First developed in 2020, LightNet has now completed Version 4.0. Today, eight digital media libraries are online and around 40 teams and individuals are exploring how LightNet can help them share resources with the communities they serve.

MediaWorks’ open-source tool, LightNet, makes it easy to build digital media libraries. The digital media library model was designed especially for ministries that want to share relevant Christian media among a particular focus group. It supports any media type — including videos, audio, images and documents — and can be set up in any language. Having one place to gather digital resources with searchable categories solves the issue of content scattered across different platforms or getting lost in feeds. The custom-designed online libraries help point people to Jesus and grow in their faith.

Ministries catch the vision

Our team members Simon, James and Roy are in conversation with around 40 ministries and individuals interested in setting up digital media libraries. This includes OM teams and other Christian organisations working in remote places, such as on an island where Bible access is very difficult or focusing on Bible engagement among unreached people groups. Others are investing in pioneering initiatives.

In the Himalayas, thousands of printed publications have been distributed, including through trekking outreaches; the OM team also wants to present all their booklets together in an online library. Similarly, in Central Asia, Bible study materials written for this region have been published in 12 languages; the author envisions a site where readers can access all the titles and request a follow-up. A network of Bengali ministries wants several libraries, each meeting the needs of specific demographics within the large ethnic group.   

“The reality for ministries is that they see the need for a digital media library but don’t have capacity,” explained MediaWorks leader David. “We want to make it as easy as possible.” 

MediaWorks helps ministries build their digital libraries

For teams with a software developer, it’s straightforward — simply follow the instruction manual on our website. For others, factors such as lacking a software developer, being a small team, having limited time or working in challenging situations or environments can be barriers to getting started. In these cases, MediaWorks either builds the digital media library or guides ministries as they set it up themselves.

Get involved with LightNet!

“I love writing code – but what excites me even more is seeing it used to share Jesus with people who’ve rarely heard of Him.” – Simon, Digital Media Distribution Lead

“This is exactly what we need. We highly recommend using this tool in your ministry to get key resources out, viewed, read and distributed.” — Andy, partner organisation, Central Asia

“LightNet is an incredible tool that makes it easy for ministries to set up their own media library in a way where they fully own it. As a software engineer, this project is very encouraging to see!” 
— Cameron, Editor of faith.tools, who nominated LightNet for ‘editor’s choice’

“LightNet has made it really simple to be able to make available and share Biblica’s resources.” 
— James, Biblica

Would you consider joining MediaWorks staff and volunteers in this endeavour? We are looking for software developers and workers to support with planning, structuring and designing digital media libraries. To arrange a chat before applying, contact: personnel.media@om.org 

Find out more: Media Distribution 

View: MediaWorks Digital Library

Get started: User instructions manual