September 3, 2004

CHICAGO, IL - Drawn together by a passion for using the Internet to share the good news of Jesus Christ, Christians from several countries including the United States, will be in Chicago September 14 and 15 for the Annual Meeting of the Internet Evangelism Coalition. The coalition, which came together in 1997, is an association of individuals, churches, denominations and ministries interested in or already carrying out evangelism online.

Dr. Sterling Huston, chair of the IEC Executive Committee, says the IEC serves the church by helping it "fulfill its mission by creating and communicating Internet resources for evangelizing our world." Dr. Lon Allison, Director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, believes that "Internet Evangelism is one of today's most urgent arenas for gospel proclamation." Dr. Allison serves on the IEC Executive Committee and is supportive of the IEC because it "combines thinkers and practitioners to explore the ways and means to reach this enormous mission field."

The IEC Annual Meeting will be held at the Sheraton Gateway Suites in Chicago and feature sessions on international online evangelism, moving from just websites to web ministry, creating community online and information on how Americans use the Internet for religious purposes. Speakers include:

. Lee Rainie - Director, Pew Internet & American Life Project

. Keith Stonehocker - Vice President R&D, Christianity Today, Int'l

. Richard Post - Editor-in-Chief, "Why Jesus?" (Netherlands)

. Eric Celer - Head Manager, www.TopChretien.com (France)

. Robby Richardson - Director Internet Ministries, GospelCom, Int'l

. Cheryl Wilhelmi - Project Manager, www.Troubledwith.com (Focus on the Family)

. Debra Brown - President and CEO, Brown Governance (Canada)

. Andrew Careaga - Author and Speaker, www.e-vangelism.com

. Dennis Fierbach - VP of Information Technology, Campus Crusade for Christ (Canada)

. Greg Outlaw - CEO/President, www.AllAboutGOD.com Ministries

In addition to the main sessions, participants will be able to take advantage of networking opportunities to connect with and learn from others involved in evangelism online.

FOR MORE INFORMATION – Registration for the meeting is $95 and includes: admission to all meeting sessions; food and beverage breaks and two meals. For more information or to register, please go to www.webevangelism.com or call 630.752.5156.