Contact: Craig Chastain, 503-614-1554

JUIGALPA, Nicaragua, Dec. 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Mike Silva has shared the Gospel in dozens of countries, but the world evangelist and author considers his recent campaign in Nicaragua - "Festival Juigalpa" - to be an historic time for the ministry.

"The presence of the Lord in that place was extraordinary," says Silva, whose outreach touched tens of thousands in this Central American city where less than 5% are evangelical Christians. His team put together a week of activities in mid-November that included seminars and training for pastors and their spouses, conferences for women and business leaders, a children's "fiesta," a parade through the city streets, and two nights of celebration that showcased Silva's Gospel message and a broad range of musical styles.

Estimated attendance for the week exceeded 50,000 in this agricultural city of 70,000. The two nights of the festival drew more than 40,000 people. Working with local churches and World in Need, the team also implemented a compassion component that brought food and clothing to more than 900 needy individuals and families.

Using visuals, humor and compelling stories, the Oregon-based evangelist delivered his message almost entirely in Spanish. No less than 8,000 documented decisions for Christ were recorded during the week: hundreds of local pastors, lay leaders and believers had been trained to follow up and welcome the new believers to the church community.

Silva's ministry - Mike Silva Evangelism International - has shared the Gospel with an estimated 4 million people in 27 countries. He is also a charter member of Luis Palau's Next Generation Alliance. Silva's next major outreach is set for mid-February, 2008 in the Dominican Republic.