NASHVILLE, TN (ANS) -- In November Dr. Billy Graham will celebrate his 95th birthday. This will coincide with the culmination of an exciting evangelistic program called, My Hope America.

Announcement for My Hope

The program began as a ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to take the Gospel into areas of the world where Billy Graham could not physically travel. It moved the focus away from mass stadium evangelistic events to opportunities for individuals to share their faith with friends and neighbors.

It has spread across 57 countries in the past 10 years and is now a movement spreading across the United States, as Christians learn how to more effectively share their faith.

The effort comes at a critical time when many are concerned about the sharp downward trend in America's spiritual condition. According to a recent Pew Forum survey, one in five people in the U.S. report having no religious affiliation at all.

My Hope America with Billy Graham information sessions are being held at locations from coast-to-coast. At the same time dozens of information sessions are being held across Canada. Tailored for pastors and church leaders, the initial sessions presented by representatives of the project will share Billy Graham's vision for My Hope, including testimonies from past participants, and materials from time-tested resources used in Billy Graham Crusades for more than 60 years.

Bill Conard with Nico Bougas

Bill Conard, Executive Director of the project told me today after a breakfast gathering at NRB 2013 in Nashville, that 10.2 million people have already reported as having responded to the Gospel through My Hope and received Christ as Savior. He quotes Billy Graham as saying, "I think it is going to be a tremendous time of evangelism. I think that the Lord is going to use it mightily. I have been praying that we might have a spiritual awakening. But I think that becomes possible as individuals surrender their lives afresh and anew to Christ. And that's the hope that we have."

"My father is as burdened today about the souls of men and women as he has been at any time in his life," said Franklin Graham, President and CEO of the BGEA.

The My Hope America and My Hope Canada projects encourage participants to reach out to people they already know and engage in meaningful conversation and connections as a catalyst for sharing in the hope and love found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. While "one-on-one" conversations will be the root of this relationship evangelism outreach, there will also be a special program available on a wide range of formats including TV, radio, DVD and Internet that people can share to reinforce the message. The program will feature music, stories and Billy Graham's presentation of the gospel.

On Monday, March 4, 2013, the BGEA debuts its first series installment in association with the My Hope project. The program, called, Defining Moments, shares the stories of three individuals - illusionist Jim Munroe, NFL player David Tyree and musical artist Lacey Sturm - who found success in their careers, yet still were searching for hope. The program airs on Christian networks and online at billygraham.tv. It is a very creative presentation of the gospel. It is a production you can confidently show to your unbelieving friends and the BGEA are going to great lengths to get this program widely distributed.

In addition to the current airing, "Defining Moments" and other installments of the My Hope program series will be available in a wide range of formats later this year - including TV, radio, DVD and Internet.

"We need you to be a part of this program," says Franklin Graham. "Some of these stories are going to impact lives. We need you to invite your family and your friends. Let's tell them about Jesus."

You can learn more about My Hope America with Billy Graham and watch the current Billy Graham My Hope series program, "Defining Moments," online at http://www.billygraham.org/TVSpecial/tv_index.asp - www.billygraham.org/TVSpecial/tv_index.asp . Check your local listings for broadcast times in your area.

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