gregstier.org

COLD in COLUMBUS

Posted on Sunday 4 February 2007 by Greg @ 9:44 pm
Filed under: Conferences

It’s freezing here. I’m talking 20 below with the wind chill. But that didn’t stop the almost 5,000 teenagers at our Dare 2 Share conference from going door to door to collect canned food and spread the good news of Jesus all across the great city of Columbus. How did they do it without getting frostbite? Two words…rolling heaters.

We told them to think of their church van, bus, etc as a heater with wheels. The driver would roll into a neighborhood with a vehicle packed full of teens. Small groups of teens would get out run to a door or two, collect some food and try to share the good news before sprinting back to their vehicles to get warmed back up. While these f-f-f-f-reeziing teens got their numb hands, feet and faces de-iced another group would be released into the artic chill to collect cans and distribute good will and good news with big smiles and blue lips.

All in all it worked pretty well. I think the “pity factor” helped (how I got most of my dates in high school). Many people felt sorry for these teens and would give them canned food because these young evangelists were out braving the elements instead of playing video games, surfing the net or watching a movie on a Saturday afternoon like most sane teenagers.

Suffice it to say God did some amazing things. Hundreds came to Christ, thousands were trained to know, live, share and own their faith and nine tons of canned food was collected for the Salvation Army.

I call that a good days work.

But now the real work begins as these thousands of teenagers take the good news back to their friends. BTW, if you are one of those teens I want to hear your story. Did you take the 48 hour or the cell phone challenge? If so what happened. It may be cold in Columbus but I hope you heat up this blog with your powerful stories of changed lives.

148 Comments for 'COLD in COLUMBUS'

On February 4, 2007 @ 9:59 pm inspiredchristian said:

Hey Greg, I was at the dare2share Game Day and i loved it. It was an Amazing time. I just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking of going into the ministry in some way, now mind you im only sixteen so im still thinking. Seeing and watching you really helped me in making my decision easier, so i talked to my youth leader about maybe doing a Wednesday sermon with my youth group about sharing our faith with our friends. He said he loves that i came to him because he always thought i had it in me, and he said this coming Wednesday i can do the youth lesson. I just thought i would let you know that you inspired me big time and I cant wait till next year!! See Ya Then, The Inspired
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On February 4, 2007 @ 10:12 pm Kelsie Angeletti said:

Hey Greg I was at the Dare 2 Share yuoth conference and I have decided to share my faith with a guy I know who is gay and wiccan and it is not going to be easy. He also has it big for always cussing and saying such perverted things that there aren’t appropriate for adults to hear. He said he knows he is going to Hell and he said he would burn if he is near a church. I would love it if you could give me some pointers. Oh, and I am already awaiting next year! Kelsie
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On February 4, 2007 @ 10:23 pm Jason Hughes said:

Hey Greg! I was at the youth conference in columbus, an yeh it was freezing!! 1st i would like to tell you thats its a GREAT program, filled with the love of jesus christ, and all the fellow teens. 2nd I envited my friend to go with us and he did, he accepted the lord to be his one and only god, i can now say that hes my brother in christ, and its great to know that i will see him after i die, but in a much better place. i had a GREAT time, and i plan on going next year!!! -jason Hughes-
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On February 4, 2007 @ 10:47 pm Darlene said:

hey it’s me aggain just wanted to say it was freezing outside…and we got the door slammed in our faces..and many people didn’t give us the time of day..BUT I wouldn’t trade the expierence for anything!!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 12:24 am lauren said:

hi greg. my friend hannah, and i took your telephone challenge this past weekend. i called my friend that has practiced the hindu religion all her life and whose entire family is from india and are also hindu. when i got her on the phone all i could get out of my mouth was the words " god loves you so much"… i just kept saying that over and over. it was all i could say. when i got off the phone i collasped on the floor of the lobby and just started bawling my eyes out…and a few minutes later my friend hannah was on the floor crying with me. we sat and cryed, and prayed…( she had tried calling our friend who is mormon and didn’t have any more luck than i did with her conversation)…we just felt like we failed…miserably. then finally hannah said to me " you just called a hindu….and i called a mormon…what did we expect?" ( this is where we started laughing) we’ve realized that even though we didn’t lead either of them to christ on the spot…we did do something. we didn’t do what we wanted to do in the situations we were in….but we did what god wanted us to do and that’s what matters. tomorrow we are meeting with our mormon friend to discuss both of our beliefs. hannah and myself have been studying about mormonism all day…and i think with the knowledge we have now and with god’s guidance we have to make some kind of impact on her life. and that’s what we’re hoping to do.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 1:51 am Mason said:

Heya! My name is Mason Minnick..And i was at dare2share in columbus. I took the challenge for calling a friend, and sadly mine didnt pick up. I sent him an email, that hopefully planted some kind of seed somewhere in im. Its amazing the confidence a person can get, when they are surrounded by 5000 other christians, all fighting for the same thing. Its amazing to see nearly 5000 people all praising God, ive never seen or heard of anything like it. This is a really good program, I plan on going as often as i can, and bringing as many people as i can every time!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 6:28 am Brian said:

thats pretty awesome Greg! I’m glad you all had a good time.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 7:03 am Becky said:

Greg I am glad for that conference!!!yay for people getting saved.I can’t wait until March.~Becky~
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On February 5, 2007 @ 7:54 am ashelton said:

Hey Greg! Go Colts!!! Just wanted to let you know that I had a great time with my youth group in Columbus! God did some amazing things! I wanted to let you know that I took the 48 hour challenge right away on my cell phone on Saturday night. I’m a teacher and youth director. I called up my school custodian. Him and I have some things in common. We talk about sports and guy things quite a bit. I’ve been able to make connections with him over the past couple years and knew that the time would come when I would need to share the gospel. I did it Saturday night! I was awesome to feel God’s presence throughout the whole conversation. It was a little awkward at first, but he could really tell that I was sincere. He listened and I listened. He didn’t quite go all the way, but God got him really thinking. I told him to think about it and I would get back with him at school. He really appreciated me calling and said that he needed it. I’m just so happy that you gave us the challenge! Now I want to call my dad and uncle! I’ll let you know what happens! Oh, I don’t have to go in and teach today because of the cold weather! I’ll read more of the Field Guide to Sharing Your Faith! What a great book! I bought one for all my youth! Adam Shelton
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On February 5, 2007 @ 8:38 am Laura said:

Hi Greg! I was at the dare2share confence in columbus, and it was really cold. but now its colder. Most of the schools here are closed because it’s, like, 25 below. Mind you, this is really weird for Columbus, the only time I here about "cold days" is when my cousins from Minnesota come to visit, but i’m glad there’s no school. The bad part is, I took the 48 hour challenge, and I don’t have my friends number or email, and neither do my other friends. So I kinda have to wait till tomorrow (relying on the fact that the temps will be up). But I’m keeping myself busy with your dare2share book and the starfield cd (which I love) and I’m going to tell my friend as soon as get back to school. I’m really excited about it!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 8:42 am Caitiln said:

I went to the conference in Columbus with my youth group. It was awesome! I had a great time. It was very cold!! My friends even made up a song about how cold it was. I took the 48 hour challenge and I e-mailed my grandma last night. I’m still waiting for a response. Can’t wait until next year! ‘Til next time.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 8:48 am Kyle Justice said:

Hey, its morning and school has been CLOSED here in Columbus for the cold. It’s -10 windchill outside Greg and I was going to go and tell someone about the good word of god and beat the 48 hour challenge, but every school in central ohio has been canceled! Well i’m going to strech it out another 24 hours. I went to the confrence to just for hek of it and I relly have to say it was awesome and it change how I thought about god. I just loved getting out my cell phone and telling my freind about god with the other 4,999 people. (Guessing) I was kind of really mad at security because the time that Rachel Washington came out she pointed at me twice and I tried to leave my awesome spot and get up on stage but the guy would’nt let me in! So I turned around then I saw people on the STAGE! Nice, but you now I wasn’t there for the music. I was there for god. I have some questions, you did’nt talk about video games. Are they a sin? And what does it take to be involved in the drama because I love to make serious movies and act. And while I was waiting in the front of the stage after lunch I was asking about this asian guys camera. I just love that stuff. Well I’m going to go enjoy my day off! Kyle
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On February 5, 2007 @ 8:49 am nathan maring said:

Hi Greg! I was at the conference at colombus and I had a great time. It was really cold, but I am from Michigan and right now I have snow day! The bands were great and so were your messages. I really enjoyed everything. Collecting cans was fun and I graduated from P.U! I am so glad I came. Now I can share my faith with other poeple. I love DARE2SHARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 8:51 am D2S Angel said:

Hey Greg! I was at D2S in Columbus and it was freezing! I even fell on black ice in a drivway! Thank goodness the owner of the house got home just b4 i fell. next year im going to bring as many people as i can! Maybe we will be in the arena by next year! My 2 friends are athiests and i have been trying to get to them and the one keeps shutting me out. Then my youth pastor bought all of his group your dare2share book. just started reading it. It is great so far. I’m kind of like a journalist. So anyway, i’m going to tell them about Jesus after i read your book. I need help with this. This is my first year at dare2share and im not sure how to tell someone. I know the gospel journey helps. STARFIELD ROCKS!!!! I’m looking forward to seeing you next year!! Your #1 Fan, Mandi
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On February 5, 2007 @ 8:53 am D2S Angel said:

Oops! Sorry for spelling wrong! I forgot to use spell check!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 9:08 am godloveme said:

Hey Greg! Thank you for share your gospel. It was my first time at D2S . I had so a lot fun. I will share the gospel with everyone i know. The callling a friend was hard for me but i’m so happy i did it.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 9:12 am Jim Laupp said:

Greg, such an awesome conference in Columbus despite the cold! It was my fourth time taking my youth. What was so amazing about this one was that three of them placed their faith and trust in Jesus on Friday night!!! When I had them tell the group back at where we were staying, I told the whole group that there was no drug on the face of the earth that could match the spiritual high that comes from being involved and seeing a friend come to Jesus. I am praying that each and everyone of them gets to experience that same high during the 48 hour challenge and beyond. Thanks for all you do! Jim
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On February 5, 2007 @ 9:42 am Giuliana Palazio said:

Hey Greg, this was my first year at D2S and was one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life. It was a very eye-opening and inspirational experience. Going from door to door collecting canned goods for the poor really moved me and made me appreciate my life. The most impactful thing may have been the drama on friday night. I don’t like to cry in public, (I got that from my Dad) but I was straight out bawling during that performance. I realized how much I needed to change and that I was only a Sunday morning Christian. I was setting a bad example for my peers and most importantly my little sister. I am determined to completely change my life and refocus it on Jesus. I am excited to start my new life and this "Jesus high" will last forever this time. I also got your Dare to Share book and I just can’t put it down. I am almost done with it! I plan on taking it everywhere with me now! (Along with my Bible!) This way I can always have it handy when I am trying to spread the word with my own Tara the typical or Marty the Mormon! I also wanted to tell you about my friend Julie. Julie has never been a religious person and is basically on a really bad path in life. I have tried to talk to her about Jesus numerous times, but before D2S, never really took it serious or realized how much was at stake. When we took the cell phone challenge on Saturday, I had the number ready on my phone to press Talk and connect the call. When you said the prayer and ended with Amen, nervously I sat there listening to it ringing once, twice, three, and four times. Then I heard her voicemail come on and the beep directing me to start my message. I immediately knew that I wanted to tell her about the gospel right then and there on the voicemail. Then, when she called back, I would explain it further in more detail. So, I took about two minutes to tell her about everything I could. The condensed version of course! Well, the next day, Julie called me back basically laughing at me and my attempt. "You know I don’t take that stuff seriously!" She said laughing. A few months ago, when our friend Amanda got saved at a 9/11 service, Julie laughed the whole time thinking it was stupid. Well, despite my frustrations, I told her that I would pray for her and if she ever wanted to talk about heaven and hell and anything else, I would most definitely be there. I plan to pray for Julie everyday and continue trying to discuss bring it up with her. I don’t think I was unsuccessful in my attemp. Because I truely think I planted the seed in her. I hope that she will one day accept Jesus as her Savior and be saved! Thank you for all the training and dedication you put into your work! God bless! Giuliana -Burlington Baptist Church
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On February 5, 2007 @ 9:50 am Emily3basketball said:

Hey greg, I was there, but i from michigan so i’m pretty use to the cold. My youth group collected a lot of can goods but never got a chance to share the good news of Jesus. but i did learn how to share my faith. this was my first time at a d2s and i loved it. That drama really hit home to me and although i had already put my faith in Christ i realized how much better i could and should be. The phone call was hard but i am soo glad i made it. I had a great time and you are a amazing speaker and preacher!!! p.s GO COLTS!!!!!! thanks for everything, Emily
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On February 5, 2007 @ 10:12 am Sarah said:

Hi Greg! I was at D2S in Columbus and it was really cold. Our church is from Portsmouth and its been a pretty mild winter until last thursday. I took the 48 hour challenge, but we didn’t have school today. So I sent a mass email to my friends who aren’t saved telling them about what we did and even spelled out G.O.S.P.E.L. I asked them to think about it, and some of them will probably laugh at me.But hey, then I’ll sort of graduate from P.U.!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 10:23 am Chris LeRoy said:

All, Praise be to God. This was an awesome conference. I am a youth pastor at Plain City UMC and cannot begin to tell you how the Dare2Share ministry has affected the young people in our group. A few weeks ago we had seven members in our group get up during worship and they gave their testimonies and told of their love for God. They will not be kept silent. At this Sunday’s worship, one of our youth told of the conference and the 48-hour challenge. They had a 48-hour challenge success over the cell phone on Saturday evening!!!! We also had six graduates from PU. We had a graduation ceremony for them and had last years graduate’s hand out their PU graduate badges. Keep up the good work and let’s help God create more barbarians (An excellent read "The Barbarian Way" by Erwin Raphael McManus). Grace and peace —- Chris
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On February 5, 2007 @ 10:32 am amber egelston said:

the challenge you gave us to call someone.. i called my sister. shes 16 and just got her license like 3 weeks ago. i called her and two hours before that she got into a car crash. she doesn’t no god and i am trying really hard to make her care and no.. shes close i am going to keep trying my best
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On February 5, 2007 @ 10:36 am Victoria said:

Hey Greg! D2S was probably the most moving thing I have ever done in my entire life. Nearly all of Friday’s session I was bawling my eyes out because I was so moved! I think what hit me the most was right after the drama when you told all of the youth leaders to stand in the isleways and pray out loud. Then, all of the sudden, you were engulfed wth hundreds of prayers being echoed throughout the massive room. Have you ever seen Bruce Almighty, like the parts when Bruce hears tons of prayers being said at once? That is exactly what it felt like. Hearing all those prayers being said for the teens there was so overwhelming. And the countdown for next year began the second after D2S ended! Praise Jesus!!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 10:52 am Kelsey Garmon said:

Hey Greg! I was at Dare 2 Share in Columbus! I just want to say that I had a blast and can’t wait until next year! On Saturday afternoon, the first 2 houses I went to, I got the door shut in my face. At the next house the closed their blinds before we got to the porch, but finally at the fourth house they gave us an 18- pack of Easy Mac and I shared the G-O-S-P-E-L method from memory and the homeowner accepted Christ that very day! I also took your cell phone challenge and my friends Ethan, Toby, and I called our friend Chris and he to re-accepted Jesus Christ! On Sunday, although I was SUPER tired, I went into work. I had forgotten to cut off my orange pass from my wrist. My boss asked me what it was and to cut it off. When I told her what it was, I worked it into a conversation abou my faith and how she too could accept Jesus Christ into her heart as her Lord and Savior. My boss gave me a hug and accepted Jesus! This was the scariest moment for me because, if you can only imagine what its like for a 16 year old, 5′3", 110 lbs girl to talk to a 40 yr old, almost 6 foot woman to tell her about my faith. I was shakingand almost scared I was going to lose my job! But, I did it and I am so glad that I did! I would have never done this if it wasnt for what Dare 2 Share has taught me! Again I can’t wait until next years conference! In Jesus’s Name, Kelsey P.S. My youth pastor, Eric George, mentioned your dream of having over 10,000 in Nationwide Arena in the near future. I think that would be just amazing!!!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 10:54 am Kayla Burney said:

I went to the dare2share conference, and it completely changed my life.Now I want to tell everyone about Jesus.I am a very shy person,so it is going to take faith and courage for me to tell others about Christ, but I am going to do that. It made me cry to think, my bestfriend would be going to hell. She believes God made the animals, and they evolved into something else. I really do not know how I am going to bring up Jesus in our conversation. On Sunday night our pastor did not even get to his sermon because we were speaking in tounges, and praising God.It was awesome!!!! This was my first year at d2s, but I can not wait to come back. I am reading that book on how to share your faith, and so far it is really good. On Friday night we drove back to Heath and had a lockin at our church.We stayed up till like 4 or 5 in the morning talking about how we felt about d2s, and how it opened our eyes. I could not stop crying, as I was talking about how it hit me like a brick, that my friends are going to hell if I don’t do anything about it. I think it is going to be easy in my school to tell people about Jesus because everyone at my school respects me. I remember one time when a girl walked up to me and slapped me in the face, all I did was walk away and did not say anything. So when people make fun of me or try to get in a fight with me I just walk away. I was born with Cystic Fibrosis, which is a common heredity lung disease. I am so glad that God has gave me healthy lungs, and a chance that I can show people I can do it. I am blessed to know that when I was still a sinner, Christ died for me. God bless you, and your ministries. Thanks Greg!!!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 11:03 am Felissa said:

Greg~ I was in Columbus at Dare 2 Share this weekend and I just wanted to say that it was awesome and thank you so much. Yes, I took the cell phone challenge with a friend named Payton. I’m not quite sure how she responded. I tried to explain what I was saying in the best way I could, but she seemed a little nervous on the topic because she kept on trying to change the subject. I’m trying the 48-hour challenge on her and when I tried to call her last night, she didn’t answer… I don’t know if I scared her away or what? Please give me some more advice because I think she is just shrugging me off. I don’t want to freak her out by getting all "What if you go to hell" on her (not because I am afraid for my social status, but because I want her saved) but I really want to get through to Payton. Please pray for me to have the right words! Also, I’ve been checking out the dare 2 Share website and I saw something about when you tell other people about God that you should use a "Before and After" thing about how you were before Jesus and after Jesus. Well, I’ve been a Christian since I was little now and I don’t really know what life would be like if I weren’t so I don’t know how Jesus really changed my life much. Does that make sense? Any suggestions? -Felissa-
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On February 5, 2007 @ 11:19 am Andrea said:

Hey Greg, Our youth group really liked the skit on Friday night, the one with Jordan and Christa and judgement day. We were wondering if there was a way to get the script so we could use it for an outreach event? During that skit 2 teens from our group accepted Christ! Thanks!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 11:29 am Katrina said:

Greg i was at columbus for Dare2Share it was my first year i was with KC Carrols youth group she had given her testimony on stage but i just wanted to tell you that you are doing an amazing work and that that drama helped me to lay something verry big down on the altar it helped me to give this burden over to God to ask for His way and not my own.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 11:29 am victor said:

Hey Greg, thanks for the awesome experience this past weekend, because of what D2S did, I was inspired to share the good news with my girlfriend. She hasn’t replied yet, but can you do me a favor? I know you are busy and have thousands of comments…but could you spare one prayer for us?
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On February 5, 2007 @ 11:29 am Brittany said:

Hey, Dare2Share was an awesome experience for me and my youth group, thanks! I have 2 stories to share: Chelsea: I called her on the phone call challenge and left her message. I told her that Jesus loves her and that I would love if she started coming to church with me. I told her that I was sorry I hadn’t told her about Jesus much. I tried calling her back because she wasn’t at church on Sunday and we didn’t have school today (monday, because it is FREEZING!) but she won’t answer. I wonder if she is sleeping or if I am graduating from PU. Stephanie: She grew up Wiccan but I think she was more agnostic than anything else. I was in a play with her at school last year, where I heard her tell her beliefs to people back stage. She said that she didn’t believe in anything really, she was too young to have to make a choice. I got so sad for her and began praying for her. But I felt like God was saying, "do more than just pray, show her My love." Steph has been through some tough times in her life this year and several times I have supplied her with encouraging verses and letters telling her that I didn’t understand what she was going though but my Jesus does. Then I decided to invite her to Dare2Share- and she accepted. Once there she got to see the Gospel illyustrated for her and she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. She didn’t just say a pray either, she is totally changed. Praise God! Oh, also I guess I could tell you my own story of who I am going to be from my experience this weekend (it’s pretty simple): I’m a fire, I’m a flood, I’m a revolution.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 11:34 am Josiah Sapp said:

Hey Greg- The conference in Columbus was amazing!!!! It changed my life and the way i can spred the good news of Jesus christ to my freinds and family. Well i have a story for you. First off, when you gave us the challenge to call the freinds that were praying for , i thought that i didnt have anyone to call. But God but one freind’s name into my mind an my heart. I thought that i was just being paranoid about her because she has been doing some things that she shouldn’t. But the more that i tried to not think about, the more God placed on my heart to call her. So i did but she wasn’t there. But i did leave like a 3 minute message of me telling the good news. I think that she might be a poser, like she says that she is saved but acts a different way on her myspace. That was the first part!!! The second part is me and my freind were driving home and we were really close to my house when we hit a sheet of ice on the road. We slide all over the place and went offf the road and into a ditch. We just barely missed a drainage hole by like inches. The hole was about 9 feet deep by 11 feet wide!!!! Its only by God’s grace that we missed it. The damage isn’t the worst and we are both fine. It was just crazy how my soul could have very well been taken to heaven that night. It just showed me that that kind of thing can happen to anyone. Welp that’s it Greg i was changed by your message through the entire weekend and cant wait till next year. Till everyone has heard the good news -Your brother in christ Josiah
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On February 5, 2007 @ 11:42 am Holly said:

Greg, I just wanted to say that the entire Dare @ Share conference was sooo amazing! I’ve grown up going to church, but not once did I actually take my faith seriously! After this weekend I am on Fire!! I never knew i could feel this way about my faith! Also i did take the cell phone challenge, i called my best friend heather! she probably thought i was crazy, but i don’t care she needed to know that i didn’t want her to go to hell. I was so nervous i thought i was gonna be sick, but it was totally woth it! Thanks for challenging me, i needed a wake-up call badly!! oh and just so you know most of central ohio didn’t have school today because it’s sooooo COLD! Thanks again, Holly P.S. next year you should definitely have Starfield back, they were absolutely amazing! just a suggestion!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 11:47 am Bekah S said:

hey greg, im a freshman from the dayton area. on friday night my youth group watched the skit and i could tell that everyone was taking as much of it in as possible. after the skit we surrounded our youth pastor and prayed for a little while. i kinda split off from them and was praying on my own. i didn’t realize it then but i had tears running down my face. God was really speaking to me and i really needed it. Lately i have been getting farther and farther away from him and i needed something to pull me back in. God was really tugging at my heart and i fell to my knees. I can’t imagine standing before God and seeing everything i have ever done wrong. i was then embraced by 3 of my closest friends and i thank God that i have them. On Dare2Share, i felt like God gave me a wake up call. I need to take care of myself but i also need to go after others. God showed me that. Also, i have been praying about what God wants me to do with my life and somehow he has placed in my heart a youth pastor. I don’t know why and i don’t know if it will change or not but this weekend i heard that over and over and seeing all the youth leaders stand up at the convention was a big push. I thank God that my youth pastor has been there for me and he has been my tutor as a leader and eventually i think he will be my tutor for a youth pastor. God has blessed me…and dare2share has blessed me to… Thanks for everything you have done, Bekah
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On February 5, 2007 @ 12:22 pm I <3 Starfield said:

Hey Greg, I was at the conference and I’m just about to call some of my friends right now and tell the good news. Be praying for me and my friends as we try to go to school and tell kids about Jesus. Thanks for the great sermons at dare 2 share!!!!!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 1:03 pm brittany said:

It sure was cold we had 11 kids with us 14 people with the youth leaders and me and my friend Erica went to nine houses in a row. We’re both track runners and we ran and ran. We got to one house and we walked up to the porch and knocked and we asked if he had any canned foods and he said "i dont have much but here" and then we said said do you have any prayer request he said "yes i have many….My father is very sick with Lagarats Disease(sp.) and me and my wife are trying to support a family on 2 part time jobs. So we told him that we would pray for him. In church on Sunday Erica and I got up on stage and She told the story and for the first time ever i prayed out loud for that man in front of the whole congregation of 200 people. This has been my biggest fear for a while and i am glad to have faced it. GOD BLESS YOU `*~BRITTANY~*
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On February 5, 2007 @ 1:10 pm brittany said:

hey Greg its me angain i would also like to ask if you could pray for this man too
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On February 5, 2007 @ 1:14 pm Jeff Carl said:

Hey Greg. I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciated your messages throughout the conference. I was with my youth group from Corning, NY, and we all had an awesome time. This year was my second year going, and it was definitely different for me. Last year, when we went into the city, I was all nerves and fear, and it was really hard for me, mostly because that is not my preferred style of witnessing. This year, however, I grasped the concept that the "now isn’t important" in a completely new way. Eternity is what’s important. I lay down my fears and my pride, and I just went for it. It was amazing, and I felt so much better than I did last year about going door-to-door. You see, when you were talking about the three different "styles" of witnessing, I am definitely the "loving and compassionate" kind, so going to people I don’t know and "imposing" on them is not me, but it was wonderful. My fears didn’t exist. Secondly, last year, I took the 48 hour challenge, but I didn’t follow through with it. This year, when you brought up the challenge, I hesitated for a moment, knowing that I didn’t want to fail again and let down God, but I decided to accept. Then, you presented the whole cell-phone thing, and I was like……… "oh…..ok." So I did it and left a really long message on my friend’s cell-phone. She later sent me message back saying that my message made her cry, so I know that I planted a seed. The feeling I have is irreplaceable. Anyways, all that to say that you guys did another awesome conference, or should I say that God put on an awesome conference. Thank you for everything. -Jeff Carl
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On February 5, 2007 @ 2:04 pm elaina said:

hey greg my freinds and i were some of that 5000 and we had a blast!!! my friend emily got saved and so did a few others although my youthgroupe and i would have preferd to go to the DARE-2-SHARE in phenix we still loved it alot of the youthgroup i am in including me took the 48 hour chalenge and i called my friends Kayla and Tequila and now they are asking for advice on how to share their faith with a witch i was so toched @ DARE-2-SHARE i cant wait to start sharing my faith with my friends @ school!!!! the memories i made there are unforget able ttfn
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On February 5, 2007 @ 2:41 pm Courtney said:

Hey Greg, D2S was absolutely amazing once again this yr. isn’t God awesome!? our youth group opted out of going door to door collecting canned goods, mainly because we had such a large group, and using a charter bus, which obviously might have been a lil difficult to use as a rolling heater up and down the streets….. and while sending out only a few at a time, the rest of us would just be sitting. so we went to a near by mall. while there we were able to share Christ’s love with others in a different kind of sacrifice/service. some of us helped clean by pickin up trash, some just stood by the doors and helped open them for shopper’s coming in and out, and some of us just brightened people’s days with an encouraging word. my girls and i went around the mall, just the 3 of us, and were able to talk to 2 people about D2S, what we were learning, why we were there, etc. it was amazing to see how God can use a simple action so common, as going to the mall to help share about our faith. God is good. =] as far as the 48 hour challenge, i work with the young lady God has had on my mind all weekend, tomorrow night, so hopefully he’ll open doors for conversation while on the shift….. and i thought the cell phone challenge was a great way to really challenge the students and push them to do it now….. God Bless you and your ministry, i’m praying for you all.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 2:47 pm Dawn said:

When you told us to call our friends during the conference saturday it really surprised me. this was first year going and i had no clue what to expect. but i was just so excited to call my friend and tell him, i had talked to him before but i don’t think i really got through when i talked to him before i was new to christianity and i didn’t know how to approach him. when i talked to him before he told me he couldn’t just believe in one God that it wasn’t for him. he has been looking into wicca for sometime now and he’s really been sticking to that. so i’m not sure how to convice him that God loves him even though he is gay and everything i ujsut don’t kow what to do. but i loved the conferenceit touched me so much and made me relize that i wasn’t as faithful as i should be. i can’t wait til next year thank you
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On February 5, 2007 @ 2:57 pm Steve Mansfield said:

Greg, We got back from D2S Columbus at 2am in Philly! It was like driving through Siberia on the PA turnpike, but man it was sooo worth it!!!! My teens and I had an unbelievable time, and enjoyed every minute of the conference. The Drama was amazing, the music, and espeically the way you connected to the hearts of many of my teens. If you do remember, I was the Youth Pastor with the big guy down in front on Friday who kept Amening you, the Nebraska fan and evangelist Fred. We were even just messing around with our camera out in the lobby of of the convention center doing the Evangelism Linebacker thing, and some lady came and screamed at us for horsing around. It was priceless! But man, I want to thank you for impacting my teens, and most of all myself. I think I took just as much out of it as they did. I got a chance to honestly evaluate what we do in or ministry and how evangelism needs to be the forfront of everything we do. I can’t wait to plug in all the stuff I learned this weekend bro, thanks so much and God Bless! My kids absolutely loved the conference and the way you connected with them….. Steve Mansfield Student Pastor, FBC Aston PA
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On February 5, 2007 @ 2:57 pm dustin said:

Greg d2s was awesome i had so much fun and learned so much. I took the 48 hour challenge and the mourning we were leaving to go home I was in the breakfast corner of the hotel lobby. There where two guys sitting and talking about god and if he was real or not and so I went over and introduced my self and helped explain to them that there is only one way to god . I Don’t know if they decided to put there trust in god or not but your training really helped me share the gospel-Dustin
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On February 5, 2007 @ 3:05 pm Lauren said:

First off, this year was my fourth year to D2S. It never ceases to impress me. Thank you for your ministry. This year my 48-hour challenge had an added bonus. Saturday night I called my friend Kate. I had to leave a message, but I told her I would call her tomorrow. Well, we made plans to go to breakfast before school today (Monday), but school was canceled. It worked better for me because we had more time to talk over lunch. I just started talking about the conference with her. She was really receptive to what I had to say. She is what you would call a "typical". She goes to church, but she doesn’t really like it. She understood what I had to say and has agreed to come to youth group with me. We are starting the GOSPEL Journey series this coming Sunday and I hope she takes a lot from it. My added bonus: During our half-time at our super bowl party, we watched the intro to the GOSPEL Journey. As soon as that was over, my friend text me. I took the opportunity and asked him if he would come to youth group with me. He said he wasn’t into religion. I told him that it wasn’t about religion and that I was excited to share about a relationship with him. He wants to talk. I am praying that I will be able to convince him to come and that God will move in Him. He needs Christ to fill so much darkness in his life. Thank you Greg and your staff for everything you do for teens. It has definitely made a difference in my life.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 3:12 pm Anna Houben said:

It was definitely cold enough for people to not open their doors, or if they did, for a very short, unwillingly amount of time. Between 6 of us we got a grand total of 2 cans and didn’t seem to get anywhere with the gospel. It’s just remind me that not every day is going to be grand or what you might think as successful. But God is there with us through it all, calls us to get back up again, and rewards us in the end. I want so bad to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." ~Anna Houben~ P.S. - My friend was wondering if on the Gospel Journey, when you were talking about giving your wiccan neighbor back her ferret- Was the ferrets name Pickle? She really wants to know, …because she thought at first that you just gave the lady a pickle, which would be one of the most random things ever.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 3:23 pm switchfootrocks said:

Hey Greg! I was at the youth conference in columbus, an yeh it was freezing!! i would like to tell you thats its a GREAT program, filled with the love of jesus christ, and all the fellow teens. i had a GREAT time, and i plan on going next year!!! i do think u need to get a bigger named band. i have nothing against superchic[k] and i did have a lot of fun even though i didn’t know any of there songs. u should try to get switchfoot to come on tour with u guys next year that would be so asome other people think u should 2. switchfoot lover from columbus
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On February 5, 2007 @ 3:37 pm godluvsme said:

Hey Greg, I went to the Columbus tour too!! I really loved walking around the neighborhood. There was this guy who told us about his church and gave us food and we talked to him a little bit. We asked him if he had any prayer requests and he had 2. There was a death in his family and a friend of his just had a heart transplant. So we wrote them down on a paper and asked him if he would like to pray with us. He stepped outside in the freezing cold weather and he prayed with us and when were done praying, it looked as if he had some tears. It really made me feel good that he did that because he was the only one who had any prayer requests and the only one who prayed with us. I can’t believe we got 9 tons of food!!! I agree with "Switchfoot lover from Columbus" that you should got some other well known bands. I LOVED Starfield, and Superchick was good, but I only know like 2 songs. I think Switchfoot would be good, or Kutless!!!!!!!! I love the program, and will be coming back next year!! But keep Starfield!!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 3:44 pm Josh Palmer said:

Dear Greg, We joined the conference this past weekend in Columbus. There were 28 of us, and we left on fire for God and ready in impact our city of Indianapolis. In Columbus, we stopped for snacks at Wal-Mart and during our shopping our teens won two people to Christ. There they were 14 & 15 year old teens praying in the aisles of Wal-Mart with middle age people. I am so proud of them and I want to thank you again for such an awesome ministry. Josh P.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 3:45 pm Jessica Norvell said:

Hey Greg, i was @ the Dare 2 Share conference in colubus(this year and last) and this year was a whole lot better. every1 is sayin that Starfield is goin 2 become big, but i already think they r. oh and by the way can u please thank Starfield and Rachel w. and if u can Superchick for inspiring me, and my friend kels and dez. Cause after seeing starfeild and Rachel last year we just loved it, but after seeing them this year and then superchick, it hit us like a rock, all of them started out like, we did, as normal people, and we realized that in a couple years we could be performing at these big christian tours, sharing Gods word like they r doin right now. Who Knows mayb in a couple years we’ll be touring with Dare 2 Share. You probably already know where im takin this, but ill say it anyway we are starting our own band. C ive always wanted to b in a band, because GOD gave me this amazing voice, and i want 2 share it with the world. And this is what he wants me 2 do. We will b known as The Rev’z short for Revolution. We have five people in our group. 3 gurls and 2 guys. My friend dez is playin keyboard she is 15 , kels is playin Bass Guitar she is 15 , my 2 cousins, Z is playin drums hes 12, Brad is playin electris guitar hes 9, and i am the lead singer and im 13. c Z and Brads father was killed by a drunk driver October 2, 2006 and he was the lead singer of the hard rock christian band Hammertown. Jason was the best man i ever knew besides God and he wanted them to live their dream. and their dream was to become a group like their father, and carry on his legend. and i plan 2 help them fullfill that dream. my uncle is the person that inspired me the most. ive been singing since i was a baby and i grew up watching and listening to my uncle Jasons performances. hes also inspired me 2 write poems that i have turned into songs that we will b performing. After my uncles death, i begged GOD 2 just take me, cause i thought i couldnt go on. But then on October 26, 2006 my grandfather passed away, and after that i thought that i was goin crazy. But then i started 2 get use to the fact that i couldnt force. so i put my faith in God and i got through it. But God had a plan. he new that my uncles death would change someone in my families life forever. and he wasnt done, there was someone who didnt quit get it, so thats when he let my grandpa go, he was a preacher. God had a plan that if a middle aged mans death wouldnt change anything, and if an older mans death woulnt change anything, that the death of a new born baby might change something. i had a newborn baby cousin that died 3-4 days after he was born. he was perfectly heathly after bein born 3 months early. but they found a bubble in his brain, he went into a colma, and they pronounced him brain dead. so they let him go. i think my cousin, the father of that baby, a nephew of my uncle, and a friend of my grampa had his life changed, knowing that the only way he will c them again is through christ. and i hope that someday he will learn GODS word and live for him. Sorry so long, whenever i get started it takes forever for me 2 stop, cause i want people 2 know that there are not alone. Well Thanks for listenin. And ill give u a headsup on how the band is doin , and please dont forget 2 thank Starfield, Rachel, and Superchick, for inspiring us. Jessica
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On February 5, 2007 @ 3:48 pm Jessica Norvell said:

oh yeah i went with my youth group (faith on fire) and we are from Wellston,Ohio.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 3:52 pm kristina jones said:

hey Greg i went to Dare to Share this year it was my very first year of going!! Well i took the 48 hour test and it waas pretty good and i had so much fun!! I love Starfield its so amazing and the plays were so real and it was a fun experence!! Thanks to you and everyone at dare to share they helped me learn more about Jesus and what I have to do to be excepted into heaven!!! Thank you so much for everything and the GOSPEL was a very good movie!!!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 4:00 pm Katie said:

Cant wait for Friday! cuz im goin! if anyone wants to read my testimony to God, e-mail me at imasmarteronekt@hotmail.com and type in testimony and i’ll try and send it to u, cuz i want the world to know of wen i gave my life to Christ! bye! kt
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On February 5, 2007 @ 4:10 pm Tyler said:

Greg,

I am an assistant youth leader, and I have felt the calling of the Lord to become a missionary for about a year now. I was afraid to say anything because I am already half way through college to become a teacher. I was so afraid because I am the least likely person that anyone would think of to be a missionary, i.e. I am not outgoing and I keep to myself a lot. To be quite honest I was upset for a while and I absolutely did not want to accept this calling, but after a year of praying, I could not take holding in my thoughts any longer so I told my youth pastor. He was extremely happy and he rejoiced with me.I still have not told my parents but I know they will be extremely happy. I just want you to know that durring the conference I felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit on my life and this is why I am not running form the calling that God has on my life. Thank you very much for listening to the Lord and for doing what you do. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 4:26 pm Sarah said:

Hey Greg!! I had never been to Dar2Share before Gameday and I just thought you were one of the best speakers I had ever heard. You’re so funny. Anyway, I did take the 48 hour challenge and the cell phone challenge. I called one of my close guy friends and he was busy at our local YMCA dance and couldn’t talk. I called him back and he was glad I had prayed for him and he was happy I worry for his spiritual future. I was happy to know he wasn’t mad or would still talk to me and such!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 5:04 pm lisa said:

Just wanted to say that my husband wanted to call a guy from work that night but didn’t have his number in his phone. He ended up calling another guy from work and shared the GOSPEL with him. My husband got a call Sunday morning telling him the guy that he wanted to call but didn’t have his phone number, committed suicide. Please pray for my husband who feels that he should have made a better effort to get ahold of him so he could share the gospel. Please pray for the co-workers family to deal with this tragedy.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 6:03 pm Bekah B said:

Hey Greg, Dare 2 Share was AWESOME!!! Now i feel so comfortable talking to people now about Christ! Our youth group is from Northeast PA. We all enjoyed it actually. When we went door to door my friend Shannon and I got to talk to like a 14 year old about Christ for about 20 minutes. We got her name adress etc because she wanted a Bible!! It was sooo awesome Greg. But Saturday we had to leave and go home because of the weather. we all prayed about it and it seemed that God wanted us to go home from the weather. we did but on the way back we stopped at Bob Evans and we were all just so pumped up to talk about Christ to people. We had 2 waitresses and showed out Christian faces! At the end we sang them a song and at the end of the song it was the message of Christ. You never know that they could of got saved that night. Thank you soooo much i really loved it and CANT WAIT until next year!!! God bless you! ~Bekah~
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On February 5, 2007 @ 6:26 pm Ciara Newsome said:

Hey Greg. I was at the chilly D2S in Columbus. This was my 2nd year and i wasn’t disappointed!! i know it is a lot of hard work to pull off the program a smoothly as you did. i’d like to thank you and all the "guys in the back" right before we went to collect goods the youth group i’m in sat back there by them. i think they have everything timed to a second. i think the D2S organization is a wonderful ministry. i can see myself doing something similar in the future. i have always had the desire to travel. and i’ve always wanted to help people and reach out. this weekend it just hit me that something like D2S would be an excellent job. Travel and win souls to Christ! I had a wonderful time and i can’t wait until next year! I just wanted you to know that you (an Jose) have very unique gifts from God. You’ve touched many hearts! Keep up the amazing work! God Bless!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 6:27 pm Jared said:

Hey Greg, I was at Dare2Share this past weekend. I tried to call my friend on his cellphone and it was out of service, i tried another friend and his was out of service too. I kept trying with no luck, I was very discouraged so i just prayed the rest of that night. Last night I got a chance i never expected to witness to another friend. I explained how my life was changed this past weekend and everything God showed me. I asked her if she believed in God. I listened to what she had to say. She told me that she is an atheist and she thinks that if there was a God he must be cruel cause he allowed her cousin to commit suicide and she had this whole list of things. I told her that I don’t have all the answers, all I know is that God has a purpose for everything and he takes care of His own. I asked her if she had ever considered that God does exist, she said she refuses to believe. I didn’t push, cause she was definitely not listening. She called me narrowminded and everything else. I just left her with a question to think about and a comment. I simply asked, her, "what if you’re wrong?". and then i told her i would pray for her, then i said "I hope that someday, you too will hold the hand that holds the world". Then i went to bed. I don’t know what will happen next, but the seed has definitely been planted. Thanks so much for your testimony and encouragement to us all!!! God bless. -Jared-
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On February 5, 2007 @ 6:51 pm Jodi Warner said:

So I went to dare to share with my girls small group and wow!!! It left me speechless…I am a pastor’s daughter and I don’t have an amazing testimony. I have been to a lot of youth camps, retreats, and over night flings with my church but none compare to dare to share. (ha that ryhmed) Anyways unlike the other things dare to share focused on witnessing and living a better christian life! Let me tell you its exactly what I needed just at the right time!!! My best friend got saved the first night…6 months of prayer totally payed off! Incredible! I took the 48 hour challenge and I ended up with a pretty amazing story…here goes nothing. I called my friend in that 4 mins and I got her voice mail. I left her a pretty intense message and she wasted no time in calling me back. However, she was in the movies. She called me that next day right after I got out of church…I didn’t get to talk to her for a long time but I sort of summed up what I was dying to talk to her about. That afternoon my phone wasn’t working so I emailed her a message about how I was fearful of her relationship with Jesus christ. I told her I thought my relationship with the big guy was alright and I had a true eye opener at d2s. Using details from what I was feeling…and things I was going to change for God I created a pretty good email (So I thought). I also explained how I wanted both of us to be ready for heaven and I loved her too much not to tell her. About 20 mins later I got the phone call. A little defense she told me that she knew she was a christian because she had asked God to be in her heart. She didn’t understand when I explained that you actually had to LIVE for God. I used scripture and my notes to persuade her but she was too stubborn. She ended up saying well I don’t want to be a christian that lives to die…so I guess im doomed for Hell. IT BROKE MY HEART! but I was not about to back down. I sort of debated her in a Loving way of course, and she ended the conversation with "jodi don’t worry im so far away from dying its not even funny" and I didn’t laugh ONE BIT! Totally ticked off I tried being a good loving friend and conveincing her she was wrong…but she had to go. After the conversation I prayed God would some how show her that she needs him and that Heaven isn’t really that far out of the picture. About 20 mins later I got a cal from my friend that got saved at D2S and she told me that the friend I talked to about God got in a car wreck! It wasn’t serious but it surley wasn’t good. I had instant chills thinking wow God works quickly!!! I had just prayed for her to get an eyewakener and realize how much she needs to be thinking about Heaven…GOD IS SO INTENSE!!! It made me all the more realize how I need to put my full trust in God…right when I was getting discouraged he pulled out another trick! I love him. I say all of that to say people don’t get discouraged! When things don’t go the right way…brush it off and think okay its going to be a little tougher but hey when it happens its going to be all the more awesome!!! God is working :o) My friend called me today and said she wanted to rethink things…she realizes that maybe she needs to change a lot of things in her life!!! Thanks Greg…You have helped change my life in amazing ways!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 7:15 pm Hannah said:

Hey Greg! I want to think you for allowing God to use you in such amazing way. All of my life I have striven to live for God. I left my Christian school to go to a public one to witness. Even though that was my goal, I never really talked about my beliefs. I thought I could just try to live and love like Jesus, but that is not enough. Your challenges this past weekend gave me the courage to talk to my friend who desperately needs Jesus. I was pretty nervous before I started talking to her. But I soon realized that she was receptive and eager to know about God’s amazing love. I shared with her the gospel thing and also told her how much Jesus has impacted my life. All I can say is that our God is absolutely amazing!! Thanks again for using your spiritual gifts to help change thousands of lives! *Hannah*
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On February 5, 2007 @ 7:18 pm Derek Gooley said:

Hey Greg, and all other Christians reading this.

I’m attempting to share the Gospel with a close friend of mine that I have been concerned about for a very long time. Her mother killed herself almost 3 years ago, and since then has been very indifferent about faith. I would appreciate prayer from anyone who reads this, and I will be praying for all the other kids from D2S who are working in the name of Jesus Christ. The cell phone challenge was the most amazing and inspiring thing I have seen in a long time. Hearing the collage of voices spreading the Gospel and then seeing the mass of people leaving the room to go to the hallway was really moving. Wonderful idea, whoever thought of that.

-Derek Gooley of Beavercreek, Ohio - Your brother in Christ
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On February 5, 2007 @ 7:20 pm Colton Detty said:

hey Greg i was at the conference in columbus and i loved it i could just feel the energy of the lord flowing though the place. i couldnt afford anything up there but i loved it all the same….i would have liked to have had rachel washington’s cd and the other band i cant remember their name but ill just have to find another way to get them. but i really loved the conference and i will be there again next year god bless Colton Detty
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On February 5, 2007 @ 7:39 pm Sarah Sleppy said:

Hey Greg! I was at the conference this weekend in Columbus! It was my first D2S and wow… I was blown away! One thing that has really stuck with me is you talking about Myspaces and such and whether they reflect our love for Jesus. Well I wrote a blog in both my Myspace and Facebook and have so far shared the GOSPEL with one person who I never thought Id be able to share it with and am in the process of sharing it with 6 other people! All teens about my age (& I’m 18 so my age group is not an easy one!) I wasn’t even aware of the 48 hour challenge because I had a play to perform in Saturday night. I was so moved and compelled by the conference though I prayed and just felt the need to share! Also, your book has helped immensly and I just can’t seem to put it down! I’ll be praying for the safety and success of the conference as it continues to travel! God Bless! Oh! Also, I act a lot and the drama Friday night was so awesome. I have a bit of a weird request though. Would it be possible at all to maybe get a script of that? A theater ministry has been something on my heart for a while and the drama just hit so close to home. I myself have been struggling with bulemia and an overall self image. I saw myself in the girl on stage. So much so I re-dedicated and was bauling like a baby. So if that would be possible at all that would be so awesome! Thanks so much! -Sarah
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On February 5, 2007 @ 7:41 pm Jenni said:

Yes.. COLD in C-BUS but that didn’t stop our youth from getting the job done! We had two 15 passenger vans loaded with kids who couldn’t stay in the vans!! They were so on fire for God that they were warm even in the 20 below temps!! I had to make them get back in the van and get warm so their parents wouldn’t hurt me when we got back! I am a leader and was so proud that my students did the 48 cell phone challenge!! I did it too and found it difficult yet amazing! I didn’t get true results that I wanted.. but I planted a seed and that is a start!!! Praise God! As a leader I was inspired and challenged myself! Thank your for not only sowing into the thousands of teenagers but the leaders as well! You are doing amazing things and I can not wait until next year!! Many blessings to you!!!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 8:07 pm John said:

Greg- I went to Dare2Share in Columbus. Despite the cold it was awesome. I enjoyed going around to houses and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Although, all of those we visited that day were Christians we still talked to them about their faith and tried to apply the G.O.S.P.E.L. into the conversation. The weekend was the most uplifting thing I have participated in my whole life. My youth group really grew as a whole and we all learned what we really needed to do to get our friends to come to Jesus. Thank you so much for all you do and I can’t wait until next year! -John, Grove City United Methodist Church
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On February 5, 2007 @ 8:21 pm Rebecca Brown said:

Wow, 60+ comments, Greg. You’re popular. ;D I don’t get that many comments on my blog. Lol. Anyway, I just want to say that you did a awesome job! I hope God blesses you for all your hard work efforts! This was my second year to D2S, so I was pretty stoked about it and I knew what to expect. I dragged along a friend who had no clue what was going to happen, lol. She enjoyed it a lot, and since she was a new christian, this really helped her. After D2S, I decided to witness to my internet friend. Since I don’t go to school (homeschooled) or any other public activity, I didn’t have anyone that I could really witness to in person. But I have felt a burden for my online friend for awhile, so I figured it was the Lord. So talking to her online through Yahoo IM, I used many techiques you taught us and shared the gospel message. She didn’t reject or accept, for she said that she would think about it for my sake. Although I didn’t lead her to Christ completely (That’s the Lord’s job anyway, right?) I think I at least planted/watered a seed in her soul. I got to share the gospel with my other Catholic online friend who also said that he would think about. I think he was scared that the Bible said you can’t get to heaven through works. If you want to prayer for them (I can’t imagine how huge your prayer list is), their names are Josh and Magic(online alias) XD. And I know that this seems off topic from the whole D2S thing, but I was wondering if you could prayer for my dad. He’s the senior pastor at Calvary Chapel Columbus. This weekend, he’s going to Haiti to encourage some other pastors down there. I just really want people to prayer for his safety since it’s the 6th poorest country in the world and it’s ruled by gang lords. Although he wants something big and HolySpirit-filled to happen, I just want him back in piece. :] I would really, really, really appreciate it! Thank you for everything you do! You’re a great encouragement for teens all around the US. -Rebecca Brown
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On February 5, 2007 @ 8:34 pm Steve said:

I took the 48 hour challenge with my cell phone in the building and got my worst fear…the voice mail. I thought…if he picks up now I can just "get it over with" but…of course with my luck that wasn’t the case. So with a shaking voice I left the G-O-S-P-E-L on his phone with a "call me back if you have any questions" conclusion. In about a half an hour from now I am going to applebees with him 1 on 1 and I will be completely honest…i’m shaking in my shoes. Pray for Ryan please as well as others where I work. Pray God uses me in a great and mighty way. Thank you for the time and love you show to the teens of this country and I pray God continues to use you.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 8:48 pm rindy said:

Hey–to all of you who went out and then took the challenges…..AWESOME! Am enjoying reading your posts. The easiest part is over though–you have been surrounded by others with the same thoughts/beliefs…now it’s time to reach out to those in a "different world" beyond the challenges. You can do it though!!! You have already taken the first step. I can tell you that I am just beginning to take those steps myself and I’m not quite a teenager!! ;) Prayers going out to you all—keep the faith!!!!!
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On February 5, 2007 @ 9:36 pm Michael Steger said:

Hey Greg, i went to the dare to share conference this year (and last) and over all it was a great conference Many kids lead there life to christ which is awesome! I brought a friend and he had a great time too. I was talking to my church group and here was the main points i got from them: 1.Drama was a reminder of last year (great) 2.Overall great conference! 3.Fun collecting can food in cold weather (+worth the experience) 4.Security was too tight. i Understand that for security measures this strictness was needed.. however during the concert we had to stay at our seats the whole time.. This made it less like a concert, and we wished we could have went up at least once like last year! I hope your next tour spot will be just as well as columbus.. Cant wait to hear back from you! Thanks for everything!, Michael Steger
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On February 5, 2007 @ 9:36 pm Michael Steger said:

formatting is screwed up so sorry for that! -michael
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On February 5, 2007 @ 9:57 pm Samy Z said:

Greg, I have to say that Dare2Share was awesome. I was so moved by the messages and the music it was awesome. I certainly hope Starfield comes back again next year, they were fantastic! But I must say, that I could have done without superchic[k]. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, most people were sitting down through the performance. But I still loved the conference, I feel like I know Jesus on a whole new level. And I will be back next year. But I have to say, it really wasn’t all that cold. At least, not compared to how cold it is here in Michigan. Today all the schools around here were canceled becasue it was too cold. But, our youth pastor didn’t want any of us getting frost bite so we did the rolling heater thing. I do alot of volunteering, so collecting canned goods was awesome. We didn’t actually get to share our faith with anyone, people were all "busy". But it was awesome to get out there and have the experience. And yes, I called my little brother (he’s 15) on my cell phone Saturday night. I have to say, that he hung up on me. And it really broke my heart. And I just prayed to God then to help me to figure out a way to get through to him. And then I started thinking about my Grandmother, she passed away two years ago and she lived her life for God, she was extremely srtong in her faith. And right after I started thinking about her LuAnne (my youth pastors wife) asked me if I had ever known my grandma. And said, "I’m sure she prayed for you and your brother everynight." And right then I knew what I was supposed to do, what God wanted me to do. I have a DVD that was played at my grandmas funeral and the last picture on it is a picture of me, her, and my little brother. I will watch him, we’ll both be crying.. and I’m going to ask him… "Jon, can you really think that Grandma is just.. gone? Can you honestly think that she lived her life for nothing, that she was wrong?" I still have to do that yet, but I will keep you posted. I just realized how long this is lol, but I’m also sharing my faith with my boyfriend… who is an Agnostic. I’m still not quite sure how I’m going to get through to him, but I mention it at least a little every time I talk to him. Thank you for everything that you are doing. I hope you know how many lives you have impacted. Keep going strong in the fight, keep spreading the message. God bless you.
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On February 5, 2007 @ 9:57 pm Megan said:

Hey Greg!! Well, I’m not even sure where to begin. I had an absolutely amazing time in Columbus (aside from the freezing weather). I feel like a completely new person. I have never been so touched by someone’s words. God really is using you in an amazing way! To be honest with you, last week, I would have never even though about writing this message. It wasn’t that I was ashamed of my religion, I was just…I dont even know how to describe it. I guess I thought believing and being a good person was enough. But this weekend taught me so much more. I accepted Jesus in a new way and have made a promise to God and my youth leader that I will spread the good news to as many as I can. I made a phone call Saturday night, but my friend didn’t answer. I left a babbling, shaky voiced message and hung up. Today before school I prayed that I would have th strenght to finish what I had started. When I saw my friend at school I asked her if she had gotten my message, and she did! I started talking to her more abotu it and after I was done she said that after she listened to the message she asked God into her heart! Needless to say, I had an amazing day. Well, I am sorry my message is so long. I have one more thing to say, I am reading your Dare 2 Share book and it is absolutely amazing! thank you so much for your wonderful work in this world! In Him, Megan
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On February 5, 2007 @ 10:19 pm Christina said:

Hey Greg, I had a life changing experience over the weekend. I was told that I would be balling my eyes out by the end of Friday night by my boyfriend who went to the past two years. I tried really hard to prove him wrong but by the end of the Drama i was balling my eyes out, see I’m like the second girl i hated myself inside and out and for about 6 years i made myself through up and i would put on lots of makeup and work out i thought i was Fat when i was in the 7th grade and i was 5ft 5in and i weighed 85lbs and even know being a junior in high school i still struggle and i really hated myself and when i seen that i was like you know what God made everything beautiful and that he loves me and he made me in his image and it made me think of him dieing on the cross and he did it for me and i was there just like that girls said I was there and know I am trying to witness to my family and not to give up but to GO FIGHT AND WIN, this whole weekend was a big wakeup call and I decided to give my hole life for Christ and what he wants me to do, I just want to say thank you and God bless because what your doing is amazing and really inspiring and I cant wait for next year, if i am hear because you never know well Thank you for everything, love your sister in Christ Christina Hill
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On February 5, 2007 @ 10:40 pm carolyn said:

hey Greg, i was at the conference in columbus and it was so much fun. in our group almost everyone brought a friend, and most of our friends were led to Christ. my favorite part was collecting cans because yes it was very cold and we had to use our rolling heater. my first house that i went up to was a shirtless firefighter, we asked him if he had any caned food and he opened his garage door and brought us a huge box of food and no one that went up to the door could lift it so he brought to the rolling heater and we said jesus loves you and he said yeah i just found that out and we said that is great. while the other group was out colleecting we were planing a strategy so we wouldn’t have to go to every house we decided to go to houses with cars in the driveway because i said it was cold, close to dinner time and close to easton and i said you do they math and in the car heating up was a junior in high school yes high school junior that is in calc 3 answered me 17 and i was so confussed but then i relized that he was being funny and started to laugh until the cows came home. Thany you for leading friend and stragers to Christ this weekend, Carolyn
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On February 6, 2007 @ 12:32 am Patrick Westmoreland said:

hey greg whats up i was at dare 2 share in columbus and yes it was very cold. when we were going door to door we came apon a firefighter we ask if he had any canned goods and he said yeah then the next thing i knew he had his garage to open bringing out a box full of food, this box wieghing i dont know more than 60 pounds he could carry with ease and our strongest kid had a lot of trouble carrying it.
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On February 6, 2007 @ 5:27 am Lynn Sampson said:

Greg: My husband and I volunteered in registration and retail at the Game Day in Columbus and attended with our youth group (Mahoning Valley Church, Youngstown, OH) as adult sponsors. On Friday, when you asked us to think of someone who wasn’t saved and begin to pray for them, Jack and I both thought of my parents. Then on Saturday when you gave the 48 hour challenge, we both reluctantly raised our hands. We went straight to their house after church on Sunday and after some general conversation; Jack told them that we came to talk to them about something that is important to us. He asked if they ever wondered about what would happen if they die and if they would be sure that they would go to heaven. We were totally blown away when my mom said, “I think about that all the time.” And my dad said, “She just asked me about that the other day.” Jack then explained the gospel message using a combination of The Way of the Master and GOSPEL. They believed and said the believer’s prayer with him. It was so awesome. Thank you so much for challenging us to step up to the plate. Yesterday, Jack had enough confidence to share with a casual acquaintance at work. D@S is changing our lives. Thanks again!
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On February 6, 2007 @ 6:33 am katie said:

Hi Greg, my name is Katie Campbell and i am from Englewood Ohio, and this was my first time at dare to share and it hit me hard! i used to be a bad kid but now I want to turn my life around. I took the 48 hour challenge with some of my friends and i got a couple to say the sinners prayer with me but a couple looked at me weird and they walked away. I told my youth that wasn’t at D2S about the gospel and yea. i hope to get many more of my friends in church. I couldn’t stand for them to go to hell. Thank again. *Katie Campbell*R.O.C.K. youth*
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On February 6, 2007 @ 8:15 am Tim Keating said:

Hello Greg, i just wanted to say you were amazing at dare2share. it was my first year, and it was amazing. The drama really got to me, and what you said afterwords. I realized how much more i should be living for christ. Since ive gotten back, i already have someone i know that is going to try going to church. Well, i got to meet you in person, in the elevator, i was with my tall friend, i was the kid with the mo hawk. i also loved witnessing. at first, i was nervous, but after the first person i witnessed to, i wanted to keep on going and going, and didnt care how cold it was. Well, it was an amazing experience, and i will definately be returning next year. God bless you
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On February 6, 2007 @ 9:46 am Hannah H. said:

I LOVED dare to share. It was my first year and I expected it to be boring, it was awsome. Me and my friends LOVED starfield, i just bought their songs on itunes!!! Can we have them next year!?!?!? Thank you for all yoju did for me, you guys blessed everyone who went. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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On February 6, 2007 @ 9:58 am Michelle said:

Hey Greg! Dare2Share was fantastic…thank you so much for all the hard work you and the crew put into this event! One quick question…our youth group absolutely loved the "Evangelistic Linebacker" video skit and would love to use it for a program we’re putting together to excite the congregation to share their faith. Is that video available for purchase/download? Again, thank you for all you do for youth and youth leaders…we appreciate you!!
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On February 6, 2007 @ 10:12 am Kari said:

Hey! Yeah, it was freezing. Our youth leader forgot to drop off the cans at the door so we had to carry them. The bags busted and we were going up a hill so we had to keep chasing them. No cans left behind. We got into the building and I couldn’t move my pinky or pointer finger. My friend noticed that my hand had a bruise-looking spot on it. It started getting bigger and soon half my hand was a greyish purple. Well I had to wear gloves and put hot hands in them. After they regained feeling I was allowed to go into the concert, but I had to sit on my hands the entire time I did take the 48 hour challenge, but my friend made it into a joke and said it was really wierd because she doesn’t believe in God Thanks! I had a great time.
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On February 6, 2007 @ 10:42 am mkjk2 said:

I went to dare 2 share last year and this year and i wasnt as cold. we had many mishapts on our way down to Columbus from port huron michigan our bus broke down ten minutes from the confrence and then the heater broke but we never gave up hope and everyone got there i shared the gosple with 4 people and 2 of them called me back and asked alot of questions and answered them the best i could. i plan on coming back next year and iam going to bring friends to hear the word of the bible.
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On February 6, 2007 @ 11:25 am Daniel Torok said:

Thanks for a great weekend Greg, I’ve only been to one other D2S but I’ve been a chiristan all my life, and my cusen has been invited to go on every camp, Retreat, Rally and confrance That I’ve ever been to. ANd she allways gave me an excuse to not go. she has heard Letter From Hell, and a letter from heaven, since I bought them when D2S came to MI, ANd she still would never go. This year she came w/ the youth Group, and she gave her life to christ, and then she was one of the most helpful people in building us up when we were cold/discurged, and Graduating from PU. Thank you so much for your ministrey, and thanks again for the Roaling Heeater Idea God bless Greg –Dan T ( the man w/ the Mohawk)
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On February 6, 2007 @ 11:51 am Lelia said:

Hey Greg!! This was my third year at Dare 2 Share, and I must say, this was the coldest. I really thought the 48 hour challenge with the cell phones was neat. It was interesting because as I was trying to call my friend, my phone wouldn’t connect and the call would fail. I thought it was just their number, but I even tried calling my house & it still wouldn’t connect! Luckily, one of our youth leaders gave me her phone & call my friend. Also, it wasn’t just my phone that wasn’t working; our associate pastor’s wife phone wasn’t working. It was interesting because after I had talked to her. I met up with my friend who is also trying to witness to them. After giving their phone number to them, she said she would call her later that night. I think that the cell phone malfunction was something the devil tried to keep me from calling my friend, but I rose above him!! God Bless you & your crew.
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On February 6, 2007 @ 12:28 pm sam said:

oh yea it was realy cold and more than 10 doors were slammed in my face but the expirience was ausome! i took the cell phone challendge and i called my dad. let me tell you, that was the sariest thing any one has ever made me do. He told me he already knew all this stuff, i explained the g-o-s-p-e-l to hom but he never put his faith in christ. I know that he knows a lot about the bible and jesus but he is too stubbern to listen to anybody other than himself. Do you know any ways to get him to at least listen to us? my entire family would love to see him put his trust in some one other than himself dont get me wrong i love my dad, but he just doesnt seem to listen. I have prayed for him and nothing has happened yet i just want to help him before its to late. this was my first time at d2s & i cant wait to go back next year!
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On February 6, 2007 @ 2:13 pm elizabeth foushee said:

Hey Greg! This was my third time going to D2S and i loved it! Every year you guys make it better and better. I’ve been going to church all of my life but it wasn’t until the conference two years ago that i put my trust in Jesus. As I sat in my seat this past Friday watching the drama and listened to you praying for those who had accepted him this weekend I was reminded of how great and merciful our God truly is. Because of you and all of the staff at D2S thousands of lives have been changed. In the past I’ve been afraid to take the 48 hour challenge becaue i didn’t think that i could really do it. When you had us call our friends on our cells at the end of the conference i was able to find the courage to call my cousin and talk to him. In our youth group of twenty kids most of us called someone and at one accepted Christ on the phone. Praise God! When you come back next year i will definantly be there. God Bless you all - elizabeth
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On February 6, 2007 @ 2:26 pm Jennifer said:

Hey!! this was my first year going to Dare 2 Share and I loved every minute of it! Even getting off at the wrong exit on the way there and driving around the wrong part of downtown for about half an hour. My youth group went together for the first time this uear, so for almost all of us, it was our first experience with D2S. We’re all so pumped and can’t wait until the conference next year!
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On February 6, 2007 @ 4:56 pm matt norrod said:

Hey Greg! My name is Matt Norrod and I went to D2S:Gameday this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio. I was up there with my youth group. I just wanted to say that I think that you are the coolest guy in the entire world! I mean your funny, you’re a wonderful speaker, you know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, and I don’t know, your just cool! Also, I would just love to do what you do. I mean you get paid to tell people about the Lord Jesus Christ. Come on, that is sweet! Anyway, I wanted to say, I had so much fun this year and last year at D2S. They really are life-changing experiences. I also wanted to say, Starfield was great and so was Rachel Washington. I don’t really like rap music but man, she is something else! So yeah, good luck to the D2S crew on further conferences and hopefully, I’ll be able to go again next year! Your Brother in Christ, Matt Norrod
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On February 6, 2007 @ 5:00 pm courtney said:

Hey greg, Dare2share was amazing . God impacted my life so much on this day ! I brought a friend and she excepted christ for the first time. When she told me began to cry she is one of my closes friends I was praying all week before this confrence for her . God truly anwsers prayers. My youth pastor on the way home asked her what she thought of the confrence and she said life changing. I just wanted to thank every one at dare2share and you personaly for what you do and that we won another life for christ. I also wanted to tell you that i shared my faith and used the gospel journey for the first time with my friends at school and two people accepted christ. It amazing I am so happy of what god is doing. I cant wait till next year and the powerful things god is going to do in columbus next year. Godbless god. fight. win.
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On February 6, 2007 @ 6:04 pm fordiym said:

On Friday night as you gave an invitation and challenge to 5000 teens the three girls my wife and I brought each whispered in my ear their full commitment to serving Christ and sharing their faith. But it was the six hour ride home when I find out what really took place in the hearts of these three girls. We left the artic air of Columbus, Ohio on Sunday morning and I took advantage of the six hour car ride to start a discussion. My wife and I found out that while we were sleeping Saturday night to rest up for the trip home our three girls stayed up late reading the Bible, jotting down scripture references as well questions and thoughts. I’m sure you can image my excitement to know they spent that time with God without my leading. (that’s knowing their faith) The reason for their late night Bible journey; preparing to defend their faith when they return home.(that’s owning their faith) Then one of my other girls shared with us if they’re going to defend their faith and take a stand they need to do it in love, L to the 3rd power. (that’s living their faith). Finally, they each have taken the 48 hour challenge, and it all started with them handing a tract to our cab driver from the convention center to the hotel. (that’s sharing their faith) As a youth missionary with a passion to see teens know, live, share and own their faith I want to encourage and back up your ministry. I lift you up in prayer everyday and it’s my goal to tell every church our ministry is connected with about the ministry of D2S. Your…our goals were without a doubt achieved this past weekend in Columbus Ohio, thank you! Also, will you pray for us as we lead our current students in the G.O.S.P.E.L. Journey series? Though it took a chunk out of our budget for the month we know it’s an investment with eternal values. I look forward to attending the D.C. conference is November, see ya then.
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On February 6, 2007 @ 6:42 pm kelsey_2011 said:

I wanted to let you know that Dare2Share has changed my life! I have grown up in church and been saved my whole life. On April 1st, 2006 I had been feeling empty and gave my heart to the Lord. In a teenager’s life, it is so easy to backslide, and that is exactly what happened. Dare2Share helped me to get back on track with God. I felt a lot more confident about my relationship with God and I knew I was going to heaven whereas I wasn’t so sure before. After the cell phone challenge, I felt horrible. My friends ( I called two ) really didn’t want me to tell them about Christ and I don’t think they listened. They even began sounding mad when I invited them to church. After the car ride towards home, I realized that even if they seemed upset, there is still hope that there was some sort of seed planted by that, and that witnessing to my friends was wha God wanted me to do. After Dare2Share I have "monked" my music and I feel so much better! I almost wasn’t able to make it to Dare2Share and I am so happy I did! Walking around in that freezing weather, and getting doors slammed in my face taught me quite a few things that I have taken for granted! It was such an awesome experience. I also took the 48-hour challenge. We haven’t had school since before Dare2Share so I posted a message through Myspace. I haven’t had a reply but when I do, I will let you know the turnout. I have been praying and reading my Bible a lot more than I used to! I can’t wait to go to Dare2Share next year!

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COLD in COLUMBUS

Posted on Sunday 4 February 2007 by Greg @ 9:44 pm
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COLD in COLUMBUS

Posted on Sunday 4 February 2007 by Greg @ 9:44 pm Filed under: Conferences

148 Comments for 'COLD in COLUMBUS'

Posted on Sunday 4 February 2007 by Greg @ 9:44 pm
Filed under: Conferences