Search For Jesus Press Kit

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)
Sept. 4, 2024

CHARLOTTE N.C., Sept. 4, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- Search For Jesus—the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's online evangelism initiative—has reached a significant milestone, with 20 million indicated decisions for Christ since its launch in 2011. The global ministry, now active in English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and American Sign Language (ASL), uses Bible scripture, compelling video content, and live chat interactions to share the Gospel with visitors from around the world.
 
"This unique ministry allows us to share the Gospel through the screen of a phone or computer in places where we aren't allowed to preach in stadiums. As long as there is an internet connection, we can take the Good News of Jesus Christ into the hardest to reach countries on earth," said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). "When BGEA was founded nearly 75 years ago, this is something that my father never would have dreamed could be possible. I'm so grateful that millions of people in 242 countries and territories have heard the Gospel through this ministry and have responded by putting their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. This isn't something we have done—God has done this and we give Him the glory."
 
More than 3.3 million of those who indicated a decision for Christ have also provided their contact information for follow-up and spiritual growth, which is supported by a network of more than 1,750 trained volunteers who offer nearly 24/7 support to people seeking spiritual guidance. Together, these volunteers reply to over 1,000 questions a day through various digital platforms including chat, text, email, and social media messages, with 300 to 400 of them, on average, turning into longer spiritual conversations. The volunteers answer questions about faith, explain the Gospel, mentor new believers through Bible studies, and connect people with churches.
 
"While our traditional citywide stadium events remain a powerful method for sharing the hope of Jesus Christ, the digital landscape offers us a unique opportunity to reach people exactly where they are," said Mark Appleton, vice president of Internet Evangelism at BGEA. "We are witnessing a tremendous response from individuals at crucial moments in their lives when they are most in need of the Gospel."

Those interested in learning more about Search For Jesus and BGEA's online evangelism efforts are encouraged to visit SearchForJesus.net, which serves as the central hub for volunteers and supporters, and PeaceWithGod.net, which presents the Gospel message to people seeking the Good News of the Gospel.
 
About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Founded by Billy Graham in 1950, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association shares the Good News of Jesus Christ around the world. From its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, the BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries, including large-scale festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; the Billy Graham Library; the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove located outside of Asheville, North Carolina; SearchForJesus.net, an internet evangelism project reaching millions for Christ online; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the internet. For more information, visit billygraham.org. Get news updates on X (formerly Twitter) at x.com/BGEAnews.

SOURCE Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA)

CONTACT: Erik Ogren, 704-577-2109, eogren@bgea.org