Wisconsin—The work of a public evangelist can be daunting: meeting new people for Jesus every six weeks; sharing the Gospel clearly and persuasively in the public forum; and, maintaining high faith and high energy while moving from place to place

Ric Swaningson has been effectively meeting these challenges for the last six years in Wisconsin as pastor and Conference evangelist. He undertook a new level of complexity in this work when the decision was made to record and broadcast the series of meetings conducted in Green Bay, Wis. "One always seeks to be careful of words when working for Jesus. When meetings are being recorded for broadcast, however, there is a whole new sense of awareness," reported Swaningson.

The Green Bay Church hosted the Adventures in Prophecy meetings and adapted quickly to the presence of bright lights, camera crews, producers and directors. Interested people and church members supported the meetings from night to night.

When asked about his feelings about the whole process, Swaningson responded, "The production crew was great to work with. They were spiritual and flexible. It was troubling to be preaching with a huge digital clock in a prominent location counting down the number of minutes remaining for the meeting. I was glad that the attendees could not see this countdown as I did."

Even with all this technology, the work of leading individuals to Jesus is still that of hearts touching hearts with the Holy Spirit's blessings. After much prayer and visitation, 18 precious individuals were added to the church in baptism and profession of faith with a dozen more preparing for baptism. And who knows how many more will make decisions for Christ when the series is aired in March 2008 on 3ABN. You may check www.3ABN.org for times and dates.

James Fox, communication director, Wisconsin Conference