Christians across the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico this year opened their homes for meetings and witnessed a combined total of 69,188 make commitments to Jesus Christ, reported the ministry behind the evangelism outreach.

“These faithful Christians took a bold step in inviting their friends and neighbors to their homes, and God truly worked through their efforts and prayers,” said Bill Conard, director of international ministries for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

“Projects like this show that evangelism is not only for pastors, but for anyone who longs for those around them to experience the hope and love found only in Jesus Christ,” he added.

For months, Christians across the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were being prepared and equipped for the project – part of the BGEA’s “My Hope” ministry.

The programmes culminated in a combined total of more than 59,000 home events in March and April, which included a TV program featuring a sermon from Billy or Franklin Graham and a personal testimony from the host.

Altogether more than 5,500 churches from across the evangelical spectrum were reportedly involved in the projects.

As a result, 55,391 people in the Dominican Republic made commitments to Christ. In Puerto Rico, 13,797 did the same.

Since My Hope began in 2002, such projects have been implemented in 50 countries.

Upcoming projects this year will take place in Malawi and four sensitive countries in Asia. Preparations are beginning for 2011, for potential My Hope outreaches in Portugal, Spain, Haiti and select African countries.