Sunday, May 5, 2013

the Empty tomb – the Risen Savior!


(Easter in Russia falls on 5 May this year)
 
go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene *came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the [risen] Lord! … verses 17b and 18a from the passage: John 29:1-18

The grave couldn’t hold Jesus, death couldn’t keep Him in its grip. 

He rose again to give us a new life full of gladness and joy and security and peace and satisfaction. 

Let’s follow Mary’s example and let everyone know that Jesus has risen from the death in order to bring forgiveness and new life to everyone on earth!

May you reflect on the Lord’s authority over death today and thank Him for  the new life He has given you and all the other things He has given you.


Friday, April 12, 2013

Internet evangelism: Ideas for turning personal chats into spiritual conversations




Many of you want to use the opportunity you have with your Facebook or V Kontakte friends to draw them into spiritual conversation.  I know that most of you are doing this very well.  For others of you who have the desire to engage your friends into deeper conversations about having a relationship with God, it might seem a little bit awkward to bring up conversations that they may not be expecting. 

This week I want to give you a few ideas that a friend of mine put together.  If you are looking for ways to start spiritual conversations, why don’t you look through the list below and find a few that feel right for you and try them with your Facebook or V Kontakte friends.  Let me know how it goes!  I’m praying for you!


How to use personal conversation via ‘chat.’
Personal conversations with someone asking simple questions.

Example:
- I have a video which\explains the essence of Christianity called “FallingPlates.” Would you be interested in watching it and explaining in your own words what you think the essence of Christianity is?  

- What touched you the most?  Which idea?

- How is this idea of Christianity different from your own view?


Example:
- (Name), I recently came across this article and immediately thought of you.  What do you think of this evidence?  How would you answer the question, ‘If God exists, would I want to know Him?  - article, “Is there a God?”   


Example:
- Do you remember when we were talking about different religions?  I just found this good overview of what we talked about.  Would you mind reading it and telling me what you observe that makes Christianity different from other religions?   
-Article “Connecting with the Divine  


Example:
- What do you think happens to you when you die?  This article will make you think.
– article, “Then  


Example:
-I was recently talking with some friends about faith in God.  I’m really curious what it is that keeps people from believing in God.  Would you mind sharing with me what it is that keeps you from believing in God? 


Example of an on-going dialog:
- I’m really interested in understanding what other students think about God.  If you were to stand before God, what say to Him? 
– (this is a great video, but you have to listen to the English underneath the Russian)

- How do you think He would respond to your answer?

- Is it possible to know what God thinks about us?

- May I share with you what the Bible say/what I think about this? 


Another example of an on-going dialog from the Winter Bible Conference (you can substitute a retreat or training time or meeting:

- Hey, I’m at a Christian conference right now and we were just asked the question, ‘what do people today understand the word ‘grace’?  Would you give me your definition?

- Do you know where this word is used most?

- How does this verse help you to understand the meaning of the word grace (Eph.2:8)? 

- Would you like to receive such a gift? 

- May I tell you how you can get this gift?


Example:

-I am now at a student conference and we are surveying students to get their opinion about a couple of questions:

-Who for you is the greatest example of love (a real person, a hero from a book, ect.)?  What makes him an example of love?
 
- What do you think of this example of love (you can use either the ‘Falling Plates’ video or the verse John 3:16)

Friday, March 29, 2013

How to create V Kontakte ads to find believers



Another great way to use Face Book ads is to find out if there are believers who attend your university or if there are other student believers in your city or area.  Finding these believers would be not only a great encouragement to you, but they are potential fellow-laborers in building spiritual movements on your campus! 

First, think about what kind of student you want to have respond to your ad. What is it you want them to respond to?  Perhaps you are looking for student believers who want to come together to pray for lost students on your campus and on other campuses in your city.  Think through what you could say in your ad to attract Christian students to come together to pray.  I think it is a great idea to attract students who will want to join you in reaching your campus…think through what you could put on an ad to cause those types of Christians to reply to your ad.

Setting up an ad to find believers on your campus is very easy.  Marilyn Adamson has mapped out how to run a ad on Facebook.

A very important tip:
Use very specific language for Christians when setting up your ad.  Use ‘Jesus’ rather than God as some friends of ours set up an ad asking, ‘Do you love God?  Do you want others on your campus to know Him too?’ and had people from other faiths respond to their ad.  You are looking for Christians, so don’t be afraid to use Christian language.  It will be a very good first ‘filter’ for your ad and should limit the responders to just Christians.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Internet EvangeInternet evangelism: Ideas for turning personal chats into spiritual conversations



Many of you want to use the opportunity you have with your Facebook or V Kontakte friends to draw them into spiritual conversation.  I know that most of you are doing this very well.  For others of you who have the desire to engage your friends into deeper conversations about having a relationship with God, it might seem a little bit awkward to bring up conversations that they may not be expecting. 

This week I want to give you a few ideas that Marilyn Adamson put together called Share a video or article from Everystudent.com.  If you are looking for ways to start spiritual conversations, why don’t you look through Marilyn's list and find a few that feel right for you and try them with your Facebook or V Kontakte friends.  Let me know how it goes!  I’m praying for you!



Thursday, March 21, 2013

Kazan Summer Project 2013


There is no English for this post...sorry!  This post in Russian version creates vision for the summer project in Kazan this summer.


Friday, March 1, 2013

How to create Facebook ads for evangelistic contacts


I have been coaching student leaders in how to make V Kontakte ads to use in finding non-believers who are searching to find answers about God on the internet. 

If you are a Russian speaker, then you can go to the Russian -version of this blog for find out how to make the VK ads. 

For those of you who use Facebook, you can find out how to make Facebook ads here.