More Than 2 Million Indicate Accepting Christ as Savior Through the Evangelistic Site in 2013

Contact: Erik Ogren, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 704-401-2117, eogren@bgea.org 

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 28, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Approximately 10.5 million people worldwide experienced the Good News of Jesus Christ in 2013 by visiting the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's (BGEA) PeaceWithGod.net website. Of those, more than 2 million indicated making a commitment to Christ after viewing the message.

The evangelistic site, part of BGEA's Search for Jesus Internet ministry, uses Bible scripture, compelling video presentations and live chats to share the Gospel with visitors to the site.

Since the site was launched in May 2011, more than 19 million people have viewed the Gospel presentation, with nearly 4 million responding to the message. Additionally, hundreds of thousands have submitted their contact information to BGEA in order to receive follow up and ongoing training in their new faith.

"The numbers are hard to fathom, frankly. They're exciting, but difficult to really grasp or comprehend," said John Cass, BGEA's Director of Internet Evangelism. "However, on a daily basis I get the opportunity to read through transcripts of the chats taking place between visitors to our site and our trained volunteer counselors, and I can tell you that the world is being impacted for Christ.

"What we see as a number may be the Filipina woman working in a Chinese home when she stumbled upon the site and finally realized the truth of repentance and forgiveness," Cass continued. "Or it may be the man in his 30s who was up early one morning to look at adult websites, but instead stumbled upon PeaceWithGod.net and ultimately gave his life to Christ. These people aren't just numbers, but real, hurting individuals who finally found hope."

The online ministry is aided and strengthened by a network of more than 300 trained volunteers -- from 20-somethings to octogenarians -- from all walks of life who have committed to give of their time to assist those who are looking for answers in life. 

"They take the online interaction and make it a much more personal one-on-one experience," said Cass. "They chat with people on PeaceWithGod.net, guide them through a free online discipleship course, and respond to spiritual questions by e-mail."

Additional information on BGEA's Internet Evangelism efforts can be found at SearchforJesus.net.

About the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., the BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries. For more information, please visit BillyGraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at Twitter.com/BGEAnews.