Challenges and Triumphs

At times, the work for this NET 11 is simply overwhelming. The pace is relentless, there is no let-up. And when direct interposition of the enemy takes place, it feels like too much to bear.

Here are some challenges which developed in the last few weeks.

1.   Title for Creation-Evolution pre-NET Stopped. Out of courtesy, we decided to check with the owners of the former circus slogan regarding “The Greatest Show On Earth.” For months we’ve advertised our creation-evolution this way, along with the subtitle “Making Sense of the Creation-Evolution Debate.” Well, even though they couldn’t stop us—like they couldn’t stop Richard Dawkins, famed evolutionist, from writing his book by the same title—they asked us to not use it. So, after all that work, back to the drawing board, literally, and a new title: “In the Beginning: Making Sense of the Creation-Evolution Debate.” I figured we won’t need to ask Moses for permission to quote Gen 1:1.

2.   Delays in Production of Implementation DVD. We had contracted with a group to do this, and after they taped every trainer in NADEI twice, the product was still of substandard quality. So, we had to scramble and find another videographer and team to do it. This has set us back an entire month.

3.   Delays in Publication of Holy Spirit Book. Due to a misunderstanding, the book will be published several weeks behind schedule. We’ve had other minor challenges there as well, but things will turn out all right. Approximately 3,000 books will be shipped to NET 11 churches that signed up early.

4.   Delays Writing the Manual. This piece of the project has proven to be more challenging than expected due to the specificity and detail going into it. We want this to be very helpful to the pastors and churches involved. My personal challenge is that I must now focus on the upcoming archaeology weekend at PMC and the urgent development of the creation pre-NET content, but still have much to do before I can finish the manual. I’ve simply run out of time, and Russell Burrill, our coordinator, is set to be out of the country for a time in a few days, which increases my load and stress level, as you can imagine.

But there are also triumphs, and good news, each brought about by the intervention of God.

1.   Fund-Raising Is Actually Taking Place. With the need to raise over 200,000 dollars to meet our budget needs, I have prayed for guidance how to do something I’ve never done before. God has graciously opened the doors. With full-time teaching and traveling and working on many NET aspects, I have no adequate time to dedicate to this. Yet, after talking with only six parties, we have over half of that money pledged thanks to their generosity.

2.   Resources Will Be Helpful. Even though writing manuals, producing DVDs, writing books, and doing research for presentations is a lot of work, we have a strong sense that these things will be very helpful to churches and members interested in revival and soul winning. All the effort, I believe, will be worth it. And in spite of challenges, God has given us a certain assurance that all will be all right.

3.   Churches Are Actually Signing Up. To date, 335 churches have signed up to be part of NET 11. Although this is only a third of what we hope to see, it is an excellent number this early in the year, compared to previous NET years. Slowly, but surely, the idea is getting out there that this is a process—Evangelism 360—and not just an event.

4.   My Health and Our Team Are Holding Up. Many associated with product development, communications, and organization at NADEI and elsewhere, are working very hard, but people are holding up. Sometimes I get little sleep, but God has sustained me albeit the hectic pace. Our spirits are strong, even is a bit frayed at times. God will see us through.

Please do not forget to pray over some of our challenges. In addition, on March 11 and 12, Dr Michael Hasel and I will do the archaeology presentations at the Pioneer Memorial Church at Andrews, in part, to tape it professionally so as to make them available for home use as an outreach tool. New slides are being developed, and we’re going to be cutting it very close. Pray for the graphic designer.

Thanks so much for your interest in evangelism, and in NET 11. May God do everything He hopes to do for the church and the people of our division through this effort.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power

will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;

perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; . . .

So death works in us, but life in you.”

2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 12