ur spirits have been rejuvenated. This series brought together our members in many areas. Our entire division office has been overwhelmed by the reports that are still coming in."

These words from Tswelelo Lekolwane, communication director for the Eastern Africa Division of Seventh-day Adventists, reflect the enthusiasm of church members and leaders throughout Africa and beyond as results continue to mount from the Christ 2001 satellite evangelistic series, broadcast live June 15-July 7, from Mwanza, Tanzania, on the shores of Lake Victoria. People crowded more than 1,000 downlink sites in Africa, parts of India, the Pacific Rim, and Eastern Europe. Translation was provided via satellite to 17 people groups. Baptisms at the end of the meetings numbered more than 25,000 in Tanzania alone, with a total of 30,000 expected by the end of the year. Local African church leaders described these results as the largest ever experienced from an evangelistic series.

Pastor G. G. Mbwana, president of the Tanzania Union Mission and a key planner for the event, was ecstatic at the results. "When the church is so united together, the Lord truly pours out His blessings," he said. "We've never had anything like this before." Mbwana also noted that the presentations featured clearly explained teachings, illustrated with culturally appropriate graphics. "Even when special doctrines were presented, our attendance kept going up!" he exclaimed.

Tanzanian sites averaged at least 50 percent visitors nightly. John Hakiza, from the Rwanda Union Mission, reported that more than 75,000 attended each night at 43 downlink sites. And word from Mozambique included reports that more than 3,000 new members were baptized.

As North Pacific Union Conference president Jere Patzer preached up front each evening, 17 translators held forth backstage, preaching their hearts out in different languages. "The Lord gives you quickness of mind; the words that you never thought before come with power and enthusiasm," said one young translator from Botswana. "But the greatest part, the biggest blessing, is that the Lord says, 'I want to save My people. Come along for the experience.'" A key to continued growth is the enthusiasm of local workers and volunteers, according to Mbwana.

A diverse cast of organizations, including personnel from Adventist-Laymen's Services and Industries (ASI), Advent-ist World Television, Adventist Health, Adventist Media Center, Outpost Centers International, the Quiet Hour, the Voice of Prophecy, It Is Written, Light Bearers Ministries, Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN), and the North Pacific Union Conference, joined with local organizers in this multicultural effort.

The advance literature provided by Lightbearers Minis-tries and the Voice of Prophecy for Bible studies is being well used, both in preparing people for baptism and in follow-up ministry. Local leaders are now eager to build on the current level of enthusiasm. The ASI DVD (digital video disk) project will be supplying every pastor and church throughout Tanzania with a set of studies and a DVD player to use in local evangelism and follow-up meetings.

Patzer echoed the thoughts of many local leaders who were impressed with the multicultural effort by so many international ministries working in harmony. "If we're not concerned with protecting our turf and don't care who gets the credit," he said, "God can do amazing things."

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Steven Vistaunet is the communication director for the North Pacific Union Conference in Portland, Oregon.