Billy Graham Outreach Reveals 3 Million People Have Turned to Christ Through Internet Ministry
As many as three million people have decided to follow Jesus Christ thanks to the Internet ministry website SearchForJesus.net, The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) reported in a press release on Thursday.
"Historically, we have spread the hope of Jesus Christ to millions through citywide stadium events, and that continues to be a very effective platform. Nothing can replace that," said John Cass, BGEA's Director of Internet Evangelism.
"However, as people – not just in the U.S. but around the world – become increasingly digital, it only makes sense to adapt along with the technology. We've seen a remarkable response by meeting people where they are, at points in their life when they need the Gospel the most."
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SearchForJesus.net, which was launched in May 2011 by BGEA, uses Bible scriptures, video presentations and live chat to share the Gospel with online visitors. It also features a live tracker that marks down where and when people from around the world have made a declaration to follow Christ.
"Each day, millions turn to the Internet for answers to their spiritual questions. They're looking for truth, for something to fill the emptiness within. They ask questions like: 'Am I loved?' 'Is there a God?' 'What's my purpose in life?'" the website states, and explains that its mission is to direct people to real hope and address those concerns.
The website even offers an interactive Google Earth 3-D map showing real-time decision taking place around the globe.
Back in September 2011, BGEA's Vice President Preston Parrish shared with The Christian Post that the ministry has been looking at sharing the Gospel through multiple means and strategies.
"I wouldn't necessarily say that the Internet is the future arena for a majority of evangelism, but the Internet is certainly an increasingly strategic arena for evangelism," Parish told CP.
"It's really just our latest application of Billy Graham's practice over the past 60 years – to take the gospel to as many people as possible using every effective means," he added about SearchForJesus.net.
The website is partnered with PeaceWithGod.net, where reportedly over 30,000 people each day view a presentation of the Gospel.
"Looking back on Mr. Graham's decades of ministry filling arenas with tens of thousands of people anxious to hear the message of Christ, the Internet is allowing us to continue that legacy with a Crusade a day online," Cass added.
An integral part of the outreach efforts are the teams of volunteers who connect with people from around the world, helping them with questions and searching for churches and Christian communities they can join in their area.
