Palau TV outreach provides biblical encouragement and hope for millions of viewers

DALLAS, Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Through Continente 2012 – five nights of call-in TV programming broadcast throughout the Spanish-speaking world – evangelist Luis Palau had the opportunity to offer biblical advice and counseling on matters of faith to millions of viewers in dozens of nations December 3-7.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121211/DC27335)

The Luis Palau Association collaborated with Enlace Television, the largest Spanish Christian network, to broadcast the program in more than 23 nations. Palau and an off-stage panel of trained counselors took more than 680 calls throughout the week.

While caller questions varied immensely, Palau guided each individual through the Scriptures to find hope and encouragement for everything from anxiety to substance abuse. Coupled with practical suggestions and next steps, Palau's advice was ever-rooted in the power and importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

To a single mom struggling to resist the temptation to drink, Luis said, "The Bible says, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' When you feel tempted – and each of us is tempted in some way – the Lord will give you the strength to resist. Find a church and make friends with some mature Christians who can help and counsel you. Have a plan to read the Bible daily."

"The Bible says 'do not fear' 350 times; take that to heart," he advised a man who had been dealing with anxiety for four years. "Spend time alone with God. Go through the Word of God slowly – don't rush. Then, talk to your friends who are believers and pray together to the Lord."

As in past years, the outreach provided a platform for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in a real, fresh and relevant way. A 49-year-old man from Nicaragua called because his issues with alcohol abuse were tearing his family apart. Right over the phone, Palau guided him in a prayer inviting Jesus Christ to enter his heart and transform his life. "You have just begun a new life," Luis told him, citing 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Whether they connected with Luis or one of the other trained counselors standing by, each caller will receive a booklet for new believers, a free Bible from United Bible Societies, a follow-up phone call from a pastor in their area, and access to further counseling from ministry partners. About 5,000 churches across Latin America will be facilitating follow-up efforts over the next few weeks.

A veteran in the world of broadcast evangelism, Palau first started counseling people on television in 1965 in Quito, Ecuador, in partnership with HCJB Global Ministries. Since then, he has reached more than 1 billion people through radio, television and other media. Learn more at Palau.org.

SOURCE Luis Palau Association