News
One of the greatest needs of Indonesia is more mature spiritual leaders1 and a new translation of Phil Cooke’s book, Maximize Your Influence—How to Make Digital Ministry Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You, is a catalyst toward that growth. The Indonesian translation project began when Phil and Kathleen were recently in Bangkok conducting media training sessions when Paulus Wiratno, speaker, author, and founder of Mercy Indonesia shared his passion to train pastors and media leaders throughout Indonesia.
“My dream is to help pastors and leaders learn and maximize the media ministry to reach Indonesia,” shared Wiratno. A country that is predominantly Muslim (80.3%) and only 15.9% Christian, the need for the gospel in Indonesia is enormous.
However—the opportunities available through digital media are tremendous. Equipping these Christian ministry leaders with effective digital strategies can have far-reaching effects.
“This translation project is a good example that while we in America and Europe take being ‘savvy’ with social media, video, streaming, and other platforms for granted,” commented Phil Cooke, “there is a significant need in many countries for that kind of training—especially when it comes to sharing the gospel.”
The translation and publishing project is underway and should be available soon, with an initial print run of 2,000 copies. With Phil’s “Maximize Your Influence” book translated, a new opportunity opens…
New Partner Opportunity – Bali Media Training, June 2024
Planning is in the works to conduct media training for Indonesian pastors and Christian communicators in June 2024. Paulus is our local leader for this training session, and we will use Bali as a central point for pastors and media leaders from across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
A partnership venture of MediAlliance International and The Influence Lab, training workshops offer a learning environment for ministry leaders to elevate their media skills. The intense training environment helps them gain a deeper grasp of digital strategies which extend their reach and effectiveness.
Can you help? With the help of generous partners in this important work, we can turn the heart of a nation towards the Lord Jesus Christ. As plans develop for Bali Media Training June 2024, your gifts now will help us confirm that dates and secure the best rates for travel.
Plus—if you give now, you can get your own copy of “Maximize Your Influence” as a special thank-you!*
Let’s turn this nation to God! Give your gift today >>
*Special partner offer! For your generous gift of $35 or more to The Influence Lab, you’ll receive one of Phil or Kathleen’s books as a special thank you! Choose your print or eBook when you give here.
There’s more! Sign up as a monthly partner with a recurring gift of $35 or more and choose two books. We can do so much more when we partner together. Give your recurring gift here.
1Operation World, https://operationworld.org/locations/indonesia/
News
Although not commonly known or discussed, millions inside Russia don’t agree with Putin’s policies. Many Russian pastors are trying to change things from the inside, but without ready access to updated digital media strategies, it’s like they’re fighting on foot against an airborne army. Until now.
Phil Cooke’s “Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You” has been translated into Russian by Russian nationals. And, through a trusted inside source, we have a tremendous opportunity to get this media resource into the hands of 7,000 pastors across Russia.
Some funds have already come in, but we’re not yet there. The cost of printing and distribution is estimated at $18,900. The book, once printed, will go to pastors in these regions:
Moscow—2,000 pastors
St. Petersburg—1000 pastors
Siberia—500 pastors
Udmurtia region—500 pastors
North of Russia—300 pastors
Perm region—1000 pastors
Bashkiria region—300 pastors
Ural region—400 pastors
Far East—500 pastors
Former Soviet Union—500 pastors
The timing is critical. These Russian pastors need our help to counter Putin’s propaganda with the true gospel. The equipping they gain through “Maximize Your Influence” will make a tremendous difference in how they can impact their nation.
Will you partner with us in this work? The book is ready to print as soon as the financing need is met.
What can you give? Your gift of $10,000, $1,000, $500 or $50 will go a long way to meet the need and get this resource into the hands of these Russian pastors.
Give your gift here.
We sincerely thank you for your prayerful and financial support. As a special “thank you” for partnering with The Influence Lab, you’ll receive your choice of four books (including Maximize Your Influence). Don’t wait – give your gift today.
News
When the pandemic began in March 2020, one of the nations it struck hardest was Italy. Phil and I were booked to speak in Milan that year, but with the country on lockdown, our trip was cancelled. We were pleased to finally reschedule for late October this year and experience first-hand that God is alive and well in His Church in Italy.
Under the leadership of Pastor Roselem Boerner Faccio, Sabaoth Church is thriving in Milan. The city is known as one of the top global fashion and design cities in the world and Sabaoth’s congregation is infused with an abundance of creativity. They have tapped into the Source of all creativity, our Creator God, and the church has been blessed to an overflowing community of talented artists.
Phil and I were honored to speak to these artists, designers and leaders (mostly 20-40 year-olds) who are passionate to personally know God more fully and tell others of His love and redemptive life. This thriving young church understands that to reach this next generation it must include the use of effective media.
Phil spoke to their Bible training school, Hanger28, and then both he and I spoke at multiple sessions of Sabaoth’s annual gathering called Conference One. While the 1000 seat auditorium was still under governmental restrictive use, 300 people were able to attend in person with over 1500 viewing online.
Phil spoke on leadership and the practical use of media, messaging and branding, as well as on how to effectively connect with people in the digital age. I brought insights on understanding and communicating to multi-generations: the boomers, millennials and iGens who now use media 24/7. If we want to reach the culture with the love and gospel of Jesus we must understand what they see and hear and have a firm grasp on what will resonate with their thinking.
It was then off to Istanbul, Turkey for five days as we toured the city’s rich historical and religious sites. While there, we connected with a group working with business leaders and students and shared at their gathering. We gave them tips on the best use of digital media while letting the light and love of God shine forth when asked questions. It was an interesting social climate as those working in this underground grass roots ministry constantly reminded us that the group was being watched and listened to and that their class could be shut down at any moment.
For Phil and I, it was a good reminder of how blessed we are to live in a country that still allows for freedom of faith and thought, while people in other nations live in fear. One of the only ways to reach out to those seeking the truth of God in these religiously restrained countries is through media. It’s why training and encouraging those working in these restricted countries is so vital.
Traveling globally with the ongoing pandemic was a challenge. Yet, the joy of sharing and teaching on the frontlines in other countries was joyous and rewarding. The need to teach and train leaders with the effective use of media continues to be great and never ending as we are constantly asked, “When can you come?”
Phil and I and the entire Influence Lab team are always blessed when we hear from you and are encouraged by your prayers and support for us. We are so very grateful. Our pray for you this New Year, 2022, is that God will bring you joy and continue to bless your coming and going as we all seek to see Jesus lifted high and His Kingdom flourish. -Kathleen Cooke
Your partnership makes a difference! Consider a year-end gift to The Influence Lab and help us continue to meet the need for training leaders to use digital media effectively to share the gospel. The gospel message never changes, but in this digital age, how we share it does. Give here.
Special offer! As a thank you for your generous partnership of $25.00 or more to The Influence Lab, you’ll have your choice of these books by Phil and Kathleen Cooke:
Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You
Hope 4 Today: Stay Connected to God in a Distracted Culture (New paperback edition!)
Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals
Give your gift today!
