Perhaps the most unique and creative strategy of ICR in the past decade has been the establishment of public Christian Resource Centers. There are three reasons these have been such effective tools for evangelism.
(1) This library/coffee shop atmosphere allows individuals a non-threatening, ‘neutral’ atmosphere to investigate Christianity in a place that is welcoming, intellectually engaging, and culturally relevant. In the countries where our Resource Centers are located, churches are generally small and believers are few. Moreover, in former communist countries and places of current religious persecution, Christian literature is scarce. Our libraries can fill a void by presenting Christ in intellectually significant and culturally appropriate ways.
(2) Our Resource Centers are venues for training Christian leaders. Resource specialists offer their expertise to instruct local leaders in such disciplines as Biblical studies, apologetics, Christian counseling, finances, world religions, family issues, spousal and child abuse, etc. Students receive practical application of Bible resources to everyday life.
(3) These Resource Centers are meeting places. One example is the library in Budapest, Hungary. Four groups gather weekly there including The Creation Club, a meeting of university professors who believe God created the heavens and the earth. Another example is the Children’s Story hour in Prague where local children come to hear stories in English and learn about the love of Jesus or the musical concerts offered in Berlin. We provide seminars and other events to which Christians can invite their non-believing friends. This opens the path to introducing Jesus as Savior.
