Ray Ciervo Ministries

The ministry of apologetics has never been needed more than it is today. Not only should we learn what it is but how to practice apologetics. We’re living in a day when the gospel message is clouded to near obscurity. Jesus is pushed behind the veil of rhetoric, false teachings, and over-emphasized minor truths. This doesn’t touch on how politicized faith has gutted the message of redemption. There are numerous strongholds which have been raised up against the knowledge of God. The “new” atheists like Christopher Hitchens, Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and others have only fueled the flames of these lofty arguments. They add nothing new except an arrogance against the truth.

True Christian ministry must tear down those strongholds and present the truth of the gospel message and simplicity of devotion to Jesus Christ. This is what RCM exists for: To build the church, teaching how to defend the faith and make disciples of Jesus Christ. God is opening doors allowing me to get into the fight. 

This year has marked a turn or return for me as I’ve returned to international travel. I am exceedingly thankful for the missions department of Southern Evangelical Seminary for including me as part of their team, T.E.A.M. (Truth, Evangelism, Apologetics, and Mission). In my last update I shared on our recent trip to Greece. It was just the beginning of several future trips. 

I’m scheduled to go with the team to South Africa in May (5-17). Noted philosopher and apologist William Lane Craig is scheduled to travel with us to debate a leading atheist or Muslim cleric. Those details are still being worked out. We will have the opportunity to learn from Dr. Craig first hand. We will also hold conferences, Dr. Craig will debate, and we’ll visit churches and campus groups to minister.

I’m also scheduled to go to Italy with the team in June. The dates for that trip are pending. T.E.A.M. , has a long term plan for establishing an apologetic center or centers in Italy. This will be the third trip to Italy and will build on the previous trips. God is helping to establish this work through good teaching and receptive hearts. It is exciting to see how God is bringing this together.

There will be future trips to Greece, too. We just opened the pipeline to get into the country. There is so much to be done and people are asking for help. We trust God will allow us to continue to participate and train people to do the work of evangelism.

In all of this I remain humbled and grateful for God’s faithfulness. I believe I am being used in a way that God has designed me. I’m not a great fan of plane travel, but I thoroughly enjoy working with different cultures. I hack at languages and work to get myself understood. More than than, I love teaching apologetics - I have yearned to do so, not to shine but to illuminate others.

So, there are several opportunities in front of me. I’ve already purchased my tickets to South Africa. I sensed the time was right to do so. The preparations for this trip are being finalized.

Once again, I’m asking you to participate with me in these trips. I’m looking for people who will commit to fast, pray and contribute. I won’t make unrealistic appeals telling you how you’ll be blessed because you give. I will tell you that when you help me you do help the people I go to. If you’re familiar with my teaching content, style and such, you then know what I’m able to bring. Knowing that I’m equipping people to stand for Christ in adverse circumstances is a great reward.

Knowing there are people praying and fasting for me and the team is reassuring. On this last trip one church covered all the days of the trip with fasting and praying. Others participated as well. It was no coincidence when God met us in unusual circumstances, providing all our needs at the right time. We knew it was God who helped us.

Financially, I’m dependent on God’s faithfulness. Will you consider helping me get to these places? Joanne and I have lived on a “faith based” income for over 30 years. God has always been faithful to us and we continue to look to him for this. And, we need your help too. Would you consider picking up a piece of these trips? I can tell you between these two trips I need to raise $5000. I’ve already put out $1350 for the trip to South Africa. 

The trip to Italy is extremely important as I mentioned, we’re building on past visits. One need surfaced especially on the last trip - women who can minister one-on-one to other women. Often the need arises when a conversation turns into a counseling session. It is awkward for men, especially young men to be counseling these women. For this reason, I want to take Joanne with me. Folks, this is no holiday. Most days are 14-18 hours of meetings, conversations and travel. When we get a day off, we’re thankful! Thanks for your consideration

On the home front I continue to work to bring a teaching center for apologetics to the Northeast, particularly New Jersey. The church Joanne and I belong to (Long Branch Covenant Church) has been supportive in this effort by hosting our yearly apologetic conference and quarterly seminars. We’re just beginning here as well.

We see our young people struggle with their identity as Christians. We see how the muddled messages keep them from commitment to Christ. We see them disarmed when confronted with questions. In all, we see a great need to equip young people with the right tools to defend their faith. We also see how the older folks need to be awakened, shaken, and straightened out.

The preparation for our conference is coming along nicely. We’re getting ready to begin our media campaign with radio and FaceBook ads. The schedule is pretty well set with Drs. Geisler and Copan taking the “lion’s share” of the teaching.

Will you consider underwriting some of this? If you donate $200 we’ll give you a set of the conference DVD’s for your donation. That’s 8 DVD’s which will sell for $75 at the conference. If 12 people donate $200 that will cover our radio ads which will begin around the middle of February. Tune in to Star 99.1 FM to hear our ads!

Thanks for taking the time to consider these requests. As always, we are thankful for you participation.