Did you love the "Amazing Race" on television? Want to see something even better, which "ups the bar" for global evangelization?
A new cutting edge opportunity to evangelize to the nations has been birthed in the form of the Global Witnessing Challenge (or "The Challenge" for short). It was launched only this month, the main purpose being to fire up "ordinary" Christians to become extraordinary ambassadors for Christ, as they travel the globe and put to good use the talents and the faith they have been blessed with. And by providing them with an outlet through which to do this.
The Challenge involves passionate witnesses for Christ physically setting off in teams of 2 around the world, with whatever means and resources are available to them, to proclaim the Good News to a lost and fallen world. They will specifically talk and share with people who do not know the Lord as their Saviour the message of reconciliation and Salvation, using any innovative means or tools at their disposal.
Teams - comprised of ordinary Christians from ordinary churches all over the the world - will choose one from several "divisions" or groupings of countries around the world, through which they will travel and actively share their faith. Regardless of division chosen, all teams will visit a minimum of 10 countries, including each continent on the globe. Teams are responsible for raising their own sponsorship to pay for their travel and upkeep.
The first ever Challenge will commence in April 2010 and be completed over 5 months. The Lord willing, the organizers hope it will become a sought-after annual event and grow in popularity, as evidenced by growing numbers of participating teams and passionate followers.
The daily news and results of teams will be broadcast (by blogs, video clips on the official web site) to an eager and expectant Christian world. As such the Challenge will make inspirational Christian news, followed on an ongoing basis by an ever increasing audience who will have been stung into action and inspired by this bold vision and selfless acts of others. A colorful bonus points system has been devised to further motivate participants and to acknowledge the difficulties of witnessing in more difficult locations and situations (eg. remote locations, different languages, etc). Awards will be made at the end of the Challenge to winners of different witnessing categories.
The Challenge will undoubtedly present the greatest physical, spiritual, mental and emotional tests most participants will ever have experienced. Individuals' faith will be tested and stretched throughout their epic journeys as never before. Miracles will be witnessed and performed. Spiritual fruit will be reaped among people and in places most would never have dreamed they were capable of reaching in their lifetimes. Blessings of all manner - spiritual and material - will be experienced by participants through the faithfulness and commitment of their efforts.
As a life-changing event, very few things on earth will come close to rivaling the impact and inspiration the Challenge will have on the lives of participants. Not to mention on the many people "back home" who have chosen to support and closely monitor participants' journeys.
There are roles for both introverts and extroverts alike. The Challenge is based very solidly on the principle of the Body of Christ comprising different people who each fulfil different functions. Being such an inclusive affair that involves the worldwide church is what makes this event so unique and creative.
They are currently taking registrations for this event. You can read up about the Global Witnessing Challenge, and register your interest, at their web site at: www.gwchallenge.com
"As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News." (Rom 10:15) Keep watching this space for further developments and updates!
