but I can't get enough. Everyday situations are addressed with real solutions. Thank you for saving me.

Your teaching is a breath of fresh air. I learn so much from you. Thank you for using your gift to build up the Body.

I'd like to thank you guys very much for doing this podcast. Listening has helped me grow so much in my faith. Thank you very much. You guys are doing a wonderful job. Keep up the good work. (Comments shortened for length)

I started listening to your podcasts about two months ago and it's changed my life. Keep up the good work. God bless. (Comments shortened)

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to listen to your wonderful ministry.

Mark, you don't know me, but I have listened to all of your Return to the Word studies and plan to do so as many times as I can until I know the Word of God as well as you do. I can't thank you enough for your works. I found Return to the Word in a very despairing time in my life, but I held on to my faith and began to practice my faith through my works. I know the true praise belongs to the Lord, but your sermons are what led me to the strongest relationship with Jesus thus far in my journey. Peace be with you and your family, and may God bless you all with strength and wisdom on this journey we call life. P.S.- I would love a copy of your book What Lies Ahead. (Comments shortened for length)

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for your wonderful Return to the Word! I love to listen to it during the day all day. It fills me with more knowledge of my Lord and Savior. Mark Fontecchio is so common sense and easy to listen to and understand. He makes it a joy to take in as much as I can and increase my relationship with my Lord and Savior.

I just want to take a moment to write to Return to the Word and say thank you. I have learned so much about the Word of God through the podcast. Give all the glory to the Lord. Thank you again for everything you all do.

I am following your videos on YouTube in regards to the book of Daniel. I find your teaching sound and I am being blessed through it.

I drive a truck, with many hours spent on the road I have wasted time with mindlessness until recently I found..... no God brought your ministry into my life. I now spend my time with the words of your Bible study immersed in God's Word, instructions, and love. Thank you for answering God's calling to spread His eternal Word. May God bless you fully and in His perfect will.

Thank you! Respected Pastor, 
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!

I heard your message/sermon, "Finding Your Identity in Christ." Praise God, it was
wonderfully exposited and presented. I am Blessed.

Hope to listen to more of the Word of God through your voice.

Thank you, Adeel.

Just a word of thanks for your podcasts. I found you on iHeartRadio, knowing that God works all things for His glory. I am thankful to have found your ministry.

My wife and I live here in Southern California and attend Calvary Chapel in Rancho Cucamonga (yes there is a place, as Jack Benny used to joke).

So in closing, we appreciate the Word as it goes forth, and may the Lord continue to bless. I have been listening for a couple of days, and just finished, "What Does God think about You" from Psalm 103. His Grace is beyond words.

Dear Brother in Christ,

Thank you so much for your wonderful message of hope delivered at Pioneer Peak Baptist Church. We are sending a love offering to you to be used in any way – personal or for your ministry – that you see fit and proper.

We look forward to hearing more of your messages online as well as any time you return to give a sermon at Pioneer Peak. God bless you and your family.

Hello Pastor Mark! I have listened to your sermons on YouTube. I like them very much and found comfort in them. Also, it brings back memories of when you were a pastor here in Appleton. Will you be putting more teaching on YouTube? I will be listening if you do! Thank you for your ministry, the ministry in the past when you were here, and the ministry which you are doing now. God is good. And He is faithful. We know that!

Love in Him, Cathy.

Your message hit spot on. Thank you. I am also thankful for Return to the Word. Thank you for teaching the Bible and spreading the message far and wide. I am sure I have no earthly idea of what or how many feet, hearts, hands, hours of labor in prayer and study alone, not to mention management, money, tools, techs, toils and troubles inherent in any endeavor, it takes to send out through technology, truth from God.

"How lovely on the mountain are the feet of them who bring good news..."  Thank you for your ministry.

May God bless and perfect His work in each member; strengthen, encourage, energize and inspire your hearts and minds daily for your appointed callings. May the calling and work through Return to the Word be found faithful and pleasing to God, and eternally lifesaving to multitudes.

I pray you will have joy in doing all you do as unto the Lord, and that you will not weary in well doing. Come Lord Jesus. Until He does, God bless you, Pastor, team and each of your families. Asking that you be given more faith, more wisdom and more love to live here and now, safely and peaceably in Christ.

Thank you, sincerely. Cathy.

Hi Mr. Fontecchio,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question. Mostly, I am just so glad (I cannot even really tell you how glad) to have discovered that there are men out there teaching the truth--men like you and Mr. Hixson. We have felt alone for so long. I cannot tell you what it means to me just to know you are there. Thank you for all the material you have available on your website that we can use and learn from. It is a blessing to us. Blessings to you and yours in Christ.

Every time I listen to your teaching from the Bible, I gain more insight as to the meaning of the text. The Bible is not just text to be read or listened to, but to be understood in the context of who is speaking, who is being addressed, where is it taking place, time period, etc. These are brought out in your messages. Thank you for the sound doctrine that is being taught at Return to the Word Ministries. The Bible is just as relevant today as it was when it was first written.

Thank you for your radio ministry. It helped me tremendously to experience emotional healing through Scripture at a time when my family was pressuring me to pursue what would have been ineffective healing through medications. Thank you.

Dear Sirs,
I just listened to an excellent teaching on John 1:1-5 and am very impressed. I do two Bible studies a week at the Lower Buckeye Jail (Arizona's largest) and have done so for the last 9 years. What I heard from your Pastor/Teacher deeply touched me and it’s the stuff I wish to convey to both the inmates and those attending a weekly Bible study I'm involved in at a neighbor's house every Tuesday evening.

Dear Brother,
Praise the Lord! Thanks for sharing your website with us. Kindly always remember our requests in your prayers. We are always in need of your assistance and your prayers. With much love and prayers, Sukhwinder.

Hello,

My name is Alicia and I live in Australia. I have been recently listening to your Return to the Word program and I just wanted to write and let you know how much it means to me. It has truly been a blessing to be able to find sound biblical teaching that I can listen to each week. That is something hard to find in my area.

I especially appreciate the in-depth teaching and biblical applications of God’s Word that Mr. Fontecchio provides in each message. The illustrations help God’s Word to come alive and sink in. Thank you for taking the time to preach His Word faithfully each week!

Your sister in Christ, Alicia

Greetings,
I listened to your radio program this morning on I Thess. 4. It was nice to hear the teaching of the Word of God. I have only heard one broadcast, but plan to tune in as much as I can. Great job. Thank you.