Hundreds of women filled the hall of a women’s college in Cochin, India. Their rainbow of saris transformed the room into a sea of color. During Stone’s concert, lead singer Teresa described her past pain and rejection and how Jesus’ love had given her hope in her darkest hour.
Most of the women were either Muslim or Hindu, so after the band finished playing Teresa plunged into the crowd eager to see what they thought about Jesus. Smothering her with hugs and kisses, the women talked about how great the band was, especially Teresa’s singing. “I really wanted to turn the corner to talk about Jesus with them,” she said.
After a while, about 15 women sat on the floor with Teresa. She asked, “What did you think about what I had to say about Jesus during the show?” Some replied that they liked Jesus, others said He is a good prophet and they pray to Him. Many expressed that it was okay that Teresa had her God and they had theirs. Those answers didn’t satisfy Teresa.
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The Lord is using God Tools to reach people for Christ around the world. Recently Eric, a Campus Crusade staff member in southeast Asia, spoke with Arun, a Buddhist monk (for security reasons their names have been changed). They conversed easily about travels and beautiful places. After a time, Arun said he needed to go to the temple and pray.
Immediately Eric thought, “I should not let go of this opportunity, help me God.” He asked Arun to stay for a while so he could explain why he shared about these beautiful places. He said, “There is God, the most High God, who created all of these and I would like to share more about Him to you. He is Jesus Christ. Would you like to know Him personally?” Arun agreed.
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“Thanks for making me feel human!”
Kevin, an inmate at a correctional facility in Florida, wrote the comment above on his card after hearing Rhymz Suhreal this summer. He is one of more than 2000 inmates who heard the gospel during the band’s tour. More than 150 of the men indicated a first-time decision to follow Jesus. Hundreds more said they want to recommit their lives to Jesus’ lordship.
Bringing the light of Jesus – the hope of the gospel – to prisoners, international students, inner-city dwellers and others is the mission of Rhymz Suhreal.
“It is a privilege to sow seeds of life and shine a light that can reach down into the shadows of people’s hearts – into the darkness of daily existence, the regret of choices. These prisoners are identified as numbers, but we can help them realize that they are valuable, that they are human. They can be adopted sons and daughters of the King.” said Zak Alwin, co-leader and songwriter for Rhymz Suhreal.
On the other side of the world, 3union told students in Australia about the good news of Jesus. They worked with Darren and Judy Hamilton of Creative Arts Ministry (CRAM), furthering a partnership begun in 2002. Most events were for public schools where there is freedom to present the gospel as part of a program.
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Vili was terrified. Her arms stuck to her sides as she stood in front of the crowd. After attending Keynote’s communication seminar in Bulgaria last year, she lost her fear of public speaking. Inspired to give others the same opportunity, she joined two other co-workers last month to be trained in communication coaching.
Between 12 and 20 leaders from local churches and ministries gathered for the five day seminar to learn and practice principles of effective communication.
Emil Georgiev, the team leader of Cru’s affiliate ministry in Varna, Bulgaria, is a big fan of Keynote’s communication training. “This [is a] unique topic that nobody covers in Bulgaria,” he explained. “I know that there is a big need of this for Bulgaria, so as a team leader I suggested to two people from the staff here in Varna to take the course. I want them to be prepared to teach others how to be effective communicators, and I’m glad that God put in their hearts a desire for this.”
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Chocolate chip. Oatmeal raisin. Snicker-doodle. What is your favorite kind of cookie?
Earlier this spring, ten eager students and Cru staff members stood around a table stacked with 700 cookies. These treats were packaged and ready to deliver to students in the dorms of California State University Sacramento.
This annual “Text-For-Cookie” outreach was simple. Students used their cell phone to text the word ‘COOKIE’ to MissionHub. Next, they received a short survey on their phone asking for three pieces of information: their campus address, one question they have about God, and their favorite kind of cookie. As the answers came in, MissionHub sent them to the Cru staff members and students who delivered the cookies with hopes of starting spiritual conversations about Jesus.
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