For many people living in the Mediterranean, the cross is just a decorative symbol, but Operation Mobilisation has set itself the challenge of bringing a realisation among the people living there that it means so much more than that.

Hundreds of Christians will head to countries lining the Mediterranean Sea this summer as part of OM’s Transform 2010 campaign there.

The evangelists will share their personal faith through short-term outreaches lasting from two to six weeks and incorporating diverse activities like sports, DVD distribution and youth camps.

Among the areas being targeted by Transform 2010 are the Balkans and North Africa. Evangelists will also be sent to Israel.

Transform 2010 is being coordinated by Gary Witherall. He is passionate about seeing Christ proclaimed to the 450 million people living in 21 countries around the Mediterranean.

“The Gospel originated here, yet to most of the population the cross remains a decorative symbol rather than a message to be understood,” he explains.

“Transform 2010 is an opportunity for Christians who can volunteer a little time to bring their story, their experience, gifts and passion to reveal the Gospel in its original setting.”

The Operation Mobilisation initiative kicks off in Rome with a training and preparation conference from July 19 to 24.

During the five days, participants will be trained by OM workers who have experience of sharing the Gospel in countries along the Mediterranean rim.

On the web: www.transform.om.org