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Hawaii...

Is It Paradise?

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The Office of the President

dear friends

The Power of Partnerships

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e’ve seen some dramatic change in the business world over the past few years. In 1980, less than two percent of the income of America’s top 1000 companies could be traced to some sort of partnership. By 2002, it was estimated that over 30 percent of their revenue came from alliances. And not just from alliances between companies in different fields but from competitors like Hewlett Packard and Canon, IBM and Toshiba, Kodak and Fiji, and the airlines. What we’ve seen happen in the business world is now happening with ministries and for largely the same reasons: •The acceleration of technological change • The blurring of industry boundaries • The focus on globalization • The need for new capabilities • The reality of scarce resources • And the need for greater productivity

The appropriate Strategic Alliances could: • Dramatically accelerate our ability to expand the effective reach of our ministry • Facilitate sharing and implementation of successful approaches • Optimize geographic access • Leverage skills or capabilities faster • Reduce risks and create economies of scale • And open new doors for unforeseen opportunities

By God’s grace, Evangelism Explosion is actively pursuing and developing key partnerships for the future. Some of these include partnerships with organizations like Campus Crusade for Christ, e3 Resources, World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, and others…like Need Him. Need Him began in 1996 to intentionally present the Gospel using all forms of media. They are best known for staffing phone lines from seekers responding to spiritual broadcasts, including Billy Graham crusades. Many of the Need Him phone volunteers are EE-trained. Even today, EE-trained people can volunteer with Need Him to take calls from people seeking the Good News. What can be better than that? It’s these types of partnerships that will allow us to reach more and more people with the Gospel. You can listen to an interview of mine with Need Him’s President Drew Dickens on EE’s online webcast at: http://blog.eeworks.org /2008_07_01_archive. html God Bless,

Rev. John B. Sorensen President, Evangelism Explosion International

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eexclusive

Hawaii... Is It Paradise?

Evangelism Explosion International

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Every Nation Equipping Every People Group and Every Age Group to Witness to Every Person. Editor in Chief: John B. Sorensen Content Development: Gerry Kumpf Mike Ferraguti Writing/Editing: Mike Ferraguti Joy Levins Graphic Design: Lance W. Mericle __________________________

encompassing the globe Exciting Reports From Around the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 endeavors EE Reaches Out to Capitol Hill Staffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 ee answerman Life After Death . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 everywhere Chicago Kids Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 church profile Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 in the field Grass Roots News From the Front Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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Multiply © 2008 is published quarterly by Evangelism Explosion International of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form without written permission. Evangelism Explosion International P.O. Box 23820 • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307 2007 Accomplishments Number of leadership training clinics 1,100 Number of believers equipped More than 225,000 Number of professions in Christ 5.1 million 15-year Estimates 2000 to 2015 Number of leadership training clinics More than 20,000 Number of believers equipped More than 4.5 million Number of professions in Christ More than 100 million

encompassing the globe

Ken Silva VP North America

George Verzea VP Europe

Woody Lajara VP Latin America

Ron Tyler Sr.VP Global Ministries Acting VP Africa

Nickolay Revtov VP Eurasia

Tom Mangham VP Asia

Rod Story Sr.VP Global Innovations Acting VP Oceania

Covering every corner of the world EE continental vice presidents have vast regions to cover with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet, following Dr. Kennedy’s challenge for them to plant EE in every nation on earth, they accomplished that mission in 1996. They continue to press on, taking the Gospel farther and farther.

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news around the world

Exciting Reports From Around the World Show Lifestyle Evangelism Works Rev. Tom Mangham EE is now taking part in God’s redemptive plan among a tribal group that escaped from a restricted access nation in Southeast Asia. Recently, an EE clinic was conducted with the tribe. Spreading out over five villages, teams shared the Gospel with 74 individuals and 35 of them made professions of faith in Christ. Please pray for the 35 new believers and that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in the hearts of the others who heard the Good News.

Rev. George Verzea After I preached in a church in Holland a young women approached me and introduced me to her friend. She told me that her friend attended this church for a year, but didn’t understand any of the teaching. She asked me, “Can you help her?” I made an appointment with her and had the

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opportunity to present the Gospel. This confused young woman made a profession of faith in Christ with tears in her eyes. Our meeting also presented a great opportunity to challenge her to be trained in Evangelism Explosion as well, so that she too could share her faith in Christ. This new Christian contacted me later to express her strong desire to be baptized as soon as possible.

Dr. Cecilio N. Lajara (Woody) In Brazil, children are sharing with their parents and grandparents using Kids’ EE! Most Brazilian children learn easily through visual materials. Therefore, EE-Brazil has adapted the complete set of Kids’ EE materials. A life-sized doll named “Longinho” comes to life, connecting everything through a common thread evident to the children. The utilization of objects such as a slime egg (Rotten Egg illustration showing man’s sinfulness) appeals to children who prefer hands-on learning

activities. Result: Through the Kids’ EE methods of teaching and materials, children are able to learn and retain the Gospel presentation. A Kids’ EE clinic was held in April in Rio de Janeiro at the New Life Pentecostal Church. Two are scheduled in the near future for São Paulo, one in the large capital city and another in a small interior city. Hospital chaplains and volunteers dealing with terminally ill children have been equipped in a workshop in late July. Like other EE ministries, Kids’ EE in Brazil works! Children are being reached, and increasing numbers will be on a path to become lifelong lifestyle evangelists!

Dr. Ron Tyler A clinic was conducted in Mali including six pastors and 26 laymen. The goal was to train these individuals in how to share their faith in difficult areas. More than half of the clinicians made a verbal commitment to multiply their ministry

eeanswerman and train others. This was very encouraging to the leadership of the clinic. During the clinic, two teams went out for on-thejob training in a village called Tiediana Seguere. The people of this village are very involved in cult and idol worship. These village people have accused the church and its people, before the government courts, of trying to destroy their culture. This was an ongoing threat. We praise God that in this very hostile environment, 22 people made professions of faith in Jesus. Our hope is that this will begin to transform this village for the Lord!

Dr. Ken Silva Statistically the Hispanic population continues its growth in the States. And EE is reaching them with the Gospel and equipping them to be faithful witnesses. Recently, Evangelism Explosion conducted a Spanish Share Your Faith Workshop in Houston, Texas. Share Your Faith Workshops are intended to provide an opportunity for local churches or Christian organizations to equip every member with a simple, easy-

to-remember tool for sharing one’s faith with others. Coordinating this clinic was Will Rodriguez, EE Regional Director for the Hispanic Ministries in North America. There were 176 participants from eight churches new to EE.

Rev. Rod Story The Lord continues to bless the work being done at the D. James and Anne Kennedy International Training Center for World Evangelism—Fiji Campus. Tevita was trained in Evangelism Explosion during a 2007 clinic in Fiji at the Center. Since then, he was a part of a church plant in the Highlands. Tevita is a wonderful example of a young person sold out to Christ, living out his faith on a daily basis. Recently, Tevita visited a homeless Indian woman. First, he gave her all of his money. Then he shared the Gospel with her. The Indian woman made a profession of faith in Christ. A few weeks later, Tevita was talking with a friend. In mid-conversation he stopped a man who was passing by. Tevita quickly learned that this man was contemplating suicide. Again, Tevita shared the Gospel and

the man also asked Christ into his heart. Another individual, Adi, was led to faith in Christ at the Fiji Center by two American interns. Less than a year later, she joined an EE team as an intern herself. In less than a year, she went from not having a relationship with God to teaching, training, and sharing with others just how they could have that same relationship.

Dr. Nickolay Revtov As of the printing of this fall issue of Multiply, the conflict in theEurasiancountryofGeorgia, which has been hit hard by the Russian military in August, continues. Many missionaries have been evacuated. Our EE Director for Georgia has moved from his home and is staying in the capital city during the conflict. He will be assisting several Christian organizations in the distribution of humanitarian aid. According to the news reports, the conflict began when the Georgia military moved into South Ossetia to crackdown on separatists. When Georgia responded with military action, the Russian military forcefully stepped in.

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endeavors

EE Reaches Out to Capitol Hill Staffers Reaching those in every area of our country, inluding our nation’s capital, is first and foremost with EE trainers The D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship became a ministry of EE International in 2007. A large part of the Center’s focus is reaching out to congressional staff and interns, most of whom are in their early 20s, so we invited some college students to spend a week joining in the outreach ministry.

Share Your Faith training. It was an actionpacked week, indeed! Monday included a Bible study for interns at the new Center’s Hospitality House followed by on-the-

There was plenty of interaction with the Hill staff; and the young people had a mini-internship in congressional offices for half a day. They also delivered copies of the book “Sacred

job training at the National Mall. The group was excited to be able to use their Share Your Faith training to lead two people to Christ and to share the Gospel with several others.

Fire,” which details the Christian faith of George Washington, to various Members. Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) held a special session in his office to talk about

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he weeks’ participants included: Cameron Hughes, a student at the University of Wisconsin; Christalyn Steers, a student at Seattle Pacific University; and Kim Pennington, who works at Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary and is in pre-doctoral studies there. Mrs. Shirley Beattie, EE’s North America administrator, joined Dr. George Roller, Executive Director of the Center, and his wife, Linda, to chaperone the group and direct the activities. Rev. Fred Kress, Continental Director for the East Region, came along and kicked the week off with 8

“The Bible as a Blueprint for Government;” Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) addressed the Center’s annual Politics and Principles luncheon, with over 100 interns in attendance, and shared with them the importance of the Christian heritage in our

“Dr. D. James Kennedy Distinguished Christian Statesman Award” to Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana at a special dinner on Capitol Hill on June 25, 2008. Mrs. Anne Kennedy joined Dr. George Roller, the Center’s Executive Director,

government. Later, Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) shared with an overflow crowd how his faith had given him such peace on 9/11. The group also attended the weekly luncheon and Bible study of Senate Chaplain Barry Black. Chaplain Black graciously introduced Mrs. Anne Kennedy and daughter, Jennifer, and expressed his admiration and affection for Dr. D. James Kennedy.

and Rev. John Sorensen, EE President, in presenting the award. She told the audience that Dr. Kennedy would have been delighted to know the work of the Center was continuing as a ministry of EE International. Mrs. Kennedy was greeted with a

Distinguished Christian Statesman of 2008

standing ovation and many in the crowd expressed their delight in her presence. Last year’s winner of the award, Rep. Todd Akin of Missouri, spoke of how he had listened to Dr. Kennedy’s preaching for many years and had quite a collection of his sermons. Mike Pence has always taken a strong stand for family values and is currently fighting the “fairness in broadcasting” issue, which would effectively silence Christian and conservative talk radio. In accepting the award, he said he was deeply moved to be honored in such a way and to be in the company of some great people who had received the award in past years. Referring to the story of Daniel’s companions in the fiery furnace, he spoke of how his faith sustained him in the often-turbulent climate of Washington, D.C. About 150 people attended the event, including many congressmen and their staff, and supporters of the Center for Christian Statesmanship.3

The Center for Christian Statesmanship awarded the 13th annual

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ee answerman

Life After Death How to answer when someone says– “I don’t believe in life after death.” live forever, either in Heaven or in Hell.

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here are two fundamental reasons for our believing in life after death: The

resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and the declarations of Scripture that man has been made for eternity and will

In addition, there are five extra-biblical evidences. When woven together like threads, they can form an exceedingly strong cord: 1. An analogy from nature: For a seed to bring forth a living plant, a beautiful blossom, or a delicious fruit, it first has to go through the process of disintegrating and dying. The philosopher, Plato concluded that, likewise, the human body must ultimately decay and die before it will emerge in another world and another life. 2. The necessity of justice: All humans have a sense of right and wrong, some sense of moral duty. For that moral duty to make sense there must be justice, for why do right if justice does not prevail? Unfortunately, in our world, justice does not always prevail. Too often the good do suffer and the wicked prosper. Practical reasoning concludes that justice will ultimately prevail at another place and time. Therefore, justice demands life beyond the grave. And

for it to prevail, there must be a perfect Judge to ensure the verdict. Hebrews 9:27 3. The first law of thermodynamics: Set forth by Albert Einstein, it states that energy and matter cannot be created or destroyed. For example, if something is burned, it simply changes form. 1 Corinthians 15:49-51 describes for us how the Christian’s body will, in fact, change form at death. 4. The last words of dying people: There are books quoting the last words of dying people. “All is dark!” said noted infidel Edward Gibbon on his deathbed. In contrast, Augustus Toplady, author of the hymn “Rock of Ages” cried out, “All is light, light, light!” before he was gone. 5. The recollections of resuscitated people: Careful interviews were conducted with hundreds of people who were pronounced clinically dead and have later been revived. They told of a foretaste of either Heaven or Hell. From their testimonies, many scientists concluded that life does indeed go on beyond the grave. 3 11

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HAWAII It flies in the face of conventional wisdom. Hawaii–is it Paradise? Most would say, “Yes!” But for all of its beauty, the people of Hawaii need Christ; and for those ministering there, it can be anything but a Garden of Eden.

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awaii is a cultural mish-mash of ethnic groups, maybe like nowhere else in the world— a melting pot of cultures, beliefs, and heritage. All of the Asian cultures are represented mixed with Samoans, Tongans, African Americans, Caucasians, and on and on. Few people know that Hawaii was annexed as a territory by the United States at gunpoint leaving an ugly mark on history. Instead, paradise is all that mainlanders associate with the state today. The escapism mindset most mainlanders and tourists come with prevents them from seeing behind the island’s beauty and into the

hearts of the people who call it home. Native Hawaiians’ culture and practices remain very evident on the islands, even though the Hawaiian race itself has become somewhat diminished, especially diluted with fewer pure-blood Hawaiians in the general population. The diversity is one-of-a-kind, and it creates problems. “People get here and, soon after, they leave,” says Gary Hamrick, Pastor of Evangelism and Student Ministries at Valley Isle Fellowship Church in Wailuku on Maui. This transient environment promotes a lack of trust among the people, especially between “islanders” and those who come to minister to them. It certainly goes against the native Hawaiian tradition of “ohana” or family unity so much a part of the native Hawaiian

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culture. Today, the distrust among people has risen to what Gary calls “racism gone amuck.” It has reached the point where Gary and his wife pulled their two children from the public school system. “Just too much abuse,” he recalls sadly. According to Gary, the average stay for a pastor in Hawaii is two years max. “The people believe you’ll eventually leave, so it’s hard to build relationships,” says Gary. Pastors depart so quickly because ministry in Hawaii is no picnic. “When people get here they have a hard time getting past the beach and the palm trees,” Gary exclaims. “Once you get past that, you’re faced with this transient culture of much hatred and distrust.” And it’s much more than people being here today and gone tomorrow. Some islanders have a hard time being a part of white America. “In their eyes,” Gary says sadly, “white America has only brought in the ugly realities of things like alcoholism and drug abuse.” Gary remarks, “You can see how difficult it is to build relationships in such an environment.” Add to that the shy nature of Asians, in general, and it makes ministry a tough road to travel. Gary remarks that Asians would prefer someone going to Hell instead of someone intruding on

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Valley Isle youth outreach in the community.

their privacy. “They call it respect,” Gary says. This cultural issue is especially challenging in two areas: getting people to talk; and equipping people to become evangelists. Despite the overwhelming challenges to Gary, his wife, and two kids, they stay, armed with Evangelism Explosion’s Share Your Faith Workshop tools. Gary and his wife felt called to Valley Isle after Gary graduated from seminary in Houston in 2005. “I know the Lord called us here,” he says. “We’re persevering, fighting the good fight.” Unfortunately, Gary sees many pastors, who, at one time, felt called to serve in Hawaii, leave. “Here it takes a good two years to get close to people because they’re waiting for you to leave.” It creates a vicious cycle that makes it hard to reach people. Yet, above the transient roller coaster, and the racism, there exists a unique openness to the Gospel. Utilizing EE’s Share Your Faith Workshop training, Valley Isle has been very active in sharing their faith. With exuberance, Gary says, “The people are very open. I have experienced no hostility whatsoever. In the last two years, we have baptized more than 40 individuals in the area.” Gary points out that pastors need to stay and build that trust just like in any other foreign country. “It’s like that old cliché, they don’t care how much you know until they know how much

you care,” he implores. “Their attitude is, ‘Come walk in my shoes. Come pay $7 a gallon for milk, and $6 a gallon for gas, and $4 for a loaf of bread. Gain my trust. Be one of us.’” Once that trust is gained, they have a hunger and a thirst for the Gospel. Combined with God’s call upon his life, it keeps Gary on the island. He is convinced that the Share Your Faith Gospel tool can be far more successful in Hawaii than any other training. “I’ve gone through so many evangelical curriculums and the Share Your Faith tool is, by far, the most practical, simple tool I have come across. I believe it (EE’s impact in Hawaii) is waiting to happen.” With the struggling economy, and the costly travel from island to island, the plan for EE to impact Hawaii will involve people willing to work together, committing several weeks to travel from island to island. “We have to go to the people,” Gary says. Going to the people alleviates another concern; the Hawaii mentality is laid back. “Hawaiians are not in a hurry and not concerned about the American way. That’s too fast and aggressive for them.” For Gary and his family, their desire is to identify with the Hawaiian people, to be one with them, gain their trust, earn the right to share. “I’m not going anywhere,” Gary says. “They are open!” And the Share Your Faith Workshop training will be at his side.3

Gary pictured in front of Valley Isle Fellowship Church.

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everywhere

Chicago Club for Kids Seeing God at Work Through Kids’ EE By the Hand Club For Kids Helping Troubled Kids By The Hand is an afterschool program with an emphasis on academics and a commitment to nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and soul. Founded in Cabrini-Green, located strategically throughout some of Chicago’s most impoverished inner city communities, where overcrowded and underfunded schools abound.

“All of our kids are recommended by school principals as kids in critical need of intervention,” says Donita Travis, By The Hand Director. “So we are very closely connected to the city.”

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hey are taking kids by the hand and walking alongside them from the early years until they are walking as responsible, well-adjusted adults. The By The Hand Club For Kids began in the Chicago area in 2001 with 16 children. It started as a ministry of Moody Church. It has become so successful that it now partners with the Chicago public schools and the Chicago Housing Authority. Some of Chicago’s most impoverished inner city communities benefit from the program. Today, By The Hand Club For Kids ministers to more than 600 children. 16

The program is filling a special need with great success. Kids are saying no to drugs, gang violence, and teen pregnancy. They are rejecting illiteracy and poverty as a way of life. And Kids’ EE was with By The Hand from its inception in 2001. Don and Suzy Warren, Kids’ EE Trainers, met Donita during an EE clinic in 2000.

“Donita and three other ladies from Moody stayed at our home during the clinic,” recalls Suzy. “After the clinic, Donita told us, ‘I want to do this,’ and we told her that we wanted to help her.” They began a relationship that continues today. The Warrens make an annual trip to Chicago to help train the By The Hand Club for Kids staff in Kids’ EE. “When we return we see ex-students who are now in leadership there,” Susy says. “To see the maturity and fruit develop from what God is doing is exciting.” In the beginning, Donita recalls using the Kids’ EE cadences to get the first 16 kids from the parking lot into the building. “We have stories of kids not only hearing and learning the Gospel, but going to their homes and sharing with their brothers and sisters,

kneeling and praying with them on bedroom floors,” Donita recalls. Freida Howard Ivy, a By The Hand staffer for six years knows personally the impact of Kids’ EE upon the students. “Kids are able to understand exactly what happened on the cross, why it happened, and God’s whole purpose for sending His Son,” she says. One of the kids whose life was changed through By The Hand and Kids’ EE is 11-yearold Jonte Durr. “I was a bad kid, getting F’s in school, and being a bully,” he recalls. “I came here and learned that I don’t deserve to go to Heaven, but God sent Jesus to save us.” Jonte’s grades are much improved and he shares his faith in Jesus regularly. Freida was emphatic about EE’s impact in their community. “We have used EE during some of the roughest times in our community and introduced it to some of our most notorious gang leaders, drug users, and other offenders in the community,” Freida exclaims. “It is an amazing tool.” A “sister ministry” of By The Hand is called Club for Big

Kids, otherwise known as CBK. In 2009, CBK will minister to kids in grades 9-12. Currently; it includes kids in grade 8. Bethany Arvan directs the 80 students of CBK with a holistic approach. “There is an academic component and spiritual component too. So hopefully, as they have given

EE donates materials

On June 24, EE donated a pallet of Kids’ EE materials to By The Hand Club For Kids.Weighing almost 1,300 pounds, the materials were unloaded at the club’s main Chicago office. By The Club For Kids will distribute the materials among four impoverished

their lives to Christ, they are having an impact in their schools,” she says. Since the high school kids have learned EE early on, CBK teaches an EE refresher course once a year. “They are sharing their faith and encouraging their friends,” Bethany says. 3

South Chicago neighborhoods where it ministers.

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church profile

Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit Sees EE Working postmodern culture, a lot of the theology is not sound. EE has served as a tool that creates a really sound theology. It has solidified people’s theology and, more importantly, their faith.” During an EE clinic May 19-23, Second Ebenezer trained 15 clinicians. During on-thejob training, there were 47 professions of faith in Christ in three days.

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econd Ebenezer is large metropolitan urban church. Some members travel from 90-minutes away to attend. Rev. Keith Hutchings, Chief Operating Officer and Minister of Evangelism and Discipleship calls the membership diverse. “We have people that represent every walk of life in terms of the socio-economic ladder. Everyone comes with their differing backgrounds, yet everyone finds their spiritual needs being met. Our true strength is to help individuals develop a real and authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. EE helps us exercise that 18

strength. One member, a doctor of psychiatry, grew up in a church. She signed up for EE and realized she did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She made a profession of faith in Christ. She has since led 18 of her family members to the Lord. Many of them are active in the EE ministry. “EE has helped people have a perspective that is outward-focused and not self-focused,” Keith says. “EE has changed my personal life and how I approach ministry,” Keith explains. “Today, in our

EE clinics at Second Ebenezer are ethnically diverse with past attendees including Canadians, Chinese, African-Americans, EuropeanAmericans, and from all across the United States as well. “As soon as we get the names of the clinicians, we begin praying for them, says Keith. “We get together every night ‘en masse’ and pray.” They also make sure that their worship is in order. “And we try to love on each

clinician,” Keith exclaims. We understand that this is more than an opportunity for them to pick up this great tool. This is an opportunity for them to receive a vision, get rejuvenated spiritually, and set a standard for worship and service to the Lord that will ignite them and give them a passion to reach the lost.”

World Class Outreach

Rev. Keith Hutchings had a vision for evangelism when he first arrived at Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit, MI. He was trained in EE. But it wasn’t until Keith attended an EE clinic, that God gave him a vision that aligned with his pastor’s vision to have a truly world class outreach. Keith is now Chief Operating Officer and Minister of Evangelism and Discipleship at Second Ebenezer. He conducted the first EE clinic there in 2003. Since then, they have been an EE clinic-base. “Since being here,” says Keith, “we have stabilized this neighborhood through things like life skill programs, economic programs, and building new housing.” For Second Ebenezer, the goal is building relationships and then truly connecting with people that transform lives. With that mindset, their EE ministry has truly become first class. Also, the EE ministry

is woven into the fabric of most of their other outreach opportunities one of which is networking with other churches. Second Ebenezer decided to reach out to other fellowships around them, introduce these pastors to the EE training, first get them trained, then encourage them to attend an EE clinic. “This way you have the pastoral leadership attending clinics,” Keith says, “which makes for more effective implementation. We continue to network with these churches and it helps them absorb the small details

their communities. Second Ebenezer also encourages individuals each year to attend an EE clinic “They get a much better understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish in ministry and they become stronger trainers, stronger leaders throughout the ministry,” says Keith. According to Keith’s experiences, those engaged with EE become the most spiritually mature leaders in the church. “EE takes the methods of Christ and teaches people how to be spiritually disciplined.”

involved in implementation and maintaining a solid ministry.” It also creates a strong base for community outreach. With Second Ebenezer’s inner city setting in Detroit, a strong base is critical in reaching such a diverse community. Second Ebenezer Church’s connection with pastors is the basis for EE’s new Leadership Training Cell that brings pastors together to better reach

Keith sees EE as not just an evangelism tool but also a discipleship tool. “EE equips people how to share their faith,” he says, “brings people to Christ, and teaches people how to be disciplined in the Lord. We’ve never approached it just as an evangelism tool. Pastors have multiple needs. Witnessing to people is critical, but having a tool that creates discipleship in the leadership is vitally important.”3

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in the field

Exciting News Continues to Pour in From Around the World Toronto, Canada

In Toronto, Canada, people are taking the Gospel to their communities. EE teams decided to share the Gospel with a friend who lived at a nearby nursing home. The resident was recovering from a massive stroke. Upon arrival, the team noticed a big crowd of 20 people who had gathered for the resident’s birthday party. The EE leader approached a nursing home attendant and asked for permission to share the Gospel with the

large group. Permission was granted. The resident and his niece made public professions of faith in Christ. Said the EE leader, “They were all so attentive and, 20

actually, everybody prayed the prayer of commitment. We know that the Gospel was preached and it will not return to Him empty.”

India

India has a population of 1.1 billion people, but only 20 million of them are Christians. There remain more than a half million villages where no evangelist has ever stepped. The India Missions Association from Chennai reports that there are 27,145 zip code areas in India. From these zip codes, 18,677 of them do not have a single Christian missionary. One zip code area represents about 30 villages and a population of 35,000. In order to bring the Gospel to these people, EE field workers must be equipped. From 2005 through 2007, EE South Asia has equipped more than 3,000 EE trainers and empowered them to return to their home villages to share the Gospel in their native tongues. This multiplying effect allows the Gospel to reach farther into

these unreached villages. A pastor from Maharshtra recently wrote, “We’re implementing EE in our village church. As a result, last Sunday, 30 new souls attended our morning service. Our vision for this year is to see at least 500 new souls added to our church. We thank God for EE!” The Lord continues to open doors to areas never touched by the Gospel. For more information on EE for People Groups, visit: rev79.org.

Trinidad

Art Hallett, Director for Prison EE, traveled to Trinidad in March to respond to a personal

invitation from the Trinidad Commissioner of Prisons and Prison Fellowship (PF). The Commissioner learned of Prison EE’s impact on the prison system in the states and extended the invitation. Before Art’s arrival, PF and the Commissioner considered a plan to implement Prison EE in every prison on the Island. In an effort to assure the success of the program, the Commissioner decided to first train his officers and prepare them for their part in the implementation of the plan. Consequently, after arriving in Trinidad, Art trained 55 officers and several of the commissioner’s executive staff along with PF leadership. “During the seminar, I shared with the group how Trinidad will make history through their honest and unselfish effort to see inmates lives transformed,” Art says. “Prison EE has an unprecedented 2.3 percent recidivism rate on record which indicates that almost all prisoners who take our course and are released do not go back to prison.” Trinidad officials intend to put Prison EE to the ultimate test. “We welcome the challenge,” Art exclaims, “because we know that Prison EE is bathed in God’s

favor and blessings!” At the completion of the seminar and workshop, Art received very thorough post-evaluations from each participant, and the overall response was enthusiastic and supportive.

pastor in Khao Lak. EE’s work in the tsunami-stricken areas continues as field workers commit to full-time work in these areas. Pray for more workers for this muchneeded harvest.

Thailand

Malaysia

Philippines. The team paid all expenses to participate in a Kids Camp for children of tsunami survivors along with kids from three local churches where EE has been implemented. The Kids Camp was hosted by Pastor Sam, a local

Pastor Voon Yuen Woh, National Chairman for EE in Malaysia; EE Malaysia board members; and other key EE Malaysia leaders. Rev. Rod Story, EE Acting Vice President for Oceania, shared the vision and history of the development of XEE

Recently, the EE Tsunami Field Workers in Khao Lak, Thailand, hosted a missions trip for EE trainers from the

One hundred leaders gathered for the two-day launch of the new XEE training. Attendees included

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and then passed the torch to Steve Hanlon, who is helping to coordinate XEE in Asia, and Frank Alexander, an EE short-term Mission Director for Asia. Also in attendance and lending support were Tom Mangham, EE Vice President for Asia, and his wife, Barb. It was an energy-filled two days where existing connections were strengthened between leaders in Malaysia and a new connection to XEE was forged.

Generation X leaders not only wanted to launch XEE in their own churches, but also expressed interest in becoming a part of an XEE team who would help to launch it in other churches as well.

Singapore

We are praying that in the next months XEE will prove effective and successful in reaching young Asians for Christ in these two countries. Please pray with us.

An XEE launch also took place in Singapore, a day before the Malaysia launch, where XEE was also received with much excitement. The younger

Vietnam

From tribal clinics in the Vietnam highlands to city parks, Vietnamese leaders are equipping more and more believers with the Gospel and are seeing many people make professions of faith in Christ. Some of the teams are preparing to take the Gospel to their fellow H’mong in North Vietnam. EE materials have already been translated into the H’mong language. In a province very resistant to the Gospel, EE teams shared with 116 people and 16 of them professed Jesus as Savior! At the new training center in Vietnam, team members are preparing to translate EE into 11 different tribal languages.

EE adds Dr. Tom Stebbins to North America team Evangelism Explosion his assistance and leadership

Tom Stebbins & Ken Silva

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International has named Dr. Tom Stebbins as Director of Language Group Ministries for North America. Tom will also continue in his current role with EE as Global Ambassador. As Director of Language Group Ministries, Tom will provide assistance to directors of intercultural EE ministry in North America. He also has a vision to attract and train new language groups to further develop EE. Initially, Tom will focus

to Hispanic, Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese people. Tom will add others as God gives direction and opens new doors of opportunity. Please pray for Tom, his leadership, and vision that God will use him in this new position. Tom served EE as Executive Vice President before being named as Global Ambassador. He, and his wife, Donna, serve as missionaries to the Vietnamese people.

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Evangelism Explosion International P.O. Box 23820 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED ATTENTION POSTMASTER:TIME-SENSITIVE MATERIAL Please do not crease