Breakthrough Newsletter - Spring 2021

SPRING 2021

Breakthrough.

Not even a

pandemic or a flood could delay your GIFT

pg. 2

From businessman —

to man of God

pg. 2

Equipping pastors for breakthrough moments

pg. 4

The best-ever graduation gift Your gift of truth and wisdom We’ve all had those “lightbulb moments” in life when what once was confusing suddenly makes sense.

These moments, which I refer to as “breakthrough moments,” are what our ministry is all about.

You may remember, I experienced such a moment when I was in college. In a single, defining moment, I went from a skeptical agnostic to a believer in Jesus.

Ever since then, it’s been MY life’s mission to help people experience life-changing moments that lead them to that point where they too “get it.”

Equipping East Asia’s future pastors Right now, thousands of seminary students throughout East Asia are anxiously awaiting their much-anticipated personal libraries of Christian books you and other ministry friends help provide.

As they launch into ministry, these books will equip them to lead others to breakthrough moments of faith in Jesus.

KEEP READING: to see how the books you provide are changing lives 

Not even a pandemic or a flood could delay your gift 2020 was a year filled with obstacles. “Yet, as scripture reminds us, when God makes a plan, no one can stop it” (Isaiah 14:27). NCV Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged East Asia, along with a deadly flood in the southern region . . .

The 2020 Book Gifting Project was able to deliver 1,937 book sets to 37 schools throughout East Asia between June 2020 and January 2021.

“Even though many graduation ceremonies were not allowed, the graduates made sure they came back to receive their book set gifts,” shared a member of the distribution team.

“For those who just couldn’t make it, due to the pandemic or the heavy rains, we delivered the books to their homes or serving church.”

(continued)

“Due to COVID, many graduation ceremonies were not allowed. But the graduates made sure they came back to receive their book set gifts.”

Thank YOU for this wonderful gift!

“The graduates, serving rural village churches, need quality resources to support their services. Your gift is a blessing to them!”

— Rev. Hao // a seminary leader “I have heard of Josh McDowell’s books and have always wanted them. I’m very happy to have this chance.”

—E ugene // a 2020 seminary graduate “I’m very grateful to God for these books for study, teaching and ministry. Thank you and God bless you!”

—L inGie // a 2020 seminary graduate

From businessman — to man of God How you helped Zhou discover God’s calling upon his life Zhou was a successful businessman. But with each passing year, his wealth and success brought him less happiness.

One day he was given the book, More Than a Carpenter — and it changed his life! “I joined a Bible study and began to grow in my knowledge of God and His ways.”

But the biggest change came when Zhou sold his business and responded to God’s call to go into full-time ministry.

Paying it forward — through your gift of books Last year, Zhou graduated from seminary!

During our book distribution, he was so excited to see that More Than a Carpenter was one of the 8 books you helped provide! He plans to use it to help others in the business world to have a breakthrough moment like he had!

Ready for some GOOD NEWS out of East Asia?

Twenty years ago, 80% of Christians lived in poor, rural areas and kept their faith a secret. Today, the gospel is spreading farther and faster than ever before.

Many governments no longer feel threatened

by Christianity, and tolerate it as long as it’s not political.

Equipping pastors for breakthrough moments Imagine you’re a brand-new pastor living in a region of the world where Christ-centered resources are not widely available.

And when they are, they’re very expensive.

As a recent seminary graduate, besides your Bible, you have no books. No study tools of any kind. You no longer have access to the books in your seminary library — only the spiritual truths your professors poured into you in the classroom.

In the next decade, it is predicted East Asia will be home to the world’s largest Christian population.

Through the books you help provide, you’re equipping THOUSANDS of future church leaders — who will influence MILLIONS!

Please pray with us Due to COVID-19, seminaries in East Asia continue to face challenges. For 2021, please pray as professors and faculty: ■ A djust

academic schedules — Due to the delay of Spring term, faculty has had to modify syllabuses and school calendars to adjust to a tightened schedule. Pray learning won’t be compromised.

■ G et

creative in teaching — Professors are now required to prepare two sets of curriculum: one for classroom and another for online learning.

Pray for the extra work they are putting in.

■ R emain

flexible, yet committed to the Mission — Spiritual nurturing is the most important aspect of seminary. Pray professors and faculty are able to disciple and nurture, not just teach, their students.

Find out how YOU can help equip these new pastors for ministry 

A great need YOU can help meet!

This June, approximately 3,000 seminary students in East Asia will be graduating.

YOU can help equip these future pastors for ministry with a personal library of Josh’s most cherished books!

Each 8-book personal library (translated into the language of those who receive it) includes: ■

More Than a Carpenter

■

The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict

■

Answers to Tough Questions

■

The Father Connection

■

Why True Love Waits

■

How to Be a Hero to Your Kids: 6 A’s

■

S traight Talk with Your Kids About Sex / The Bare Facts (flip book with two titles in one)

We stepped out in faith to commit these 8-book libraries to approximately 3,000 seminary students graduating this June. Your gift today will help provide the $171,425 needed to cover printing and distribution — and ensure we can say “Yes!” to all 3,000 students. Please send a generous gift by May 31 if possible.

Please give a generous gift today!

THREE EASY WAYS TO GIVE NOW

Give by mail:

Return your gift with the enclosed reply form in the envelope provided.

Give by telephone:

You can also give your gift by calling 1-855-833-6897.

Give online:

Make an immediate impact by giving securely on our website at Josh.org/EastAsia