CHARLOTTE, N.C. (ANS) -- Some 45,000 Christians across the Dominican Republic are gearing up this week to share their faith as part of the largest evangelistic outreach in the Caribbean nation’s history.

From March 18-20, these Christians will implement the latest project of My Hope, carried out in partnership with the Charlotte, N.C.-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).

“Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is always important, but religious leaders in the Dominican Republic believe now is a particularly opportune time for churches there to reach out beyond their walls,” said Bill Conard, vice president of international ministries at BGEA, speaking in a news release. “These Christians are taking a bold stand for Jesus Christ, and we know God will honor their efforts.”

According to the news release, those involved in the outreach will host neighbors, relatives and friends to watch three nationwide TV programs. They feature testimonies from two of the most famous Dominicans: St. Louis Cardinals star first baseman Albert Pujols and musician Juan Luis Guerra. The programs also feature sermons from Billy and Franklin Graham, dubbed into Spanish.

The news release said that after watching the program, the hosts will share their own story of coming to faith and invite those present to make a commitment to Jesus Christ. Follow-up efforts are made afterwards to help these new believers become involved in a local church body, in order to learn and grow in their faith.

“We have seen tremendous responses with this style of evangelism – we like to call the home meetings ‘mini crusades’ – and we’re excited to see what God will do through these efforts in the months and years to come,” said Conard in the news release. “There is enormous prayer support all across the country.”

Though the main thrust of the project will happen this weekend, the news release reported that preparations began last spring as leaders raised funds, shared their vision, invited churches to participate and trained Christians on how to share their faith with others. Christian leaders in the Dominican Republic had seen other My Hope projects successfully implemented in South America, and desired the same for their country.

According to BGEA, since the ministry began in 2002, My Hope has been implemented in 48 countries and has witnessed huge responses for the Gospel. Upcoming projects will take place in Puerto Rico (April), as well as Malawi and two sensitive countries in Asia later this year. Preparations are beginning for 2011, for potential My Hope outreaches in Portugal and other African countries.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association shares the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available.

For more information, visit www.billygraham.org. 

Jeremy Reynalds is a freelance writer and the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, http://www.joyjunction.org He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "Now You See Me." Additional details on some of Reynalds' previous books are available at http://www.HomelessBook.com. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@comcast.net. Tel: (505) 400-7145.