History

Encounter Revival Ministries was established in 1991 out of a burden for the discipleship of young people and the need for spiritual renewal among believers. Ardy Parlin, founder and director, had served many years in various youth ministries, and it became obvious that this new ministry would multiply the impact on young people and strengthen local churches to reach the world with the Gospel.

With the home base in Charlotte, NC, the Encounter team began training for a traveling ministry in Christian schools and churches. This ministry consisted of extended chapels with the students, exposing them to Godly music, practical teaching of the Word, and interaction with the Encounter Team. This ministry quickly gained acceptance with the students and opened the doors for continued ministries across the country.

With the heartbeat of revival, the ministries were soon expanded to include evening meetings in local churches with a special revival emphasis.

All of these ministries were being conducted by the Encounter Team. The teams were made up of young people just out of high school who were interested in receiving special training for life situated in a ministry environment. The team members were challenged with Bible studies, life management guidelines, and cautions and guidelines for living godly. This aspect of the ministry has now grown into a recognized program of needed ingredients preparing youth for effective living and is rewarded with up to 15 hours of credit in certain Bible schools and colleges.

With the desire to expose young people to foreign mission opportunities, the team members became involved in mission ministries around the world where they would spend a couple weeks in first-hand mission experience.

As the ministry continued to grow, God directed the move from Charlotte, NC to Harrisburg, PA where Encounter assumed the operations of a Bible Camp and became the national headquarters for the ministry. The camp ministry is now a major aspect of the outreaches of Encounter.

With a great desire to help children, God opened the door to assist an orphanage ministry in Hyderabad, India. Encounter has now become greatly involved in supporting and sharing the needs with others for 2,000 orphans. With this outreach in India, Encounter is also involved in training national workers, supporting pastors and building churches.

The desire to guide young people in the truths of God’s Word was stretched to Zambia, Africa with the beginning of an Encounter Team. Today Encounter is supporting, guiding, and training young people in the truths of God’s Word through a national director supported by Encounter. 

Encounter Revival Ministries is a faith based organization trusting in God to supply the funds needed for operation and outreaches around the world as all of the staff function as home missionaries and raise their individual support.