BEN CERULLO MINISTRIES' 'HOPE ALIVE!' LEADS HAITI IN A DAY OF CELEBRATION

For Immediate Release:

April 6, 2010

Contact: 
Kristina Hill
704.806.1511
khill@insp.com


Thousands accept Christ in a joy-filled atmosphere.

Charlotte, NC -In a country still reeling from a devastating earthquake, an estimated 50,000 people surrounded the stage in 98 degree heat during "Hope Alive!" The event, which took place on Friday, March 26th in Port au Prince, Haiti, was planned after this year's Carnival festivities were cancelled. Musical guests The Ambassador, J.R., and Prodigal Son roused the crowd with high-energy hip hop, urban and reggae music before evangelist Ben Cerullo brought a message of salvation and hope.

"Nothing could have prepared us for this experience," Cerullo said. "We were overwhelmed on so many levels. From seeing all the blue and white tent cities during our descent into Toussaint airport, to witnessing the pervasive devastation. Every aspect of this event was an ordeal, but every minute was worth it! When we arrived, thousands of people, young and old, were waiting for us. It was so humbling."

Cerullo explained that attendance fell short of the projections given by local organizers. "But we quickly realized why. Conditions remain chaotic and millions still struggle with daily existence. After witnessing the difficulties people face just to get through each day, numbers didn't matter. We were determined to lift people's spirits and bring joy to their hearts. I think we did that!

"Seeing all the devastation firsthand caused an even greater compassion to well up in me," said Cerullo. "I wanted each person there to know that God still has a plan and destiny for their life. It moved my heart to see so many respond to the prayer of salvation."

Members of the team expressed similar feelings. All said they wanted to stay and do more. Wales photographer James Chapman was one of the film crew on Cerullo's team. During the day, he captured hundreds of images to document the event. "I'm a pastor's son and a youth pastor myself," explained Chapman. "The Christian leaders in this country need our prayers. Until I came here, it was impossible to really understand the full scope of this tragedy. There is still so much to be done."

After the event, the team learned that the impact of "Hope Alive!" was far greater than originally imagined. The telecast was relayed into the tent cities where it was seen by thousands of more people. It also was broadcast on local television, with plans for additional re-broadcasts.

Ben Cerullo Ministries continues to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Haiti through their partnership with Convoy of Hope. For more information, visit www.bencerullo.com.

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About Ben Cerullo:
Named by Charisma Magazine as one of the "30 Emerging Voices" that will lead the church in the next decade, Cerullo stepped from in front of the cameras at the youth/young adult ministry Steelroots in 2007 to launch Ben Cerullo Ministries. He continues in his passion and commitment to bring the Gospel to not only young people, but people of all ages and backgrounds throughout the nations of the world. Cerullo has ministered to thousands of people across the globe, partnering with international Christian leaders during campaigns in Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, Columbia, Venezuela, Africa, Taipei, Taiwan and Mexico. For information about these and other ministry activities from Ben Cerullo Ministries visit www.bencerullo.com.