A Great Email

Sometimes I have a few moments to catch up on past email.  Some are good, but a few are outstanding!  This morning I read through an email I received last month.  I thought you might enjoy it.

God bless,

John

From the e-mailbag:

Hello, My name is Linda, I attend an evangelical church in Utah. I've been doing EE for going on 4 years, Xee for 2 yrs. This quarter our leader asked me to teach Xee. I'm looking very forward to this big step. 

God has changed my life in many ways through EE. It's amazing! 10 years ago I would have never thought I'd be doing this . I used to be  very shy about sharing Jesus with others. I didn't want to step on any toes. I thought I'd show people Jesus by my life. but I'd always in some way mess things up. 

When I learned the tools the Lord has given us through EE it made all the difference. Now I'm always looking for opportunities to share with family members, co-workers, friends & neighbors. 

With EE I led my 81 year old Grandmother to the Lord! I look forward to leading many more to the Lord.  The Lord has given us more than a tool through EE. It's a ministry that has changed my life.

Thanks for everything, you're the best!

EV2

Dear friends,

We are so excited about the new 7-week Adult EE Ministry called "Everyday Evangelism" or "EV2"!  We are conducting an EV2 Launch in Birmingham, Alabama this week and those attending have expressed lots of excitement for the training.

Here is an update from a key EE Church in Smithtown, New York:

The Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle clinic has long been an "EE Tradition" on Long Island. Ed Lewis, launch administrator, was asked earlier this spring if he would consider replacing the Classic "clinic" which was scheduled for August 10, 11 and 12 with an EV2 Launch. After checking with Pastor Rich Collingridge, they both were very excited to be the first EV2 launch on the east coast. It was no surprise that they had 28 students in attendance. The most memorable event happened during Wednesday's "lunch" on-the-job activity. During this OJT, the students are to grab a quick bite to eat and then, using the EV2 questionnaire, venture out on their own and give it a go! The discussion time that followed, once everyone returned, was electric. It was reported that six people prayed to receive Christ. Praise the Lord! Authentic learning - the process of integrating exploration and action into a classroom setting - has come of age and has had a resounding impact on our EE leadership training.

Would your church be interested in hosting an EV2 Leadership Launch or Cell?

• Do you have excellent EV2 or Classic trainers?
• Do you have a person who is gifted with administration?
• CALL SANDY IN THE TRAINING DEPARTMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION AT (954) 456-2233

If you would like more information about EV2, you can check out the website at:

http://www.eeworks.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=78946

God bless you today,

John

A Great Opportunity!

Dear team,

I've had a few questions about a website that lists me as the "Minister of Evangelism."  (http://www.thenewpresbyterianchurch.com) I'm sure that has raised a few eyebrows.  Please allow me to explain...

It's been years since I've had the opportunity to run the EE ministry in a local church.  I was the Teacher/Trainer at Christ Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska for 1995 and 1996.  Don't get me wrong, I've participated throughout my time on staff with EE in various churches with many of the ministries that we offer.  And I've had the joy of teaching clinics as the Senior Clinic Teacher.  But I've wanted to find a church where I can run the ministry, try some things, and train a group of people for the greatest fun this side of Heaven.

That chance has come.

With the planting of a new church out of the core group of Coral Ridge has come a great opportunity for me.  This is, for the most part, the founding group of Coral Ridge—great EE supporters!  Included in the group is one of the founders of Evangelism Explosion International, Mrs. Anne Kennedy.  I had the opportunity to preach there last month and as I surveyed the sea of smiling faces I felt like I was home.

When Jim Carlson (another key player in the founding of EE) asked if I would serve as the Minister of Evangelism I couldn't help but say yes.  He assured me that this new church would be an EE friendly place, open to trying some new things, and growing together as we share Christ with those in need.

The position is a volunteer position with no required hours except for the running of EE.  I'm sure that you are aware that all EE staff participate in a local EE ministry, so this is not anything out of the ordinary.  When I'm traveling, we'll find another church member, or another EE staffer, to fill in.

The idea of a position like this is not without precedence.  Many of the former heads of EEI have served as the evangelism pastor at Coral Ridge.  The past President had a role at CRPC (as you know!) and I guess that worked out OK.

It is also not a statement against Coral Ridge.  Not at all.  CRPC has a great Evangelism Ministry in Duane Mellor.  I've offered my help to Duane any time he needs it.

No, this is just an exciting opportunity for me.  I've prayed for this.  Many of your know my heart in this area.  

We'll start with getting the trainers together this fall and planning the spring semester.  I'm excited about it and certainly appreciate your prayers.

Yours in His service,

John