|PIC1|Since Dare to Be a Daniel was launched by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in May 2006, the association has recently announced that it has sent more than 200,000 of the free-of-charge Dare to Be a Daniel training kits.

The programme uses the biblical story of Daniel to teach "tweens" (ages 9-14) to live their Christian faith in their daily lives and trains them to share their faith with others.

Created by Franklin Graham, president and CEO of BGEA and son of legendary preacher Billy Graham, Dare to Be a Daniel challenges youths to focus on several keys to Daniel's success, with corresponding Bible verses to memorise. To successfully complete the training, they must recite the verses to their pastor.

"Daniel excites me for the courageous ways he took a stand for God. He kept his heart pure and shared his faith," said Franklin Graham. "Through the inspiration of Daniel, this is a unique opportunity for young people to take a stand for Christ in their communities."

"It has always been our goal to be fresh and innovative with our methods for reaching people with the Gospel," said Paul Wylie, the former Olympic silver medallist who now heads Dare to Be a Daniel. "We are amazed and excited that this new approach has encouraged and challenged so many students to be a Daniel right where they are."

Dare to Be a Daniel training kits also include an interactive CD-Rom containing Christian music, testimonies, and the entire Bible (including an mp3 of the New Testament).

After completing the programme, "tweens" are sent dog tags imprinted with Bible verses that will help them as they tell others about Christ, as well as a personalised ID card naming them as certified junior evangelists with BGEA. Participants can also find resources for ongoing support through the Dare to Be a Daniel website.

In the next phase of Dare to Be a Daniel, a group training resource will be unveiled in 2007 for Sunday School, youth groups, campus clubs, home school groups, and summer camps. The 13-session course will feature a Bible study, practical training in evangelism, and multimedia content.

Samples of the course can be ordered at billygraham.org or
daretobeadaniel.com.