Media Evangelism

Media Evangelism: One Way to Heaven
April 2nd, 2012 7:30 AM

AMG has been supporting outreach through Bible correspondence course ads in Turkey. Our coworkers partner with local churches, forwarding them information of Bible correspondence course enrollees.

Bible Correspondence Material

One of those pastors writes, “Recently, a friend of ours from the Bible Correspondence Course sent us the phone number of a girl in Ankara who had been corresponding with them for quite some time and wanted to meet with a Christian. We called her, met downtown and sat down over milkshakes to hear her story.

“She had read the Koran first, and then had started comparing it with the New Testament. She explained that she was drawn to the love and grace that she saw in the New Testament as opposed to the judgment in the Koran. We asked her if she believed that Jesus died for her sins and rose again. She said that she did, so we prayed with her and explained to her that she now had the Holy Spirit living inside her. We invited her to our next meeting, and plan to keep in touch and start Bible lessons with her. She said she was eager to come and learn and help in any way possible.”

AMG Bible Correspondence Co-Worker

Another life that has been changed is that of a Muslim Imam (priest). He is married with two children and actually visited a local church three years ago. The pastor who met with him was put in touch with him through the Bible correspondence course. When the pastor asked him, “What are you?” he replied, “I am not a Muslim, I am a Christian and a follower of Jesus, but I have many, many things to learn.”

Please pray for our coworkers and our ongoing media evangelism efforts around the world.

Posted by Stephanie Pickard in Media Evangelism   |  0 Comment(s)

Media Evangelism: His Word Will Not Return Void
February 15th, 2012 8:00 AM

The Newspaper Evangelism Department in Thailand works daily to reach many through newspaper ads.  Which means: writing the ad, posting in local newspapers or magazines, responding to all those who inquire about the ad which can lead to the start of a Bible Correspondence course or a profession of faith.  July through December 2011 186 responded to newspaper ads, 47 started the Bible Correspondence course, 7 made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and were given Bibles.  Here are what some have said in response to the Bible Correspondence course:

“This correspondence is useful to me.  This doctrine make me to know the things which I have never known before.  I know the source of Jesus Christ deeply.  This doctrine encourages me have give me hope and light in my life. “

“This correspondence is the light in my life really.  After I accepted Jesus Christ in my life, my life be changed in a good way.  I am touched that God will always be with me.  May God bless you.”

Praise the Lord!  Through a simple newspaper ad people are hearing and responding to God’s Word.  As it says in Isaiah 55:11, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”  Please pray for our brothers and sister working in Newspaper Evangelism in Thailand.  Pray for the funds for this ministry to continue and pray that God’s word will not return void as it goes out into the world. 

Posted by Karen Farney in Newspaper Evangelism, Thailand   |  0 Comment(s)

Media Evangelism: Reaching Spain One Ad at a Time
November 16th, 2011 7:43 AM

In 1978 Spain went from a dictatorship to a democratic government giving complete religious freedom and allowing the country to flourish.  Spain’s modern transformation is not all positive.  The country claim’s Christianity as their main religion, with 77% who say they are Christian, but only 1% are evangelical, meaning they believe that the sole source of their salvation is through Jesus Christ.  Spain is suffering for a dramatic moral decline.  Around 2 million young people use drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.  It is estimated that around 15% of a Spanish household’s income is used to gamble.  Children are sexualized at a very young age because immorality, prostitution, and abortion are very common and the Spanish have almost stopped having children.  There is also a confusion of Spiritual truths and false beliefs are quickly multiplying.  This is a country in desperate need of God’s truth and the love, peace, and fulfillment that only a relationship with Christ gives. 

It is amazing how people have responded to monthly ads that AMG pays to have printed.  Read the ad printed in August:

Don’t Switch Faiths, Return to Christ

A recent survey has shown that as many as one out of three Americans has switched faiths during their lifetime.  Why? Well, first the survey noted the wide availability of alternatives.  As our culture has changed, so have the options for worship.  Second, however, is the dissatisfaction with the Christian faith itself.  When people do not see the connection between faith and life, it is easier to make the switch to something they believe will work better.  As Christians, rather than switching faiths, the Bible tells us to return to our first love – Jesus Christ.  He is the only One who can provide true satisfaction, both in this life and the life to come.  As John 10:10 teaches, He came to offer us abundant life.

This ad received 353 responses and each one was responded to with a telephone call, a tract, invitation to a church service, or a personal visit.  Out of these efforts 74 asked for more information about Christ, 23 attended a church service, and 13 accepted Christ as their savior!  While 13 may not seem like a large number; 353 seeds were planted.  Pray for the 13 new believers that their faith would grow and be grounded on God’s word.  Pray for the others who have responded to the ad but have not given their lives to Christ.  Pray that these ads will continue to be printed and God’s word will continue to go out into this lost world. 

Posted by Karen Farney in Newspaper Evangelism, Spain   |  0 Comment(s)

Media Evangelism: Newspaper Evangelism in Lebanon
November 9th, 2011 8:00 AM

The last 70 years in Lebanon have been plagued with tragedy.  During communal wars, foreign interventions, and hostage-taking many in Lebanon have suffered, lost loved ones, or been displaced.  Many are open to hearing the Gospel message which brings hope and healing.  Operation World states that in Lebanon almost 60% are Muslim with 32% Christian (of the 32% only .5% are Evangelical).  AMG partners with the Free Evangelical Association of Lebanon by funding Newspaper Evangelism.  They post ads in two different magazines that reach people all over this part of the world.

Over the last few months our partners in ministry have reached many with the Gospel message through Newspaper Evangelism.  People have responded to the ads and our partners visit them, send them a Bible through the mail, or encourage them to attend a nearby church.  It really is amazing how one newspaper ad can start someone down a journey to accepting Christ.  Through that one person responding to an ad often times it affects a whole family.  For example a women with five children responded to an ad and 5 children’s books about Christ were sent to her.  What a testimony!  Please pray for the many in Lebanon and the surrounding countries who are responding to these ads.  Many follow the Islamic faith and desperately need our Lord Jesus to save them.  

Posted by Karen Farney in Newspaper Evangelism, Lebanon   |  1 Comment(s)

Media Evangelism: Helping Pastors in India
November 2nd, 2011 8:00 AM

There are local editions of Pulpit Helps magazine in India, Indonesia, and Myanmar and they are tremendously valued. Archived articles from the U.S. edition of Pulpit Helps and Disciple magazine are translated into the language of each country and then adapted to fit the culture of each specific people group. This has proven to be an effective tool for encouraging and equipping Christian workers and pastors, many of whom have little, if any, formal Bible training and few resources at their disposal. It has also proven to be a very effective tool for evangelism. This is amazing in light of the fact the major religions in the three countries mentioned are Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

In India a rural pastor wrote to Pulpit Helps saying this:

Brother, I saw your magazine at my friend’s house.  I went through it and it was very interesting.  Particularly the articles were useful to me to help me prepare messages for preaching.  I am a pastor doing services in rural areas.  Please enroll my name on your mailing list and send it to me. 

This is just one example of the impact of Pulpit Helps on many rural pastors in India, Indonesia, and Myanmar.  Christian literature is not freely available in these countries like in America.  Pastors do not have the resources that pastors in America have.  They are in desperate need of training and literate to continue spreading the Gospel and to disciple new believers. If you want to be part of that give to our Media Ministries or check out AMG’s Pastor 4 Pastors conference in February 2012. 

Posted by Karen Farney in Pulpit Helps   |  0 Comment(s)

Media Evangelism: Do You Want to Get a Prize?
October 20th, 2011 8:00 AM

Myanmar is another country deeply rooted in Buddhism.  Christians in Myanmar are persecuted by the government and by the Buddhist majority. It is difficult to preach the Gospel message in Myanmar but through Newspaper Evangelism God’s word is getting out!

Our co-workers report that every contact they make through newspaper evangelism is interested in Salvation through Jesus Christ.  Here is an example of one of their ads:

Do you want to get a prize?

Write an essay on the title “You are able to do good only when your life is pleasant”

A student named Soe wrote an essay in response to this ad.  Our staff responded to her essay and then she wrote this letter:

I am writing respectfully to you.  I received your letter.  I was looking for your letter every day.  Thank you for responding to me.  I like to introduce myself to you.  I am Soe and I am studying my 2^nd year at university. I am stressed so often and I study hard.  My outlet is reading the newspaper.  I saw and read your advertisement in one of the newspapers and contacted you. I would like to discuss with you regarding religion.  Your letter makes me want to rely on God.  I did not do much for religion when I was young.  I was so lazy.  I am interested in how God gives human beings the guarantee of life after death. Please tell me more.  When I was a child I did join the Buddhist nun hood twice, but now I am older and I do not want to lose my hair.  Sometimes I like to have better marks than other students. I got angry when I get lower marks. I remember God at that time. Please take care of yourself. What is the meaning of AMG? Please do not forget me.  Thank you so much for complimenting my name but I am not as pretty as my name.  I am not sorry for that because God created me.

You can see from this letter that Soe is seeking God.  She is seeking purpose in life all because she read a newspaper ad.  Now, Soe is now learning about Jesus through our co-workers. Praise God!  Pray for Soe that God would open her heart and mind to understand what it means to give one’s life to Christ and follow Him.  

Keep our co-workers in Myanmar in your prayers as well. Pray for protection, wisdom, guidance, and good health and they strive to share the Gospel message to their people. Our co-workers have invited all their contacts to a meeting where they can share the Gospel message and encourage them in the Lord. Pray that each one will surrender their lives to Christ. 

Posted by Karen Farney in Newspaper Evangelism   |  0 Comment(s)

Media Evangelism: The Way of Life
October 19th, 2011 8:00 AM

Thailand is a country deeply rooted in Buddhism.  Only about 1% of the population claim Christianity as their religion according to Operation World.  AMG Thailand is actively reaching those who have never heard with the Gospel through children’s ministry, camping ministry, prison ministry, disaster relief, and newspaper evangelism. 

Newspaper evangelism is reaching many in Thailand.  Here is an example of one of the many ads printed:

“The Way of Life

Who is setting your destination in life?  What is true?  Who can answer these questions?  What is love? Love is a book.  You need to read it to find the love that is free.  You can find the answer in this book. Free!!”

The newspaper evangelism department reaches out to each individual who responds to an ad.  Read this letter from Khun in response to a letter from one of our co-workers in Thailand:

“I received your letter.  Thank you for the encouragement and suggestions for how to know God.  How can I gain God’s acceptance as his child and how should I pray? Please help me and teach me how to pray so I can be a child of God.  Please advise me on how to become a child of God.  Should I pray this prayer that you suggested? Pray for me”

Pray for Khun as he seeks God.  Pray that God would reveal Himself to Khun and that he would accept Jesus as his savior.

The office has been corresponding with a man in prison.  He saw an ad and through that ad and correspondence with the office he accepted Christ as his savior.  AMG Thailand tried to send him a Bible but the prison would not allow it. Thankfully AMG Thailand was able to send a Bible through the prisoner’s mother.  Read this letter from the prisoner ChaiYa that he sent in May:

“I feel glad and happy from your letter and thank you for being concerned with my life.  Now I am feeling well physically but I have a heavy heart because I am living in a place for criminals and bad people.  I have been patient.  I feel more peace about my future because of the help AMG has given me.  I feel very sad and sorry about my past.  I worry for my children because I cannot take care of them while I’m in prison.  I am so thankful that I have met Jesus Christ and invited Him into my life.  I have repented of my sin and now I try to obey God. I need to do the will of God.  I was once like a blind person.  Before I didn’t know Jesus Christ but now I thank AMG for giving me a chance to study the Bible through correspondence.  Thank you for showing me the way to Jesus Christ. May God bless you.” 

Praise the Lord for ChaiYa’s salvation!  Please pray that God would strengthen his faith and that he would be diligent in reading his Bible and sharing his faith with the other prisoners. 

Please pray for the Newspaper Evangelism in Thailand that these ads would touch the hearts of many who read them.  

Posted by Karen Farney in Newspaper Evangelism, Thailand   |  0 Comment(s)

Media Evangelism: Way to a Happy Life
October 18th, 2011 8:00 AM

Newspaper evangelism spreads God’s truth to those who have never heard and in some cases in countries where it is illegal or dangerous to share Christ.  This avenue isn’t too costly and reaches thousands with one ad. Many of the countries where AMG ministers through newspaper evangelism have very few Christians, some may have never even heard the name of Jesus and they don’t know that Salvation through Christ is there’s if they surrender their lives to Him. 

Nepal is a beautiful country nestled in the Himalayan Mountains located above India and below China. The people of Nepal are primarily Hindu or Buddhist with only 4% Christian.  In 2008 it was finally declared as a secular state and democracy after being ruled as a Monarchy.  Due to the Hindu majority Christian evangelism is difficult and Christians are often discriminated against. But, our co-workers in Nepal are faithful and say, “God is above all situations and the Kingdome of God is advancing in the land of Nepal.”  Recently we received a report from our workers in Nepal who are daily serving Christ through newspaper evangelism and discipleship. 

During this year they have been advertising in a magazine that is primarily read by men and women between the ages of 15-35.  The Advertisement says this:
“If you want to study the Bible through correspondence, please write us your name and address.  We will send you Bible study lesson entitled “Way To Happy Life” through your postal address.  It has four lessons, we will send 1 and 2 and once you complete hose lessons we will send 3 and 4.  Upon receiving lesson 3 and 4 completed we will send you a beautiful certificate and then a New Testament Bible.”

Through January to July of this year they have received 775 responses, 233 people have accepted Christ as their savior, 63 people have been visited, 35 are now attending church, and 45 New Testament Bibles have been sent.  Praise the LORD that 233 people are now following Christ.  Pray for these new believers that they would dig into God’s word and build a strong foundation.  Pray that they would be bold in sharing their new faith with their friends and family.  Pray for our co-workers in Nepal: here are the requests they have given:

“Now the door has been widely opened for evangelism.  We don’t know what kinds of constitution will be introduced tomorrow (in the government).  We want to grab this opportunity to tell about Jesus Christ to non-Christian brothers and sisters as much as we can.  For that we are looking for other news magazine to publish advertisement.  Please pray for enough financial support.

Most of our audiences are young girls and boys (ages 13-35). Please pray that many people will read the ads and receive Jesus Christ as their personal savior and Lord when we send them tracks and Bible studies.

Many poor and orphaned children are neglected from education. We are praying for a Christian home for girls because traditionally girls have less opportunity for education and are socially dominate; please pray with us.

Posted by Karen Farney in Newspaper Evangelism, Nepal   |  0 Comment(s)

Media Evangelism: 1.7 Million a Month
August 15th, 2011 7:30 AM

Newspaper Evangelism provides an avenue to present Gospel truths to thousands and sometimes millions of people at a very low cost.  It plants seeds in the hearts of those who read these ads and many who read them have never heard the name of Jesus.  Many even respond to the ads and receive a copy of God’s Word and the opportunity to learn more about the amazing God we serve. 

Over a period of one month in India a Christian ad is seen by 1,700,000.  This happens with 11 different ads in 11 different newspapers.  WOW!  What a testimony.  Now, you may wonder what the ad says and how many responses AMG India receives each month.  Here is one ad translated from Telugu:

“Two Kinds of Foundations”

 One is on the sand and the other is on the stone.  The first is temporary and the second is permanent.  The house built on the foundation stone of Jesus Christ and his preaching is strong and the storm cannot harm it.  These words are not from any commentator.  They are straight from the mouth of Jesus Himself.  You can find these works in a book called “New Testament”, part of the Holy Bible.  Write to us for a free copy.  The book contains everything said by Him, and about Him and said against Him.

During the month this ad was published 2,483 people wrote into AMG India wanting more information about our Lord and a copy of God’s word.  Praise the Lord! Pray for each of these who responded and received a copy of the Bible.  Pray that they would read, understand and follow Jesus. 

Posted by Karen Farney in Newspaper Evangelism, Media Evangelism, India   |  0 Comment(s)

Media Evangelism: Reaching Muslims in Turkey
June 10th, 2011 7:30 AM

Turkey is a nation of over 75 million people and of that 96% are Muslim and only .008% are Evangelical.  That is a staggering statistic, less than .1% are followers of Christ.  Few of the 73 million Muslims in Turkey have ever truly heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  “The Turkish constitution guarantees religious freedom but it is not fully upheld.  Recent death threats and murders of Christians highlight the present reality and severity of persecution and the likelihood of more to come” (7^th Edition Operation World, Jason Mandryk).  This makes it difficult to freely spread the Gospel to this lost nation blinded by Islam.

For years our co-workers in Turkey have been strategically placing faith based advertisements in Turkish newspapers to spread the Gospel.   In this technological age our ministry partners can now spread the Gospel of Christ through the internet.  They started a website for Turks to visit and learn about Christ.  Over 61,000 unique visitors have been to the website where over 18,000 visitor forms were filled out and followed up.   Those who show a more serious interest are offered a Bible correspondence course.  Those who finish the courses are invited to a group meeting and followed up with in person.  As a result of these efforts there are a number who have come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior!  Fatih is a 28-year-old man who contacted our coworkers through the website.  He left his job when he was confronted about his dishonesty.  He had been stealing from and lying to his employer.  For two weeks he chatted online with our coworkers and studied the New Testament.  His questions were answered and he decided to accept Jesus as his Savior.  Praise God! 

It is exciting to see God works in the hearts of those who read the Christian newspaper advertisements and visit the Christian websites.  Please pray that the Lord will continue to draw people to him through this ministry and that He would provide the recourses needed for this ministry.  

Posted by Karen Farney in Newspaper Evangelism, Media Evangelism, Turkey   |  0 Comment(s)