Mark Burnett and Roma Downey (Mike Vulpo/NeonTommy)

“So many people rolled their eyes at us,” Burnett said. “They didn’t think it could happen.”

Four years after the project began and 100 million viewers later, the series is becoming a worldwide phenomenon and inspiring thousands to get back involved in their faith.

At the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Sunday afternoon, the strong couple shared the inspiration of their work and their mindset throughout the project.

“We didn’t look upon it as a job," Downey explained to the crowd. “This was a calling. We poured our souls into it. It’s deepened our friendship, marriage and faith.”

Raised in Ireland, Downey shared how faith helped her cope with her mom’s passing when she was just 10-years-old. Her strong attachment to God helped shape her life ever since. “I chose to make choices in my career that were pleasing to God,” the “Touched By An Angel” star said.  “I got called to be used again for this project. I had a call in my heart.”

With Burnett constantly by her side and supportive, Downey prayed and eventually chose to proceed with the series. “Once we made the decision in 2009, we never ever looked back,” Downey said.

Although the couple was confident the faithful would watch, they had no idea how many others would give the show an opportunity and be changed for the better.

“One woman told me this morning, ‘I stopped going to church 40 years ago. I watched your show and returned back,’” Burnett shared with the audience. “We all just need hope.”

Although Burnett is proud of creating “The Voice,” “Survivor” and other TV shows, he appears most grateful for the success of “The Bible” and how it’s spreading good all around the world.

“When you hear the call, you have to get off the couch and act,” Burnett said.

Reach writer Mike Vulpo here and follow him on Twitter here

For more coverage of the Festival of Books, click here!