The challenge is formidable: How do we make the Gospel present in Canadian society?
Every person in our country needs to know about Jesus, but as Paul the Apostle said, “how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” The answer is, they cannot. That’s why we must do everything possible to reach every person possible with the Good News of Jesus.
The task is hard. Life in Canada today is complex, confusing and confounding at times. Forces of spiritual darkness strive to keep people from hearing the truth and seeing the light. But we can be encouraged to know that “greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.” Our Lord is greater! His cause is greater! His message is the best news of all, and we must communicate it to the best of our ability.
Yes, as I’ve already said, the task is hard. But it has never been easier. How can I make such a claim? Because we have new tools to reach a new generation. In addition to the platform on which EHC was built—Gospel literature—we have additional ways to communicate: digital and electronic media that can serve as channels of hope. Through EHC’s Finding the Hope campaign, people across the strata of Canadian society are hearing the message of Jesus. Many are trusting in him. The results are measurable and promising!
Three key words capsulize the work of EHC: Intersect. Inform. Invite. Let me say something about each one…
INTERSECT
Very few people seek out the Gospel without being pointed in that direction. For a good number of people the Church is a place “for those other people”. But we have learned from experience that there are spiritually hungry people everywhere. God is preparing hearts to be opened to the Gospel as believers pray.
As Paul says, how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? The Finding the Hope campaign, as all other evangelism campaigns led by EHC around the world, places gospel messages right where people live. In many nations this includes in prisons, in hospitals and in schools as well as in homes.
In Canada we work with local congregations to send the Finding the Hope booklet to people’s homes. Direct mailing is coupled with other forms of communication including Facebook and Google ads as well as large banners and billboard advertising to publish the campaign website address where people can read the booklet and find out more about Jesus and His message of hope. The message is intersecting people’s lives, and it is bearing fruit!
INFORM
Printed Gospel literature tends to be underestimated. But the fact is, this simple and economical form of communication continues to yield a harvest of souls. I wish you could hear the joy in pastors’ voices as they tell us of new families “showing up” at Sunday worship following a Finding the Hope campaign in their area. They are thrilled when we inform them that people wrote our office inquiring about churches in their community and requesting a personal visit.
People need to be informed about the Gospel. We can’t make assumptions that they understand who Jesus is and how to follow him. We must tell them. This is why we make every effort to produce clear and compelling gospel literature and follow up materials. We are constantly updating and increasing our reservoir of materials, translating the simple message of hope in Christ into languages other than English and French so that all people living in Canada can know who Jesus is and how to receive his gift of eternal life.
INVITE
A personal invitation can draw even the shyest of persons out of their shells. Every one wants to feel included, welcomed and remembered by others. One crucial element of Finding the Hope campaigns in Canada is a series of easy-to-use invitations that churches can send to every home in their community. These invitations are produced in a variety of forms—as door hangers, postcards and electronic notices.
In a recent campaign a church that had sent invitations to Easter service with the Finding the Hope theme told us that every seat was taken that Sunday morning and people were standing across the back of the auditorium. The pastor said they had never welcomed so many visitors!
It is so feasible to put a message of Christ’s hope into people’s hands. It is also so possible to let them know that their local church is not a place of religion but a place to discover life’s most defining relationship. And to let them know that they truly are welcome. I can assure you, it has never been easier to publish the Good News of Jesus. We have the means—more means than ever. It’s up to us to be faithful in fulfilling the mission Jesus gave us. Yes, it’s hard work. But it’s also easier than ever!
-By Denys Blackmore