Recently I returned from a landmark meeting in Washington, D.C., where more than 800 professionals from more than 80 countries had gathered to discuss biblical solutions to the devastation of HIV/AIDS. This is the first time there has been this type of international gathering to strengthen and equip Christian ministries in their response to this deadly disease.

As physicians, pastors, health workers, and church leaders told how they have implemented Scripture-based preventive programs while also providing compassionate care to the suffering, I was struck with the tremendous power of "show and tell" evangelism. By that I mean evangelism that combines both deeds and words in a compelling manner.

The physician Luke wrote, "You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" (Acts 10:37-38, NIV). Jesus met the physical needs of those to whom He ministered while proclaiming the Good News of forgiveness for sins.

Through the ages that has been the model for Christians to follow. It was David Livingstone, a Scottish doctor and missionary, who introduced medical missions to Africa in the mid-1800s. Today, across Africa and in many other parts of the world, missionary hospitals still provide the finest in health care. The good deeds of medical missionaries earn a hearing for the Gospel, providing excellent opportunities to communicate the message of God's love.

This is the distinctive of the Christian faith—helping the poor, the hurting, the oppressed, the victimized—while proclaiming the hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. As we continue to work in Christ's name, we believe that the Lord God will give us expanded opportunities for ministry. Please continue to pray for us as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse take the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world in deeds and in words, showing and telling those in need of God's magnificent love for them.

Visit Samaritan's Purse for more information on the work of Samaritan's Purse around the world.

Franklin Graham is the oldest son of Billy and Ruth Graham, and has helped bring food, medicine and the Gospel to the starving and sick through the international relief agency, Samaritan's Purse. He has also followed in his father's footsteps and preached the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Today, Franklin leads both organizations as they strive to advance God's Kingdom.

© 2002 Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. This article first appeared in the March 2002 issue of "Decision" magazine

				Try an Issue of Leadership Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Leadership coming, honor your invoice for just $22.00 and receive three more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Leadership as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!