NEW D IM EN S I ON EVANGE L ISM
2018 YEAR IN REVIEW
with Scott Humston
DEAR PRAYING FRIEND, I am so pleased to be sharing with you this year-end report for New Dimensions Evangelism, Inc. As we prepare to enter our 38th year of ministry, I am reminded daily of how valuable you are to this work. Your prayers are vital. Earlier this year I read a sobering report from George Barna, who studies the trends of the Church in America. He stated that “only one out of five adults in our nation strongly affirms a personal responsibility for evangelism.” That’s a huge problem. He goes on to say that this is the culprit: “Fewer churches emphasize and equip people for evangelism these days, and the results are obvious and undeniable. The implications of ignoring gospel outreach – especially among children, who are the most receptive audience to the gospel – are enormous. All the ‘church growth’ strategies in the world cannot compensate for the absence of an authentic transmission of the good news of what Jesus Christ has done for humanity.” I am convinced more than ever that God wants to use our ministry partnership to help fill the gap. You may know that two out of every three individuals who become born again (68%) do so before reaching the age of 18. Our ministry to families is a critical part of this process. So many churches don’t have the tools and resources to share the Gospel effectively to a community that needs something that will lift their life to a better place but won’t darken the door of a church. And if they did, would those churches be equipped to share the Good News? We reached almost 50,000 folks in 2018. 227 different live events were presented. 42 public school events. We had 22 in-church events. I was on 19 flights and drove over 35,000 miles. And more than 500 decisions for Christ were recorded. But we have a lot more to do. There’s always more. I’m ready. By God’s grace, New Dimensions Evangelism has been sharing His son Jesus, and seeing responses, for decades. If you have stood by NDE with your prayers and financial support in 2018—thank you for helping share HIS wonder. If you haven’t, please consider this resource your inspiration to partner with a ministry that has reached the lost for almost four decades.
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN ME? LET’S GO SHARE HIS WONDER!
TO DONATE OR LEARN MORE, PLEASE VISIT SCOTTHUMSTON.COM
M
January of 2018 started full of Wonder… as I was able to be at home performing at WonderWorks here in Orlando for four nights. The Outta Control Magic Show starring Tony Brent has been one of the highest rated dinner shows in Orlando for the last 17+ years. Tony and I have been friends for years... and in 2017 he invited me to fill in for him occasionally. It has been a treat—and a challenge. When I am performing/speaking, most of the audience is usually from the same community that I am currently in. At WonderWorks, it’s not unusual to have three to nine countries represented in the room together at the same time! After a few nights, it was back on the road. I had school outreach events in Orange Park, Florida and three in Vero Beach, Florida. I also got to share wonder with the Magic Club of The Villages...one of the largest retirement communities in America! Fun! A quick trip to Columbus, Ohio, for Magi-Fest and a meeting with a church potentially for outreach, then back to Florida for two more school outreach events which rounded out the month.
Also in January, something else Wonder-Full started happening. Melissa Riddle, a writer, and I started working on my book, Sharing Wonder: How to See, Experience and Create a Wonder-Full Life. I am excited to see how this project is coming together. For me, it will be a way to reach folks through a different medium. The first part of February found me at First Baptist in Brandon, Mississippi for their Upward Awards Celebration. These are always amazing evenings, for the crowds are large and the Gospel is proclaimed! We had about 600 for this event. Of course, it’s a delight for me to be in that area—as our oldest daughter, Hannah, is in school at Mississippi College in Clinton. From Mississippi it was back to the Florida Panhandle for two more school outreach events and then another, back in my home county. After 24 hours at home, it was a return to the panhandle for another school outreach. Mid-month found me at home sharing wonder here at First Baptist, Mount Dora, for a part of their revival week. I was able to be at home the latter part of the month and share with a local school as well as at WonderWorks.
The first Sunday in March I headed to South Georgia to be at Dublin’s First Church of the Nazarene, sharing for their Upward Ministry Event. From Dublin, it was on to Newberry, South Carolina, for three days with public school outreach events. Back home for 48 hours and I was off again to share at an Upward Event, this time in Marion, Ohio. Back home just 24 hours later, I was able to catch up in the office—before heading to Lakeland for another school outreach. Then, another event for First Baptist in Mount Dora finished up a slower month for me. I was able to continue writing during the time off the road. Although it was a tough month financially for us, it provided the thinking time I needed to get a substantial jump on my book writing. If March was a turtle for the number of programs I presented, April was a snail. Being in a full-time itinerant ministry is full of challenges. Many blessings too, of course, but April of 2018 was a real challenge for me. However, being a realistic optimist, I always try my best to look for the good, even during the bad... or tough times. I had a few nights filling in at WonderWorks... that’s been a blessing. Then I was able to speak again for the Florida Governors Kiwanis Training, again a blessing. Dr. Larry Dennis invited me to speak at Advance, a two-day training and meeting for pastors from Central and North Florida. That was an immense blessing, as it was to open up doors later in the year. For a moment, let me speak as to blessings in the midst of challenges. Because I travel a lot—and most of the time my family can’t go with me—I miss out on family things. In April, with my limited schedule, I got to see every one of my son Nate’s baseball games. This was a huge deal—and a wonderful blessing for me! It didn’t go unnoticed by him, either. I praise God that, despite the lean time, I
was blessed immeasurably. And also, I need to mention, there was a church which helped us personally during this time with some financial support... that was again a wonderful and practical blessing. James 1:2 reminds us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” These “quiet” times meant that I was able to catch up on the mounds of paperwork, necessary reading and moving forward on the book. We made it through April and May, starting with a trip to LandMark Church in Phenix City, Alabama. It was a great event... and with great folks. From there, it was back home with school events here in our local area. More reading, writing, scheduling, and planning for the summer tours filled my days in the office. Multiple phone meetings with pastors about upcoming events for the rest of the year filled many hours. Over the years I’ve been continually reminded that sometimes, even in all my planning, God has other plans. There were a few early local summer events, but due to a cancellation in June, I was able to attend the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas. We were able to have a booth about this ministry in the exhibit hall... and made about 65 connections with pastors, building relationships that extend to future invitations. It was also from Dallas that daughter Abby boarded a plane to work at a Christian Summer Camp in Iceland! A wondrous and challenging experience for her! From Dallas, it was to Nashville for a day of programs and meetings, then back to Florida for 24 hours…
just enough time to load the van with props and materials—and with Nate, Rachel, and Debi. Heading back to First Baptist in Brandon, MS, we spent four days sharing wonder with children and families there (ironically, even though we were just a few miles from Mississippi College, Hannah was not there. She was working at WinShape in Rome, Georgia all summer!). From MS to TN—we had a week of programs from West to East Tennessee. This included a beautiful Sunday morning at The Pointe Church in Mount Juliet. What wonderful folks these were! We wrapped up June with over 20 programs for over 3,000 people.
We arrived home July first and were able to regroup and repack, for we would be leaving just a week later— back to Mississippi. This time to Lake Forest Ranch in Macon. This was my 18th summer being able to proclaim the good news at LFR. The first week was Mission Camp Macon, which is always a good challenge as we reach children in Noxubee County. We wrapped up with a family night event for about 700 folks. That was followed by a restful weekend at camp, then we welcomed campers from all over the South for a week of drawing closer to Christ. There were many first-time decisions in the hearts of young people. Amen.
ABOUT THE PICTURES clockwise starting top left: Sharing Wonder in a little theatre in McKenize, TN; Speaking for Florida Governors Kiwanis Training; home in time for the 4th of July Parade!; Landmark Church in Phenix City, AL.
Abby returned from Iceland after six weeks and joined us at LFR. Hannah came over from Rome—so for 24 hours, we all got to be together at a place which holds a special spot in all of our hearts. Wrapping up the second week, Nate and I headed back to Tennessee, while the girls, Debi, Abby, and Rachel headed back home to Florida.
Together for a few hours Nate and I hit middle Tennessee— sharing wonder there with five events—and wrapping up the last Sunday in July at Grace Church in Columbia. It was a Wonder-Full Sunday with a significant response of folks at our Family Night on Sunday evening. Wonder was shared. Joy experienced. And Christ Proclaimed!
August. It was home from Tennessee for 48 hours, and then I left for Clovis, New Mexico. Living Stones Church had prepared over the summer for the weekend outreach event.We saw many folks accept Christ! The pastor had had some trepidation about the event (as many do at first); however, after Friday night, he had a deeper understanding of the program and was excited to invite his Mormon neighbors. He had been praying for this couple, and their young son and daughter. At the Sunday evening service, the mom and children attended, sitting on the front row with the pastor. During the invitation, the mom came forward and accepted Christ! Moments like this happen each week—and I am so humbled to a part of this life-changing work.
From New Mexico, it was to Las Vegas for a conference and back home by the second week of the month. I had about a week to catch up from the summer trips—and by the 20th headed to Florence, South Carolina for a school outreach. Then, back home in time to perform for a conference here in Orlando. We closed out August with another new church/public school outreach here in our area. Hannah Elizabeth celebrated her 20th (!) birthday at Mississippi College on the 31st. I am so thankful that many of our partners took time to send her a note. I am also very grateful for those who, not only have stood by this ministry for years, but who continually lift up in prayer my family and me.
Landmark Church
September started strong with a school outreach and then to Stuart Heights Baptist in Chattanooga. I was with this multi-campus church about ten years ago. It was fantastic to be with them, and with Dr. Gary Jared again. It’s always a challenge presenting a multi-day event at a multi-campus church! We had good crowds and many good decisions. With three campuses and hundreds of folks attending… it was definitely a Wonder-Full Weekend! Back home for another local school outreach, and then to Ephrata, Pennsylvania to return to Grace Point Church. They sponsored a school outreach on Thursday, and then we began the Weekend Event on Friday. Again, God moved, and we had good crowds and folks recommitting their lives to Christ, as well as those who
made first time commitments. Upon returning, I received the following from the pastor and long-time friend, Rocky Hambrick: “Scott, I just received this email from one of our folks: ‘I wanted to share with you that my second oldest son rededicated his life to Jesus yesterday afternoon as we took time to talk with each other about him feeling that God was calling him to go up front at Scott Humston’s service yesterday.’ Praise be to a God Who loves us and never leaves us or forsakes us but is there waiting with open arms to love and accept us as we are. Thanks to Scott and his ministry.” So awesome. Even after the WonderFull Weekend has concluded, there are always more good things happening! Again, back home from Pennsylvania for another local school outreach— and then we headed to Nashville. I was privileged to attend The Story conference for the second year. It’s an incredible two-day event put on by fellow Christian Illusionist, Harris. Back from Tennessee to Florida for three more school outreach events, and I was blessed to able to be home on the last Saturday of September to be at my son, Nate’s opening day of fall baseball. The beginning of October found me heading for a quick trip to Charleston, South Carolina for a school outreach event. This particular charter school amazes me. We have over 600 for the family night event—every year!
Awaiting the crowd!
After that, in mid-October, I was able to be in the office for a few days to catch up on work. I also drove over to Melbourne to partner with another church and school outreach. After the daytime program, the principal, pastor and I were discussing the family night event coming up that evening. I asked the principal what kind of response that evening would make her happy. She replied, “Well, we usually get about 80. And half of those are my teachers, so anything more than that would be great!” We had 350! God is GOOD! Here’s a note I received from Bill, the assistant principal, after that event: “To say that the Pro Kids Show was a success here at University Park would be a huge understatement! The humor and positive messages you generated with the morning shows truly inspired our students to motivate their parents to attend the evening performance. The Pro Kids Show was the most attended inside event I have ever seen here in the 34 years I have been at University Park Elementary School. Our cafeteria was standing room only, and there were even parents outside watching through the windows! Your ability to generate fun and excitement with a positive message to both students and parents was amazing to see. You are always welcome back here to our school!” God is GREAT! What a superb event and the month was just half over! On the 24th I headed to Weirton, West Virginia. First Nazarene sponsored the school outreach in three schools on Wednesday and Thursday, before the weekend. To say that this church of 200 prepared well is precisely correct! We saw great crowds at the school family nights. There were two billboards in town promoting the church event, as well as attractive yard signs everywhere. It’s no wonder we had more than 60 decisions. And two weeks after the event, Pastor Brian told me he baptized eight folks!
ABOUT THE PICTURES clockwise starting top left: A coffee break after an early flight; Sunset at Lake Forest; Some quality time with the family by the lake; Lamberts Cafe in Sikeston, MO– one of my favorites!; Sunrise over the Atlantic before an early morning event; Looking out of a high-rise after a meeting in Nashville; SBC Convention in Dallas.
This small(er) church impacted their community with over 2000 kids and families and 600 during the weekend services. Praise to Him! From Weirton I flew to Grand Rapids, Michigan and drove three hours north to Bear Lake to visit with longtime friends, John & Carol Alexander. Please take a moment to read my story about the gift they blessed me with! I drove home from Bear Lake, Michigan, and arrived back the first of November. The next day, Nate and I headed for an event in Daytona Beach. When my portion of the event ended on Saturday, Nate and I celebrated his 12th(!) birthday driving to Miami. I spoke at Redland Church on Sunday, then shared with Rainbow Christian School on Monday. This was my fourth time sharing wonder with the families for their bi-annual Thanksgiving Feast. I spoke in chapel on Monday morning, then presented two family events on Monday evening. Another school outreach on Thursday that week rounded out a busy first week of November! I returned to South Florida for a public school outreach the following week–and from there it was a long drive to Denver, North Carolina. Westport Baptist Church sponsored two school events before we began the Wonderfull Weekend. Excellent crowds at the schools propelled us into a great weekend with the folks of Westport. Again, many people came forward during the services. God is good...all the time! Daughter Hannah was able to be home for Thanksgiving, and after my being invited to perform at a special event in Vero Beach on Thanksgiving morning, we were all able to sit down to a fantastic meal at home. Being away so much makes me value my home and family time so deeply.
But November wasn’t quite finished. I flew up to the Missouri boot-heel area for three school outreach events. We had fantastic crowds at the family night events, and the guidance counselor who organized the events sent me this kind note afterward: “Your enthusiasm and the heartfelt message was felt by all that attended. The assembly brought excitement and encouraging words that the students are still talking about today. I was very pleased with the Family Night!... it was AMAZING!! Families left the show smiling! It seemed as though the show developed a sense of connection with the school community as well!...” The last day of the month found me back in Clarksville, Tennessee, with 440 in attendance. That evening’s Christmas event rounded out a fantastic month sharing wonder with just about 700 folks. Whew! The first of December found me returning to work with the City of Brentwood, Tennessee for the 26th year. This morning family event never fails to draw crowds. They gave 800 tickets away, and after three shows, we had just about all of ‘em show up. Wrapping up that afternoon, I regrouped, repacked and headed to the airport. I flew up to be with SouthNaz Church in Lansing, Michigan. Speaking on Sunday morning and presenting a family night event that evening was a great success. After the family night, a young Muslim woman and her friends met me in the church foyer to pose for a selfie, along with a family who came from Iraq. The three boys shared just how much they enjoyed the program, even without understanding much English. This church is reaching their community. Wonder was shared, and the Gospel proclaimed! All the time...God is good!
I was initially invited to that area of Michigan to be the featured “entertainment” at a Christmas event for pastors, staff and their spouses. We had about 300 on that Monday evening. What a great time! I am so blessed to have a special relationship with many pastors... and getting to bring joy, laughs and wonder into their lives for an hour, personally, was a blessing for me, too. Returning to Nashville the next morning to share wonder with three more churches rounded out an exciting ten-day trip. Home again–for just 24 hours–then I headed to back to South Florida to share more wonder with another public school outreach event... and over 1000 kids and their parents. I was able to be home for my church’s Christmas Concert on Sunday... which was a tremendous event! One more overnight trip to Eglin Airforce Base in Fort Walton Beach wrapped up more than 100 nights on the road for 2018. As we come to the end of 2018, I am reminded about God’s blessings...in good times and in bad. When I was a
With 3 pastors onstage…Sharing Wonder with an audience of 300 pastors, staff and families.
boy, my mom instilled in me Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His Kingdom and Righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” What are “all these things?” Well, just before this verse, Jesus is speaking about worrying. “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” So many folks spend so much time worrying and focusing on so many things, many of which are excellent and important, but we forget to seek Him FIRST. I pray that this season—for you and me—that we like the wise men long ago, not only seek him...but seek him, FIRST. Thank you, dear friend, for your prayers, friendship and financial support throughout this year.
2018 at a glance 1000
Yes to Jesus followup tracts were distributed
46,090 People saw Scott live
227 Different live events were presented
42 Public School Outreaches 22 Church Partners 5 Conferences 19 Flights 35,000 Miles driven 500
More than decisions for Christ were made
ABOUT THE PICTURES clockwise starting top left: Billboard for the weekend in Weirton, WV; Sample printing of Yes to Jesus follow up piece; Kids ďŹ lling up the bleachers in Campbell, MO; A fun shot of my shoes, just before the curtains opened in Newberry, SC.
TO DONATE OR LEARN MORE, PLEASE VISIT SCOTTHUMSTON.COM
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