Dare2Share Sets Record-Breaking Numbers
Largest crowd of students and youth leaders in D2S history attend Blaze conference
Dare 2 Share Ministries International experienced record-breaking numbers this past weekend at the St. Louis Blaze Conference.
A crowd of 7,809 students and youth leaders attended the conference on Feb. 18-19, making it the largest attendance in the history of Dare 2 Share Ministries. Participants came from 12 different states representing more than 425 churches.
During the two-day conference, which is part of the Blaze Tour that kicked off in November of 2004 to reach today's generation, 179 new e-teams (evangelism teams) were launched, joining the 296 existing teams in the St. Louis Conference Region and thus reaching a total of 475. Nearly 700 decisions for Christ were made on the first night of the conference.
Additionally, Sunshine Ministries had its largest food drive ever in its history, collecting 22 tons of food, enough to feed the thousands of homeless people in the St. Louis Metro area through 2005. Students have collected a total of nearly 60 tons of food since the start of the Blaze Tour.
During the record-breaking weekend, volunteers numbered 200, 330 children were sponsored through Compassion International and more than 40 new monthly partners joined D2S' EMT (Evangelism Mobilization Team) Program, which serves to train students all across the nation. Local news media stations including WB and FOX came to cover the exciting weekend event.
"I just wanted to say this conference was amazing! I did things and helped people I never thought I would be able to. I am now sponsoring a child from Mexico named Luis, and I have found myself growing closer with God. I can't wait to go back to my school to share the gospel with my friends, many of whom are Catholics-turned-atheists! I really like what you guys are doing in people's lives, and I can't wait to go next year to be inspired by your great staff and speakers!" exclaimed Megan, an attendee of D2S in St. Louis.
"We at D2S are very thankful for the opportunity to participate in the revolution that is sweeping the nation; a revolution of teenagers who own their faith and are equipped to share the Gospel Journey. Join us in praising God for these wonderful results from St. Louis and please continue to pray for the students as they boldly share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with their friends."
The next Blaze conference will be held in Lincoln, NE on Feb. 25-26. For a listing of conference cities and dates, visit www.dare2share.org.
