[Here's a conservative evangelical list of good recent resources (you'll notice that nothing of progressive evangelical Brian McLaren's is mentioned... Rowland].

You loved them, we loved them. Now it?s time to give these outstanding resources of 2006 another look and a round of applause. By Tamara Rice

Nothing feels better to us, as editors of Outreach, than writing about resources that could change the way churches and individuals build relationships with the unchurched. In 2006, it seemed more publishers and ministries were talking about outreach than ever before. Resources changed shape, shifted tone and grew even more specific and innovative, offering us fresh and culturally relevant options for outreach. For our Fourth Annual Outreach Resource of the Year Awards, publishers, ministries, members of our Editorial Advisory Board and Outreach editors submitted their nominations, which we placed into 10 categories and then narrowed down to a list of finalists that you, our readers, voted on alongside our respected panel. And once again, like last year, we asked our panelists to evaluate the resources in each category for their outreach potential and accessibility, so we could share their insights with you. As our editors looked at your votes and pored over the finalist list, one title rose to the top as a resource that churches were grabbing onto and utilizing across the country. So now, without further ado, it?s our honor to present to you the Best Outreach Resource of 2006 ... Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels (Zondervan) With more than 100,000 copies sold since its August 2006 debut, Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith by popular Christian author and megachurch pastor Bill Hybels continues to affect its readers and transform the way churches approach evangelism. The book, and its related resources, center on the power of Christians to fulfill the Great Commission through intentional friendships, faithful prayer and the ability to share the Gospel by telling their own spiritual stories. Hybels writes: ?When you communicate your personal faith story with sincerity, you will see supernatural sparks fly as God uses it for His glory and your listener?s good.? Hybels? casual, approachable style has always attracted readers, from marriage manual Fit to Be Tied (Zondervan) written with wife Lynne, to his popular integrity manifesto Who You Are When No One?s Looking (InterVarsity). And Outreach?s Personal Evangelism awards panelist Stephen Sorenson (see p. 66) sees the book?s readability as one of its greatest strengths. Just Walk ... , says Sorenson, is motivational and fun to read, but profound in its implications for both hesitant Christians and those already bold in sharing their faith?and, he adds, the audio CD version makes Hybels? message accessible to busy believers whose only downtime is in the car. Building off the book?s foundation, Hybels and co-author Ashley Wiersma created a four-week churchwide evangelism campaign by the same name, which more than 1,000 churches have already completed. The ?Just Walk Across the Room Experience? has allowed church members to learn and respond to Hybels? teaching through a small group DVD curriculum or through 90-minute satellite broadcast events held in October 2006 and January 2007?with more simulcast events planned for this fall. Because Hybels is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., participating in the evangelism campaign was a no-brainer for many Willow Creek Association churches. But the appeal of a churchwide evangelism campaign has spilled across denominational lines that often divide, with Baptists to Lutherans stepping up to take part in the program. Gail Tait, director of outreach and evangelism training at Sunset Presbyterian Church in Portland, Ore. (sunsetpres.org), chose the study for her church because she appreciated Hybels? approach of forming relationships and being sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit. Her church used the book and related resources to launch 24 Just Walk ... small groups and to coordinate a one-day training seminar in February.

Many participants in the study, like Sunset member Hardy Scroggin, have been empowered by the training to step outside their comfort zones and reach the community. Scroggin admits he?s been scared, in the past, to just walk across the room. ?I?ve realized,? he says, ?if and when the opportunity presents itself to share about Jesus in the future, I will not be alone. The Holy Spirit will be there with me.? Tait says Sunset Presbyterian?s culture is changing for the better. She senses a real excitement and anticipation for what God is doing. Just Walk ... has been an excellent way to culminate a yearlong process of realigning the ministries of the church to focus more intentionally on outreach. ?It?s very refreshing,? she says, ?and everyone who has gone through the study so far has said that many of their fears about reaching out to others have decreased substantially. They have been encouraged by Hybels? premise?that someone can be forever changed by something as simple as just walking across the room.?

CHILDREN?S OUTREACH Heroes Unmasked (Group) In the September/October 2006 issue of Outreach, we described Group?s Heroes Unmasked: The All-Fun No-Fear Bible Adventure! festival event kit as a ?Halloween alternative with an outreach bent,? and award panelist and children?s pastor Greg Baird agrees: ?It?s a fantastic outreach event waiting to happen!? The kit, which includes step-by-step instructions for decorating (like comic-style hero posters) and games (such as Noah?s Feeding Frenzy Penny Drop), uses heroes of the Bible?David, Daniel, Noah, Elijah, Moses, Esther and Jesus?to excite children and teach them about God. And not one stone goes unturned in Group?s planning, as the kit includes posters for pre-event publicity, and even clever follow-up ideas. Many churches try to offer Halloween alternatives, but what sets Group?s event apart is its skillful blend of biblical truth and family-friendly fun. No scares, no gore, no controversy. Says Brooke Cole, director of children?s ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala, Fla., who used the kit last year: ?This was the best Fall Festival our church has held in years. Heroes Unmasked is a brilliant outreach concept.? Baird points out that the fun presentation and concise guidelines for hosting the event afford an excellent opportunity to draw people in. He says, ?Group has provided an easy-to-use kit for hosting a potentially life-changing outreach experience for families in your church and community.? FINALISTS: COMMENTARY BY GREG BAIRD VeggieTales: Gideon Tuba Warrior (Big Idea)

?Packaged as a ?Family Fun Event? and designed to be used as a church outreach tool, this movie-night kit provides a non-threatening opportunity to draw in the unchurched, and is a fun avenue by which to share the Gospel.? Good Anger, Bad Anger Kit (Gospel Publishing)

?This curriculum offers an interesting approach to dealing with anger in children: entertaining dramas, creative object lessons, impactful small and large group lessons, DVD segments?everything needed for a fun program.?

Leading Kids to Jesus by David Staal (Zondervan)

?Staal gets to the heart of evangelism with kids. He carefully walks through laying a foundation, evaluating the child?s spiritual state, and sharing the Gospel to the point of a decision. A terrific resource for the children?s ministry team.?

Let All the Children Come to Me by Breeding, Hood, Whitworth (Cook)

?Here, you?ll find a solid argument for mainstreaming special-needs children into our ministries. The book also includes a practical guide for dealing with challenges you?re likely to meet.?

YOUTH OUTREACH Dare 2 Share by Greg Stier (Focus on the Family/Tyndale) When it comes to witnessing, are your youth group students stalkers, talkers, buddies or brains? If they don?t know their individual evangelism styles now, they will after reading Dare 2 Share founder Greg Stier?s Dare 2 Share: A Field Guide to Sharing Your Faith, arguably one of the best resources out there for student-to-student evangelism. When we reviewed it for our November/December 2006 issue of Outreach, we were impressed with Stier?s approach to students?passionate, but casual, and never patronizing. Stier includes, in addition to an overview of evangelism styles, the basics of witnessing to students of more than 10 different faiths, including Wiccans, Jehovah?s Witnesses and Buddhists?a feature our panelist Jonathan McKee found especially helpful. In this easy-to-digest portion of the field guide, Stier?s sage advice for sharing Christ with a Jewish young person, for example, highlights the importance of not insulting the religion?because to do so would be not only counterproductive, it would be perceived as an insult to his or her family, as well. And when speaking to a young atheist about God, he emphasizes how important it is to first establish that the Bible is God?s Word before using it as a witnessing tool; otherwise, it holds no value to the hearer. However, the most precious aspect of this resource is surely its ability to incite in students an excitement and fervor for the Gospel and thus a natural desire to share Christ?s message. McKee agrees. ?Greg?s passion for evangelism is contagious and compelling,? he says. ?This is a priceless resource in the hands of today?s young believers.? FINALISTS: COMMENTARY BY JONATHAN MCKEE Dare to Be a Daniel (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)

?This computer-based training resource helps equip a media-savvy generation to live a life of faith that points others to Jesus. Its video segments are especially engaging, featuring testimonials from famous athletes who live for Jesus.? Jesus Says Go by Robin Wells (Monarch)

?Written for older students who are contemplating going to the mission field, this book offers readers assistance as they consider culture changes they may encounter and sacrifices they might have to make because of their decision to minister abroad full time.?

Sharing Jesus by Doug Fields and Brett Eastman (Youth Specialties/Zondervan)

?This effective small group study guide helps kids dialog about what it means to share Jesus with friends. This is another fantastic resource from two guys who consistently provide valuable ministry tools to youth workers.?

What Do I Say to a Friend Who?s Gay? by Emily Parke Chase (Kregel)

?Chase provides a voice of compassion that doesn?t drift from the truth. This book addresses relevant questions from a confused, politically correct generation, and the author reminds young readers how important it is to have Christ-like love for the lost.

TARGET OUTREACH God's Grace and the Homosexual Next Door by Alan Chambers, Randy Thomas, Mike Goeke, Scott Davis and Melissa Fryrear(Harvest House) As Alan Chambers, co-author and president of Exodus International (exodus-international.org), told Outreach in our January/February 2007 issue, we have to remember Christ?s grace and understanding is for everyone, including homosexuals: ?The simple truth is that Christ died for all of us, or He died for none of us,? he relates. God?s Grace and the Homosexual Next Door: Reaching the Heart of the Gay Men and Women in Your World covers what not to do when reaching out to the gay community, the possibility of change for homosexuals, and a thorough chapter on ministry to lesbian women, written by co-author Melissa Fryrear. This team effort from Exodus International hits at the heart of gay ministry through both the local church and individuals. Panelist Rajendra Pillai believes it should be required reading for anyone thinking of getting involved in outreach to homosexuals. ?This is the best book on the topic I have read so far,? he says. The book?s goal is to ?crack the shells of our hearts? to enable us to feel God?s love for homosexuals. Co-author Randy Thomas writes: ?Jesus didn?t say to go out into all the world and get to the gay community when you can.? The Good News is for everyone next door. FINALISTS: COMMENTARY BY RAJENDRA PILLAI Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus, Vol. 4 by Michael L. Brown (Baker)

?Brown?s book is a great resource for taking a biblical look at responding to some of the objections that Jews raise regarding the New Testament. Many of the 34 ?objections? are just a few pages long and written about conversationally, so they?re easy to digest.?

Muslims and the Gospel by Rolland E. Miller (Lutheran University)

?A comprehensive treatment of a complex topic. Miller provides bite-sized nuggets of information under broad topics such as a Muslim view of salvation and Muslim opinion of Jesus, along with valuable insights on how to answer difficult Muslim questions about the Gospel.?

Street Signs by Ray Bakke and John Sharpe (New Hope and Bakke Graduate University)

?For any church in an urban setting, Street Signs will prove a precious resource. Bakke and Sharpe offer an abundance of great ideas that churches of all sizes can apply. This book provides a bird?s eye view of what urban outreach involves?a must read.?

SMALL GROUP OUTREACH Discussing the Da Vinci Code by Lee Strobel and Garry Poole (Zondervan) The big-screen version of author Dan Brown?s best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code seemed to bring interest in age-old Jesus conspiracy theories to a fever pitch in 2006. Though the movie was greeted with lukewarm reviews at best, it generated arguably the most pre-release buzz of any film that year. Foreseeing the opportunity for churches to engage in conversation about the controversial storyline, best-selling authors Garry Poole and Lee Strobel wrote Exploring The Da Vinci Code and created the DVD-based small group curriculum Discussing The Da Vinci Code: Examining the Issues Raised by the Book & Movie. Panelist David Chae?pastor of Great Exchange Covenant Church in Sunnyvale, Calif.?praised Strobel and Poole for the thoroughness of their study, noting that small group participants are not intimidated by the material, which might otherwise seem complex and confusing given the intricacies of Brown?s conspiracy theories. And what better way to make sense of his claims than to show viewers the art and structures that play such a vital role in the supposed conspiracy? Strobel and Poole interview experts to discover the truth as small group participants study questions like: Was Mary Magdalene really Jesus? wife? And were there really 80 original Gospels? Though talk of The Da Vinci Code gradually died down, the impact of Brown?s theories will unfold for years to come, making this small group curriculum an excellent seeker study. FINALISTS: COMMENTARY BY DAVID CHAE Jack Bauer?s Having a Bad Day by Tim Wesemann (Cook/Life Journey)

?Engaging and creative, author Tim Wesemann uses the hit TV show ?24? as an introduction to each chapter of the study and puts participants in the driver seat of an exciting relationship with Jesus Christ, as they grapple with biblical truths such as trust, faiththrough the challenging material.?

H20 by Kyle Idleman (Standard)

?Anyone would feel comfortable watching preaching associate Kyle Idleman of Louisville, Ky.-based Southeast Christian Church answer questions about creation, the Bible and prayer. Taped in a non-threatening café-style setting, Idleman gently pushes his audience to think through the implications of believing in God in the midst of life?s storms.?

How to Share Your Faith by Kent Tucker (How to Share Your Faith)

?So simple and clear, just like the Gospel, Tucker?s easy curriculum reminds us that depth doesn?t necessarily have to be complicated. From the simple diagrams and clear notations, Tucker helps us learn how to share our faith more confidently with the nonbelievers we encounter each day.?

PERSONAL EVANGELISM Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels (Zondervan) As our Best Outreach Resource of the Year, it follows naturally that our readers voted Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith the winner in this category. As panelist Stephen Sorenson puts it, the book guides readers into effective evangelism through easy-to-understand steps and powerful stories. Rather than tying down Christians with guilt, author Bill Hybels frees and empowers readers. His ?3D? principles outlined in the book communicate a clear strategy for approaching the Great Commission. As we practice these principles, we begin to move into what Hybels calls the ?Zone of the Unknown,? where we rely on God and watch Him work in the lives of others. Says Sorenson: ?Applying these simple steps will enable believers to connect with people who have been burned by harsh witnessing encounters in the past.? As founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., Hybels understands his audience and knows how to connect with the average Christian. Inviting readers to identify their individual evangelism style, he assures them there isn?t one right way: ?When the Spirit prompts you to ... walk across a room,? Hybels writes with emphasis, ?... He wants you to show up, not someone you think you are supposed to be.? FINALISTS: COMMENTARY BY STEPHEN SORENSON The Complete Evangelism Guidebook edited by Scott Dawson (Baker)

?This book offers relevant information on reaching specific groups, such as Jews, prisoners and international students. Its Bible-based principles promote confidence in Christians committed to evangelism.? Corner Conversations by Randy Newman (Kregel)

?Newman?s collection of fictionalized conversations reminds believers to listen respectfully to people who have chosen other spiritual paths and to participate in dialogue that builds understanding and conveys God?s love and truth.?

The Invitation (Maranatha! Music)

?This CD?through [Saddleback Church Pastor] Rick Warren?s sharing and powerful music from contemporary Christian artists?communicates in concise ways how listeners can establish a personal relationship with God.?

Reimagining Evangelism by Rick Richardson (InterVarsity)

?A refreshing look at new paradigms of evangelism, with story-based suggestions on what everyday believers can do to connect with seekers and skeptics. Richardson?s thoughtful insights will stimulate readers to collaborate with God.?

OUTREACH LEADERSHIP TRAINING Simple Church by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (Broadman & Holman) It?s no secret we?re big fans of author and Outreach columnist Thom Rainer. Evidently, our readers not only echo our sentiment about the LifeWay Christian Resources? CEO, but also relish his collaboration with Christ Fellowship Executive Pastor Eric Geiger, of Palmetto Bay, Fla. Together, they wrote in Simple Church: Returning to God?s Process for Making Disciples a plan for revolutionizing the way churches approach outreach. Our Leadership Training awards panelist Tom Wilson notes that many churches today have good, well-intentioned outreach programs, but lack the focus needed to break through the clutter of contemporary life. ?Rainer and Geiger?s book shows the value of focus, clarity and simplicity,? he says. It?s this streamlining theory that sets Simple Church apart from other books claiming to revolutionize outreach. Rainer and Geiger caution pastors against the temptation to branch the church into too many areas and ministries with multiple focuses, leaders, programs, etc. ?Complexity,? they write, ?is often synonymous with mediocrity.? As one would expect from a Rainer title, the authors researched many churches in preparation for the book, comparing growing, vibrant churches with those who were, well ... not. And, as it turns out, it was a welcome subject for church leaders. In August 2006, the book was the Evangelical Christian Publisher Association?s No. 1 bestseller in the Church and Ministry category. ?The ?simple church? is a big idea,? says Wilson. ?My sense is that this book will be a flashpoint for many church leaders.? FINALISTS: COMMENTARY BY TOM WILSON Breaking the Missional Code by Ed Stetzer and David Putman (Broadman & Holman)

?This book shows readers how to make their churches more effective. It also forces readers to look beyond the typical program-driven church model in order to rethink the mission of the Church in today?s culture.?

Body-Building Guide to Outreach by Candace McMahan and Jan Kershner (Group)

?These authors give churches attainable ideas for outreach and offer step-by-step instructions for implementation. They not only encourage readers, but eliminate excuses for not getting involved.?

Planting Mission-Shaped Churches Today by Martin Robinson (Monarch)

?Robinson provides fresh insights into the DNA of a successful missional church. Although the book deals with the practical issues of planting a church, it?s the heart of missional church leadership that makes this title so compelling.?

Transformation by Bob Roberts (Zondervan)

?Bob Roberts is a pastor for whom the statement ?the world is my parish? really applies. This title combines his personal journey with the plan of his church to touch individuals who live locally and build a ?glocal? church to touch the world.?

GLOBAL OUTREACH Serving With Eyes Wide Open by David A. Livermore (Baker) The first time we checked out David Livermore?s Serving With Eyes Wide Open: Doing Short Term Missions With Cultural Intelligence, we knew it could change the way churches prepare for mission trips. Our panelist, Donna Thomas of Christian Vision Ministries, agrees with us, noting that as thousands are now headed for short-term missions, Livermore?s evaluation is timely. ?He does a great job of looking at our world today,? she says, ?asking stimulating questions as to how missions can best be done, and giving practical insights into making our mission more productive.? Livermore is more than qualified to ask the questions, as the executive director of the Global Learning Center at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Mich., and co-founder of Intersect (intersectcommunity.com), which offers training and consulting to emerging ministry leaders around the world. He writes in the book: ?At the end of the day, cultural intelligence?serving with eyes wide open?helps us do what we were created to do?extend the mission of God. At the core of being human is the task of missions.? And global mission is at the core of everything Livermore does, but he warns against ?running overseas? to do something we haven?t done in our own neighborhoods. ?If you want to share Jesus with children in a Romanian orphanage,? he writes, ?don?t neglect the children playing at the park around the corner.? FINALISTS: COMMENTARY BY DONNA THOMAS The AIDS Crisis by Deborah Dortzbach and W. Meredith Long (InterVarsity)

?Dortzbach and Long move us to partner with our brothers and sisters, offering love, prayer and support even to the least of them. This book is a call to action to every Christian?now.? Faith That Endures by Ronald Boyd-MacMillan (Revell)

?A must read for any Christian seeking to follow Jesus Christ. As we learn the who, what, when, where and how of modern-day Christian persecution, we see the power the Lord gives to those chosen to serve Him.?

How to Get Ready for Short-Term Missions by Anne-Geri´ Fann and Gregory Taylor (Thomas Nelson)

?A perfect tool for training teams to be more effective in serving. Fann and Taylor address the ?why? and ?how? of short-term ventures.?

The New Friars by Scott A. Bessenecker (InterVarsity)

?Bessenecker throws total commitment in our faces: Are you ready to leave everything and live among the poor and outcast to reach them for Christ? This book is for any Christian that God calls to be His hands and feet in this generation.?

OUTREACH DVD/MOVIE The Nativity Story (New Line Cinema) After seeing The Passion of The Christ and longing for projects that held a deeper meaning, acclaimed screenwriter Mike Rich (The Rookie, Radio) began to research the gospels for his next story: the birth of Christ. The result was a feature film, directed by veteran Catherine Hardwicke and starring Keisha Castle-Hughes as Mary and Shohreh Aghdashloo as Elizabeth. Nativity offered not only a moving depiction of Jesus? birth, but another opportunity for the Church to spread the Gospel via the big screen. The filmmakers were insistent on being as true to the historical time period as possible, even sending cast members to ?Nazareth Boot Camp,? where, as Outreach reported in our November/December 2006 issue, they were taught how people in Bible times would have pressed olives, made cheese and milked goats. In fact, as word spread about the film, Nativity became greatly anticipated by the Church, and resources and events cropped up. Among them, The Nativity Story novelization from Tyndale, postcards and marketing tools like those offered by Outreach?s parent company Outreach Inc., and a church satellite broadcast event by Church Communications Network. Though the movie made a very modest $37 million at the box office?a fraction of the monetary success enjoyed by The Passion?perhaps the real impact of the film won?t be seen for some time, because, as panelist Matt Kinne points out, the movie will be available as an outreach tool on DVD for many Christmas seasons to come. FINALISTS: COMMENTARY BY MATT KINNE The Da Vinci Code (Sony)

?Unquestionably, this film created more buzz, more discussion, more sermons, more books, more videos and more talk of Jesus than any other movie in 2006. Overnight, Christian resources came forth, sparking lively conversation and debate the world over.?

Evangelism Linebacker (Sermon Spice)

?In an offbeat manner, this short film tackles the complacency of the Church, jarring the ?pew-sitters? to get out and share the Gospel?a slap upside the head for all Christians who try to explain away why they shouldn?t evangelize.?

NOOMA 014 Breathe (Zondervan)

?The high production value and author/pastor Rob Bell?s fresh take on Scripture and its application to today?s spiritual sojourner is refreshing for both the faithful and the seeker alike. Breathe plays out like ... well, a breath of fresh air.?

PUB (The Veracity Project)

?Revealing the hunger in Ireland for God?and that it is being talked about in the country?s pubs?this mini-documentary encourages viewers to engage people where they are at, no matter where they are, and no matter what they?re drinking or eating.?

POSTMODERN OUTREACH Soul Cravings by Erwin Raphael McManus (Thomas Nelson) The many books by Erwin McManus, lead pastor and cultural architect at Mosaic in Los Angeles, have sold well over 250,000 copies combined, and given the November 2006 release date of Soul Cravings: An Exploration of the Human Spirit, the full impact of this book is not likely to be felt for some time. But one thing is certain: Outreach readers love this book. Perhaps, it?s due to the ease with which McManus addresses both believers and nonbelievers, never really sacrificing the message either way. He writes of intimacy, destiny and meaning in brief journal-like entries that muse about Scripture, life, God and everything in between. And with so few Christian resources truly geared to postmodern seekers from the first page to the last, Soul Cravings offers up a satisfying spiritual meal. Our panelist Marlon Hall, himself a cultural architect of Awakenings Movement in Houston agrees, noting he is often hesitant to recommend Christian resources to the unchurched individuals he connects with in coffeehouses each day because most books are either too theologically deep or too shallow for the secular cynic. ?However,? says Hall, ?Soul Cravings meets readers on neutral ground by approaching truths with human honesty and divine destiny.? He adds that anyone, from a dedicated ministry leader to a friend on the spiritual fringe, would be equally challenged and transformed by the book, whose postscript compels readers to seek the fulfillment we were created for. ?We?re all searching for what our souls long for,? writes McManus, ?and we will be satisfied only in God.? FINALISTS: COMMENTARY BY MARLON HALL Confessions of a Reformission Rev. by Mark Driscoll (Zondervan)

?This resource for pastors and church planters intimately shares the beautiful side of ugly moments in missional ministry. It?s both a baseball bat and a balm. Driscoll challenges readers to the point of insult with concrete truth, while at the same time tickling with comedic satire to the point of hilarity.?

A Heretic?s Guide to Eternity by Spencer Burke (Jossey-Bass)

?This book?s best feature is its ability to equip us with the tools to learn and unlearn what does and does not work about our perceived orthodoxies. When studied with an intentional passion for the body of Christ, a church leader whose vision has become stagnant will discover a catalyst for change.? Inside the Organic Church by Bob Whitesel (Abingdon)

?Many postmodern resources assume that every reader understands the nuances and definitions of the postmodern missional movement. This book not only gives a clear definition and background of the movement, but it also provides case studies and practical learning tools from organic communities across the globe.?

OUTREACH TESTIMONY/BIOGRAPHY Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza (Hay House) When asked why Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust had to be written, Immaculée Ilibagiza says she wrote it as a gift to her children, who will one day ask how their grandparents died, and for her brother Aimable, who was out of the country during the 100 days of horror. The details have been, according to Ilibagiza, too raw for them to speak of out loud, given they lost their entire family. ?This is my way of telling him everything I saw, heard and felt,? she said in a recent interview. But it is also written in English so that Americans will read it, she says, and be changed by her message: ?I think that God is using me as a channel to share His message that love and forgiveness are the only things that combat the damage caused by hatred and mistrust.? Panelist Mitali Perkins admits she was crushed to remember how little thought she, like many of us, gave to Rwanda in 1994, when the country lost nearly 1 million people, but she says the power of Left to Tell lies in the fact that it doesn?t leave the reader fearful and devastated by the genocide and pain that Ilibagiza endured. ?As Immaculée?s tender, tough voice recounts her suffering,? Perkins says, ?we remember that we are never left alone to bear even the most excruciating pain. And that we can receive the amazing power to forgive those who inflict it.? The book, Perkins says, is also a wake-up call for Christians to the reality of genocide and the power we have to save those threatened by it today. FINALISTS: COMMENTARY BY MITALI PERKINS To Own a Dragon by Donald Miller and John MacMurray (NavPress)

?Using self-deprecatory humor and earthy language that makes you feel like you?re meeting him for coffee, Miller shares insights (many learned from co-author MacMurray) on how to be loved and guided into eternity by the Father of all.?

Trolls & Truth by Jimmy Dorrell (New Hope)

?Want to shake up your view of church culture? Dorrell?s story should come with a warning label: If you don?t want to be confronted with prophetic truths spoken by the poor to comfortable churches and people ... don?t open this book.?

The Unusual Suspect by Stephen Baldwin and Mark Tabb (FaithWords)

?Baldwin is authentic, passionate, funny and bold?a hardcore guy?s guy? who tells his story of newfound faith and interweaves it with the Gospel in a way that will make sense to young men both inside and outside the church.?

When Invisible Children Sing by Chi Huang and Irwin Tang (SaltRiver/Tyndale)

?Huang shares his journey with vulnerability, never revealing more truth from the children he encounters than he does from himself. And thankfully, he doesn?t end with pat answers to the question of suffering.?

MEET OUR PANELISTS Once again, we?ve gathered an impressive group of panelists?experienced and respected leaders in their various fields and ministries?to evaluate the Outreach Resource of the Year finalists and provide us with trusted insights into why these resources stand apart in their individual categories. We hope you?ll appreciate their candid commentaries and unique voices. Mitali Perkins, Testimony/Biography An award-winning author, Mitali Perkins (mitaliperkins.com)?who has served as a missionary alongside her husband in three countries?knows the power of storytelling. Her fourth children?s book, Rickshaw Girl (Charlesbridge), like this category?s nominees, informs and inspires its readers. Jonathon McKee, Youth Ministry President and founder of The Source for Youth Ministry (thesource4ym.com), Jonathan McKee was our Youth Outreach winner last year for his book Do They Run When They See You Coming? (Zondervan). His new book, Getting Students to Show Up (Zondervan), releases this year. David Chae, Small Group Outreach Being the lead pastor of Great Exchange Covenant Church (grx.org) in Sunnyvale, Calif., which functions as a network of small groups, has made David Chaea big proponent of spiritual growth through intimate fellowship. He speaks frequently on the transforming power of the Gospel. Stephen Sorenson, Personal Evangelism Equipping people for personal outreach is a focus for prolific author Stephen Sorenson, whose practical book Like Your Neighbor? (InterVarsity) won in this category last year. He is also a valuable co-author, alongside wife Amanda, of many outreach-savvy small group studies. Rajendra Pillai, Target Outreach A 2003 Outreach Resources Award winner for his book Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard (WaterBrook), Rajendra Pillai is executive pastor of Damascus Road Community Church (damascus.com) in Damascus, Md. He also serves on Outreach?s Editorial Advisory Board. Greg Baird, Children's Outreach Founder and director of Kids in Focus (kidsinfocus.org), Greg Baird has spent the last 17 years as a children?s pastor, currently at Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, Calif. Through Kids in Focus, he trains and coaches other children?s ministry workers to reach kids for Christ. Marlon Hall, Postmodern Outreach One of our valued Editorial Advisory Board members, Marlon Hall is truly a missional innovator. He is the cultural architect of the Awakenings Movement (awakeningsmovement.com), a grassroots community of social visionaries who worship in coffee shops, clubs and bars in Houston. Tom Wilson, Leadership Training After more than 30 years in senior leadership with Young Life, Tom Wilson is now president and CEO of Leadership Network (leadnet.org). Though he is known for his commitment to building Christian leaders, he?s also enthusiastic about evangelism and is a sought-after speaker. Donna Thomas, Global Outreach Besides founding Christian Vision Ministries (cvministries.org) to help churches and individuals find their role in global and local evangelism, Donna Thomas is a veteran missionary. Her latest book, First Look, Then Start Talking (Authorhouse), highlights her enthusiasm for effective witnessing. Matt Kinne, Outreach Film & DVD Matt Kinne, author of Reflections for Movie Lovers (CLW/AMG), appreciates how films communicate spiritual truths. Formerly the editor of Movieguide magazine, Kinne (matthewkinne.com) produces short films for the church market and two movie-themed radio shows.

-EXCERPTED from Outreach magazine, "Features," May/June 2007

©2007 Outreach Publishing. All rights Reserved. Usage and reprint permissions.