China was a Global Tribe and newsboys focus in 2006. China is a country with about 100 million students. Newsboys traveled to China for a series of free and low-cost events, foreshadowing REACH events in the U.S. They were not prepared for what developed as a result of those nights. The audience consisted primarily of university students who came either out of curiosity or a hunger for western rock . It was apparent to all that the student’s hearts were touched by the message and the music and the genuine love and commitment shown by the band. Many people serving God in those Chinese cities as teachers, planters, and mission workers communicated the overwhelming response to the message and the increased opportunity to share the Gospel with their student friends. Many students came to Christ. Today, the impact Global Tribe and newsboys had on these students for just one night in their lives is still felt in these communities where the Christian population is growing steadily.(Pictured left to right: Arena in China for Newsboys concert // Jeff with kids in an orphanage // The boys on the Great Wall!)
In 1995 Global Tribe founder Anthony Walton had a vision for a youth venue designed specifically as a facility to inspire creativity and provide a platform to share the Gospel socially - friendship evangelism. “Zeal is all about a chance to be creative, whether it’s jamming some music with your mates, performing your solo tunes, showing your first art exhibition, designing or painting a masterpiece, or being entertained by a great night of rock, hip hop, acoustic shows and much more.”
Global Tribe has two Zeal locations - Wellington and Waitakere. The Wellington Zeal venue overlooks Glover Park in the Wellington CBD, and sees over 200 young people every week through its various programs and events. The venue is an intimate setting that can stand 250 people, with a stage that has held many well known, as well as up-in-coming New Zealand artists. There is an upstairs mezzanine floor that over looks the rest of the venue, with couches to lax out in, and a media room with 5 computers running broadband. It houses a main stage with a 500 seating capacity, Acoustic / DJ stage, Rehearsal rooms, Recording Studio, a Global Cafe, Art studio, Art Gallery Wall, and Media room.
Most recently we have developed a relationship with Stop Child Trafficking Now. They studied many organizations and their methods used in addressing child trafficking. Almost every organization they encountered is focused on rescuing victims. While they support all worthy endeavors in this cause, research indicates funding efforts to support the deterrence and eliminate the demand fueling this heinous crime is most effective. To that end, Stop Child Trafficking has chosen to fund a bold, new approach, one that addresses the demand side of child sex trafficking by targeting buyers/predators for prosecution and conviction. Until the demand side is addressed, the supply will always exist. Few people know that virtually no convictions have occurred in the U.S. in the last 10 years, thus this heinous crime grows: 600,000 - 800,000 people are bought and sold across international borders each year; 50% are children, most are female. The majority of these victims are forced into the commercial sex trade. - (U.S. Department of State, 2004, Trafficking in Persons Report, Washington, D.C.) SCTNow has launched a national campaign to raise money for retired elite military operatives targeting the demand side of trafficking. These Special Operative Teams gather information on child predators both in the U.S. and abroad, information that will be used to convict child sex buyers. These operatives use the skills developed in the War on Terror in this war to bring down predators. The FBI, International Justice Mission, and local law enforcement agencies have vetted this strategy and are eager to work with these operative teams once funding is secured.
It is a great tool to teach Biblical foundations to new believers, and an excellent refresher for seasoned believers.
Since mid 2007 Purple Book has exploded in Baja. Demand increases daily with requests coming from across the peninsula. There are now more than 31,000 people studying the Purple Book in Baja and over 12,000 people have completed their study. Purple Book study groups exceed 900!
“The more than 31,000 people who have Purple Book live in some of the most poverty ridden sections of Tijuana, by studying the Bible in concert with Purple Book they gain a Biblical world view that is a wealth beyond material things. No doubt something in which so many in the U.S. can find solace as they face their own economic crisis.”
Anthony Walton, GT Founder
Pictured Above: Left: Peter Furler, Baja Bob and “Grandma”, who has lead over 50 of the 31,375 people studying the purple book. Right: Baja Bob and members of the Purple Book team.
(Pictured left to right: Arena in China for Newsboys concert // Jeff with kids in an orphanage // The boys on the Great Wall!)
