In December 2008, we began praying and planning for our very first Summer program. Six months later, 33 eager young, and not so young, people arrived at the Cambrian Park SDA Church in San Jose, California, where CROSStraining, an ARISE and GYC (Generation of Youth for Christ) Summer intensive, was held. College students, teachers, dentists, courier drivers, and real estate brokers traveled from far and wide to get intense evangelism training. Tennessee, Oregon, California, and New Jersey, were just a few of the states represented. However,the prize for farthest journey went to Denisa Tutunaru who flew all the way from Sydney, Australia for the 3-week program.

CROSStraining kicked off with an inspirational presentation on the Heart of God given by David Asscherick, followed by Matt Parra sharing the Cycle of Evangelism. The thrust of the program was Bible Boot Camp, 60 hours of being trained how to give an effective and Christ-centered Bible study on each of the doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

During CROSStraining, attendees were given the opportunity to go door-to-door, many for the first time. 1000 pieces of GLOW literature were distributed and 13 Bible studies were given during five hours of community outreach. Praise God!

The instruction was rounded off by Jay Rosario teaching How to Gain Decisions and Jeffrey Rosario explaining the Dos and Don’ts of Evangelism. Matt Parra delivered a powerful challenge on the final evening followed by a wonderful fellowship meal.

We thank the Lord for how He blessed our first Summer endeavor. Lives were changed, swords were sharpened, friends were made, and Christ was lifted up. We cannot wait until next Summer!

A In 2008, ARISE was invaded by the Dutch! Four young and on fire Christians traveled across the Atlantic ocean to be trained as soulwinners. Upon return to Europe, the Lord did not hesitate to put their training to good use. Two of the ARISE graduates became involved in full-time Bible work ministry with ASI Europe in North England, one formed a Bible Worker team and is now working with the Upper Columbia Conference in Spokane, Washington, and the fourth is involved with a ministry in Holland called Youth For All.

In May 2009, I was privileged to visit our Dutch friends in Holland through an invitation to preach at the second annual Youth For All conference entitled “Evangeliving”. Over 150 young people came to be inspired, equipped, and empowered to live out the life of Jesus in their communities. We prayed together, worshiped together, went into the community to share Christ together, and saw the manifestation of the Spirit of God together. There is a dearth of spiritual power in the churches of Holland and God is making moves to revive and enliven the members through His Word.

ARISE praises God for using our ministry to train the young people that He is using to bolster His work in Europe. Their task is an arduous one and we solicit your heartfelt prayers.

- Matt Parra
Associate Director