April 5 1999

ARTICLE TOOLS

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In part because of uncertainty over Y2K computer problems, Promise Keepers (PK) has abandoned plans to hold rallies outside every state capitol on January 1, 2000.

At stadium events last year, PK recruited conference participants for family gatherings at state capitols. About 90 percent of attendees vowed to show up, and most promised to invite another 10 families (CT, Oct. 5, 1998, p. 21).

The agenda has shifted. Now, PK is urging Christians to stay home and be a witness in their neighborhoods. PK wants families to gather for devotions and prayer on the morning of January 1 (a Saturday), visit or pray with their neighbors in the afternoon, and finally go to church and hear a videotaped message from key leaders of various denominations about being salt and light (portable audiocassette recorders will play the same message in case Y2K has knocked out electricity).

"This is a plan that will honor and serve the church better," says Gordon England, executive director of PK's Vision 2000. "Millions of Christians will be interacting with unbelievers in their neighborhoods."

In conjunction with Mission America (CT, Jan. 11, 1999, p. 13), PK is recommending that Christians establish their homes as "lighthouses" in their blocks. Christians can become acquainted with neighbors by hosting a Y2K preparation party and calming fears of uncertainty about the future, England says.

In addition to concerns about Y2K, England says PK decided to forgo the capitol rallies because of objections in northern climates about standing outside in January. And with the potential of severe weather, families are more likely to make a short drive to their local church than a long drive to a state capitol, he says.

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