Reports from PEN Newsletter February 2005

2005 PEN eSchool

The fourth annual PEN eSchool will be held from April 6-9, 2005 in Harrisonburg, VA in conjunction with the Steve Wingfield Evangelistic Association's SpringFest event.

The opening plenary session featuring Rev. Preston Parrish of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association begins at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6th. Other speakers will include Rev. Jose Zayas, Dr. Elmer Towns, Dr. James O. Davis, Dr. Myron Augsburger, Rev. Sammy Tippit, Sandra Barrett, Keith Cook, Rev. York Moore, and Steve Wingfield.

There will also be a variety of workshops and exhibits to broaden your knowledge and vision.

The first three eSchools have proven to be extraordinary opportunities to stay abreast of what is happening with evangelism around the world and to network with fellow proclaimers from organizations of every size and description.

The cost of the entire conference is $125 with early registration postmarked by February 28, 2005. The cost is $175 thereafter. There are reduced costs for commuters and students. The registration fee includes two (2) lunches. Special lodging rates have been arranged.
(Courtesy: Steve Wingfield Evangelsitic Association. For more information, go to the following address: www.wingfieldministries.org or email Steve at stevew@wingfieldministries.org. You may also contact Vickie Dove at 540-433-0769 or vickied@wingfieldministries.org .

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SUPPORT FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS

OPERATION STARTING LINE

No other prison outreach shares the Gospel of Jesus more dramatically than Operation Starting Line. This unique collaboration of local and national ministries, all united in the central goal to evangelize every prisoner in America, began in 2000. In 2004-2005, Operation Starting Line campaigns will be held in Florida, Texas, and Colorado, Arkansas, and Missouri.

While 80% of prisoners do not regularly attend chapel services, OSL events typically draw out most of the prison population. OSL events are held on prison yards and feature talented Christian musicians, athletes, and speakers, attracting a large portion of the prison's population. Following the performances, volunteers from local churches mingle with prisoners to establish relationships. Prisoners are given a copy of a Bible study developed specifically for inmates and offered an opportunity to participate in group Bible study or correspondence classes

Since its inception on Easter Sunday 2000, through August 2004, Operation Starting line has conducted over 2,450 in-prison events that have reached over 550,000 prisoners at 684 correctional facilities throughout 21 states.

During this period, over 70,000 inmates have made a first time decision to accept Christ, rededicated their life to Christ or signed up to participate in a Bible Study program. (Courtesy: Larry Tucker, Operation Starting Line. For more information go to the following web link: www.operationstartingline.net .)

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ACROSS THE STREET AND AROUND THE WORLD WITH ON THE GO

International Evangelist Keith Cook would like to invite you to join with his On The Go Ministries GoTeams and together let's reach this generation for Christ. GoTeams are international and domestic outreach and mission projects, full of ministry that really matters. Each GoTeam has numerous ministry opportunities: to preach, witness, sing, dance, minister through drama, children's evangelism, mime, homeless ministry, street ministry, prayer walking, orphanage outreach, medical outreach, and much more. There are opportunities to share the Gospel through hundreds of different facets of ministry including Street Evangelism, Crusades, Festivals and Celebrations in various locations around the world including Uganda, Costa Rica, England, Fiji, and the United States. This is a great opportunity for hands on mission and evangelism training and front-line ministry experience.
(Courtesy: Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go Ministries. For more information go to the following web address: www.onthego.org. or email Jimmy Earle, Vice President of Outreach: jimmyearle@onthego.org .)
(Courtesy of Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go Ministries. For more information go to the link www.onthego.org.)

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REACHING OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY

I am glad to introduce you to one more feature of our ministry. Soon, you will be able to access and read about what is happening at anytime, enjoy weekly devotionals, share prayer requests, post your own personal comments and stories of faith, or invite a friend with spiritual questions to browse our website and dialogue with us. It is my prayer that this will be one more effective tool in reaching our global community with the story of Jesus Christ and of communicating with you. Although the site is currently under construction, I invite you to preview at the following address.
(Courtesy Samuel Wanyonyi. For more information on Samuel Wanyonyi International Ministries, send email to: samsimo@msn.com or go to the following weblink:
http://www.mawebcenters.com/swim1/index.html <http://www.mawe
bcenters.com/swim1/index.html>)

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CAMEROUN CAMPAIGNS

From February 13-28, 2005, Bill Thomas, along with four other team members from the local Baptist association in Strasbourg France where he lives, will be conducting united campaigns and seminars in Zidem and Maroua. The cities are located in the north of Cameroun. Maroua is 60% Muslim. This will be Bill's third visit to this area over the past 13 years.

Following the meetings in the north, he will be in Douala, the financial capital for three days of united evangelistic meetings.

The interesting feature of these meetings is that the local churches are covering all of the on-site expenses. This is a policy that Bill Thomas has adopted and applying as often as possible. "If the churches are to really grow and truly profit from this ministry, they must take ownership of the campaigns which are plan and carried out African style." (Bill Thomas)

(Courtesy: Bill Thomas Ministries. For more information go to the following address: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/bill.thomas or email Bill Thomas

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FISHING FOR SOULS ON THE SHORES OF LAKE VICTORIA

There we were walking on the shore lake Victoria in Kisumu, Kenya, and Sammy a local vendor on the beach approaches us to engage us in conversation. God gave me the presence of mind to say, "2000 years ago there was a man who walked on the shores of a lake in Galilee, he looked over at some fishermen who were mending their nets, he bid them come and follow him."

Looking Sammy in the eye I then said, "He is still calling people to follow him. Are you a follower of Jesus?" He stared into the ground, his response said it all. Noticing that he was still open to our dialogue, I continued by asking if he woud allow us to tell him how he can become a follower of Jesus. Daniel Howard a young man, I am mentoring was standing nearby, I motioned him to come and take over the conversation. Forty-five minutes later, Sammy prayed to receive Christ as his savior. 2000 years later, he still walks to the shores … still calling people to follow him.

When we are out there in the world, we must open our eyes and see the harvest is plenty. Look for things you can relate to people. In our case we used the lake and the fishing to relate to Jesus. It was a perfect setting to talk about God. The apostle Paul in Acts 17 related the worship to Unknown as knowing Christ. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and he will guide you and set up the right opportunities.

(Courtesy of Wesley Paul International Ministries. For more information, email Wesley at wesleypaul1@hotmail.com)

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NEW NAME, SAME FOCUS

Steve Wingfield and his ministry team are currently transitioning into their new ministry name. Formerly known simply as Wingfield Ministries, the ministry based in Harrisonburg, Virginia has expanded its staff and role to accommodate an active and growing agenda.

The Steve Wingfield Evangelistic Association conducted four major events (called "Encounters") this year. Pendleton County, West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland were held in June and August respectively. The Cumberland Valley (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania) Encounter was held in September. Special guests Randy Travis, Jaci Velasquez, and Petra headlined the very successful event with over 1000 volunteers from 190+ churches contributing their efforts.

The year's last Encounter was conducted in Salisbury, Maryland from November 17-21. Charlie Daniels and Jaci Velasquez were the featured performers. Attendance at this year's events exceeded 35,000 with at least 918 men, women, children, and young people making decisions for Christ. In addition, more than 2000 took the "True Love Waits" pledge for sexual abstinence until marriage.

Steve Wingfield, a founding executive board member of PEN, also participated in FijiFest with the Palau organization. Steve's fourth book, The Friendship Book, was published by World Publishing in October. Steve has also developed a relationship with the publishers of the God's Word Translation Bible.

The first event for the ministry in 2005 will be SpringFest to be held during the second week of April in Harrisonburg in conjunction with the fourth annual PEN eSchool. (see related article) In June, the ministry will be in Watertown, NY for a five day crusade.

(Courtesy: Steve Wingfield Evangelistic Association. For more information, go to the following address: www.wingfieldministries.org .)

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PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL

Thanks for praying for good weather regarding the evangelistic proclamation for last Saturday, December 5, 2004. My friend, Daboy Sosa's ministry the GABAY (Guidance) MICRO- FINANCING group drew about 4000 to5000 for the meeting held at a local basketball court. God answered our prayers!

Usually, there are strong winds when there is a typhoon, and heavy rains for about two days. This time there were none. We were in the lower end of the typhoons influence. The result: dry warm weather as if nothing had happened. God is a prayer answering God!

About 95% of the audience patiently stood from 1 pm to 5 pm, something I would have found impossible to do. The program moved so well that those in attendance were not bored. I begun preaching around 2:45 pm. The audience must have comprised of about 90% unbelievers, which is average for this country.

Speaking to such a large crowd was a good time for me to apply all that I had taught evangelists to do. I used the narrative style of teaching and getting the crowd to participate in the message by asking them to read the Bible verses that appeared on the screen through a power point presentation.

As it was not a formal "evangelistic meeting" there were no trained counselors, which we usually do. This was a wonderful opportunity for sowing the gospel seed, trusting that God's Word will not return void. Basically, it was a time to proclaim, announce, and publish the Word of God. When the time came for the invitation, this became even more defined for me. Usually, we ask those who wish to follow Christ, to make a public profession of their faith. Sometimes, we ask for a show of hands. In the context of money being loaned and rewards being given later on in the program, this made me very uneasy. Usually, an evangelist measures success by the "numbers praying to receive Christ." God spared me from that pressure. Providentially, conversion is a work of the Holy Spirit. So whether they came forward, raised their hands, or stood up, it really would have not mattered this time. If God had worked in their lives, then NOTHING on earth could have stopped it. We concluded, by praying with those the
"sinners prayer" and asked them to contact their group leader (one per thirty) and inform them about their decision.

We returned home rejoicing that night twelve hours since we left home in the morning, tired but rejoicing, the gospel had gone out to needy people. The gospel is "the power of God unto salvation". Proclamation is one of the tools God uses to reach the masses.

(Courtesy: Kumar Abraham. For more information visit our website at: www.heralds.org )

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EMERGING ITINERANT EVANGELISTS IN RUSSIA

What an amazing opportunity to reach into areas of the world that I am not allowed to enter or where I could not share the gospel openly: Georgia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Artic Circle. Evangelists are being encouraged to reach into areas that I cannot reach and shouldn't. I find it a privilege to be able to help train and encourage these fine people. We heard wonderful stories from the field and from the teachers that joined me in Krasnodar, Russia. In December we completed our second of session six planned for 2004-2005.

Al Whitinghill of Ambassadors for Christ spent time teaching on the private life of the evangelist. Prayer, wholeness, and silence before the Lord were his subjects. Many evangelists were ministered to by the Word taught and the Holy Spirit. Al performed a fine and worthwhile ministry to our students. The students dealt with personal and ministry issues that will affect their lives and ministries for years to come.

Ron O'Guinn, Presiding Minister of Allofus Ministry of Grapevine, TX and speaker for Market Place Ministries of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association spoke of the ministry of reconciliation and how that affects race relations, preaching, and our private lives. He consistently challenged the evangelists to think globally. Brother Ron also spent many hours teaching on the position of the believer, looking at Scripture through the lens of royalty. Our students were excited and blessed to realize their position in and before Christ.

After being in Krasnodar, Ron wrote that in light of the devastating conditions in Russia and the surrounding countries at this time in history, the ministry of the Institute for Emerging Itinerant Evangelists is an essential move of God, which has the potential to change nations! He says he is glad to know that God has placed people and organizations such as ours in such a strategic place.

Pavel Ivanenko, our former student, had traveled to Halifax, Nova Scotia to a Franklin Graham Festival with me in November. What a great time we had with other evangelists from Scotland and England! For this session, Pavel traveled to Krasnodar to share his experience with the new students. The three most important things he learned from his visit to the Festival were the emphasis of prayer, the organizational process, and the commitment to follow-up. Pavel was a great blessing to the students.

(Courtesy: John Adams, Institute for Emerging Itinerant Evangelists / East West Ministries Int'l. For more information, please email the following: jcadams@rochester.rr.com .)

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CRUSADE IN PAKISTAN

Major James Linzey, Director of Operation Freedom, has just returned from a crusade in Pakistan where he spoke on two campuses, speaking to hundreds of Pakistais. While there Major Linzey was invited into tow homes of political leaders of Pakistan where he was well received. He shared his faith in Christ. One of the leaders invited Dr. Linzey to give him a English Bible. God is doing great things in Pakistan and the Muslims and Christians warmly received him.
(Courtesy: James Linzey, D.D. Chaplain, Major, USA. For more info email Dr James Linzey

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FUTURE PEN Articles

We will be correlating the data for the next PEN Newsletter. In order for events and articles to be included in the upcoming PEN Newsletter, we have set Wednesday, March 16th at 12:00 noon central time as the deadline. We will try to run as many articles as possible, but we can not guarantee that your article will be included in the upcoming PEN Newsletter as there are over 300 ministries participating in the PEN Network. In order for your ministry event to be included in the next PEN Newsletter, we will need to receive the following from you by the deadline.

1) Subject or Title Heading
2) Brief Description of Event, Article, or Training Opportunity
3) WebLink to an article or webpage describing full detail of ministry event, article, or training opportunity

Below you will find a list of qualifications for data that will be included in the PEN Newsletter.

1) The PEN Newsletter will not include any information regarding Fund Raising for your ministry. This is not the role of this newsletter.

2) We will attempt to include brief articles from as many ministries as possible. Articles must be Evangelistic in nature. Most Evangelistic Projects, Training Opportunities, and Conferences will be listed in our upcoming events section of each newsletter.

3) All other information will be included only upon a space availability basis. We will rank importance according to PEN guidelines.

4) All correspondence must be done through emails. Please try not to call our office or fax your articles to us, as it will be more time consuming to retype information in for each of the newsletters.

5) The PEN Network and On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Evangelistic Association are not responsible for mistakes or miscommunications.

6) All articles received must have Subject/Title line, Brief Description of Article, Information, Evangelistic Event, or Training Opportunity, and Weblink to your ministry event or webpage that contains actual information you want communicated. Full articles that will be included in the PEN Newsletter will only be that of official PEN related articles.

We look forward to working with you so that others may know how they can be more actively involved in your ministry. Again, please remember that we can not promise to enter an article on every ministry that submits information, but we will make an attempt to include as much information as we possibly can, yet keep the newsletter concise and informative as well. In order to list an Upcoming Evangelistic Article, Project, or Training Opportunity, please send your articles with your Subject or Title line, Brief Description, and Weblink to the following address: Lauriewilkerson@onthego.org.

PEN RESOURCES

eSchool 2004 CD & tapes may be purchased through Soundword & Associates. Visit www.soundword.com, or e-mail tapes@soundword.com. Resources from the 2004 eSchool include the following speakers: Loren Cunningham, Steve Douglass, Joyce Meyer, Avery Willis, J. John, and much more. Note: Soundword also audio-recorded the inaugural 2002 eSchool.

eSchool 2002 DVD's are available on sale at the BGC (Billy Graham Center). This DVD features speakers from the 2002 eSchool: Gary Frost, Luis Palau, Mark Anderson, Leighton Ford, Lon Allison, and Jerry Drace. The theme for the 2002 PEN Conference was "Gather, Learn, Network, Go…" This conference was held May 6-9, 2002 in Asheville, North Carolina. DVD sells at $7.50 (S & H included). Please e-mail ise@wheaton.edu

eSchool 2003 materials and resources may be purchased at the following web address: www.palau.org/nga/resources.shtml in the Materials section.

Livin' It Livin' It is an evangelistic DVD with director/producer/host Stephen Baldwin and executive producer Kevin Palau. Together, they assembled a talented and motivated team of filmmakers and athletes who captured extreme stunts and sports action along with face-to-face, street-style evangelism. The fruit of their work is Livin' It, a contemporary, relevant evangelistic tool that churches, youth pastors, youth ministries, and young Christians can boldly use to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. For more information go to the following web address: https://www.gospelcom.net/lpea/livinit_bd/order.php)

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Upcoming Notable Proclamation Evangelism Events

(February - April 2005)

MARCH 5 - 9 Keith Cook Crusade, Tampa, FL, Keith Cook Evangelistic Association/On the Go Ministries (On the Go Ministries)

MARCH 11 -13 Festival Tasmania with Franklin Graham, Tasmania, Australia www.festivaltasmania.com.au/festivaltasmania/

MARCH 11 -12, 2005 Festival Mendoza with Luis Palau
Mendoza, Argentina www.palau.org/lpea/resources/news.php?rowid=147

APRIL 1- 5 Springfest Neighborhood Outreach Harrisonburg, VA

APRIL 6-10 PEN eSchool (4th Annual) hosted by Wingfield Ministries, Harrisonburg, VA www.wingfieldministries.org/current/encounter_info.asp?encounterID=1