Orders for printed Gospels for Connect09 have topped the one milllion mark.

The good news is being announced to a series of regional briefings on Connect09 being held in regions over the next week.

The briefings began in Parramatta with Connect09 executive director, the Rev Andrew Nixon waving a copy of the English language version of Luke, The Essential Jesus to the crowd and announcing that so far, orders for 1.06 million have been placed by churches across the Diocese.

Also on show at the regional briefings was the Chinese language Gospel of John (pictured held by Bishop of Western Sydney, Ivan Lee with Connect09 Ambassador Paula Vouris) which is available in either simplified or traditional Chinese characters, as well as the Arabic Gospel of Luke.

“Our initial print run is only 850,000, so we’ll have to print more in 2009. It’s a good problem to have!” says Mr Nixon.

The briefings (see fact box) are chaired by the head of the Connect09 Ambassadors programme, Vince Williamson, who tells his own story of becoming a Christian from an evangelistic campaign in Lugarno in 1989.

Also speaking is ambassador Paula Vouris, who told the crowd in her testimony that she had once sat in her car outside a church, praying that someone would ask her in!

The meetings are being held in all regions and are open to both clergy and lay people across the Diocese.

First stop, Western Region

At the Western Region meeting in Parramatta, Bishop Ivan Lee said he was impressed by the attendance. “There was a range of ages and people had travelled from as far away as Blackheath to attend. It shows that whole congregations are starting to take hold of the vision.”

Connect09 posters and DVDs are available at the briefings, as well as the chance to ask questions of the Ambassadors and the Connect09 management team.

“I was bombarded by questions about anything from the availability of resources in other languages to what songs were being sung in the ‘Big Day In’. There was great feedback,” says Mr Nixon.

Mr Nixon says although the nights are being held in each of the five regions, those from other areas can attend.

“If someone lives in Wollongong but works in Georges River they might find it easier to attend the briefing close to their work. It’s up to them.”

For further details and to RSVP visit the Connect09 site.