Luis and Andrew Palau bring Good News to southern Mexico

As the economy continues to downshift in markets around the globe, world evangelist Luis Palau continues to bring his message of eternal hope and encouragement to million.

Joining with local churches and government agencies, Palau campaigns are meeting the physical and spiritual needs of individuals in some of the hardest hit parts of the world.

His most recent campaign with son and fellow evangelist Andrew Palau took him to the southern state of Oaxaca, in Mexico, from November 12 to 15. In a partnership with nearly 350 local churches, they shared the Good News in person with more than 168,000 individuals throughout the region and recorded an amazing 11,193 decisions to follow Jesus Christ.

According to Daniel Gurrion, Oaxaca state representative, "This proved to be the largest evangelistic campaign the region has ever seen."

While Palau focused much of his attention on the capital city of Oaxaca, son Andrew spent several days earlier in the week in the coastal city of Huatulco. This was the first Andrew Palau festival held in the country. His father has served Mexico through evangelistic campaigns and gatherings over the last 40 years.

In addition to the historic campaigns in Oaxaca and Huatulco, a unique partnership with the government of Oaxaca, Mission Increase Foundation of Oregon, and Forward Edge International helped reach another 6,259 individuals through a major service effort. Medical, dental and eye exams were offered to the area's most needy. Further initiatives throughout the week included building projects for the homeless and a wide-scale feeding programme for thousands of local youth.

"I have always had a heart for Mexico," said Luis Palau. "Having lived in this beautiful country from 1968 to 1971 with my wife and kids, it is a blessing to be able to return and serve in this way. To offer our encouragement and support, to share the Good News Gospel of Jesus Christ with so many in this area - I couldn't ask for anything more. To God alone be all the glory!"

Palau's first Mexico crusade was in 1966. He has returned close to 50 times since then. His Spanish language radio show "Luis Palau Responde" has been heard throughout Mexico - and in most of Latin America - for decades. His next major international outreach will be in Guatemala City in March 2009.