Spread the Word- Investing in Eternity
“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” —John 14:2–3 NIV1984
These words spoken by Jesus bring comfort and hope to his people. But what about those who have not yet heard? We in the church know that we are called to be a light in this dark world, to be intentional about spreading the word about the One who came to save us all. Through the Spread the Word organization, Church of God students have been making an eternal investment by sending tools for evangelism across the globe. More than $650,000 has been given since 2002, with equipment now in use in thirty-four countries around the world.
Spread the Word continues to fulfill requests for evangelistic tools on a regular basis throughout each year. Offerings are taken at International Youth Conventions and at many state conventions. In addition, some local youth ministries have made STW a regular part of their ministries at home by having fundraisers, making pledges, and adopting special projects. Through efforts like these, STW is changing lives every day. Not only are people coming to know Christ, but the tools given allow the pastors to do ministry more effectively. One pastor, whose name is being withheld for his safety, sent the following message: “I pastor in two churches, seven districts, and have twelve preaching locations in Bangladesh. Previously I had been using my bicycle to get to these places. Some churches are as far as seventy-five kilometers from my home and it was very difficult and tiresome for me to get around. I thank Spread the Word for gifting me with a Honda motorcycle, which will help me to do my evangelism in a better and smoother way as I visit other places and share the good news.” At the Global Gathering taking place in June of this year, attendees will be given the opportunity to learn more about the impact Spread the Word is having in various regions of the world. On Tuesday, June 25, an experiential exhibit will show how different tools are being used to reach countless lives for Jesus Christ. Stories of life change will be shared, along with information about many projects that are making a difference in multiple countries. There will be no cost for admission, and the exhibit will be available for anyone who wishes to participate. For more information, testimonies, and free resources, go to www.chogy.org and click on Spread the Word. Be sure to connect with Spread the Word at this year’s Global Gathering. Register online at www.chog.org/globalgathering.
Tami Byrd is a member of the Youth Ministry Team and serves as the associate pastor of youth and Christian education at South Memorial Drive Church of God in New Castle, Indiana. She can be reached at tami@smdcog.org and helps facilitate communication with STW and those on the field.
Published in Communion Together • MAY/JUNE 2013
