Internet Evangelism Day is an annual digital outreach focus day for churches. This year, it is scheduled for Sunday April 25. It's an opportunity for any church to explore with its members the exciting opportunities for sharing the good news online. Ready-made free downloads – PowerPoint, video clips, handouts, drama scripts and music can be easily built into a presentation of five minutes or 50.

2010's focus day will be the sixth to be used by churches around the world since the initiative's launch in 2005. Over this period, digital media have developed dramatically, with the advent of YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and the growing use of mobile phones to access online services.

IE Day's website is also a one-stop resource covering many subjects including: how to build a church website that is 'outsider friendly', using Twitter in evangelism, and ideas for effective blogging.

Perhaps surprisingly, you do not need to be technical to share your faith online. And you can volunteer to be an email mentor to inquirers with several large online outreach ministries.

Internet Evangelism Day is an initiative of the Internet Evangelism Coalition, based at the Billy Graham Center, Wheaton. It is supported by a wide range of Christian leaders and groups. "I am glad to commend Internet Evangelism Day," says John Stott.

More information: http://www.InternetEvangelismDay.com

When the webcast began in September 2009, we envisioned a global communication tool that would reach conference leaders and pastors around the world. We wanted to provide training, assistance, and a platform for connecting these individuals as they strive to lead our church into a new decade. We named the program "Thrust 20" as an indication that our church is looking forward to the year 2020. Originally, the program was intended to be a quarterly communication specifically for church leadership.

We quickly learned that our initial vision was too small! We received an overwhelming response from lay leaders and church members who wanted to be a part of the webcast, too. The majority of people wanted a monthly interactive experience that would allow them to connect with our leaders and other IPHC members around the world. We needed to CAST a larger vision... so that's exactly what we've done.

Our new monthly format will involve more people,have more diverse content, and will involve multiple communication sources. The monthly program is just the foundation. During each webcast, you'll engage with other viewers around the world in a round-table discussion. Through our
redesigned resource library, you can use these teachings at training events, in small groups, and in presentations. You'll even be able to share the newscast in your weekly worship service.

CAST is a program that will challenge your thinking, awaken your imagination, sharpen your focus, and transform your life.

Join us this Tuesday, February 9 at 11 am CST for CAST.

OCEANSIDE, Calif. January 26, 2010 - How can a little indie film with no major actors, no real TV advertising, and little attention from the mainstream press catch the attention of 215,000 teenagers who came out opening weekend?

How can it also have the #1 fan rating today on Fandango.com and Flixter.com?

IndieWire.com says “’Life’ Debuts Strong” and “debuted on an aggressive 441 screens and managed to break the overall top 15. The film - about ‘an all-star athlete must change his life - and sacrifice his dreams to save the lives of others’ - grossed an impressive $1,499,400.” (Final numbers in today give the weekend gross for To Save A Life at $1,513,955)

In comparison, To Save A Life was neck and neck with teen horror flick Daybreakers, however To Save A Life was on less than a third of the number of screens. A similar story occurred with Youth In Revolt, which was on 300 more screens, yet To Save A Life grossed nearly $700,000 more.

The LA Times calls the film an “absorbing redemption story” that “is a deftly acted, generally absorbing cautionary tale with wider allure than its faith-based label may imply.”

The Miami Herald reports, “It features good acting, excellent production values and even a solidly eclectic musical score that ranges from rap to alternative.”

Big Hollywood.com, on the making of the film, states, “To Save a Life is perhaps even more a miracle than the average feature film. Not only did it beat the odds, it did so with its soul still firmly attached.” In contrast to more typical teen fair, such as Youth In Revolt and Daybreakers, it begs to ask the question – are teens looking for more?

“I was thinking as I was approached about this film, why aren’t we creating films that can actually make a positive change in the life of teens, movies that don’t just entertain, but also make an impact in the lives of the viewers?” said Brian Baugh, director of To Save A Life. Exit polls from teens after having seen the film show they want be challenged. And, they feel typical Hollywood films aren’t inspiring them to make their schools a better place.

Not only do box office numbers speak loudly, but the social media sites prove this point. The movie’s official Facebook page jumped over 30,000 users in the last five days – with over 90,000 active users. This number, compared to Youth In Revolt’s 42,000 fans, and the Book of Eli’s 44,000 fans, is compelling. Now, local splinter groups are breaking off, creating To Save A Life groups for their own communities.

Teens are coming together on the Facebook site, talking about their lives, their struggles, and inspiring each other to reach out to the hurting and lonely in their communities.

To Save A Life was created by New Song Pictures and Outreach Films, and is distributed through Samuel Goldwyn Films. After opening on 441 screens this weekend, the film will continue to open in new markets in the coming weeks.

http://www.tosavealifemovie.com

ABOUT TO SAVE A LIFE
An all-star athlete and his girlfriend find their lives spinning out of control when Jake loses a childhood friend. Help comes when he reaches out to others who are hurting, and he realizes some people are just dying to be heard. The movie asks... How far would you go? How much would you risk? How hard would you fight...TO SAVE A LIFE

Abundant Life Worship Center in Statesboro, GA is taking the Haiti earthquake personally. That's because church members Claudia and Hans Batichon are from Haiti and still have family there.

It took four days for Claudia's family to get word to her that they are safe. Instead of worrying, the Batichons decided to help.  Claudia, along with Pastor Travis Ivey and Statesboro florist Cheri Lance, came up with the idea of the Fresh Start Pack, a mesh bag filled with basic hygiene items.  So far, they have collected enough money for 100 bags. Their goal is to send 100,000 bags to earthquake victims.

To learn more about this story, watch the video below.

Joint Statement on Haiti Earthquake from
Presiding Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter and WMM Director Bishop Doug Beacham

We were deeply saddened by the news that an earthquake struck Haiti yesterday. There are many places in the world where people suffer, but Haitians are truly among the world’s most vulnerable people. The majority of Haitians were destitute, with 80% of the population living below the poverty line. The government has long been dependent on international aid. They simply cannot cope with a disaster of this magnitude.

The IPHC currently has 37 churches in Haiti. People to People Ministries provides support to over 3,000 Haitian children, making it the ministry’s largest work. We have a responsibility to help our neighbors in this time of need.

People to People Ministries will send funds to our churches for immediate relief efforts. People to People Director Matt Bennett, along with Dan Clowers, Overseas Ministry Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean and Darrell Clowers, Regional Ministry Coordinator for the Caribbean, will travel to Haiti Friday, January 15. They will assess the situation, provide immediate relief, and plan our long-term recovery strategy. Additional relief trips for spring and summer 2010 are already in the planning stages.

The IPHC is committed to assisting Haiti as it begins the recovery process. We will keep you updated on the impact the earthquake has had on our churches and people.

For now, please pray for Haiti.

• Pray for the pastors and leadership of our churches as they seek ways to minister to the overwhelming needs.
• Pray for the children sponsored through People to People. Pray for their safety, physical health, and emotional well-being as they cope with this traumatic situation.
• Pray for Matt Bennett and our assessment team as they travel to Haiti. Pray for their safety and wisdom as they join the recovery effort.

At the beginning of 2005, our churches across the U.S. responded with great generosity when a tsunami shook Indonesia and other Asian nations. We believe this same spirit of generosity will be seen as we respond to the disaster in Haiti. In a country where people cannot even afford to bury their dead, we have the opportunity to bring life. With your help, we are confident that the IPHC will do its part to further Christ’s kingdom in Haiti.