Harvest America Blog  

One of the questions people ask about Harvest America is, “How is this simulcast event any different than what you’ve already been doing through your webcasts?” And I would say that the answer lies in the personal touch.

You see, when a person comes to a live crusade, they have probably been brought by a friend. They have probably been prayed for. So there has been some prep work. And when the invitation is given and that person goes forward on the field, there are counselors there to talk with them, answer questions, and walk them through the basics. So there is a lot of personal connection, both before and after the event.

When you are watching a webcast, however, it is easy to be somewhat disengaged. In many ways, you are more of a spectator than a participant. It is almost like you are eavesdropping on something that is far away. But with Harvest America we are closing that distance and bringing it near, making it real. We are taking the principles we have found make for an effective crusade experience and applying them to the media experience as well.

Think about the Ethiopian official in Acts chapter 8, who was sitting in his chariot reading a scroll that had the words of Isaiah written on it. He could have just as well been watching a webcast on his iPad, if you bring it into today’s language. All the answers were there, but he didn’t quite get it. He had questions. He needed a personal touch. And that’s why God sent Philip. God loves to use people to reach other people.

With Harvest America, we are training people ahead of time to be the Philips, if you will, for these people—to pray for those they are inviting, to bring them personally to the event in their community, to guide them through the basics of what it means to be a Christian, and to follow up and disciple them afterwards.

What about you? How can you extend a personal touch to those who are lost? I recommend you start by praying for those you want to hear the gospel. Then, when the time comes, invite them personally to attend Harvest America with you. And when August 26 comes around, pick them up and bring them to the event. Pray. Invite. Bring.

You will be glad you did.