2015 Trailblazing Fall Edition

FALL 2015

The newsletter of Josh McDowell Ministry

INSIDE Page 2 Iman’s story continues Page 2 YOU can pray for Ethiopia Page 4 Live and Leave a Legacy

YOU can help men and women around the world Know the truth, Live the truth, Defend the truth and Share the truth.

So many in Ethiopia are searching for the truth.

YOU can help answer Ethiopia’s heartfelt cry for the truth!

Hearts are open to the truth about Jesus Christ like never before “What do you believe about Jesus?” asked Iman.

2001 West Plano Parkway, Suite 2400 Plano, TX 75075

facebook.com/JMMinistry @josh_mcdowell

Ashenafi shrugged and answered, “He is the son of God,” then emphasized, “one of the sons of God.” As their conversation continued, Iman learned that the Ethiopian college student is a follower of a

prominent Middle Eastern religion.

The two met when Iman, a sophomore at Arizona State University, traveled with 150 other college students to participate in an audacious evangelism effort to Africa. The goal: to proclaim the gospel to 50 million people in 50 cities in 50 days.

Iman’s mission field assignment: Ethiopia.

Keep reading to learn what part >>> More Than a Carpenter played in this story

Hearts are open to the truth about Jesus Christ like never before Continued from page 1

“Ethiopians are curious about guests from other countries,” shared our ministry partner. “They open up and listen to them. They think, ‘If this person is coming all the way from America — if the gospel of Jesus Christ is so important that they travel all [this] way to preach it — why not listen?’”

proven that there are no errors and the Bible is true?” Iman asked.

“If you can prove it, then I might have room for Christianity,” declared Ashenafi.

Your gift of More Than a Carpenter made all the difference

The next day, Iman returned God is using you to do amazing with a copy of More Than a Carpenter. “I think he was things in Ethiopia shocked that I actually As Ashenafi and Iman brought him the book,” continued to talk, their Iman said. “I don’t think conversation turned to the he expected to validity of see me again. He the Bible.

If you can prove it, then was thankful and “There are promised to read I might have room for 50,000 errors it.”

Christianity. in the Bible,” Though Ashenafi Ashenafi ~ a college student in Ethiopia didn’t invite Christ contended. into his life that day, “What if I told you it’s Iman did introduce 31 other historically and scientifically Ethiopian students to

“

”

Ministry staff in Ethiopia are poised and ready to minister to students.

Christ during her stay! And she continues to pray for Ashenafi.

This is an example of an eternal difference YOU are making through your generous gifts.

Your gift TODAY will help even more people to know the truth, live the truth, defend the truth and share the truth.

Please pray for Ethiopia • Pray for a resurgence of the deep Christian beliefs held by this nation from the earliest days of the church.

• Pray for militant followers of Middle Eastern religions to learn the truth of Jesus Christ and to stop persecuting believers.

• Pray for the safety of our ministry partners in Ethiopia as they print and distribute books like More Than a Carpenter in local languages.

• Pray that many Ethiopians will come to know Christ as their Savior.

Thank you for joining Josh McDowell Ministry in prayer!

The future of Christianity in Ethiopia is at risk Christianity in Ethiopia is at risk of falling to opposing belief systems unless you and others help!

Since the first century A.D. nearly all of northern Africa has fallen to Middle Eastern religions. Today, Ethiopia is the only one out of 14 countries that has survived as a Christian nation.

Why we need your help TODAY . . .

Middle Eastern religions are prevalent in Ethiopia, and are a close second to Christianity.

They’re fast-growing and they’re gaining popularity — and converts.

Young people are the most vulnerable. If we don’t speak truth into the searching minds of this next generation, who will?

The church has a rich history in Ethiopia . . .

• Ethiopia is mentioned 40 times in the Bible.

• Ethiopia is believed to be the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.

• Ethiopia is one of the oldest Christian nations in the world.

Will you join us in praying for Ethiopia?

“And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers . . .”

2 Corinthians 1:11a

h From Jos

The need for truth is now more urgent than ever!

Today, more men and women in the Middle East and North Africa than you can imagine are hungry for the opportunity to know God. That’s why I’m so thankful for you.

Your partnership in this ministry tells me you are passionate, like I am, about helping others to know, live, defend and share the truth of Jesus Christ — and that you’re willing to sacrifice your time and treasure to do so.

Already, your prayers and financial gifts have made an eternal difference for so many.

But the need for the truth of the gospel is still so great. Especially in volatile regions of the world and in places where Christianity is gravely threatened.

As we head into year-end — our most critical fundraising season — I’m praying you’ll give again. Your gift will help reach even more men, women and children who have limited opportunities to learn about Jesus because of where they live.

You can help put the truth of God’s Word into their hands — and hearts.

Until the whole world hears,

Josh D. McDowell Today, Ethiopia is the only country in northern Africa (1 out of 14) that remains a Christian nation.

But will the church survive there?

The Ethiopian people are pleading for More Than a Carpenter

e.

e Challeng

d/Worldwid Guy Gerrar

IRA Rollover for 2015

Ethiopia is one of the oldest Christian nations in the world. Since Philip first led the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ in the first century A.D. (Acts 8:26–36), nearly all of North Africa has fallen to Middle Eastern religions.

For the past three years, this sole remaining Christian country in all of northern Africa has been pleading for more Christian resources.

“The Lord is doing many miraculous things in Ethiopia, and your support has a very significant role in those efforts. We need thousands of copies of More Than a Carpenter right away.” ~ a ministry partner in Ethiopia

$3.25 sends one copy of

More Than a Carpenter

As we head into year-end, YOU can help make it possible to fulfill this request in 2015!

PLEASE DON’T DELAY.

3 EASY WAYS YOU CAN GIVE NOW! Give by mail: Return your gift with the enclosed reply form in the envelope provided.

LIVE and LEAVE A LEGACY

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 give.cru.org/JoshEthiopia.

On July 21, the Senate Finance Committee passed the Tax Relief Extension Act of 2015 which would extend IRA charitable rollover provisions for 2015 and 2016.

If the bill is approved by Congress and the President, it will allow donors age 70½ and older to transfer up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to a qualified public charity, free of federal income tax.

Stay up to date on the bill’s progress and find out more about how you can make a legacy gift to Josh McDowell Ministry by visiting our website at: www.Josh.org/IRARollover.

If you have any questions, please contact us at: legacy@Josh.org Or call toll-free: 1-855-833-6897 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT