CHARLOTTE, N.C. The Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association (BGEA) has introduced a new Internet evangelism initiative
to reach people online with the Gospel. The program was launched in its
beta form in late April, and thousands have already viewed an online
Gospel presentation and indicated making a commitment to Jesus Christ.
"Every day, people are searching online for answers," said Preston
Parrish, executive vice president of ministry for the BGEA. "In their
time of need, we are presenting the only hope we have in this world --
the hope found through a relationship with Jesus Christ."
In the coming months, trained volunteer "E-counselors" will be available
to chat online with spiritual seekers in an effort to lead even more
people into a relationship with Christ. In addition, "Discipleship
Coaches" will offer follow-up training to those who have made a
commitment and encourage them in finding a church in their area.
The program is an extension of BGEA's commitment to proclaim the Gospel
by every effective means available and equip others to do the same.
Billy Graham pioneered the use of radio, television and motion pictures
to spread the Gospel around the world. Today, BGEA continues in the
spirit of innovation through the use of the Internet and social media.
"Today's generation lives on the Internet," said Parrish. "Much like our
historic strategy of going where the people are -- into stadiums, civic
arenas and public gathering areas -- we are doing the same as we reach
into cyberspace with the Good News of God's love, and His offer of
forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Christ."
How it Works:
When individuals enter phrases like "What Happens When I Die?" or "Why
am I Here?" in popular search engines, BGEA's Internet evangelism
project will direct them to relevant web pages that address the
questions the inquirer is asking and offer the hope of the Gospel as the
ultimate and true solution to their need. The "searcher" can make a
commitment to Jesus Christ, or will be able to chat with an
"E-counselor" to learn more. For more information on the Internet
evangelism project, visit
www.SearchForJesus.net. On the site, visitors will see how the program works, as well as real-time commitments being made around the world.
About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of
the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means
available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., BGEA directs a wide
range of domestic and international ministries, including: large-scale
festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; Dare to Be
a Daniel, a youth evangelism training project; My Hope World Evangelism
Through Television; the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team of
crisis-trained chaplains; and many others through print, television,
telephone, radio and the Internet. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at
Twitter.com/BGEAMediaPR
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