'A Crusade a Day' as SearchForJesus.net Reaches 30,000 People Daily Around the World

Contact: Erik Ogren, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 704-577-2109, eogren@bgea.org

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 19, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) has announced that its Internet evangelism ministry, SearchForJesus.net, has seen more than 3 million indicate that they've made a decision for Christ. The ministry, which uses Bible scripture, compelling video presentations and live chats to share the Gospel with visitors to the site, launched in May 2011.

"Historically, we have spread the hope of Jesus Christ to millions through citywide stadium events, and that continues to be a very effective platform. Nothing can replace that," said John Cass, BGEA's Director of Internet Evangelism. "However, as people -- not just in the U.S. but around the world -- become increasingly digital, it only makes sense to adapt along with the technology. We've seen a remarkable response by meeting people where they are, at points in their life when they need the Gospel the most."

The flagship sites for the ministry are PeaceWithGod.net, which shares the Gospel, and SearchForJesus.net, which serves as the main page and information source for BGEA's Internet evangelism efforts.

Overall, more than 30,000 people each day are viewing a presentation of the Gospel via PeaceWithGod.net. "Looking back on Mr. Graham's decades of ministry filling arenas with tens of thousands of people anxious to hear the message of Christ, the Internet is allowing us to continue that legacy with a Crusade a day online," said Cass.

As the ministry has grown, BGEA's Internet evangelism team has also developed a network of trained volunteers who are available to do live chats with inquirers. Additional websites have been created as part of the outreach, including KnowJesus.net, an interactive course that introduces the basics of what it means to know Jesus and live as a Christian, and GoingFarther.net, for new Christians who want to learn more and develop their faith. A Spanish-language version of the ministry, PazConDios.net, was launched in June 2012.

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, including: large-scale festivals led by evangelists Franklin Graham and Will Graham; The Billy Graham Library; The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, located outside of Asheville, N.C.; SearchforJesus.net, an Internet evangelism project reaching thousands of people for Christ online; and many others through print, television, telephone, radio and the Internet. For more information, please visit BillyGraham.org. Get news updates on Twitter at Twitter.com/BGEAnews.