With churches closed, many are asking: How can we continue to reach people for Christ?
If they can’t come to church to hear the Gospel, where will they go?
One ministry answered by hosting an online revival event to reach people even during the quarantine.
But nothing could have prepared them for what happened next!
PULSE Movement Ministries has adapted its work to the COVID-19 pandemic in astoundingly practical ways already, with online initiatives, studies, and outreach opportunities.
The organization’s founder, Nick Hall, is behind the “Year of the Bible” campaign that’s transforming churches and Christians across the country — and he’s just getting started!
PULSE exists to engage believers of all ages, but especially younger generations, in the work of the Gospel. And the organization’s mission has never been more important than right now.
As churches close their doors and move services online, Hall has realized the importance of Christian community and the ever-present need for outreach, even when it can’t be done physically.
That’s why he set up a virtual evangelistic event on Good Friday!
“This happened because I had a lot of friends that were calling me crying and in tears, overwhelmed by the situation—whether it was at home, in their business or in their church,” said Hall, reflecting on why he and PULSE decided to host the online event.
“And I simply called out to God and said, ‘God, what would it look like to bring together men and women to offer hope and perspective in this moment of need?’”
God answered Hall’s prayer by sending dozens of Christian leaders, musicians, artists, and speakers to participate in the event.
Apologist Ravi Zacharias, author Max Lucado, pastors Francis Chan and Samuel Rodriguez, and singer Lauren Daigle were only a few of the big names to lend their talents.
Hall called the evangelistic event “a virtual revival”—and it definitely was.
According to the data that PULSE gathered, more than 100 million people all around the world tuned into the Good Friday broadcast!
“We were literally getting smartphone photos from all over the world—from Nigeria to India and China—of families gathering in their living rooms, around 18-inch cathode-ray TVs, laptops and HD screens watching our services,” Hall said.
“The doors to our church buildings may have been closed, but the church has not closed. We are living through a Great Quarantine Revival, and I think God is just getting started.”
The Good Friday service was viewed in nearly 100 countries, including many nations hostile to Christianity, such as China and Russia.
“We had translators working in closed countries who were risking their lives to bring this message in their language to their people, because that’s how precious the gospel is to them,” Hall added.
Hall and PULSE reported that at least 132,000 people “responded to Jesus” via call centers, email, and text during and after the broadcast!
So even when the church is moved online, it can still win souls for Christ, as Hall reminded his fellow evangelists.
“This Easter may have been the most significant in a century,” Hall said. “The fields have never been more ripe for harvest as people search for hope and meaning during this global pandemic.”
“It may very well be the greatest opportunity we’ve had the share the gospel—but we will miss it if [we don’t look for opportunities].”
Beth Moore, a Bible teacher, echoed Hall’s sentiments in her message.
“Here we are all scattered and separated, and everything about it seems completely backward to us for the makings of an epic harvest,” Moore said. “But that’s just how he works.”
“That’s just exactly the way God would do it, is it would seem absolutely impossible, only possible, if He comes through.”
Throughout the Good Friday broadcast, Christian leaders, teachers, and speakers of all kinds underscored the importance of the Gospel in these times.
“I am grateful—not for the pandemic, not for COVID-19—I am grateful that God will turn things around for the collective good of His children,” said Reverend Samuel Rodriguez.
“He will work these things out: all things work out for the good of those who believe. I am grateful I am alive for such a time as this to experience this fresh awakening.”
Praise God for the great awakening that is happening during our time!
Let’s pray that He will continue moving in and through His church, even as we’re not able to meet in person.