Program continues BGEA's long-standing tradition of using every means of technology available to reach people with the Gospel

Contact: Brent Rinehart, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 704-401-2119, brinehart@bgea.org

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 7, 2011 /Standard Newswire/ -- The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) has introduced a new Internet evangelism initiative to reach people online with the Gospel. The program was launched in its beta form in late April, and thousands have already viewed an online Gospel presentation and indicated making a commitment to Jesus Christ.

"Every day, people are searching online for answers," said Preston Parrish, executive vice president of ministry for the BGEA. "In their time of need, we are presenting the only hope we have in this world -- the hope found through a relationship with Jesus Christ."

In the coming months, trained volunteer "E-counselors" will be available to chat online with spiritual seekers in an effort to lead even more people into a relationship with Christ. In addition, "Discipleship Coaches" will offer follow-up training to those who have made a commitment and encourage them in finding a church in their area.

The program is an extension of BGEA's commitment to proclaim the Gospel by every effective means available and equip others to do the same. Billy Graham pioneered the use of radio, television and motion pictures to spread the Gospel around the world. Today, BGEA continues in the spirit of innovation through the use of the Internet and social media.

"Today's generation lives on the Internet," said Parrish. "Much like our historic strategy of going where the people are -- into stadiums, civic arenas and public gathering areas -- we are doing the same as we reach into cyberspace with the Good News of God's love, and His offer of forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Christ."

How it Works:
When individuals enter phrases like "What Happens When I Die?" or "Why am I Here?" in popular search engines, BGEA's Internet evangelism project will direct them to relevant web pages that address the questions the inquirer is asking and offer the hope of the Gospel as the ultimate and true solution to their need. The "searcher" can make a commitment to Jesus Christ, or will be able to chat with an "E-counselor" to learn more. For more information on the Internet evangelism project, visit www.SearchForJesus.net. On the site, visitors will see how the program works, as well as real-time commitments being made around the world.

About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries, including: large-scale festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; Dare to Be a Daniel, a youth evangelism training project; My Hope World Evangelism Through Television; the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team of crisis-trained chaplains; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the Internet. For more information, please visit www.billygraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at Twitter.com/BGEAMediaPR.