SUM M E R 2018
The newsletter of Josh McDowell Ministry
INSIDE Page 2 Pray with us Page 3 A word from Josh Page 4 Provide Christ-centered resources in key languages
“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” — 2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)
You can bless a truth seeker with the transforming message of the gospel through your gift today.
Reach OPEN hearts in CLOSED countries! The need is URGENT to reach truth seekers across the world with the gospel. It is amazing to hear about the great lengths people will go to get their hands on Christ-centered resources.
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Many live in countries where Christian books are very difficult to find. In some regions, just having a Christian resource in your possession could cost you your family, your job or even your freedom. While traveling in the Middle East, Josh met Ahmed (not his real name), a
university student. Ahmed approached Josh and thanked him over and over for his book Evidence That Demands a Verdict. Josh will never forget the young man’s words:
KEEP READING
to see how your gift today will advance God’s kingdom, especially in closed countries. >>>>
Share the truth of Jesus where it’s most urgently needed! (Continued from page 1)
And then he shared with Josh that he’d come to Christ while copying that book. Wow! What a difference just one book can make. God is using the resources you and others provide to show people the truth and draw them to Himself.
The harder closed countries clamp down on the gospel, the faster God’s Word spreads!
Together we can reach more people with His truth! Just think of the desperation this story demonstrates. Trustworthy Christian resources are so rare, so difficult to obtain, that people are actually hand-copying them! “I wanted to know truth. [But] in my village there is NO witness for Christ, except for one little church. There I discovered a copy of that book [Evidence That Demands a Verdict], but they wouldn’t let anyone take it out, and the church was almost always closed. “So for over a year, I would sneak into the church. And by the light of one small candle, I hand-copied the entire book. Here is one page for you.”
But it also shows so clearly how God can use your financial partnership to reach people like Ahmed to advance His kingdom and transform lives for eternity. Your generosity provides people like Ahmed and others who are searching for truth with the books and other resources they desperately need to learn about Jesus, grow in their faith and share Him with others.
Prayer requests Please join us in prayer: • For those who proclaim the gospel and disciple new converts in the faith — that God will protect them, give them favor and grow their ministries for His sake. • For truth seekers who will receive the Christ-centered books you provide — that the Lord will open their eyes and draw them to Himself. • For Josh as he travels the world to preach, teach and reach hearts for the kingdom. • For the advance of the kingdom in closed countries — that people will be opened to gospel proclamation.
THANK YOU for sharing
the good news of Jesus in closed countries! These thanks are for you — from church leaders in Central and East Asia . . .
“We very much need Christian books in our language. We do not have books in our language, and if there were any, we do not have chance to buy them. You probably know about life here. Many of the people we work with are out of a job. The books that you send free to us are spiritual food.” — From a ministry worker in Central Asia
“Our church is located in a small village of 1,300 people. There are about 15 members. In summertime we have many seasonal workers coming. Therefore, we have a great opportunity to share with people about Christ. Then these immigrant workers can take the good news back to their home regions.” — From a pastor in East Asia “I am thankful for your books. You cannot even imagine what a gift it is for me. They will help me in my ministry. May the Lord bless you for the love you have showed to me. Ahead of me is a very difficult work, but my only hope is in our Lord Jesus!”
— From a truth seeker in Central Asia
h From Jos
Stand with me now to share TRUTH in key languages Fifty years ago, I was on a search for truth. But I lived in a country where I was free to make that search. That’s not the case for so many of the people we want to reach. My heart is burdened, knowing that our field partners have so many opportunities to share the gospel, but they need resources to expand their outreach initiatives, answer people’s questions about faith and disciple new believers who will tell even more people about Jesus. Right now, we’re working in 118 languages. But we want to do even more than that — especially for people living in countries closed to Christianity. That’s truly where the need is most urgent. And that’s why I hope you’ll stand with me. Your gift to share God’s love where it’s most needed will be such a blessing to those who are seeking truth. Thank you in advance for giving generously!
“Thank you for the books you send in our language. In our condition, it is practically impossible to find Christian books. We use your books in home groups, for sermons in the churches and in everyday ministry.” — From a pastor in Central Asia
Until the whole world hears,
Equip field staff and partners to share the gospel GIVE by Friday, August 31!
where the need is most URGENT!
Right now, Josh McDowell Ministry is working in key regions around the globe, providing biblical teaching and resources that share the good news. Our field staff worldwide — especially those working in countries closed to the gospel — need Christ-centered books and other resources to do their work effectively. That’s why we’re hoping to raise more than $277,161 for evangelism and discipleship in countries where the need is most urgent. We cannot do this without your support. Our teams in East Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Gulf and many other regions around the world are asking for more Christian books to help them share the truth of Jesus in people’s heart languages and in a way they can understand. Please give by Friday, August 31. You’ll provide Christ-centered resources for evangelism and discipleship where they’re most needed.
Your gift will help those that seek the truth about Jesus to know what they believe, why it is true and how to live it out.
“Our fiscal year-end is quickly approaching. We’re trusting God to provide the funds we need to reach more people with the gospel. Will you partner with us?” — Josh
THREE EASY WAYS TO GIVE NOW Give by mail: Return your gift with the enclosed reply form in the envelope provided.
Give by telephone: You can also give your gift by calling 1-855-833-6897.
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