Amsterdam2023 Update – An International Gathering of Ministry Leaders

Amsterdam2023 Update – An International Gathering of Ministry Leaders

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Phil and Kathleen Cooke were thrilled to be in Amsterdam this June for Amsterdam2023, an Empowered21 historic global gathering of leaders focused on evangelism. Christine Caine (A21), Rick Warren (Saddleback Church), Sam Rodriguez (New Season Church), Bobby Gruenewald (Life.Church pastor/YouVersion founder) and Nicky Gumbel (Alpha Course pioneer) were a few of the many international leaders, pastors, evangelists and speakers who came together with a united vision to see God’s redemptive message of Jesus touch every corner of the world.\

Phil and Kathleen Cooke with ministry leaders Lord and Lady Edmiston, (Founders, Christian Vision), Mart Green (VP, Hobby Lobby), Bobby Gruenwald (Founder, YouVersion).

“As a member of the E21 Global Council with top ministry leaders like Robert Morris, Cash Luna, Rob Hoskins and others, I’ve had the honor of helping craft the ongoing strategy of E21, especially when it comes to digital media,” shared Phil Cooke. With a mission to reach a billion people by the year 2033, the 2000 anniversary of Pentecost, the Amsterdam gathering and global council meetings focused on strategies to help make that happen.

In addition to the Amsterdam meetings, Phil and Kathleen were interviewed by Christian news and talk show hosts for their global work in media and their ongoing efforts with The Influence Lab and Influence Women. “Our vision is to teach leaders how to share the story of Jesus more effectively,” Kathleen Cooke shared. “We’re mentoring and encouraging others in their ministry and media endeavors as they share the gospel in digital spaces and through film, television and the arts.”

These international trips are part of the global strategy of The Influence Lab. Through our partners’ prayers and financial support, we can inspire pastors and ministry leaders on a global scale with updated strategies to share the gospel more effectively.

Coming up…
August 13-22: Brazil Global Kingdom Partner’s Network (GKPN)— GKPN is an invitation-only network of many of the world’s largest churches and marketplace businesses. Phil and Kathleen have spoken at many of these gatherings, and on this trip, Phil will be speaking to pastors and ministry leaders, and then to marketplace leaders in various cities in Brazil.

September 14-16: India Christian Media Conference (ICMA), Chennai, India—ICMA is the largest gathering of Christian media leaders in India, including TV and radio network executives, church media professionals and social media experts. With India’s population now exceeding China, these Christian media professionals have a great desire to excel in their work as they share the gospel across their country. Phil and Kathleen are happy to share their expertise during this critical time for India.

Partner up! Give a generous gift today and join this global movement here.

Check out these special offers! For your generous gift of $35 or more or a monthly recurring donation, we have a special “thank you” gift for you! Find out more here.

 

 

 

Do Not Travel: The Increasing Importance of the Russian Translation Project

Do Not Travel: The Increasing Importance of the Russian Translation Project

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You Can Still Make a Difference
On February 12, 2023, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel advisory for Russia: Do not travel.1 They’ve also told U.S. citizens to leave Russia immediately. “U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately,” the U.S. embassy in Moscow said, and also warned, “Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions.”2

Russian pastors are working hard to bring the gospel truth to people.

Russian pastors gather. They’re working hard to bring the gospel truth to their country.

These travel restrictions place an increasing importance on The Influence Lab’s Russian Translation Project. At this point, over 7,000 evangelical pastors are waiting for printed and digital copies of Phil Cooke’s “Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry and You.” Already translated into Russian, we have not yet met the need for these books to go to print.

And, because of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the travel restrictions, we must be extremely careful in getting the funds into the hands of our inside people for this project to continue. In the interest of protecting our inside sources from possible persecution, we cannot share names, but these are trusted people who—if we can get the funds physically into their hands—will oversee the printing and distribution of this much-needed book.

“We can’t release names or photos,” said Phil Cooke, “but this is our chance to help make things happen from the inside. These pastors desperately need the tools that will help them share the gospel in today’s digital age and counteract propaganda with truth.”

“Maximize Your Influence” will equip Russian pastors with digital strategies to share the gospel.

Endorsed by YouVersion’s founder Bobby Gruenewald, OneHope president Rob Hoskins and Avail leadership consultant Sam Chand, “Maximize Your Influence” helps pastors navigate the digital age. The book equips ministry leaders in the mindset and messaging that will engage audiences in today’s digital generation. In countries like Russia where access to training in digital media strategies is limited, it’s a critical resource.

Because of the political climate and the challenge of going under the radar, the total needed for this project is now estimated at $25,000.

Can you help? We’re seeking partners to consider generous gifts of $10,000, $5,000 $500 or even $50.

You can still make a difference. Let’s support these Russian pastors and help them know they are not alone. Give here.

 

 

The Influence Lab is a Guidestar participant, demonstrating its commitment to transparency. View our 2023 2023 Candid Seal of Transparency on Guidestar here.

1https://ru.usembassy.gov/travel-advisory-russia-do-not-travel-february-12-2023/

2https://www.reuters.com/world/us/united-states-tells-citizens-depart-russia-immediately-2023-02-13/