'My Hope' Helps Nearly 70K Turn Over to Christ in Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico

By Joshua A. Goldberg, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Correction appended

Christians across the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico this year opened their homes for meetings and witnessed a combined total of 69,188 make commitments to Jesus Christ, reported the ministry behind the evangelism outreach.

"These faithful Christians took a bold step in inviting their friends and neighbors to their homes, and God truly worked through their efforts and prayers," said Bill Conard, vice president of international ministries for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

"Projects like this show that evangelism is not only for pastors, but for anyone who longs for those around them to experience the hope and love found only in Jesus Christ," he added.

For months, Christians across the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were prepared and equipped for the project – part of the BGEA's "My Hope" ministry.

The programs culminated in a combined total of more than 59,000 home events in March and April, which included a TV program featuring a sermon from Billy or Franklin Graham and a personal testimony from the host.

Altogether more than 5,500 churches from across the evangelical spectrum were reportedly involved in the projects.

As a result, 55,391 people in the Dominican Republic made commitments to Christ. In Puerto Rico, 13,797 did the same.

Since My Hope began in 2002, such projects have been implemented in 50 countries.

Upcoming projects this year will take place in Malawi and four "sensitive" countries in Asia. Preparations are underway for potential My Hope outreaches next year in Portugal, Spain, Haiti and select African countries.

Correction:Thursday, July 15, 2010:

An article on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, about evangelism outreaches in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico incorrectly referred to Bill Conard as the director of international ministries for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. According to a representative with the BGEA, Conard is the vice president.