March 2007

Dear FaithSearch Friend,

The great hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, penned the words of worship and praise that express the current sentiments of all of us at FaithSearch: "Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice! / Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice! / Come to the Father through Jesus the Son, / And give Him the glory—great things He hath done!"

I cannot tell you that we have overcome our budget deficit; that everyone on our staff has been healed of all health challenges; nor that there is no longer any spiritual resistance to our proclamation of the Gospel with evidence. Rather, the challenges in every area of ministry are such that we are not able to get off our knees of prayerful dependence on the gracious protection and provision of God. But, then, that's a secure place to be. I can, however, report that there is MUCH to "Praise the Lord" about.

Let the Earth Hear His Voice!

The FaithSearch mission is to proclaim the Gospel with evidence to all peoples everywhere. That is what Jesus commanded (Luke 24:47; Matthew 28:19-20)-and we are privileged to go in His name. Beyond our growing USA ministry, through translation, FaithSearch is implementing a plan to make this powerful message available to over 3.8 billion people, many in the least evangelized parts of the world; Russia, Latin America, India, China and Arabic countries. We are also equipping additional messengers in each country so the Gospel will be multiplied and sustained by indigenous people until Christ returns.

Your financial investment in FaithSearch would help us stay on schedule to reach the goals of our five-year "Extending the Vision" strategy by the end of 2008. Your prayer and financial partnership in 2007 would also help us to express Jesus' heart for the world. Besides, I believe you will be blessed to share in the resulting victory and celebration of fulfilling this important mission of letting the earth hear His voice.

Let the People Rejoice!

The Bible says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15) What a joy it is for us who bring the Good News to experience the gentle power of the Holy Spirit at work, causing people around the world to receive the Gospel with open arms and conviction.

In the USA
One event host exclaimed, "It was a privilege and honor to work with such strong soldiers for Christ fighting for the authority of His word." Many participants express that it gave them assurance in their faith because the New Testament records are supported by incredible evidence and proves that Jesus is God whom He claimed to be. For example, one wrote, "Thanks for speaking the Truth. It was so encouraging to me as a fellow Christian to hear after four years at a liberal university." Even junior high youth who attend are exuberant, "I loved it. It was very interesting how everything was like puzzle pieces. In the end everything was put together—it was amazing! I just want to say, THANK YOU!!" For others, participation resulted in a desire to be a more active witness—like one who wrote, "The most powerful tool I've ever heard to help me to tell others the Truth!"

In Other Countries
Spanish: "FaithSearch and Surprised by Faith seem to me a most excellent opportunity to train our students in the biblical defense of their faith. I look forward to working together with you."-Dr. Jim Adams, Central American Seminary, Guatemala. (Carlos Fernández is there working with them even as this letter goes to press.)

Russia: "I am very happy for your plans to participate in the education and evangelism in Russia…Move ahead boldly and freely"—Father Georgiy, Orthodox Priest, St. Philaret Christian Institute, Moscow. A Bible student at St. Petersburg Christian University responded to what he had heard, "There are twenty churches between my home town in Yakutia [far northeast of Siberia] and the regional capital city. Will you, please, come and present Discovery in all of them?" After a pause he continued, "What is required to become a FaithSearch missionary in Russia?"

India: "Pastors were amazed about this new method of presenting the truth and they are eager to conduct such training in their churches. Many pastors expressed that it would be a new turning point in their ministry... It will support church growth and affirm the faith of the workers"—P.T.Georgekutty, India Campus Crusade for Christ, Trivandrum.

Come to the Father Through Jesus the Son

A common response of unbelievers who hear the FaithSearch Gospel with evidence is conviction of sin and a desire to confess faith in Jesus to become a Christian. This is always our prayer and joy. A woman came up to me at a Minnesota event and said, "My father-in-law was saved at age 65 at your presentation on Sanibel Island (FL). Thank You!" Recently in Arizona, a senior attendee wrote, "Tonight, I reaffirmed that I believe that God promised us eternal life and can receive it only by His Son Jesus Christ." Experiencing new life in Jesus Christ is life changing, which explains the exuberance of a younger respondent, "This was incredible. I have accepted Christ. What an incredible teaching! Thank you! Thank you!"

There is only one Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And the Spirit continually uses our proclamation of the Gospel with evidence to convict people that Jesus is "the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) - regardless of race, language, or geographic region.

And Give Him the Glory-Great Things He Hath Done!

In conclusion, let me recount some of what 655 people's investment in FaithSearch has accomplished in 2006. Join us with thanksgiving and praise to God.

• It helped us present a record number of 236 USA evangelism events
• It resulted in a 54% increase in faith commitments to follow Christ (from 1,451 to 2,238)
• They were part of a 23% increase in the number of financial donors (from 533 to 655)
• Supporters gave $52,000 to match another $52,000, resulting in $104,000 for Russian ministry
• Their support enabled us to train a record number of USA teachers and disciplers (158)
• Their support enabled all four evangelists to travel throughout the USA and several foreign countries for evangelism and training ministries
• God put a desire for the Gospel in the hearts of people resulting in an increase of quarterly page requests on our Web site to a record 63,533 (65% over last year)
• God guided us to extend a ministry call to Roy Kruse who has agreed to join our staff as Vice President (see announcement in the newsletter)

From Faith to Faith

We have seen what God has done in 2006, as many have clasped faith hands together. The Bible says (Romans 1:17) that our experience of His faithfulness should motivate us to greater faith in 2007. I need your help to advance the FaithSearch mission—and I believe you will experience the same blessing we have of helping to make a spiritual difference in others' lives. It can happen in 2007—together we can change the eternal destiny of people around the world. Please prayerfully consider being a part of our team. I look forward to having you on the team.

Dr. Don Bierle
President

P.S. In response to your gift of any size, I will send you a FREE copy of my soon-to-be-released Surprised by Faith Study and Discussion Guide—110 pages exploring ten life-changing faith discoveries. When you experience it, I think you will want additional copies to use in your personal ministry. Use the response card (PDF) to expedite your gift.