HAPPY THANKSGIVING
A greeting from Luis Palau
There’s nothing more important or life-giving than investing in changed lives. Even as I fight this cancer, I’m excited about what God is doing through this team.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas! Pat and I pray this Advent season fills you with God’s great joy, His peace, His healing, His hope, and His love. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given . . . and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Our God truly is faithful. His mercies are new every morning. His love is overwhelming. His forgiveness is never-ending. And His peace is beyond comparing.
This is the message we share with the world. It is our joy and responsibility. And I’ve never felt the urgency as much as I do now!
It’s odd to think it’s been two years since my cancer diagnosis. The doctors told me I would be gone a long time ago. I guess God had other plans. I’m not complaining!
If you were to ask me how I was doing, I would say, “I feel just fine, thank you very much.” I get a little dizzy every once in a while. Maybe a little more forgetful. But that’s just old age. That has nothing to do with cancer.
And frankly, I hate talking about my health. Though I’m blessed so many are praying and care about me, I’m more concerned about the job we have to do.
There are still so many people who need to hear the Gospel. That should be our never-ending, urgent focus . . . until our homecoming or His return! That is what we’re called to as a team.
God is not done with any of us. Not even me!
Even as I fight this cancer, I’m excited about the team. I’ve been able to invest more time in prayer and encouraging our Board and leaders. I’m fired up, some might even say. And together, I truly believe the Lord is preparing to do even greater things in the days ahead.
As you know, Andrew and I shared the stage in Madrid, Spain, earlier this year. All the other campaigns this year have been led by Andrew. And God is using him powerfully!
As I write this, Andrew is just returning from an amazing outreach in Cape Town, South Africa. The team accomplished more than 32 events over 13 days. And he quickly turns around and heads out the door for China. Another 8 days and 21 events.
While I slow down Andrew has picked up the pace with glorious results. It’s a blessing to see. A testament to how the Lord continues to use this team.
And that’s not all….
The team is deep into an intense effort to gather thousands of evangelists into one massive network . . . encouraging, training, blessing, and guiding. In the next 36 months, the prayer is to raise up an initial group of 5,000 evangelists to keep evangelism a priority around the world. Can you imagine the multiplied impact!
We are also working with dozens of cities to establish evangelism teams. Not every city is ready for a festival, but we can encourage and challenge them to do whatever they can to proclaim the Good News regularly in their city.
What blesses me the most about our Board and leaders is the beautiful balance between their commitment to our tried-and-true methods and their push for fresh ideas to reach a new generation with the Gospel. They are truly on fire!
One exciting example . . . a brand new LPA digital evangelism initiative is leading thousands of people to Christ each week online. It’s on pace for 500,000 more decisions for Christ through LPA each year! All glory to God!
While we rejoice, we’re armed for battle. I’ve been in the trenches for decades and it’s always a struggle when you do evangelism. Please don’t forget that.
When you give away food . . . the world applauds you.
When you help the poor . . . they give you awards.
When you give away free education . . . everyone loves you.
But the moment you say: “Repent. Believe. Turn to God. Jesus is the only way!” Suddenly there is opposition. Many of your friends seem to fade into the shadows. Support is few and far between. So, we can’t lose heart. Far too many have given up. We can’t be ones to join them.
That is why we love and value your partnership so much. You may be surprised, but there aren’t many people who support the work of evangelism. You are a rare breed.
And I pray you keep it up! The world needs you!
We have multiple campaigns set for the months ahead. Please join us in praying for each one of these:
December 2019 – Beijing and Harbin, China
February 2020 – Cairo and Minya, Egypt
March 2020 – Space Coast, Florida (Brevard County)
May 2020 – Berlin, Germany
June 2020 – Wolverhampton, England and Albuquerque, New Mexico
July 2020 – Mulhouse, France (and 3 surrounding villages)
October 2020 – Blantyre, Malawi
November 2020 – Buenos Aires, Argentina (my hometown!)
So as you celebrate the Lord’s goodness this Christmas season, I pray that you would also be challenged to do something extra special to ensure the Good News continues to go out with power.
I know you’re bombarded with opportunities to invest . . . especially during this time of year. I trust the Lord will lead you. But I also want to challenge you.
There are few organizations out there focused on evangelism. And frankly, there’s nothing more important. Think of your friends, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers . . .
What happens if they come to the end of their life having never truly known Jesus as their Savior? What if they never hear the Good News? What if they never have a chance to give their life to Christ? What does that mean for their eternal future?!
Now more than ever we need to proclaim the Good News boldly. We will continue to make proclamation evangelism our top and most urgent priority. And you play a vital role.
Your giving to evangelism has a deep, eternal, multiplying effect. And I’m excited to tell you we have a matching challenge you can take advantage of before the end of the year to make your partnership go even further.
Every gift given between now and December 31 . . . up to $500,000 . . . will help meet the matching challenge!
Your partnership right now – before December 31 – will not only be used to proclaim the Good News around the world, but it will extend your impact and multiply your reach.
The open doors for the Gospel are truly amazing. In the midst of such a dark and discouraging world, God is urgently breaking through. Your gift before December 31 can ensure the Good News goes out to change lives with power and persistence!
Please pray about giving a gift right now . . . before the end of the year. Make sure it is postmarked no later than December 31 to qualify for our matching challenge. You can call in your gift at (888) 877-5847 or give online at the button below.
God bless you this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. I’m thankful for you and thankful I’m still alive and serving our Savior. May you finish 2019 strong – filled with the hope of Jesus Christ. And may you know deep down how much you are appreciated and how vital your partnership is in this kingdom work.
Love you in Christ,
