ITISWRITTEN.COM
SPRING 2017
impressions
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MOLDOVA 32 Volunteers Impact Eastern Europe
Which Way, America?
Eric Flickinger offers hope in North Dakota
2 States, 2 Rivers, 1 Purpose
Kansas City prepares for major evangelistic series
on the cover
MOLDOVA 32 Volunteers Impact 16
Eastern Europe
In February 2017 an It Is Written evangelism team of 32 volunteers traveled to Moldova to work with 120 churches. This city-wide evangelistic effort resulted in 267 baptisms and reignited a passion for Jesus.
aspects 04
Director’s Desk
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Mission Report
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Escrito EstĂĄ
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Partnership Highlight
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My Place With Jesus
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Community Connection
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Devotional
2 States, 2 Rivers, 1 Purpose
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Kansas City prepares for major evangelistic series
Which Way, America? Eric Flickinger offers hope in North Dakota
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impressions magazine SPRING 2017 ISSUE 10 EXECUTIVE EDITOR John Bradshaw EDITOR Annalyse Hasty ART DIRECTOR Michael Prewitt GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ariel Warren Copyright © 2017 by It Is Written. All rights reserved. It Is Written and My Place With Jesus are registered trademarks and/or service marks of It Is Written, Inc. Escrito Está is a trademark of It Is Written, Inc.
connect with us itiswritten.com BUSINESS HOURS M – Th, 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EDT SUBSCRIPTIONS
calendar
SPRING 2017
John Bradshaw, Speaker/Director APRIL 27 — 30
Speaking at ASI Mid-America in Denver, Colorado
MAY 18 — 20
Evangelistic Series in Rome, Italy
MAY 31 — JUNE 11
Evangelistic Series in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
JUNE 13 — 17
Speaking at Chesapeake Conference Camp Meeting in Hagerstown, Maryland
JUNE 20 — 24
Speaking at Michigan Conference Camp Meeting in Cedar Lake, Michigan
JUNE 28 — JULY 1
Speaking for Convocation at Camp Hale Koa, Waimea, Hawaii
JULY 18 — 22
Speaking at Alaska Southcentral Camp Meeting in Palmer, Alaska
impressions@iiw.org It Is Written, P.O. Box 6, Chattanooga, TN 37401-0006 423-362-5800 SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/itiswritten instagram.com/itiswrittenmedia pinterest.com/itiswritten plus.google.com/+ItIsWrittenInc twitter.com/itiswritten youtube.com/ItIsWrittenInc
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Resources
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Impressed
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Tributes & Memorials
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Planned Giving
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Staff Highlight
Eric Flickinger, Associate Speaker MAY 20 — 27
Evangelism Rally in Stuttgart, Germany
MAY 28 — JUNE 3
Speaking at Carolina Conference Camp Meeting in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina
JUNE 19 — 23
Speaking at Washington Conference Camp Meeting in Auburn, Washington
SUMMER
SALT It Is Written School of Evangelism
July 12–16
Sign up now for Summer SALT evangelism training!
Visit saltevangelism.com Or call 423-236-2034
Director’s Desk
John Bradshaw
Lifesaving Acts
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n 2007 an incredible rescue occurred in a subway station in New York City. A 20-year-old film student suffered a seizure and fell onto the tracks. Unable to get the man back onto the platform, construction worker Wesley Autry placed the man in a drainage trench between the tracks and threw himself on top of him as a train passed over them both. The train was so close to Mr. Autry that it left grease on the cap he was wearing. Following Mr. Autry’s act of heroism he became known as “the Subway Samaritan.” He appeared on television, was honored by President Bush at the State of the Union address, and received recognition and awards. In this issue of Impressions you will read about similar lifesaving acts. While none of them involve subway platforms and train tracks, the work of evangelism is all about saving lives for eternity. Jesus said He came into the world “to seek and to save that which was lost,” (Luke 19:10), and He has commissioned the church to “make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them” (Matthew 28:19). “I wish I’d known It Is Written exists to save lives for eternity by sharing these truths earlier,” the saving message of the gospel. As you’re about to read, in Moldova, Mongolia, and here in the United States Gary told us. people are coming to faith in Jesus Christ. One man who recently completed our online Bible studies has already started a small group so he can teach what he has learned to his friends and neighbors. “I wish I’d known these truths earlier,” Gary told us. He now wants to become an evangelist so he can share the three angels’ messages with as many people as possible. “THANK YOU It Is Written!!!” Gary wrote. Thank you for making soul-winning and evangelism possible. Pray for Gary, and continue to pray for It Is Written’s global evangelistic outreach.
Speaker & Director
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It Is Written impressions
Watch It Is Written Online Anytime itiswritten.com/television
Feature
Y
ou don’t live in North Dakota unless you’re made of tougher stuff. In the winter, temperatures get down to negative 60 degrees, buffalo roam the plains, and North Dakota is even credited with making a man out of Teddy Roosevelt. There are 39 million acres of farmland here that produce nearly half the nation’s total spring wheat, durum wheat, sunflower, barley, oats, lentils, honey, beans, canola, and flaxseed. This is a land of farmers and oil workers. It’s a land populated by Norwegians, Russians, and Germans. The people here are accustomed to hard work. Or to put it another way, you don’t get nicknamed the Roughrider State for nothin’. Midway between the cities of Bismarck and Fargo is where you’ll find a place called Jamestown. It Is Written supporters from Jamestown and the nearby town of Cleveland (population 86) joined together to spread the gospel among the hardy ERIC FLICKINGER is the associate speaker for It Is Written. Eric’s passion for teaching the Bible has been experienced by thousands across North America and around the globe.
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people of this area. It Is Written was invited to hold a series of evangelistic meetings here. I responded and began planning to present the series titled, Which Way, America? In preparation, volunteers conducted CREATION Health seminars, gave Bible studies, held community friendship
The success of all these public meetings depends on the work that is done in advance just like the farmer who diligently prepares his field to ensure a plentiful harvest. dinners, conducted Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and passed out literature. On opening night, a crowd of nearly 80 people gathered together at the Gladstone Inn downtown. Coming in from the surrounding farming communities—sometimes in snowstorms with 40 mph winds—people found their way each night to hear the messages that brought them answers to life’s biggest questions.
TROY AND JONI were trying to understand the book of Revelation when John knocked on their door to invite them to the seminar.
ANALY, a university student, had her mind completely changed about the Bible. It went from being a book filled with dos and don’ts to being God’s big “cookbook of love.”
of attending the seminar crossed his mind, but he reasoned, I can’t go to the seminar right after drinking at the bar. So he went home and felt sick. The next night, he attempted to go to the seminar again, but found himself back at the bar. After a few drinks, he felt the tug of the Holy Spirit, left the bar, and headed out to the seminar. Gripped by the uplifting messages he was hearing, he was drawn back night after night. On the day of his baptism, nearly a dozen of his friends and family members were there to support him in his new walk with the Lord.
GREG had spent the last 40 years of his life drinking, gambling, and becoming thoroughly discouraged with life. The thought of ending it all had crossed his mind more than once. When he received a handbill for the seminar in the mail he thought, I need to go to this. But when the opening night of the seminar arrived, he found himself in a bar rather than at the seminar. Thoughts
RICHARD AND JEAN owned a number of businesses in Jamestown and were making quite a living by the world’s standards. But then business took a downturn. They had to declare bankruptcy and they lost everything. But what they found was worth much more than silver and gold. They found Jesus. Over the years, they grew closer to Him and have been looking for ways to help others
Attending the seminar meant so much to RUBY that she brought her sisters, her granddaughter, and her great granddaughter to hear the messages.
experience the joys that they have found in their Savior. Convicted by what they heard at the Which Way, America? seminar, they too made a decision to publicly commit their lives to Christ’s service through baptism. SHARON’s life seemed to be heading in the right direction when she got married. But then, tragically, her husband passed away. She married again, but he too passed away. Then, she lost a third husband and was left discouraged and depressed. Her mother-in-law invited her to come to the seminar and she consented, but only to please her mother-in-law. When she arrived, she told the young man who greeted her, “This will be my only meeting.” But as God often does, He reached out and grabbed hold of Sharon’s heart and drew her to Himself. Recently baptized and with a contagious smile adorning her face, she joyfully exclaimed, “I’m so happy! I’m so glad I came!”
The Lord continues to work on the hearts of the people in North Dakota. The Buffalo City, as Jamestown is frequently called, is bustling with activity as new church members continue to study the Bible and invite others to join them. That Rough Rider spirit still persists in these parts as new trails are being blazed for Jesus and frozen hearts are softened by His Spirit. SPRING 2017
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Mission Report
MISSION:Mongolia
Exceeding Expectations Final Mission: Mongolia trip recruits over 120 volunteers.
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n 2015 It Is Written launched a three-year medical mission project called Mission: Mongolia. So far, three teams of medical professional volunteers have traveled to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to hold clinics and share Jesus. These past widely successful trips are now culminating in It Is Written’s largest Mission: Mongolia trip with 120 volunteers headed to Ulaanbaatar on May 31, 2017. In addition to the eight different clinic locations, It Is Written Speaker/Director John Bradshaw will be holding nightly evangelistic meetings downtown in an event hall. In 2014 the World Health Organization estimated that 79 percent of deaths in Mongolia were from noncommunicable diseases (NCD). Noncommunicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, are not passed from person to person. They include things like heart disease, cancers, and diabetes. The number of people affected in Mongolia
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April 2016
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Future 2017
August 2016
Patients served: 500
Patients served: 1000
Patients served: 2600
Basic medical care
Basic medical care
Dental care
Vision care
Vision care
Vision care
Reading glasses distributed Pharmaceuticals administered
Reading glasses distributed Pharmaceuticals administered
Reading glasses distributed
Nutritional counseling
Nutritional counseling
Physical therapy
It Is Written impressions
Basic wound care
BY ANNALYSE HASTY, Editor
Legend Medical Clinic Evangelistic Meetings Dental Clinic Surgical Clinic Ophthalmology Clinic
Š OPENSTREETMAP CONTRIBUTORS
has dramatically increased in relation to unhealthy choices (poor diet, physical inactivity, etc.), making NCD prevention a top public health priority. With the goal of decreasing the incidence of NCD, the team of volunteer medical professionals will provide general and specialized medical care, dental care, ophthalmological evaluations and glasses, physical therapies, medication, and health promotion services that are expected to benefit at least 3,000 people. In addition, several specialists will be performing surgeries in cooperation with local surgeons at hospitals in Ulaanbaatar. Please pray for this special group of volunteers as they minister medically and spiritually to the precious people of Mongolia.
The past three trips are now culminating in It Is Written’s largest Mission: Mongolia trip with 120 volunteers.
SPRING 2017
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Escrito Está
Escrito Está Reaches Suffering Parents
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uis was born in a Christian home in Bogotá, Colombia. He grew up learning about Jesus and the Bible. But as he got older, he drifted away from God, and eventually left the church. He had no time for the things of God. He married a good woman, had a wonderful job, and was expecting his first child. Things couldn’t have been better. As far as he was concerned, he had a great life and had need of nothing. However, everything changed when his son was born with a serious health problem. Day after day, Luis and his wife Laura sat by their son, hoping that maybe today was the day he would turn the corner and improve. Four long months passed, and their baby Marco remained hospitalized. During this time, Luis remembered the God of his childhood. How could he have been so foolish to think he didn’t need God? Would God help him now? Surely, it couldn’t be too late. CAROLINA BONILLA is the administrative assistant for Escrito Está. Born in Ecuador, Carolina has a passion for reaching the Spanishspeaking community with the gospel.
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It Is Written impressions
As Luis and Laura sat for long hours in the hospital, Luis began to look forward to a daily program he watched on television called Escrito Está. Whenever the preacher spoke, Luis felt hope surge in his heart. He heard the preacher say that God forgives and freely pardons everyone who comes to Him.
From deep in his heart, Luis cried out and asked God to forgive him and help his son. From deep in his heart, Luis cried out to God, asking God to forgive him and help his son. Day after day he clung to hope and longed to find a way back to God and His church. One day, Luis received a visit from an old church friend who told him the speaker of the television program he watched every day was in the city holding a series of meetings. Luis couldn’t believe it. Pastor Robert Costa was in Bogotá? The program was well-known throughout Colombia, but Luis never imagined he’d have a chance to see—and maybe even speak to— the speaker personally. He knew he must find a way.
Pastor Costa and the Escrito Está team film in the Waldensian valley.
That night he went to the meetings with his friend, and after the service he waited to speak with Pastor Costa. The pastor turned out to be as kind and understanding as Luis had imagined and he connected Luis with one of the local pastors. They prayed for Luis and his little family, asking for a special blessing on his son. Luis expressed his desire to be re-baptized and join the church again. Both he and Laura began attending the meetings every night. By the end of the series, Luis and Laura had been baptized, and their son had improved enough to go home with them. There was joy on their faces as they shared how God used their suffering to bring them back to Him. “Sometimes it is in the night season when God’s mercy shines the brightest,” said Pastor Costa. “We can often best see His glory in our darkest hour.” A total of 236 churches from Bogotá’s metropolitan area participated in the Escrito Está series, which was aired live via satellite to the whole country and the world. Every night 3,000 people packed the coliseum where the series was held,
with many additional satellite locations in churches throughout the country. At the close of the series, a total of 2,811 baptisms were held, 400 of those in the coliseum. One of the last baptisms included Luis’ brother, who came as a result of Luis’ testimony.
Robert Costa, Speaker/Director APRIL 26 — 29
Evangelistic Series in Narvarte, Mexico
APRIL 29 — MAY 6
Evangelistic Series in Mexico City, Mexico
JUN 2 — 4 Evangelistic Series JUN 9 — 11 in Edmonton, Canada JULY 1—8
Evangelistic Rally in Dallas, Texas
JULY 14 — 16
Evangelistic Rally in Anchorage, Alaska
JULY 21 — 23
Speaking at Kansas-Nebraska Conference Camp Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri SPRING 2017
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Partnership Highlight
From
Ministry Partner to Missionary Pastor
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t Is Written is all about sharing Jesus with people all over the globe. Our Partners make that possible by supporting the ministry financially. But some Partners take one more step and travel the globe with us. Meet Dr. Charles and Bonnie Wilkens ministry Partners since 1998. Their commitment to the ministry has recently taken them all over the world. Dr. Wilkens chose to operate his medical practice in a part of Tennessee that especially needed the love of Jesus, but he always wanted to travel the world as a missionary physician. So whenever possible, he and his wife take time to share Jesus as part of an It Is Written missionary team. In 2014 Charles and Bonnie went to Costa Rica with an It Is Written team, in 2016 to Mongolia, and this March they shared the message of Jesus with the people of Moldova—the poorest country in Europe. The Wilkens joined 32 other volunteer evangelists who were spread out around a country the size of West Virginia to simultaneously share the message of Jesus’ love. Charles and Bonnie spoke at a church in Taraclia, a city of 14,900 people in the southern part of Moldova. The southern geographic location of the city did not bring inviting weather on the opening night of the meetings as snow and ice covered the ground. The church wasn’t any warmer because the heat had not been turned on. But people bundled up and filled the small church. The local community graciously welcomed the foreign couple to their homes and despite language barriers, the Wilken’s felt very loved and accepted. The food was amazing and generous. Charles and Bonnie especially enjoyed fresh grape juice grown in the local community. As the Wilkens left Taraclia, they had a special burden for their translator who had worked along side them during the meetings. She was very interested in the material that she was sharing with the congregation. The Wilkens left her their message notes with a special prayer that she would find hope in the message of the Bible. After supporting It Is Written financially for 19 years, the Wilkens are thrilled to see ELLEN METCALF the results of their investment firsthand. is the development “Sharing the gospel with others is a spiritual high,” Dr. Wilkens said. “We always feel more director for It Is Written. Ellen and blessed than the blessings we are able to give her team plan the to others. We look forward to being part of yearly Partnership weekend events. another team in the future.” SPRING 2017
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Resources
The It Is Written Bible School is as EASY as 1, 2, 3! The It Is Written Bible School is a simple, cost-effective way to share life-changing truth with your community. If you desire more baptisms at your church, talk to your pastor or personal ministries coordinator about becoming an It Is Written Bible School. Your church recently received an It Is Written Bible School information packet, including a sample Mega Mailer. If your church has not received an information packet, or if you would like to receive a free sample of the Mega Mailer, visit iiw.us/mailer or call 888-664-5573.
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Choose one of the options below to mail, share, or display.
1 Mail
Mega Mailer (estimated return rate of 10 per 1,000) 1,000 minimum $0.34 per home
Share Door Hanger or Small Card
Display Lesson #1 (also available in Spanish)
Call for pricing and details.
2
Place your order online at itiswritten.com/bibleschool or by calling 888-664-5573
3
Prepare to give Bible studies in your community by visiting saltevangelism.com SPRING 2017
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Cover Feature
MOLDOVA
32 Volunteers Impact Eastern Europe “Where in the world is Moldova?” was the question that popped into my mind when I heard that It Is Written had been invited to conduct a major evangelistic effort in that country. Thanks to Google, I discovered that Moldova is a tiny landlocked nation in Eastern Europe, between Ukraine and Romania, that was once part of the Soviet Union.
YVES MONNIER is the evangelism director for It Is Written. He schedules and oversees all of the ministry’s evangelism projects around the world.
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Today, it is the poorest nation in Europe with a standard of living well below its many neighbors. The government reports that the population is at about 3 million but in reality it’s closer to 2 million and declining. People are fleeing the hardships of Moldova in search of a better life. These are people ripe to hear a wonderful message of hope about a God who loves them and desires to give them an abundant life forever. At the end of last year, It Is Written went into high gear to prepare for this effort that would involve 120 churches across Moldova. It Is Written Associate Speaker Eric Flickinger spent a week in January 2017 training pastors how to conduct evangelistic meetings. About a month later the It Is Written evangelism team of 32 volunteers,
plus John Bradshaw, landed in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. We were greeted by frigid temperatures but also by very warm and kind people. Our team was assigned to 22 churches while the local pastors were responsible for the other 98. On February 18, we all opened our meetings with some fear and trepidation. But also with the assurance that where God calls He provides. Here’s the feedback of some of our It Is Written evangelists after the first few days of meetings (in their own words): “The evening service started at 4:00 p.m. and we had a packed church, probably close to 200 people. My translator did great, so all in all God glorified Himself.” “It went well today. Ten guests this evening including the town mayor. He warmly greeted me.” “I had about 15 to 20 kids and the church was packed with adults. People were standing up in the little balcony and there were even people standing along the back wall. Special music was excellent. There was a good energy and excitement amongst the guests.”
…It Is Written went into high gear to prepare for this effort that would involve 120 churches across Moldova.
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“The church was cold but the people were very warm and friendly. This was the first time that I had to preach with my heavy coat on.” “The first presentation went great! We added more chairs because the little church was very full. We felt the Holy Spirit leading as we presented.”
“The devil is working hard but he will not win against our prayer warriors.”
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“My heart is overflowing with new friends. Pastor has arranged meetings so children can come after school. This brings the parents. Children story time is a hoot!! The devil is working hard but he will not win against our prayer warriors.” As the meetings progressed, things only got better. Daniel, a pastor from Indianapolis, decided to give English lessons before every meeting. As a result, 50 young people attended his classes and then stayed for the evening meeting. Dr. Guild was invited to do health presentations during the day at several public schools where he sowed seeds of truth in young hearts. God kept opening doors for the team to minister. One of our translators was a non-Christian, hired because our hosts had been unable to find a translator for this one church. She was so impressed by what she was translating that she started bringing her daughter to hear the nightly presentations. The climax of any evangelistic series is when an appeal is made for baptism. At all of our venues people, pricked
by the Holy Spirit, stood up and came forward to tell Jesus they wanted to be part of His family. Powerful. One of these people was Pavel. What makes his decision exceptional is how he heard the nightly presentations. The evangelist preached in English. The translator then translated into Romanian. Since he did not know English or Romanian, some brave member was simultaneously translating in Pavel’s ear from Romanian to Russian, the only language he spoke. You’d think a lot would have been lost in all the translation; however, he understood the Holy Spirit clearly and made the decision to be baptized as well. When the meetings concluded 267 people had been baptized. Praise God! However, this number means little without some context. In the same churches there had been 270 baptisms all of last year—267 was as of March 4 this year. Now, that’s really a PRAISE GOD! One of our evangelists, summed up very well how we all felt as we departed Moldova: “To see the Holy Spirit working, and to be a part of it, is such a deep blessing that it will be with us forever.” Furthermore, this experience has been such a blessing that Emil, another of our evangelists, energized by his experience in Moldova, is conducting his own series of meetings at his home church. The blessings continue. It Is Written is organizing several evangelism mission trips in 2018. Why not share in the blessing with us?
UPCOMING MISSION OPPORTUNITIES Moldova
FEBRUARY 2018
Philippines
JULY 2018
South Africa
OCTOBER 2018
Contact Us
423-362-5846 missions@iiw.org
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My Place With Jesus
Faithful Unto Death …For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. HEBREWS 13:5
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ust outside the gates of Greyfriars Church in Edinburgh, Scotland, stands a life-sized monument to Bobby, a special little dog. Bobby, a Skye terrier, belonged to John Gray. Sadly, Mr. Gray died in 1858 leaving Bobby all alone. Because he loved and cared for his master so much, Bobby lay on John’s grave every single day for the rest of his life—leaving only to find food. His love and loyalty captured the hearts of people all over the world. Even Queen Victoria came to visit Bobby! However, there were some who didn’t appreciate Bobby’s presence and wanted to get rid of him. In 1867, Bobby’s life was threatened by a law requiring all dogs to be licensed by their owners. Impressed by Bobby’s story, William Chambers, the city’s Lord Provost (mayor), purchased a license and presented Bobby with a tagged collar that became his security for the remainder of his life. The story of Greyfriars Bobby is touching. It reminds us of the faithfulness and devotion demonstrated by followers of Jesus as
they wait for Him to return and take them to be with Him forever. Although challenges, temptations, disappointments, and difficulties are a part of a Christian’s experience, Jesus has promised to help us in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1) and empower us to resist temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Jesus has also promised to give us the Holy Spirit as a constant companion (Luke 11:13) and to live His life in the heart of every believer (Galatians 2:20). While it is very important to remember God calls us to be faithful to Him, we cannot overlook His promise to be faithful to us. Bobby’s story also reminds us of God’s loyalty and love for the people of this world. In Hebrews 13:5 God promises us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Bobby spent 14 faithful years by his owner’s grave until he died at the age of 16. Buried in the same cemetery as his master, Bobby’s headstone reads:
MELISSA BRADSHAW is the My Place With Jesus coordinator at It Is Written. Melissa and her husband, John Bradshaw, have two children and live in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area.
Let Bobby’s story draw your mind to the loyalty of Jesus, who loved the world so much that He gave His life so you can live with Him forever (John 3:16). Remember that God loves you and is always faithful.
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GREYFRIARS BOBBY DIED 14TH JANUARY 1872 AGED 16 YEARS LET HIS LOYALTY & DEVOTION BE A LESSON TO US ALL
Visit myplacewithjesus.org for more great stories and activities for kids! Like us on Facebook! facebook.com/myplacewithjesus
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BASSET HOUND BEAGLE BOXER CHIHUAHUA CHOW CHOW DACHSHUND DALMATIO N DOBERMAN GOLDEN RET RIEVER GREYHOUND PAPILLO N POMERANIAN ROT TWEILER PUG SAINT BERN ARD SCHN AUZER SHEEPDOG TERRIER YORKIE
Our Dog Friends Audio CD Everyone loves stories! If you enjoy stories about dogs, then you will love our new resource, Our Dog Friends. This favorite book is a compilation of dog stories by Ernest Lloyd. A selection of these stories have been read by Pastor John Bradshaw for you to enjoy. Call 1-888-664-5573 to order your copy today! SPRING 2017
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Community Connection
Taking A
Stand
John Bradshaw inspires high school students at week of prayer
L
ocated on the outskirts of Calhoun, Georgia, the Georgia-Cumberland Academy (GCA) campus church boasts a membership of over 500 people. Nearly half of them are students. For senior pastor, Greg Hudson, this means ensuring a unique focus on ministering to young people. Students are encouraged to take an active role, from teaching Sabbath school to participating on the church board. The purpose is to equip young people for service by teaching them how to recognize and use their spiritual gifts. “Our mission is to capture the hearts and minds of young people; to develop 22
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them into fully devoted disciples of Jesus so they can win others to Him,” Pastor Hudson said. In today’s society bursting with
“Our mission is to capture the hearts and minds of young people; to develop them into fully devoted disciples of Jesus so they can win others to Him.” electronic distractions, the art of capturing hearts and minds has become increasingly difficult. Because of this,
a special week of spiritual emphasis is organized three times a year. Students and staff along with off-campus church members gather together to sing, worship, and pray. It is an important time for everyone to reconnect, refocus, and learn to overcome the challenges of life. Beginning February 13 It Is Written participated in one of these week-long worship exercises. Each evening, Pastor John Bradshaw presented a message on the theme of taking a stand for what’s right— no matter the cost. In addition, Pastor Bradshaw devoted several hours each day participating in the school’s religion classes. He interacted with students and answered their difficult questions. “For 60 years, It is Written has been dedicated to evangelism. We care about the salvation of all people, especially the youth. Many of us have children around that age, so we’re especially burdened with that,” John said. “The spiritual welfare of our young people is of paramount importance. To be part of pointing kids towards Christ, helping them to grow, and urging them to make decisions for Jesus is at the core of what we’re about.” And make decisions they did! Over 80 copies of the classic book, The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White, were distributed. It’s the same book that played such a pivotal role in Pastor Bradshaw’s own conversion experience. One student enthusiastically reported, “Since this week of prayer has begun, my roommate and I have begun praying together.” She went on to say that before this time, neither of them really had much of a prayer life. Now they have recommitted their lives to prayer and are already seeing God move in their lives. Another student said, “I recently started being more bold with my prayers and I can honestly say I see a difference in
the way my prayers are being answered.” By the close of the week, six students requested baptism. Pastor Bradshaw concluded: “My hope and desire is that many more will come away from this series saying, ‘I’m really taking my faith in God seriously. I’m having an experiential faith in God.’ I want them to come to the place where they have a real, biblical, personal faith in Jesus.”
EXPERIENCE THIS SERIES AT HOME ON THE DVD SET! Call 888-664-5473 or order online at itiswritten.shop
RICHARD RAMONT is the assistant producer for It Is Written. When he’s not at work editing a video, he is enjoying life on Cagle Mountain with his wife, Roxana, and two sons, Richard III and Zachary.
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PURPOSE
Kansas City prepares for major evangelistic series
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he plan is simple, the power is real. In the middle of the United States, at the convergence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, Kansas City stands as a historical reminder of a divided city. In 1862, the city was hotly contested by Union and Confederate troops with Kansas joining the Union and Missouri siding with the Confederacy. Some 155 years later, history is being made again—this time people are uniting to love each other. In the spring of 2018, Pastor Bradshaw, the It Is Written team, and area churches will be conducting a full-scale, multimedia, live evangelistic series in the heart of Kansas City. But right now local churches are preparing the soil and uniting to Reach KC for Jesus. On February 11 and 12 of this year, Pastor John Bradshaw, the It Is Written team, and local church members met for an inspirational weekend of preparation and commitment. The rally ended with an invitation for church members to register and attend a special training one week later. The training, hosted at the Shawnee 24
It Is Written impressions
Mission Medical Center, was especially designed to equip church leaders and lay people to reach their community for Christ. It Is Written Bible Work Coordinator Jack Phillips facilitated the training. He arrived early to survey the room, set for 49 people. We might need a few more seats, he thought. But Jack was in for a big surprise. The room filled long before the meeting was to begin.
“The excitement was there. These people could see the vision and
knew this was just the beginning of something great.”
People who hadn’t registered showed up. Additional chairs were brought from an adjoining room. Still people came until the fire code room capacity was exceeded. Jack reluctantly asked people to come back for another training later in the day. Jack, his wife Crystal, and other church leaders led separate modules for the training. “Our focus was practical evangelism,” Jack said. “Training for evangelism starts by having a personal revival that spreads from our lives to the lives of those around us. This will be the
It Is Written Bible Work Coordinator Jack Phillips.
foundation to the success of any work here. Every church member needs a deeper personal experience with Jesus.” The training modules included topics like personal preparation, prayer, Bible study methods, and team work. As the training ended and people started filing out of the crowded room, Jack could sense the enthusiasm. “The excitement was there. These people could see the vision and knew this was just the beginning of something great,” Jack said. The momentum from that first day of training has spilled over into more training sessions—also filled to overflowing. People from churches all across the city, representing different cultural and socialeconomic backgrounds, are excited to Reach KC with the love of Jesus that they are experiencing. As these trained and motivated church members return home, they have a plan. Churches are mailing It Is Written Bible study invitation cards to local ZIP codes and small groups are assigned to follow up with each person interested in studying the Bible. Area churches will be hosting community outreach events like health expos, concerts, and financial seminars. Later in the year, churches will hold
individual evangelistic meetings that will culminate in the city-wide event hosted by Pastor John Bradshaw in spring 2018. Kansas City is about to feel the love of Jesus like it has never felt it before. It has been said that “the strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian” (Ministry of Healing, pg. 470), and this city that shares two states, two rivers, and violent history is about to hear the story that has the power to unify any state, any church, and every family. ELLEN METCALF is the development director for It Is Written. Ellen and her team plan the yearly Partnership weekend events.
SPRING 2017
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Impressed
Impressed by the Holy Spirit, lives are forever changed
“Praise the Lord!! I just finished watching your program about forgiveness, and I have been blessed beyond belief! I never thought I would hear it explained so well!! Thank you so much!! There are no words to describe how I feel about the love of God! Thank you for sharing it!!!! It Is Written is beautiful and very blessed!!” — Aurora, Nebraska “I love the ministry of Pastor John Bradshaw. He has an exciting delivery and I am blessed by his enthusiasm. Thanks for taking us all over the world without us leaving our homes.” — USA “Thank you for sharing the gospel. We are so blessed each day. We use it as our family devotional.” — Pago Pago, American Samoa
“Thank you so much for your ministry. It is truly blessing me and a lot of people that I share it with. May God continue to use you for the delivery of His message to a hungry world.” — USA
“Recently, Pastor Eric Flickinger held the Which Way, America? series at our church in Jamestown, ND. Many campaigns and seminars and study groups have come and gone in the last 37 years, with the message being presented by many others and by many ways. But I must truly commend Pastor Eric in the way he presented the message, and the care he took, to make sure that everyone understood what he was presenting. People felt free to go to him which questions, which were answered with care and thoughtfulness. He seamlessly brought reminders in from previous presentations, which greatly helped the people remember those lessons. And the way that he brought our local pastor into the last week of nightly presentations helped make entry into a new church family so much easier. As an elder in this church, I am thankful for Eric’s devotion to the message, and the love and care he has for people.” — Jamestown, North Dakota
Do you have a story about how God has touched your life through the work of It Is Written? Tell us! Simply e-mail impressions@iiw.org
Tributes & Memorials If you would like to give a donation in memory of someone please go to giving.itiswritten.com/give or use the enclosed envelope to mail your donation. IN LOVING MEMORY OF Allen, Ezekiel by Edith B. Allen Allen, Robert by Mr. and Mrs. Douglas M. Adkins Bahnmiller, Mary by Eddie Bahnmiller Buck, Harold by Mr. and Mrs. James C. Culpepper Burton, Barry and Thelma by J. Rital Vital Canwell, Dorothy M. by Mrs. Helen Culver Comp, Byron by Mr. Ronald Scott French, Sarah W. by Mr. and Mrs. James C. Culpepper
Knapp, Marianne by Anne Marie Ritchie
Walters, Roy by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tyroff
Knopper, Antoinette by Mr. Martin Knopper
Wessels, Rhoda by J. Rital Vital
Knopper, Harry by Mr. Martin Knopper
Whitmore, Margie by Mr. and Mrs. Wally Dunks
Lampel, Claire by Mr. and Mrs. William Ambron
Williams, Bill and Pat by Mr. Dennis Fossdahl
Mahon, Ethel M. by son Richard Benedickt
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
McKibbin, Rolland by John Gulley and Sabbath School
Cowles, Joseph by mother Mrs. Diane L. Cowles
Palmer, Arnold by Mr. and Mrs. Wally Dunks
Faulkner, Edna My 69th birthday
Pecoraro, Nick by sister-in-law Dorothy Pacchino
IN HONOR OF
Reiber, Joan Ardith by Mr. and Mrs. Wally Dunks
Barnes, Steven R. and Gladys by brother Mr. Richard Barnes
Gojilde, Demetria by Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Ventura
Robertson, Willis by J. Rital Vital
Calhoun, Marilyn “I love you� by Michael Calhoun
Hallock, Nelson by J. Rital Vital
Ross, Robert and Imogene by son Mr. Robert Ross
Dirksen, Jay and Marlys by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Dodds
Hetterle, Ronnie by Leota Hetterle
Scott, Floyd E. by Mrs. Vonsella Scott
Drieberg, Justin F. by son Mr. Denver C. Drieberg
Higgins, June by Mr. and Mrs. James C. Culpepper
Sweeting, Travis by Yhasmine Albury
Edwards, Cora by Ivan Cowles
Ingle, Helen by J. Rital Vital
Trude, James Edward by Mr. and Mrs. Wally Dunks
Eyes for India by Lily Ashun-Daniels
Kempser, James by Mr. and Mrs. Wally Dunks
Villasurda, Misael by wife Ms. Ester Villasurda
Midkiff, Virginia by David Dungan
Kent, John R. by Mr. and Mrs. Ralph J. Kent Jr.
Vining, Noble B. by Barbara Lower
Our Anniversary by Chaplain Richard T. Baldwin
Remember someone special with your love gift to It Is Written Your honorary or memorial gift is helping spread the gospel around the world. Unless you request otherwise, your name will be printed in Impressions. If you wish, we will send a gift acknowledgment card to your desired recipient. Please be sure to include the recipient's name and address.
Planned Giving
Meet the It Is Written Planned Giving & Trust Services Team! Our certified team of ministry representatives are ready and capable to help you and your family direct your gifts to God’s work.
Olan Thomas Planned Giving & Trust Services Director
Jeff Blumenberg Planned Giving & Trust Services Associate Director
Olan has worked for It Is Written for nearly nine years and now lives in central Florida. He and his wife Phyllis have three children and four grandchildren. Together they enjoy the outdoors, hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking.
Jeff has worked for It Is Written for the past six years. He is married to Sharon and they have five children and six grandchildren. They live on the Cumberland Plateau and love homesteading.
Get in touch
Loren Olsen Central States Ministry Representative
800-992-2219 plannedgiving@iiw.org www.HisLegacy.com
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Loren arrived at It Is Written in 2017 after many years in Christian radio management. He is married to Julie and they have seven children and one grandchild. They live in Iowa and enjoy hobby farming and antiquing.
Cherie Marzano Planned Giving & Trust Services Assistant Cherie has worked for It Is Written since August 2014, and worked in a planned giving and trust services capacity since 2005. She is married and has two children.
Mark Larson Northeast Ministry Representative Mark is excited to serve at It Is Written! He and his wife Miriam have moved to Hagerstown, Maryland, and love to serve in their local church and give Bible studies.
Curt Dolinsky Southwest Ministry Representative Curt has always worked in ministry and began working at It Is Written in 2008. He is married to Coleen and they have two adult children. They live in Redlands, California, and enjoy the outdoors and golfing.
Bert Logan Northwest Ministry Representative After working in the healthcare industry for 25 years, Bert felt called by God to work for It Is Written, and has been in his new position for several months. He is passionate about travel and music, and loves the outdoors.
Staff Highlight
BY ANNALYSE HASTY, Editor
Michael Prewitt CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Design intersects with almost everything that It Is Written does. From faith-sharing resources to flyers promoting evangelistic meetings, every item designed for It Is Written is given great thought and care by the Creative Department. Michael Prewitt began working as the creative director for It Is Written in August 2014. As the Creative Department director, he leads a small team of graphic designers that are responsible for the design of many projects at It Is Written: products, advertisements, newsletters, magazines, websites, logos, and much more. “Design is a critical part of It Is Written’s mission,” Michael said. “Anytime we do an evangelistic project, large or small, there are presentations, brochures, posters, ads, and other items that need to be designed for it.” On top of all those projects, Michael directs the design of each new book, DVD, CD, and Bible study that is published. Michael and his team are often working under multiple deadlines at a time, creating fresh, new designs that appeal to the It Is Written audience. “Michael is an incredibly hard worker. He’s enormously productive,” It Is Written Speaker/Director John Bradshaw said. “The demands on his department are very high, and yet he manages to keep up an amazing pace while producing extremely high-quality work. I’m so glad he’s a part of our team.” Despite the stress that comes with his position, Michael knows he is serving a greater purpose by working for this ministry. “It is refreshing to hear reports in our morning worships of people whose lives are being touched by the things we do. Those of us working behind the scenes really enjoy that.” Michael has been married to Sarah for six wonderful years. They have two sons, Nathan (3) and Ryan (1).
Get to know Michael: What is your favorite meal? I am a big fan of crepes, pancakes, and waffles—especially with fruit topping: loads of cherries, blackberries, or peaches, etc., and whipped cream.
What was your first job? Working for Young Disciple Ministries, which publishes a weekly magazine for the pre-teen age and holds summer camps. I was the lead designer and also an assistant writer/editor in that ministry for about seven years.
What is one thing that most of your co-workers don’t know about you? I grew up in the town of North Pole, Alaska. SPRING 2017
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Devotional
BY JOHN BRADSHAW, Speaker / Director
FREEDOM
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hile in Moldova recently, I recorded a television program that focused on one of the great tragedies confronting Moldova today. Human trafficking is a global nightmare. It is estimated that one in 100 Moldovans are human trafficking victims, finding themselves forced into slavery or prostitution. It isn’t possible to rationalize the kind of evil that results in human trafficking. And while laws are being strengthened and agencies exist to fight the problem, the ultimate solution for human trafficking is the ultimate solution for evil itself. Jesus said in John 8:36, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” The answer to every degrading evil is Jesus. Faith in Jesus moves believers to compassion and action—and to freedom from the corruption of sin. Please pray for those who are forced to endure the desperation of human trafficking. Remember that Jesus wants you to experience freedom from the slavery of sin. There is freedom in Jesus for you today. Jude wrote that God, “is able to keep you from falling” (Jude 24). Paul wrote in Galatians 5:16, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Jesus came to the world to bring freedom. Are you experiencing that freedom today? 30
It Is Written impressions
It is estimated that one in 100 Moldovans are human trafficking victims, finding themselves forced into slavery or prostitution.
Hidden
in Plain View
Moldova is a hotbed for human trafficking. While in Moldova in 2017, John Bradshaw filmed an impactful program bringing light to this tragic topic. Watch for the new program “Hidden in Plain View� coming soon.
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Partnership
Y
2017
ou’re invited to join It Is Written for an unforgettable Partnership experience. Become a ministry Partner today and plan to attend a Partnership weekend retreat this fall.
Scheduled at six locations across the United States, these weekends give a behind-thescenes view of the ministry. Become a Partner today by making an annual investment of $1,500 ($125 per month) or more to support sharing Jesus around the world. For more information call 1-800-479-9056
Learn how to reach your community for Jesus. This summer join It Is Written team members for free evangelism training. Visit itiswritten.com/spark for a location near you.
itiswritten.com/spark