Power surge hits national TV
One of the largest, and most effective, Canadian evangelism efforts in recent history is set to take on the national market in a big way.
Campus Crusade's Power to Change media-blitz has swept the country during the last two years and has impacted thousands of lives. Never has the nation been so primed to respond to a Christian message, says Ian Whitfield, program director for Northern Alberta.
"The longer the campaign goes on, the easier it will become as people start to see this isn't a fly by night thing, that this has the potential of revolutionizing our country," he says.
Beginning January 1, Power to Change began airing its 30-second evangelism commercials 40 times per week on TSN television, featuring the faith stories of well-known figures such as hockey legend Paul Henderson, speed skater Catriona LeMay Doan and Juno-nominee Kelita Haverland. People interested in learning more are directed to the web site.
In the first month alone, the site has logged 20,000 user sessions, with an average 7.5-minute stay. But that's just the beginning.
Plans for the future include a new web site and commercials for youth, possibly aired alongside programs such as WWF Wrestling. Phase three will begin in September, with more media time focused at adult audiences watching CTV and CTV Sports. And next year, organizers hope to produce new commercials, a web site and materials primarily for Quebec.
Finding the funds
The effort is by no means inexpensive. The first phase, currently underway, cost $700,000, funded in large part by donors. The final three phases will cost a total of about $1.7 million, with an ongoing investment of $2.4 million beyond 2002.
But national director Barry Bowater has faith the funding will come and the message be heard. Funding "comes from committed donors who want to invest in the Great Commission," he says. "It captures their imagination and their vision and they want to be part of it."
Bowater says he's known for awhile that the program would be successful. He admits he isn't "prone to spectacular visions," but after the B.C. campaign, "the Lord gave me a very strong vision that this was going to go across Canada."
Within a few months the campaign took root in the Maritimes, Saskatchewan, Northern Alberta and now Manitoba and southwestern Ontario.
Supporters "feel it is of the Lord that we take this campaign into Canada, that we keep sharing the gospel and raising the level of debate about spiritual issues in our country," says Bowater.
Saturate communities
Regional campaigns saturate communities with the Christian message, using television ads featuring well-known figures sharing about the impact faith has on their lives. The messages are backed by bill boards, bus-stop signs, and newspaper and radio ads.
The goal is to "invade into every home, every hotel room, every bar, everywhere there is a television and allow people to hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ," says Ted Yuke, pastor of Rock Church, which headed the campaign in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia.
A toll-free phone number and web site offer links to trained volunteers who supply Power to Change booklets and CDs. Special events featuring speakers such as Vietnam survivor Kim Phuc, Henderson and Kelita also attract crowds.
"The quality of the presentation on television is really first rate. People are looking [for answers], so that message tied to local events, draws people," says Cal Friesen, regional coordinator for Lloyminster, where about 850 people turned out to hear Phuc.
But the glitz and glamour of the ads and the events are not meant to be an end unto themselves, but rather to open the door for further conversations about the gospel.
The stories touch people at a personal level, says Leondard Buhler, provincial chairman for the Manitoba campaign that gets underway March 16.
"God is working here. Outside of that, this would be impossible," he says. "Every day we challenge people to get involved. I just can't believe the number of people waiting to step on board who say this is what they have been waiting for." Buhler says he is anticipating a strong response to the campaign in Manitoba.
"I think there's an openness in our province. People have a need. I think too many of our churches and our programs have not been open enough sharing the gospel. There's a season of harvest coming."
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