Dear BGEA Congress Nominee
Update No.3
Hi, my name is Alan Vink. I have the huge privilege to be tasked to assemble 350 Delegates for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s (BGEA) Asia-Pacific Congress in August next year (2027) in Sydney.
Working with me are 12 senior Christian leaders from around NZ and from across the church and para-church spectrum who have kindly agreed to be Nominators. Also assisting me on the Administration front is Liz Dobbs.
I am writing to you because you have been nominated to attend this congress. Congratulations!
You have been nominated because:-
- You believe in the ‘power of the gospel’ and therefore in Romans 1:16 and the Great Commission.
- You show evidence of consistent Gospel work either as an evangelist and/or leading a church or para-church organisation that is deeply involved in Gospel
proclamation. - You have filled out our online registration form.
- You are keen to be part of the NZ contingency at this historic occasion to learn and be encouraged in this vital sphere of ministry.
Here is update No 3:-
1. On the 1st of July we sent in our final batch of nominees to BGEA-HQ. Our list totalled 350 names as per our ‘quota’.
2. On the same day we opened our ‘wait list’. It’s likely that a few spots will open up as people’s personal circumstances change between now and August next year
3. Here is an outline of the process from here:-
- During July and into August the team at BGEA will review our list.
- It is very unlikely that you will hear anything from them during this time.
- Sometime starting in mid August you will receive a formal invitation and an application that will require completing.
- Please give timely attention to this email(s).
- If you have any questions then you will be asked to direct them to either Liz or myself.
- BGEA travel department will handle ALL your bookings. Air travel, on the ground transport in Sydney and accommodation. All meals are also provided in the package.
- You will need to find your own way to and from an International Airport in NZ. This is the only expense BGEA is not covering.
4. Please be sure that you have scheduled (blocked out) the five days 23rd – 27th August 2027. The best part of two days for travel (Monday and Friday) and three full days of Congress (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday).
5. There will be some wonderful fellowship opportunities throughout this week. At the Airport, on the plane, over meals and coffee breaks to mention a few. I hope you will make the most of these occasions. I am certainly looking forward to mixing it with you all.
6. The Congress website has been updated and includes a new promo video. . Please feel free to jump on here. www.sydneycongress.com
7. Couples attending Congress. BGEA have made a clear ruling on this question. As the goal of this Congress is as wider representation as possible, a couple who minister together in the same church or organisation are not able to both go. Couples who are ministering in two quite different ministry area’s and in different organisations may be considered. I know this is a disappointment for some of you but that is the ruling from above.
8. I will be away on holiday from 2nd – 22nd August. I will be checking email from time to time but not that much. If you have a question please direct your enquiry to Liz in the first instance. Liz.dobbs@leadershipworx.org.nz Thank you!
And finally for now a concluding remark about Billy Graham himself. There are many remarkable aspects about Billy Graham’s life and ministry but perhaps the stand out one is that he was 100% scandal free for his entire life.
Billy once said this:- “When wealth is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost. When character is lost, everything is lost”.
Billy Graham’s rise to international prominence began in 1949 with the Los Angeles Crusade, a series of revival meetings that were initially planned for three weeks but extended to eight due to overwhelming attendance and media attention. From that point on, Graham became a household name, preaching in large stadiums and arenas around the world. Over the course of his ministry, he conducted more than 400 crusades in over 185 countries and territories, reaching an estimated 215 million people in person and millions more through radio, television, and print.
In 1950, he founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), which became the primary vehicle for his ministry. He also launched the radio program Hour of Decision and later embraced television and film to extend his reach. Known for his simple yet powerful message centered on salvation through Jesus Christ, Graham avoided theological complexity and focused on clear, direct calls to faith.
Graham was also respected for his moral character and commitment to integrity. Early in his ministry, he and his team established guidelines—often referred to as the “Modesto Manifesto”—to avoid financial, sexual, and power-related scandals. He was also notable for his evolving stance on racial issues; he insisted on desegregated seating at his crusades in the American South and developed friendships with leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr.
I plan on sharing more about the Modesto Manifesto in future updates but for now here is a useful over view. The modesto manifesto
Billy Graham lived faithfully to his own convictions about moral integrity as captured in the above quote.
Finally finally………
Many of you will know about this event in Auckland only.
Overview
Encouraging Evangelism across NZ
Welcome to Good News for Aotearoa!
Join us at The Journey Church for a two day forum to motivate, encourage, and equip everyone who feels called to spread the good news of Jesus Christ across the nation.
We’re gathering evangelists, gospel workers, and ministry leaders from across Aotearoa for two catalytic days — come join us!
This is a unique chance to be encouraged and inspired in your work for the Lord, and to connect with others from across the motu who also feel called to share God’s heart with those around them.
Event Date: Friday October 16, 2026 from 9am through to Saturday October 17 at 4pm.
Cost: $50 - $95
Registrations: Good News for Aotearoa 2026 Tickets, Friday, October 16-Saturday, October 17 • 9 AM-4 PM | Eventbrite
Blessings
Alan
Alan Vink
Regional Advisor – New Zealand
Asian-Pacific Congress on Evangelism 2027
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
TEL: 021 562743
EMAIL: alan.vink@leadershipworx.org.nz
BillyGraham.org- Always Good News
1 Billy Graham Parkway | Charlotte, NC 28201