Posted: 09/26/2013 at 8:34am | IP Logged

CHARLOTTE, NC (ANS) -- Momentum is building for My Hope America with Billy Graham, as the project has just six weeks until culmination in November. Nearly 22,000 churches – with more being added daily – have signed on to participate in the project, which is expected to result in thousands of individuals opening their homes and reaching out in their communities.

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According to a BGEA news release, it is the largest evangelism effort across the United States in the history of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

“If ever there was a time this country needed the intervention of God, it is now,” wrote Billy Graham in a recent letter to supporters. “We can and should pray for America as a whole, but remember that when God sets out to change a nation, He begins by changing people. It starts with individuals. The more I pray, the more deeply I feel that My Hope America is the right outreach for this country today.”

With six weeks still remaining, pastors across the nation are in agreement, as nearly 22,000 have registered their churches to be involved and more are signing on every day. Based on most estimates, that represents one out of every 12 churches in America.

“From the outset, this has been a movement of prayer,” said Preston Parrish, vice president of the My Hope America evangelism campaign. “We are thrilled at how God is answering prayer and stirring the hearts of people across the nation. He’s stirring them to become intentional and purposeful about reaching out to others with the love and good news of Jesus Christ.”

Graham recently completed recording his personal message to the nation in a new program called “The Cross,” which is set to debut the first week of November. In addition to his new message, the program features the moving faith stories of rapper Lecrae and Lacey Sturm, former lead singer of the band Flyleaf.

Pastors who have registered to participate will soon receive DVDs of “The Cross,” the primary program in the My Hope America series. Individuals participating in the project will be able to order DVDs of the program online for free. Plans are also being finalized for television broadcasts of “The Cross” the first week of November. All My Hope programs will also be available for viewing online.

Participating individuals, called “Matthews” after the disciple who invited guests to his home in order to introduce his friends to Jesus, will open up their homes to people they have been praying for specifically. At these home gatherings, they will show one of the My Hope evangelistic programs and share their own personal stories of coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

“It is going to be a great hour of decision in the hearts of many people across our land,” said Parrish.

For more information about My Hope America with Billy Graham, including how it works and how to be involved, visit www.MyHopewithBillyGraham.org.

Other Notes:

On Oct. 15, Thomas Nelson Publishers will release The Reason for My Hope: Salvation, the latest book by Billy Graham. The book – Graham’s 32nd – presents the core message that has guided his life and calling for more than 70 years. In conjunction, on the same date, Capitol Christian Music Group will release a new music album entitled My Hope: Songs Inspired by the Message and Mission of Billy Graham, executive produced by Michael W. Smith and featuring some of the most popular artists in Christian music.

About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association:

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/BGEAnews.

About Dan Wooding and Billy Graham:

Dan Wooding chats with Billy Graham in Essen, Germany

Dan Wooding began his career in journalism back in 1968 working for The Christian, which was at the time, the world’s oldest Evangelical newspaper, and had recently been acquired by the BGEA. He rose to become the paper’s Chief Reporter. He later worked as a writer as part of the Billy Graham media team in Moscow, Russia; Essen, Germany, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. He also wrote the cover story on Mr. Graham and his son, Franklin, for the March/April 1996 issue The Saturday Evening Post, which has endured for nearly 300 years in part due to the creativity and innovation of its founders, publishers, editors, and cover artists. The rich history of the Post has been thoughtfully reaching its readers since a time before America yet existed.

Source: Assist News Service