..how the whole "Harvest America thing," will work.. and of course I am not the best person to answer (for this effort will be "a first" in not only American Church history, but in Church History in general).. but since people have asked me (one among many learn-as-ya go kinda guys), and the idea is better than excellent, I will give it a shot.
A: With much prayer from God's family added in, it will workout way fantastic to the glory of God!
I'm feel so amped about it. Harvest Crusades already has been used greatly, and has been such a great thing / tool for reaping for so many years now.. internationally. Yeah, this now is just a major step forward with what God has already been doing through Greg and Harvest Crusades. They have a good name, their hearts are in the right place with Christ, and are doing things biblically for the applause of One.
"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." ~ C.T. Studd
"For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." Paul, 2 Corinthians 5:14,15
You know how in many U.S. cities today, even here in Dallas, there are (for lack of a better name..) several regional churches of sorts, with multiple locations. They have different local, indigenous worship teams, helps teams, training classes, follow up, and special music offered in each location, with a pastoral staff in each place as well.
And yet once a week or so they are simulcasting the teaching pastor's Bible Message from the main church location to all into different regions/counties/suburbs. A huge screen slowly drops down as the worship ends.. and the funny thing about it is that you kinda forget quickly and the teaching is presented, that you're not even hearing the pastor face-to-face in person there, but you end up walking away totally edified and blessed – it just works and God has been using it. Now imagine that same kinda thing effectively happening from a full Angel Stadium soul-winning effort. Exciting is too weak a word! The tears will pour down our faces as we see thousands respond to trust Christ as Savior. Personally, I haven't been to or seen one where there wasn't a huge response as God drew in the net at these events. Not to pedestal-ize him, but Greg indeed has a gift that he's been sharpening through much use.
It's already been working year after year ..and more and more each year.. as people watch on their computers, phones, iPads, Google TV etc. Well it's basically time to take this whole thing to the next level, by adding in a more personal touch to cyber-mass-evangelism that sees the people won to Jesus one by one as each makes their own decision to repent and believe.
You know how with a normal face to face crusade, there is typically much in the way of personal connection (before, during and even after the event by way of responsible follow-up). There are trained counselors and pastors there –for one-on-one time and for one with a small group time.
But when ya check out a mere webcast, it's not quite there like that, and it's much easier for the hearers to get distracted or to become disengaged to the point of people being like a mere spectator off on a far away island, rather than a participant on site with the team. This new Harvest America effort will change that to a large degree – the team is closing the distance if you will, and bringing God's important work nearer, making it seem more real.. even though it already is real.
Dan and I fairly recently met with John Collins here in Dallas before Greg preached to a huge group of men, and now John with Scot Camden have been sending out some regular webinars that thoroughly deal with the H.A. logistics and the tremendous prayer need.
Gobs of believers are praying and the ball is already rolling - it's picking up some speed, but we really can't encourage prayer for August 26th enough. We want God to even now prepare the hearts of all those who will hear the Message there in SoCal and in the host locations.
My wonderful friend, Dan Southern, is currently traveling in Michigan this week to present the clear vision for Harvest America (so please do pray for Him, as well as for Greg Laurie, John Collins and the whole team as more preparations are being made. August 26th will be here in a flash). Local pastors and church leaders here in the South have been signing up to get involved here. This is basically another good place for them to ask questions, receive prayer, and get more coaching and info about Harvest America. God bless you as you serve the One who gave it all to save lost people - Jesus Christ.
