Adventures of a Web Evangelist

Web Evangelist Report from Moody Bible Institute's 125th Anniversary Celebration

2011-10-18T00:55:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, October 1, 2011 I had the privilege of attending Moody Bible Institute's 125th Anniversary Celebration.

This event not only celebrated Moody's rich spiritual heritage, but Moody's President, J. Paul Niquist, also took a strategic look to the future. Rev. Nyquist identified FOUR MEGA TRENDS THAT DEFINE OUR RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD.

The first trend mentioned was GLOBALIZATION.

"The world is flat & increasingly interconnected through a wireless mobile web."
One fourth of the world's population is online - 1.7 Billion People!
Two thirds of the 4 billion mobile phone contracts are in the emerging world. - if half of these soon become web enabled, it would add another 1 billion people to the web.

Other trends mentioned were URBANIZATION and SECULARIZATION. The world is flocking to cities -soon there will be 33 mega cities with a population of over 10 million. The fastest growing "religious" group in America are those who have no religious beliefs.

I was thrilled to hear a respected Evangelical leader list the world's growing Internet population as the first consideration for strategic future ministry. Not that long ago it seemed like few leaders had this foresight.

As Christian Leaders and Pastors begin to see the awesome potential of Web Evangelism and Christian Internet Ministry I hope they will be willing to invest financial resources into Internet Ministry endeavors.

The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Let's pray that the Lord of the harvest will send laborers into His harvest field. The harvest field is unimaginably large and I believe there is great potential to recruit laypeople who would be willing to share their faith online if they were instructed and empowered on how to do it.

A strategic missing piece of the puzzle are Web Evangelists and Internet Ministers to invest their time and talent tackling this problem. Too often the large churches and Christian non profits have the expansion of their ministry as the priority of their web endeavors. Important goals of Web Evangelism should be 1) sharing the GOOD NEWS of the gospel to the lost, 2) mobilizing & inspiring the multitude of Christians who spend many hours a day on Facebook to reach out in love to the world. Please see http://christianinternetministry.com ( a ministry of ChristCares.org) for more information or to make a financial donation.

I believe a third strategic goal for Internet Ministry is to encourage other believers - praying for them and collaborating on ministry projects see ChristianInternetMinistry.com for more info.

Rev. Nyquist also shared that there is tremendous growth in the Christian Church around the world. In 1917 there was only an estimated 11,000 (evangelical) Christians in all of South America, now there is 90 million! Africa now has 182 million Christians and Kenya has a 45% Evangelical Christian population. There is great revival in Korea and China now has 125 million Christians. With the possible exception of the Chinese, there are ways that the American Church can reach out in love and encouragement through the Internet to these fellow Christians. I believe the Lord has given me vision and ideas how this could be done to some degree. At this point I am praying and asking God to provide the funding if he wants me to invest more time into Internet Ministry. I'd appreciate your prayer and comments - Web Evangelist Scott Reese - WebEvangelist@gmail.com

How to avoid Internet temptation

2009-09-07T20:40:00.014-05:00

A Fox News Article:

Christian Couples Staying Faithful on Facebook, Twitter
- Science News | Science
(How to avoid the temptations of the Internet)

Christian Couples Staying Faithful on Facebook, Twitter - Science News | Science & Technology | Technology News - FOXNews.com

(Posted using ShareThis)

The above article is about Christian couples sharing the same email address as a way of avoiding some of the temptations of the Internet.

I have two other suggestions:

1. Use a picture that also includes your spouce on your profile pages of your social networking communities like Facebook, MySpace etc. This makes an instant statement and impression.

See http://facebook.com/internetminister as an example.

2. There is also a FREE SOLUTION to greatly reduce Internet temptation.

It is not a web filtering program... the problem with filtering programs is daddy has the password!

There is a simple accountability software program that you can download at http://xxxchurch.com/.

After downloading, you select an accountability partner and submit their email address. Then once a week your accountability partner will get an email report of any potentially problem websites that you visited. If you choose to shut off the accountability software, then your accountability partner gets an email saying that you turned off the program.

For your protection, I suggest the use an alias while using this program - then the weekly report will not have your name attached to it. Your accountability partner will know who it is and that is the only purpose of the program.

Obviously your accountability partner should be someone who is spiritually mature. It is also important to observe if they talk or gossip about other people. If someone is a gossip, it is a spiritual problem and you should not be surprised when they talk about you - it is part of their fleshly nature... they do not understand the Spirit filled life. For some reason we foolishly think we will be an exception.

David was a man of great passion for God. However while alone on a rooftop he saw Bathsheba and you know the rest of the story...

Guys, put yourslef in David's place... on a rooftop and knowing that with a simple turning of the head, you could view Bathsheba, an incredibly beautiful woman... etc. Now imagine if your strong Christian friends were on the rooftop with you... it would be much easier to make the immediate proper choice - flee temptation ( a la Josepth) Don't ponder or play with temptation.

Today Bathsheba is only a 1 second click away. It would be wise to reduce temptation whether you are living victoriously or struggling. In a moment of strength, or even during a moment of guilt, go ahead, place a phone call, and ask a trusted Christian friend if he'd like to help keep you accountable...

In a spirit of humility let us pray for each other and encourage each other. Let us not just pray for victory but let us be willing to avoid the way of temptation.

(Read Proverbs 7 - HERE )

Proverbs 22:3

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

I Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Guys, Ladies, there is a way to escape temptation, are you willing to take it?

Web Evangelist Scott Reese

WebEvangelist@gmail.com

Web Evangelist Scott Reese Prayer Request 9/6/09

2009-09-07T20:40:00.004-05:00

Please pray that God will give me wisdom to share the need and awesome opportunities of Web Evangelism and Internet Ministry.

I am also looking for Christians who would be interested in funding or volunteering with a Christian Facebook type of site.

"Community with Purpose" - no suggestive ads and with a goal of fostering communication and collaberation in the Body of Christ.

See www.ChristianInternetMinistry.com for more information.

May the Lord bless you richly,

Web Evangelist, Scott Reese

Web Evangelist Prayer Request - MORE WORKERS IN THE FIELD!

2009-05-15T19:49:00.013-05:00

CHRSTCARES .ORG

Web Evangelist Scott Reese is developing a website to recruit volunteers for Web Evangelism, and Christian Internet Ministry.

See http://christcares.org/ for more information and videos of Christian Testimonies of lives touched by the gospel. BODY OF CHRIST CARES promotes volunteerism not only for Christian Internet Ministry but also traditional missionary endeavors.

There is a lost world that GOD SO LOVES that needs to hear the GOOD NEWS of John 3:16.

As we consider this, it is our prayer that we will follow Christ's example of compassion. One of my favorite passages is Matthew 9:36 - 38 when Christ viewed Jerusalem:

"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Across America and around the world, there are multitudes who are weary, without direction, yet open to the gospel. They need to know that GOD CARES.

We believe that the world will know that God cares when it sees that the BODY OF CHRIST CARES.

Across America and around the world there are many wonderful & dedicated churches, organizations, missionaries, and Christian individuals that are endeavoring to make a difference. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few - they are in great need of help.

There are unprecedented mission opportunities now to get the gospel out to this world of over six billion! We must pray that the Lord will send more workers into this ripe harvest field!

OUR CHALLENGE: AS YOU PRAY, REMEMBER AS A MEMBER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST - YOU HAVE A UNIQUE ROLE IN THE HARVEST FIELD.

We must not just fill our lives with the leisure and luxury of America during this time of reaping. Every individual in the BODY OF CHRIST is important and is crafted by God for unique ministry (Eph. 2:10).

We believe that there is now a great move of God, a revival that is bigger than any individual or organization. We believe that there is a multitude of Christians that are tired of playing church and want to be involved in practical ministry - making a difference in someones life.

There is an inner restlessness. Christians were created to serve (to love God and others). When one is not actively involved in sharing one's faith (through word or deed) there is an inner restlessness.

Imagine a beautiful Thoroughbred Horse inside a brand new barn filled with all the "horse comforts" possible: plenty of hay, water, and food. Imagine though what would happen if the barn doors were locked closed and were never opened. Even though the horse had a comfortable atmosphere, it would become restless because the Thoroughbred horse was created to run. Christians who are not involved in ministry are in the same situation - because we were created to serve. Although it does not make sense to our fleshly mind, it is more blessed to give than receive!

CHRIST CARES seeks to address a unique and unusual need: THERE IS A MYRIAD OF CHRISTIANS THAT WANT TO VOLUNTEER SOME WHERE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE, HOWEVER SINCE THE BODY OF CHRIST IS SO DIVIDED MANY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHERE TO GO. WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE AND EMPOWER YOU TO GET INVOLVED AND CONNECT YOU WITH MEANINGFUL AND PRACTICAL OPPORTUNITIES TO VOLUNTEER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Christ Cares is a Christian Organization that promotes reconciliation and collaboration in the BODY OF CHRIST.

CHRIST CARES seeks to encourage Christian lay people to become involved in ministry and provides practical Christian volunteer opportunities. Body of Christ Cares seeks to expand it's vision and out reach to other cities- please contact me if you'd like to help or if you think we can be of service to you-

"FRESH NEWS" ABOUT CHRIST CARES IS FOUND AT THE CHRIST CARES BLOG.

CHRIST CARES seeks to empower ministries - if your ministry needs volunteers, let us know so we can help spread the word:

Web Evangelist Scott Reese

WebEvangelist@gmail.com

VIDEO - Vision of CHRIST CARES

Web Evangelist update - New Internet Ministry opportunities for missions

2009-01-10T10:15:00.007-06:00

The Internet is fast becoming more accessible to the world's poorest 3 billion.

This presents many obvious opportunities for missions.

Also, many people wish they could go back in time to develop key social networking, local activities and informational websites. Being first to set something in place gives you a key advantage. Christians now have a wonderful opportunity to develop key bridgesites (see bridgesites.org) in the emerging markets of Africa, Asia, and South America. Visit http://christianinternetministry.com/ to donate, collaborate, or to get ideas for Web Evangelism and Internet Ministry.

Please view CNN's video report on the O3B Initiative:

Contact Web Evangelist and Internet Minister Scott Reese at WebEvangelist@gmail.com

Another helpful Christian website with information on a soon to be developed Christian Social Network and along with a witnessing bridgesite social networking site can be found: HERE

Why support a Web Evangelist?

2008-10-20T04:43:00.020-05:00

Why support a Web Evangelist? Lesson 1

From: InternetMinister, 5 hours ago

Christian Internet Ministry

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: witnessing outreach)

A preview of http://christianinternetministry.com/

Lesson 1. Why Christian Internet Ministry is important. By Internet Minister Scott Reese. Web Evangelism presentation.

SlideShare Link

Firefox & Safari browesers - Please view in Internet Explorer if you don't hear the sound files.

A tax deductible monthly donation of only $5 a month can make a difference and empower Reconciliation Resource Ministries (ChristCares.org), a Christian 501c3 non profit organization, to develop its Web Evangelism endeavors.

Please see, ChristianInternetMinistry.com for more information.

Search terms to help people find this Web Evangelism Blog by Web Evangelist Scott Reese: web evangelist, web ministry, web evangelism, internet evangelism, Internet Ministry, Christian Internet Ministry, Online Ministry, Scott Reese, Christian blogging, missions, internet minister, Internet missionary.

Web Evangelist Scott Reese update

2008-09-17T00:37:00.006-05:00

I want to thank the many people who have prayed for me. I hope many of my "old readers" put me in their Christian RSS list since I have not written in a long time.

I praise God for his goodness and his mercy! I posted on my website a brief summary of the miraculous way God has been merciful to me: HERE

I still have a great interest and passion for Web Evangelism and see how the Internet could be used in powerful ways for the kingdom.

I have not been able to share this vision well or perhaps it is not God's timing yet because I have not been able to secure funding for these endeavors.

On a weekly basis I spend an evening at the Roseland Christian Ministries homeless shelter for ladies and their children. I have a wonderful time sharing Gods love to 25 to 85 children (and I strongly recommend this ministry). Anyway, if I share this or other of my urban ministry endeavors with Christians, there seems to be understanding, interest, and a desire to help.

That is contrasted to blank stares or a chuckle when when I share that Internet Ministry can be used in a powerful and inexpensive way to get the gospel to the lost. I also think it's greatest potential could be to build "community" within a congregation and also as a tool for Christians with similar passions to colaberate for the kingdom. Also think of how the Internet and camera phones can connect us with our missionaries...

It dawned on me that part of the reason I have been "a voice crying in the wilderness" for the past 7 years or so is because I really haven't shared the vision in a clear way. It is crystal clear in my own mind, but when I talk about the need for Web Evangelists most people are thinking in terms of their church website ... and I agree that usually is not something to get too excited about!

I decided the best way to share this vision was to put it in DVD form. I got off to a good start but now my DVD drive is not working properly, my computer has slowed along with an error message that my "hard drive is about to fail". Soooooooo I definately would appreciate your prayers for me as I try to finish up this project.

I also would be interested in any input on how to best cast a vision for web evangelism / ministry in a way that would be understood, especially by the over 40 crowd.

You can contact me, Rev. Scott Reese at: webevangelist@gmail.com

Internet Minister Update & Andy Stanley...

2006-08-11T01:00:00.001-05:00

For over 30 years (starting at age 13) I have had the privilege of sharing the GOOD NEWS to the poor, poverty stricken areas of Chicagoland. In addition to my Urban Ministry efforts (http://christcares.org),

I believe the Lord has given me a clear vision on how to inspire and empower regular church going Christians to share their faith online.

I have a special burden to create bridge sites (http://bridgesites.org) which would develop online communities around areas of interest (hobbies, sport teams, causes, occupations, common experiences - like support for those who lost loved ones or who are facing cancer, movies, music, age groups, such as seniors, etc.). These community groups (http://christiancommunitygroups.com), would allow christians to enjoy their area of interest and also allow them to connect, relate to, and form relationships with those who don't know our Savior (and also probably would not have any interest in attending a church service or surfing the thousands of typical Christian websites.)

I envisioned my ministry responsibilities to soon have a significant portion dedicated to these efforts. Nearly a year ago, I started sharing this vison, by starting this blog (http://webevangelist.blogspot.com) and http://internetminister.org (- a great place to learn about Internet Evangelism and Internet Ministry.) I was encouraged by the response to these efforts - I still find it amazing to have someone on the other side of the world contact me and thank me for encouraging them in the Lord in some way. However, to this point I have not had any mission committees or Christian Individuals capture the vision to support these efforts financially. I really believe "where God guides, He provides" so I have patiently sought the Lord for direction to see if these are my plans or His. I still clearly feel that the Lord is calling me to share the vision/burden he has placed upon my heart. Many times in my life the Lord has revealed to me a clear direction or vison of ministry and I just had to hold on to it until it was His timing.

Three examples come to mind ...

EXAMPLE 1:

At about age 20 the Lord laid it upon my heart to start a church in the poorest suburb of America - we had a very humble beginning ... we started in a government housing project living room and a chitlin bucket with a towel on top was one of my first pulpits. God also gave me a clear vison of a large church and gymnasium, I even took out pencil and paper and scketched it... years later, I came across a church that looked very similar to the one I had drawn - to make a long story short ... through a series of miracles and the kindness of the Mid-West Baptist Conference we were able to purchase this building for $25,000 - with a large auditorium, full court basketball gym, kitchen, a dozen Sunday School Classrooms etc.! $25,000 was to our poor church like two million for other churches. The Lord worked it out so that we were given full acess to the building and given a year to come up with a downpayment of a couple thousand, and then told just to make monthly payments on the rest of the balance of whatever we could afford (& that there would be no interest). God raised up a powerful church there and after a 17 year process, I turned the ministry over to an African-American Pastor. The church continues to have an impact today...

EXAMPLE 2:

Many years ago the Lord placed upon my heart the concept of having an area-wide event called "Taste of Reconciliation". This event would promote unity and cooperation in the body of Christ... It would consist of a time of first - food and fellowship - free ethnic food of various types, games, and various cultural haritage booths, followed by a multi-cultural worship service (along with a good message from the WORD) . For 3 - 4 years I shared this vision but no one seemed to get excited about it. Finally I found a partner to team up with (Living Springs Community Church of Glenwood, Illinois) and last Sunday I'm gald to report we had our 4th annual "Taste of Reconciliation". Five to six hundred people or more showed up and we had a powerful service where it was not just a fun musical but a time where God touched and inspired hearts in a deep and significant way.

EXAMPLE 3:

For some time now I have been pleading with "church folk" about the importance of Internet Ministry and how we can empower congregations to invest a small portion of their week sharing their faith Online instead of watching T.V.

Cults, false religions, te rror organizations, etc. are using the Internet very effectively for their causes... In this time of uncertainty and fear, we have wonderful, urgent, GOOD NEWS, to share. We have a very inexpensive medium to get it out - the Internet! We now have the capacity of empowering "lay people" to share their faith to some of the ONE BILLION souls online. For some reason, I have not yet connected with those who see this vison and would like to team up to see it happen. I believe God has given me insights and skills on how to see this happen, yet In need to wait for God's timing and provision.

* Many of you may have noticed that I have gone several months without posting a blog or further developing our websites. This summer I have been dealt several special & difficult circumstances - health issues, house & vehicle issues - seems like everything is breaking down, family issues, a need to provide an adequate income for my family etc. - so I have had to make my faimily and a few other things the priority in my life. So at this time, my "Internet Ministry" time is limited - yet since I believe my time limitations is due to obdeience to God given responsibilities, that God will continue these efforts (If they be of God and Not Scott Reese). It has been interesting to see that during these past few months while I have had hardly any time to invest in these efforts, that I have received probably about 30 to 50 requests from people who are interested in our Web Evangelism efforts (possible volunteers).

* It is amazing ... yet I still have some pressing family needs which will not allow me to invest much time in these Internet Ministry efforts for a while. I know a key to having a good blog is consistent writing and I am looking forward to agressively get this up and going again, in God's timing.

* Please note the following plan...

PHASE ONE (A): RESOURCES TO LEARN ABOUT INTERNET EVANGELISM ARE FOUND AT: www.internetminister.org (completed thanks to the resources provided by Tony Whittiker, the Internet Evangelism Coaltion, & Gospelcom.net )

PHASE ONE (B) WHILE YOU ARE WAITING FOR ME TO COMPLETE PHASE TWO

PLEASE:

1) Pray for these efforts 2) Pray that if it be the Lord's will that He will also provide the funding and the clearing of time in my schedule for these efforts 3) Consider how you can help Phase Two become a reality. 4) While waiting, continue to learn about internet evngelism by following the links on our sites 5) While waiting, for our "PHASE TWO" - explore some other good Internet Ministries (see my previous post) and see how you can get involved now and gain experience. 6) For those of you who do feel a pull in your heart to help in these efforts, please drop me an email about how I can best pray for you. It is my desire to empower those who team up with me, to your fullest potential for God,(& not just to be some short term volunteer in my big ministry scheme.) Although my time is limited, I do want to know, care, and share community those who I will be partnering with.

PHASE TWO: As soon as God provides the time, resources, and /or volunteers to:

Launch community websites (message boards etc.) for the various community groups or mission focus areas so Christian volunteers can start interacting with each other, and collaberating on how to go about developing their specific "Bridge Site".

PHASE THREE: Will be the actual launching of these bridge websites to develop community and to share the good news ... (I also have a phase 4 & 5 but let's get through 1-3 first)

+ A SPECIAL NOTE: Thanks to a gift from a concerned pastor, today I was able to attend "The Leadership Summit" / Conference produced by Willow Creek and Bill Hybels. I attended at Faith Church of Dyer, IN., where Bob Bouwer is pastor.

Andy Stanley was a speaker that really blessed my heart. He shared about the importance of those who have a passion for ministry to keep their role as a husband / father a priority and not to allow our passion for ministry to crowd into our unique and most important roles. It is a matter of faith... So often I think if I don't work hard enough, this whole thing will come unglued and fall apart. Often things seem to take me longer than they should so I make up for this by working longer hours. Andy Stanleys session was a call to:

faith, not to fear;

God's ministry, not my plans;

"being" not "doing";

obeying God's commands, not trying to help God out;

ministering to your family as a priority over ministering to everyone else.

Although I have been attempting positive change in these areas, my heart was really convicted. My family is at a unique situation where they need tons of time from their husband and daddy. Please pray with me that the Lord will grant me the faith and strength to come through for them. As far as this Internet Ministry, and my other ministry endeavors - I put them on God's altar - may His will be done.

Web Evangelist Scott Reese - Internet Minister.

webevangelist@gmail.com

(Missions, evangelism, witnessing, blogging, Web Evangelism, web ministry, online evangelism, online ministry, missionaries, dononation, 501c3, giving, volunteer, christian, faith, are all search terms to help people find this article.)

Internet Evangelism Resources

2006-05-08T14:19:00.000-05:00

Internet Evangelism Resources:

Prayerfully this week after Internet Evangelism Day, there is a multitude of people searching for Internet Evangelism Resources. I thought I would list some of the Web Evangelism links and Internet Ministry Resources that I have found helpful.

Internet Evangelism Links:

(Our websites:)

http://internetminister.org - a good starting place to learn about Internet Evangelism.

http://bridgesites.org - Learn about the "Bridge Site Strategy". Your hobbies, and interests can be used to "bridge" into the world of those who don't know the Lord.

http://christiancommunitygroups.com - Volunteer to share your faith online and help develop an effective, evangelistic Bridge Site.

http://internetministry.info - Our version of Toni Whittaker's web-evangelism guide.

http://blogministry.org - Learn how to write an evangelistic blog.

http://familywebtips.org - information on keeping your computer a blessing, not a distracting temptation.

http://christcares.org - Reconciliation Resource Ministries, the 501c3 Christian non profit organization that sponsors www.internetminister.org .

http://howtobeachristian.org - How to become a Christian.

http://godinfo.info - Ask a Christian Minister questions about God and Christianity.

OTHER INTERNET EVANGELISM LINKS, RESOURCES, AND IDEAS:

Tony Whittaker - A (the) leader in developing Internet Evangelism Material - http://www.soon.org.uk

http://webevangelism.com - The Internet Evangelism Coalition - training, ideas, sponsor of the Internet Evangelism Day, and great annual "Internet Evangelism Conference" in Chicago every September - I highly recommend the Internet Evangelism Conference.

http://iec.gospelcom.net/otoe/index.php - Internet Evangelism Coalition's Web Evangelism training.

http://whoisjesus.org - The gospel in many languages.

http://gospelcom.net - a leader in online ministry. Their annual GospelCom Conference has been an inspirtation to me.

http://nowtrygod.com - questions and answers about God. Sponsored by Gospelcom.net and the I.E.C.

http://growinginchrist.com - An excelent place to send new believers, sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ.

http://evangelismtoolbox.com - many evangelism resources.

http://www.digitracts.com/ - online evangelism presentations and resources.

The American Tract Society ( http://www.atstracts.org/ ), The Pocket Testament League ( http://www.pocketpower.org/ ), and The World Home Bible League ( http://www.bibleleague.com/ ) ALL HAVE LOW COST WTNESSING MATERIALS, Great to mail to website visitors...

http://www.everystudent.com/ - For "seeking" college students.

http://cybertracts.net/ and http://fishthe.net/ - have many cyber / online witnessing links and resources.

http://www.christian-web-masters.com/ - Christian Web Master - help and ideas.

http://www.truthmedia.com/ - Web Evangelism / Internet Evangelism training.

http://peggiesplace.com - a good example of what can be done!

Annie's Bee a missionary - http://www.annieshomepage.com/

http://e-vangelism.com - Internet Evangelism Author Andrew Careaga.

http://bible.org - Digital, copywrite free, Bible. Bible Study helps etc.

http://strategicdigitaloutreach.com - Frank Johnson and Dave Dias; a great Web Evangeism Blog.

http://www.newchristian.org.uk/ - Brian Johnson's new believers info.

http://cybermissions.org - John Edmiston's Cyber Mission Training.

http://ie-21stcentury.com/ - Internet Evangelism Conference at Liberty University - DVD and streaming media training available.

http://ourchurch.com -See the "Christian Web Trends" - Paul Steinbruick & others keep you updated on Internet Evangelism Strategies.

http://biblegateway - Add Bible Study resources to your website.

Billy Graham online Spiritual help - http://billygraham.org/SpiritualHelp_Index.asp

Evangelism Explosion - http://www.eeinternational.org/

If you are "cutting and pasting" this resource, don't forget to add:

"The Adventures of a Web Evangelist"

- Web Evangelist Scott Reese shares his thoughts on Web Evangelism - http://webevangelist.blogspot.com .

I plan on adding more Internet Evangelism Resources, but I'm sure this is enough to keep you busy for a while.

These Internet Evangelism ideas are also posted at:

http://webevangelism.net and

http://internetevangelismideas.org .

Please contact me if I can be of a help in any way:

Scott Reese : webevangelist@gmail.com

Search Terms to help people find this Internet Evangelism Blog are: Internet Evangelism, Web Evangelism. online ministry, Internet Ministry, Christian Web Ministries, Internet ministers, internet missionary, internet missionaries, witnessing, evangelism volunteer opportunities, missions, missions committee, share your faith, Net Evangelism, Internet Church, Internet ministries, outreach ideas, witnessing, christian blog ministry, bridge site strategy, online evangelism, apologetic resources, links, resources, ideas, and please pray for us - we want God glorified and His Good News published to this lost world. John 3:16, testimonies, and Romans Road.

International Web Ministry Strategy - UPDATE

2006-04-08T02:52:00.001-05:00

We are excited to share that the "International Web Ministry Strategy" that we previously shared here in our blog is now a reality! We appreciate your prayers... God has given us many ideas and we're thrilled to see some of them now coming to fruition.

*We are starting at two locations: Uganda and India!

*We are now helping support fine local pastors in Uganda and India evangelize their communities and also teaming together to develop Web Ministry Strategies and Websites for evangelism and discipleship in India and Uganda.

First, if you haven't already done so, please read my original post:

International Web Ministry Strategy

Since the 1800's and before, the Mission Strategy of most churches was to send missionaries throughout the world to establish churches and do the work of the ministry.
This will always be a viable and important mission strategy.
The world we live in has greatly changed and with these changes come awesome opportunities for sharing the gospel. There is a need for a major paradigm shift to effectively face these changes.

There are three important strategies that a Mission Committee should consider while formulating an effective Mission Strategy in this new world.

Reconciliation Resource Ministries uniquely has combined these three strategies into a single program that can be supported through designated funds to RRM.

WE CALL ESPECIALLY ON THE PROSPEROUS CHURCHES OF THE UNITED STATES TO PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER "RRM's International Mission Strategy":
(It is also our desire that those urban churches that RRM is resourcing, will consider that compared to most churches in the world, you are prosperous. Although the church has many financial needs it, it would be a wonderful thing to start a small mission budget and take part in the wonderful process of taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the world.)

RRM's "International Web Ministry Strategy" incorporates all three mission strategies into one program.

1. SUPPORT OF NATIONAL / NATIVE MISSIONARIES.

* National / Native Missionaries are better equipped for effective ministry. They better understand the culture, customs, and needs of the missionfield. They already have a network of friends and contacts established. They have a hunger and thirsting to know God and to serve them. The old prideful paradigm that native nationals are not educated enough for effective ministry MUST BE THROWN OUT!!!

* it is much more cost effective to support native missionaries. Funds are limited. Consider that for the same amount of funds it would take to send and support ONE new American missionary in a foriegn land, 5, 10,15, OR MAYBE UP TO 75 FULL TIME MISSIONARIES CAN BE SUPPORTED. There are some mission fields where a full time missionary can be supported for only $60 - $100 a month! It depends on the region, but in much of the world, a full time national missionary can be supported for less than $700 a month.

Let me use myself as an example, RRM is only able to provide me with a disaster Health Insurance plan ($7,500 deductible) for me and my family - yet this still costs $550 a month. For the same amount of money to pay for my health insurance coverage, 7 full time native missionaries could be supported at $75 a month, TO SHARE THE GOSPEL IN SOME OF THE POOREST AND MOST OPEN MISSIONFIELDS IN THE WORLD.

Another example, I have a "friend" who ministers in a country where the cost of living is very high. It costs well over $100,000.00 a year for her to teach missionary children and to be a blessing to those she comes across. The same amount of money to support this one American Missionary, over 80 full time native missionaries could be supported at $100 a month, or 16 full time missionaries at $500 a month.

* Please don't mistake what I am saying, "American Missionaries" are of vital importance, and need to continue to be supported! I also believe missionaries should be paid well. When someone is willing to leave the comforts of home and endure the dangers and hassels of the missionfield, the last thing in the world they need to face is financial pressure. When a missionary retires after a life of sacrificial service they should be able to retire in comfort. Workmen are worthy ... a double portion ... What I am saying is that in this world there is a huge disparity on the cost of living. Because of this disparity, full time native missionaries can be supported for a small monthly amount. Churches should consider adding RRM's mission strategy to their mission budget.

* I just got off the phone with Pastor Mark of Uganda, you would not believe how excited he and his congregation are to be receiving $60 a month. They are praising God for my vision and willingness to partner with them - $60 a month, not 600 or 6000.

2. Internet Ministry

We are in the midst of an new communication revolution.

The basic ways people communicate, get information, are entertained, find friends and connect with community are all being changed by the Internet.

Every day more people are turning to their computer (Internet) as their method to seek out news and information.

Evil organizations and causes are using the Internet in powerful ways to further their causes. The church must not be left in the dust on this new technology. Nearly 1 Billion people are online now.

Many American Christians just don't realize just how lost this world is! In much of the world "Christianity" is a small, misunderstood religion.

Internet Evangelism provides a low cost method to get the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world.

There are many strategies and methods for Internet Evangelism. I have devoted entire websites to them so please browse the following links to learn more of the exciting potential of Web Evangelism:
http://bridgesites.org/
http://internetministry.info/
http://internetevangelismday.info/
http://webevangelist.blogspot.com/
http://internetminister.org/ and it's links for information on Internet Evangelism.
http://guide.gospelcom.net/resources/creative.php

3. Collaborative Efforts

For too long there has been a lack of communication and cooperation between good Bible believing ministries. Denominational beliefs are important yet we must embrace and support the entire body of Christ.

Reese's paraphrase of I Cor. 12:21
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need for you, you are not in my denomination!"
And the head cannot sat to the feet, "I don't need you, you are not part of my specific mission organization!"

We need each other. We are teammates not competitors!

Often there are mission organizations ministering in the same area, yet have no communication with each other. We must understand the urgency of the hour and unite under the banner of God's love.

I had a friend to to Iraq to plant churches. In an area like that, when Christians cross paths, they don't spend their time and effort arguing about minor issues. They see clearly the great need of the Nation and work together. They pray for each other and encourage each other.

A priority should be give to our own particular denomination's mission efforts, yet we must also keep our eyes open on the big picture and have a willingness to strategically work together.

Reconciliation Resource Ministries combiines these three mission strategies into a single program.

We call in our "International Web Ministry strategy" and is supported by designated gifts to Reconciliation Resource Ministries, a 501c3 Christian Non Profit Organization.

We are now launching this pilot program and would appreciate your prayers. We would also love to expand this program as soon as we receive a commitment for more designated funds for this project.

We are still working out the details but we are starting with two missionary families, one in India, the other in Uganda. Since both of these missionary families serve in areas of possible persecution we will not place their last names on the Internet. Those who actually support this project through designated funds will be able to actually be in first hand communication with them through email and phone.

Team One - Uganda Africa - Mark & Ruth

While ministering in the Roseland area of Chicago, I had a devine appointment - As I walked out the door of a church I was helping, I saw Bishop Leonard. We talked and I soon found out that he was a minister from Uganda who now was ministering on the North Side of Chicago. We talked and prayed together. I shared with him this mission strategy and have met with him several times discussing it. He has many close contacts in Uganda and visits there regularly. He will help oversee our Uganda Teams. He is an amazing guy, he speaks three languages: English, Luganda, and Chinese; and has been a minister for over 25 years.

Mark and Ruth minister in the city of Kampala, Uganda.

Mark is planting a church. The congregation is now at about 30 and they meet at a local school. They are very active in evangelism and also meeting the felt needs of their community. The church has 4 services a week and the also regularly send out a team to distribute food and to visit those in the hospital.

Ruth works for a Christian organization in town and has access to the Internet there. Lucy also has a B.S. in Communication Skills and speaks three languages: Luganda, French, and English. Lucy will be working with me (Scott Reese - http://internetminister.org/) to develop strategies and websites to minister in Africa.

They are a wonderful, dedicated Christian couple making a difference in Africa.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have raised a designated amount of $100 per month for our Uganda Mission Team.
We are grateful to Living Grace Church for pledging $80 per month and an individual $20.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The basic distribution breakdown will be as follows:

$60 per month to Mark and Lucy to help suppliment their income and provide for special ministry needs.

$15 per month to Bishop Leonard for his help in encouraging and overseeing our Uganda team.

$25 per month towards the expenses of developing and promoting an Uganda Web Ministry as well as covering the transfer to wire the money to Uganda.

We hope to increase funding and also would like to open an "Internet cafe" in Kampala.
For information on what an "Internet Cafe" is, see John Edmiston's website at http://cybermissions.org/ .
We plan on updating you on this project as well as share special needs.

We do have an immediate need of an additional $25 a month to purchase an internetional calling cards to help us in our communication efforts. Although we are looking into Internet phone service options.

Team Two - India - Pastor Jacob & Missionary Murma

I met Pastor Jacob at the Internet Evangelism Conference in Chicago this past September. He spent many months in America raising funds for his ministry efforts in India. Since he spent most fo his time in the Chicago area, I was able to spend a bunch of time with him and develop a deep friendship.

I already have posted three blog articles on Pastor Jacob, the needs of India, and our strategy to help get the GOOD NEWS to India:
http://webevangelist.blogspot.com/2005/11/pastor-jacob.html
http://webevangelist.blogspot.com/2005/10/india-needs-you.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are starting India ministry support at $110 per month.

We are grateful that an individual donated the designated funds for March and April to help jumpstart this project. We are praying that a church or a few Christians will be willing to take on this commitment starting in May.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The basic distribution breakdown will be as follows:

$45 a month to pay for the Internet Expenses of pastor Jacob. In return, Pastor Jacob will help me develop some ministry websites targeting India. Pastor Jacob will also help over see our team efforts in India, starting with a minister named Murma.

$60 a month will go to missionary Murma. Murma is a dedicated servent of the Lord. He has a wife, Rita, and a daughter. He ministers in one of the poorest areas of India. Murma does not speak English. Murma is very dedicated to evangelizing India and has paid a terrible price for his efforts. Several years ago he was passing out gospel tracts on a train. Religious extremists then attacked Murma and threw him off the train. To this day Murma has lost much of the use of one of his arms as a result of this incident, yet he is not bitter, only more determined to serve his Savior.

(We should remember Murma when we feel fearful to pass out a tract. I also want to add that I believe that passing out tracts and witnessing to strangers are not outdated forms of witnessing. There seems to be such an emphasis on feel good Christianity that personal evangelism is looked down upon as something only for radicals. People are so afraid they might offend someone by telling them the truth. To me it's like someone knowing that a bridge is out but not trying to flag down any approaching cars in fear of being misunderstood.

Just this week I received an email from someone that I witnessed to in the streets over 25 years ago while I was a teenager. She looked me up on the Internet to thank me and also to let me know that not only has she been attending church faithfully these past 25 years but she is also very involved in ministry. She and her husband Pick up and transport about 30 kids from a poverty stricken neighborhood to church every Sunday and she is also the Assistant Woman's Missionary Society President for one of the largest churches in the United States. More on this in a different post...)

Anyway we would like to increase this support and we are praying that the Lord will raise up someone to continue to make our efforts in India possible.

There are many other needs for our India team and there are a host of other National Ministers we'd like to empower as the Lord provides.

Please contact me for more details:
Scott Reese
WebEvangelist@gmail.com

10/16/2011 PS- I now work for Christ Cares not RRM - Also we may choose to work with other missionaries, but the concept is still good and in place.

Please see additional information included in the "comments".

Also, missions, missionary, missionaries, native, national, christian, Internet Evangelism, Web Evangelism, witnessing, are search terms to help people find this post.

Internet Evangelism Day - Free Resources

2006-04-08T01:55:00.000-05:00

Internet Evangelism Day is May 7, 2006.

Internet Evangelism Day is A worldwide focus day to help the Church understand effective strategies for online outreach.

Internet Evangelism Day is sponsored by the Internet Evangelism Coalition.

Please pray that the Lord will use this focus day to increase understanding of and participation in Internet Evangelism.

Web Evangelist, Scott Reese, along with http://Internetminister.org will be providing free church bulletin inserts that explain Web Evangelism that can be passed out on this strategic day.

For those following our ministry, this would be a wonderful opportunity to share with others our Internet Evangelism efforts. We have websites that explain various aspects of Internet Evangelism and we will also have http://bridgesites.org live by I.E.Day. At bridgesites.org many practical opportunities will be listed for individuals to get involved in online web evangelism.

Information on the free Church Bulletin inserts and Internet Evangelism Day can be found at:

http://internetevangelismday.info

Additional resources can be found at the official Internet Evangelism Day Website:

http://internetevangelismday.org

Email me if you have any questions,

Scott Reese
WebEvangelist@gmail.com

How to be a Christian

2006-04-08T01:18:00.000-05:00

Are you searching for information on how to be a Christian?

Possibly you are curious about Christianity but you really don't have anyone to talk to about it.

Please visit http://howtobeachristian.org .

Not only will you find helpful information, you will be put in contact with a Christian Minister who would love to personally explain not only how to be a Christian, but also help with any other religious questions you may have or situations you are facing.

Whether you are lonely and just need someone to talk to, or if you would like to discuss problems you have with Christians or Christianity, please go to http://howtobeachristian.org .

Ask God to reveal himself to you and determine that you will seek after truth... God is real and He does care... and He will reveal Himself to those who seek after Him with an open mind.

The Bible says in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." Christ also said that He came to give us abundent (fulfilling) life and a deep abiding peace that can not be fully explained, only experienced.

Christianity is about restoring your relationship with God. It is not just a list of creeds to open and sins to avoid. Our prayers are with you... please visit: http://howtobeachristian.org now.

Thank you,

Web Evangelist, Scott Reese

"How to be a Christian", "How to become a Christian", Christianity, questions about God, questions about religion, "why", "what", proofs, problems, faith, "born again", salvation, saved, are all search terms to help people find this post.

Evangelism News Flash!!!

2006-03-14T14:42:00.000-06:00

A provacative and fascinating article on Internet Evangelism is found here. Sorry, I'm not able to include flash in this blog so please read the article HERE:
http://internetminister.org/evangelism_billboards_small.html

Other news: Official Launch Date for http://internetminister.org and http://bridgesites.org will be Thursday, May 4.

Funny but true: Yesterday a search on google found 10,900,000 results for WEB EVANGELIST and we had the number one ranking!

Please continue to pray for us.

Scott Reese - Web Evangelist & Urban Missionary

Internet Ministry, witnessing, missions, web evangelism, web evangelist, Internet Evangelism, are terms to help people find this article.

Prayer Request

2006-03-09T03:32:00.000-06:00

A quick note for those following "the Adventures of a Web Evangelist". My family is facing some health related emergencies - I'd appreciate your prayers.

I'm really stretched, hope to finish up www.internetminister.org this month.

Thanks,
Scott Reese

Christian Fund Raising

2006-02-21T10:51:00.002-06:00

Fund Raising, ( i.e. support raising & "friend raising"), is a challenging responsibility most missionaries face.

Most missionaries would prefer to invest their time and energy into the work that God has called them into. We would like to be like George Mueller who never sent out an appeal letter - he simply prayed and God miraculously provided. We also realize that sharing what we are doing can have many positive effects. It can bring increased awareness and involvement into our particular mission field. It can also garner the prayer of multitudes, which is the foundation of any truly spiritual work. Sharing our mission can inspire others to take up the torch and become missionaries themselves.

I can remember as a little boy hearing a missionary speak and it really touched my heart. That night when my parents put me to bed I said, "mom, dad, when I grow up I think I want to be a missionary." The next day the missionary spoke again and also showed pictures of natives running around with machetes and it really scared me. That night when I went to bed I said "mom, dad, I don't think I want to be a missionary - a guy can get hurt that way, I think I just want to be a pastor like dad." I ended up doing both - I was pastor of an urban church for about 18 years.

Anyway, a missionary sharing his mission can help open the eyes of people to see the great need of getting the gospel out to the lost. It can awaken their hearts and stir their spirit. Christ said to the disciples, "open up your eyes, the fields are ripe ready for harvest." Hearts can be stirred and challenged by a vision. A missionary sharing his ministry can inspire Christians who have been living in their Christian ghetto to open up their eyes. There is a big world outside the sphere of our Christian friends.

We, as missionaries, must foster and encourage others to a closer personal relationship with Christ. Out of a passionate relationship with Christ comes a desire to make Him known: a desire to share one's faith and to support mission efforts. Any witnessing or mission giving that comes from other motives will soon fade away. I received a wonderful book in the mail today from the EFCA. It is entitled, "Growing Giver's Hearts - Treating Fundraisng as Ministry", by Thomas H. Jeavons and Rebekah Burch Basinger. It is a great book both for missionaries and for donors. It explores the dynamic interplay between encouraging spiritual development of donors and raising essential resources.

While we share our mission, there are at least 6 pitfalls we as missionaries are tempted with and should avoid:

1. We must not manipulate others into giving. Using guilt or other motives to inspire someone to give is not right. Share what God has called us to do and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.

2. We must not sell our ministry as being better than all other ministries. We must not have a scarcity mentality. God has enough resources for all that he has called into ministry. We must not look at our fellow missionaries as competitors. There is a wide variety of spiritual needs and there needs to be a wide variety of ministries to minister to these needs.

3. We must not promise anything we can not deliver and we should not twist the promises of God for our personal benefit. I've seen some ministers promise if you give money to their particular ministry that you would get 100 times that amount back, or that any prayer request you make would be answered. I've always wondered if they truly believed that why don't they give all their money (including their Mercedes and Lexus) to another Christian ministry and receive 100 times back what they gave. Why if they did that a couple times they'd have enough money to buy the private jets etc. that they need and wouldn't have to beg senior citizens to give $25 dollars.

Giving from a grateful heart is a personal expression of love to our wonderful savior - it is not a guaranteed slot machine. It is a way to participate in the mission of getting the GOOD NEWS to the lost and we will be rewarded. Jesus said, "Lay not up for yourself treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust corrupts, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, ... For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also." (Matthew 6: 19 -21) . Giving affects our heart - it is an act of faith of trusting in and operating in God's ways and not the fleshly, lustful ways of this world system. It is in this context that Christ says in verse 25 that, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other ... You can not serve God and money."

I like what Paul said to his faithful supporters in Philippians 4: 14 - 20. "But it was right and commendable and noble of you to contribute for my needs ... I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit...They (the offerings) are the fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and which He delights. And my God will liberally supply your every need according to His riches glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. - Amplified Bible.

4. We must not exaggerate but portray the truth. There is a tremendous pressure put on missionaries to produce and to be judged by modern business standards of success. There is an emphasis on numbers and statistics. It is important for a mission organization to be transparent in its ministry efforts. It is also important for donors to use wisdom and the spirit's guidance while evaluating. Jeremiah was so "unsuccessful" for a while that not only were the people not heeding his message but they also put him in a pit.

5. We must not cry "crisis" with every communication. Several years ago I evaluated my quarterly newsletter. I noticed an emphasis on the various crises we were facing. I realized partly through the post traumatic stress of going through about 100 murders of people I knew and various dangerous and high pressure situations - the majority of my newsletter was focusing on all these terrible things and the various crises we were facing: How we didn't have enough money to provide activities for poor children while some local drug dealers were spending $5,000 a pop for activities for the area youth. Very little space was given to the souls that were being saved and to the kids who were making the right choices in life. I've tried to make the adjustment.

Everything is a matter of perspective. I have been raising support as a missionary (http://christcares.org) for 20 years. It has been especially difficult the past couple of years. It looks like adding Internet Evangelism as major component of our ministry is causing concern with many of our key supporting churches. Either God will raise up new supporters soon or it looks like I will need to find a secular job in order to provide for my wife and two girls. I do believe the best investment of my time is in full time ministry for my savior.

I am praying that God will touch hearts of individuals and churches to partner with our ministry. It is my prayer that this strategic ministry would get my full time efforts and that we would be able to develop a mighty team of Christians sharing their faith online (while still continuing some strategic urban ministry).

I want to do God's will whatever that may be. I have sacrificially ministered to the poor all my adult life and now I am excited about adding another strategic endeavor for the kingdom. I have a B.S. in Pastoral Theology and a Masters in Ministry. I believe I have valuable experience, knowledge, and gifts that can be used for God's glory but I need to be willing to follow HIM whatever the cost.

I also realize that in the whole scheme of things that my desire to raise funds is not a crisis. Those Christians who live in places like Sudan, Indonesia, etc. who are being persecuted and even killed for their faith - they are in crisis. The majoirty of the citizens of the world who make less than $50 a month - they are in crisis. The majority of the world who have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel - they are in crisis. Although it is not a crisis I would deeply appreciate your prayers.

6) We must ask God to keep our motives pure. Christ said in Matthew 6 that when we do our good deeds not to "sound the trumpets" to be seen and praised by man. We should do them in secret unto the Father who sees in secret. There is great pressure to grab the camera and printing press to proclaim to our supporters the good deeds being done. Prayer for wisdom is needed to find the right balance between the important need for donors to see what is happening and also the need to not take personal credit for the good works being done. When ministering to the poor there is also another issue that is hard to describe but it is sometimes demeaning to a person to photograph them while they are in the depths of poverty and depression.

We need to share past victories and yet not put ourselves on a pedestal. At the age of 13 I began to aggressively share my faith in poor gang filled communities. God has worked many miracles and has changed many lives.

We started a church in a government housing project living room without any outside support. One of our first pulpits was a chitlin bucket with a towel over it - yet our mighty God blessed in powerful ways. Some years later God provided us with a facility with a replacement value of over a million dollars. We got this building for only $25,000 - it included a full court gymnasium, large auditorium, kitchen, dinining hall, and about 16 classrooms and offices. They (the Midwest Baptist Conference) gave us a no interest loan and allowed us to make monthly payments of whatever we could afford.

It is important for donors to know that for over 30 years I've been faithfully sharing the GOOD NEWS to the poor. It is also important as I share the highlights of the past 30 years that I don't give the impression that there hasn't been any "lowlights" that I'd rather not share. As a missionary we can build our identity around our calling.

For myself personally, I got to the point where I saw myself as a very strong and brave individual. I went through a difficult burnout stage where the LORD pointed out to me that in reality I was weak and fearful. Yet praise be to God, in our weakness HE can become our strength and refuge. In our weakness we become strong as we give GOD the glory due him. "Through God we shall do valiantly." As missionaries, we must openly share that we too are frail and have moments of despair or panic. I believe some are intimidated from pursuing Christian work because the Christian leaders they know are not transparent and they feel they wouldn't be able to measure up to this awesome piety.

Next week I will be sharing the exciting vision of internetminister.org and various ways you can team up with us and support this strategic ministry. In preparation for this I thought it would be good for me to prayerfully evaluate how to make such an appeal and also put it in print - maybe it could be a help to some of my fellow missionaries.

God bless you all - Scott Reese - web evangelist & internet minister. Internet evangelism, internet ministry, christian blogging, missions, ministry opportunities are all terms that will help people find this article.

Bridge sites - internet evangelism

2006-02-15T09:47:00.000-06:00

Consider the facts...

The World-Wide-Web has grown to an astounding 1 billion users!
Most of these 1 billion users are seeking for spiritual answers yet have not had a clear presentation of the GOOD NEWS - in spite of our weakness, faliures, and sin, God still loves us and has provided a way of salvation.
There are millions of "Christian" websites, yet the vast majority are designed for those who ARE Christians.
How do we get the gospel to these millions?
1) Design websites for those who are seeking spiritual answers (see http://godinfo.info) .
2) Create bridge sites to provide opportunities to build relationships with the "lost" and to share the GOOD NEWS with them. More info on this can be found at: http://internetministry.info .
These web evangelism strategies do not absolve us from our responsibility of sharing our faith with our neighbors, co-workers, and through our church's outreach programs. Web evangelism is an exciting additional for us to witness. I believe the local church must stay central in all evangelistic efforts. It is important for converts to immediately be connected with a solid Bible-believing church. I also believe that local churches should now add Internet Missionaries as an important part of their mission strategy for the 21st century.

http://BridgeSites.org is under construction and we need your help.

Please take a look...

We need volunteers to help develop these sites and others... we will team you up with other Christians with similar interests. We soon will be listing specific ways you can help. For now we are creating a list of those who are interested in helping in some capacity. We would also appreciate your prayers that God will meet our financial needs for these efforts.

We are also creating a database of good bridgesites that are already developed... if you are aware of any please post them as comments or email me : Scott Reese , Scott@internetminister.org .

Nearly 1 billion people use search engines to surf the net. They search for their interests and we want to create quality sites that they will find. If you have not done so yet, please read my post on the synergy of combined passions.

Some of the sites we will be developing include:

www.freeenglishlessons.org

www.freecomputerlessons.org

www.olympichighlights.org

www.yaofans.org (World's most popular athlete)

and many more listed at http://bridgesite.org

Some of you have expressed interest in our International Web Ministry Strategy . I would appreciate your prayers, this week we are speaking with several key people for this project.

May the Lord bless you as you serve our wonderful savior...

Blog Ministry - Blog Evangelism - Christian Blogs

2006-02-08T12:53:00.000-06:00

There is a new resource for those interested in learning more about evangelistic Christian Blogging. The material was provided by Tony Whittaker and his Web-Evangelism guide. You may find it at http://blogministry.org . Blog evangelism, blog ministry are important strategies of getting the gospel out.

Working as a team can be a lot easier and more effective than doing one by yourself. We would like to train you and team you up with some like-minded Christians. Most blogs are geared for Christians - we want to have some geared to the general public to serve as "Bridge Sites". As examples, we will be developing "myspaceblog.org" and www.googleearthblog.org .

This can be fun because you will choose topics that fascinate you and that you enjoy. It is also fun to be a part of a team and to make friends with people who have the same interests and or spiritual passions. Sharing your faith does not have to be a drudgery done only out of spiritual obligation - Sharing your faith can be exciting and fun - It can bring purpose to your life as we were created to fellowship with God and to do his will. Sharing our faith is the greatest cause in the world!

Many of us were blessed of God to grow up learning about God. Do you realize only a very small percentage of the world can say that? Christ said that "unto whom much is given, much is required." How can we keep the GOOD NEWS to ourselves? If we really could understand how good God has been to us - we'd be like Isaiah - we'd have a fire burning in our soul. We'd have a hard time keeping our mouth (or typing fingers) shut - out of gratitude we should have a desire to make Christ known to the uttermost parts or the world!

Right now there is someone out there who needs the Lord. You can have the awesome privilege of being the one God uses to share the GOOD NEWS.

If you know of other resources for Christian Blogging please post them in the "comments".

Also I have just begun work on www.internetminister.org . This is a site to encourage and empower YOU to share your faith. There is a special emphasis on developing evangelistic bridge web sites.

You will also find a list of the sites we are in process of developing. We need help - VOLUNTEERS, imput, prayers, and financial donations to our 501c3 non-profit : Reconciliation Resource Ministries. (Info at www.Christcares.org) Paypal link to the right...

Thanks,
Scott Reese
scott@internetminister.org

"Myspace" & Paul

2006-02-01T00:33:00.000-06:00

What would the Apostle Paul think of the virtual world of "Myspace"?

First for those over 30 - a little myspace Q & A?

What is myspace.com?

An online social networking meeting / hang out place. Members have their own webspace to post pictures, write blogs, listen to music, communicate with friends, meet new people, find out what's cool etc. More info HERE.

Is "myspace" a real place?

"For those who didn't grow up with the Internet, it might seem strange to think of a mere website as an actual place. But for people like Edstrom and Michael Edwards, a high school senior from San Diego who can't remember when there was no Internet, cyberspace is a real place, even if the entry gates come in the form of a PC.
And at least these days, one's MySpace page is not just a home in that place, it's actually who they are online." Rest of the USA TODAY ARTICLE HERE.

A thanks to Frank Johnson of strategicdigitaloutreach.com for pointing out this article.

How many people hang out there?

over 47 million! And growing rapidly.

How rapidly?

on average over 100 new people sign up every minute,

6666 an hour;

160,000 a day;

5 million a month!

who are these people?

Mostly teens and young adults although other age groups are starting to increase.

How much time are teens spending hanging out there?

According to Bussinessweek.com the typical American teen hangs out there for nearly an hour and a half a day.

What would Paul's response be to this?

Let's observe and learn from his trip to Athens

(A.D. 50?) Acts 17:16 - 17

STEP ONE - PAUL OBSERVED WHAT WAS GOING ON IN ATHENS...(vs. 16)

Go to www.myspace.com , use their search bar and type in your hometown. Then browse through the profiles. You will be shocked at what you see and read. I can't describe it, pagan, is the first word that comes to mind. You need to see it for yourself - most church going adults have no idea where today's youth are. There is a strong peer pressure to list partying and drinking as one of your favorites activities. As you browse, soon you'll see the faces of kids from your church. More than likely, many of their profiles will be quite similar to the others you've seen. I guess they haven't realized that parents can also use the Web.

STEP TWO - WHAT PAUL SAW DISTURBED HIM. "HIS SPIRIT WAS STIRRED WHEN HE SAW THE CITY FULL OF IDOLS." (vs.16)

May we see the world as God sees it. May our heart be touched with feelings and emotions. We have so many goals and plans for our lives, but what about having a passion to make a difference?

STEP THREE - PAUL WAS IMMEDIATELY MOVED TO ACTION. (vs.17)

Paul did not gather a little group of Christians together to swap stories and to preach sermons about how bad the heathen were. Often our Sunday morning sermons are filled with ranting and raving about how evil the heathen are. By the end of the service everyone is ready to pray like the pharisee, "I thank you God, I'm not like those heathen. I'm glad that I pray to you and give money to you - thank you God". Then we go home for the week and make sure that we don't spend any time with those heathens. GOD DOES NOT WANT US TO JUDGE THE LOST, HE WANTS US TO LOVE THEM. Maybe a better idea is to use that time to train, encourage, and inspire the church/congregation to do the work of the ministry throughout the week...

STEP FOUR - PAUL WENT WHERE THE MASSES OF PEOPLE WERE HANGING OUT. (vs.17)

We must go where the people are. Today's "marketplace" and "Mars Hill Meeting places" must include places like myspace.com.

It amazes me how most church attenders can see the need to hire a full time Youth Director to minister to 50 - 75 teens. (I agree your own kids must be the priority.) Then, they just can't wrap their brain around the concept or need for there to be FULL TIME Internet Ministers to reach out to the MILLIONS of teens who daily spend hours on the Internet. It is obvious that most churches can not support a full time Internet Minister. Yet I ask, "why is so hard for Internet Ministry to be a small part of their mission budget???" A church will raise money to send someone to an inner city park to talk with some teens and to try to share the gospel with a few. Why can't the church catch a vision to send a missionary to "myspace.com", to strategically share the gospel at the world's largest teenage hangout place?

STEP 5 - PAUL ENTERED INTO DISCUSSION WITH TOTAL STRANGERS.

"So he reasoned and argued...In the marketplace day after day with any who chanced to be there." Acts 17:17 Amplified Bible

It may seem like a chance meeting, but God knows who is searching and will set up divine appointments for all those who are willing to share their faith. Remember it's just our job to share.

Going "live" in April of 2006 - please pray for (& help?) these efforts.

In April of 2006 www.InternetMinister.org will be a place where you can get training on how to share your faith online. We will also be providing practical opportunities to share your faith. We are in the process on lining up volunteers who would like to help us with this. Please drop me a note or sign up for our newsletter if you are interested. Right now you can go to http://internetministry.info to get valuable tips.

STEP 6 - PAUL USED PRACTICAL WISDOM WHILE SHARING HIS FAITH.

Paul's message was never watered down or compromised. Paul did find ways to connect with his audience. He found ways to relate with them and their unique culture. As an Urban Missionary I interact with many different cultures. It is important when we share our faith we take into consideration the culture we are entering into. We must think through what are the clear Biblical absolutes and what are our personal preferences.

As an example, for many years I have been preaching at a Chinese church and also African- American Urban Churches. It is easy for those who are really emotional and expressive in their worship style to judge those who are not as unspiritual - "their faith does not even touch their soul, God has been soooo good to me, I can't help but to shout." Their goal in ministering must focus on sharing the GOOD NEWS, not trying to get the other group to worship the way they like it.

On the contrary, those who are deeply contemplative may judge the expressive ones as being too emotional - in need of superficial cheerleading. Just because something is true for ourself (I'm not talking about God's absolute truth) does not mean it's true for others.

Effective ministry takes place when we, with God's help, shed our cultural biases and personal preferences and share the GOOD NEWS in the context of the culture we are ministering to.

I heard a minister teach that you were compromising (bad to him) if you used an overhead projector to sing songs instead of a hymnal. On the other extreme I went to a large church that was doing a great job sharing their faith in a way that the youth could enjoy and relate to. Yet I was personally offended that they used a video clip that included adult humor as part of their efforts to connect with the "seekers". We can deeply connect with people in the context of their culture without lowering any God given standard of holiness.

Paul started his conversation by finding something he could compliment them on and by discussing something that they were fascinated with. (vs.22)

This blog is about to become a book so I better close for now.

One bit of good news, I read on the Appianway blog that:

68% of teens say religion is important to them and 92% say they want a better connection with God.

Wow this sounds like Athens - ripe for revival... now what do you think?

Acts 17:32-34 ...(when they heard of the resurrection of the dead),

some scoffed,

but others said, "We will hear you again about this matter"...

and some joined themselves to him and believed...

Lets keep praying to the Lord of the Harvest...

Scott Reese Web Evangelist, Internet Minister. Other words for the search engines: Internet Ministry, Web Evangelism, Internet evangelism, Christian websites, ministry opportunities.

Also want to say thanks to adaptivepath.com for an article on their site that was helpful for this blog.

Web Evangelist

2006-01-22T16:34:00.000-06:00

Web Evangelists Scott and Lisa Reese - Thanks for the prayers. More posts coming soon - Lord willing next Tuesday to be back on a weekly basis again.

NARNIA MOVIE

2005-12-20T03:35:00.000-06:00

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

The Chronicles of Narnia

Aslan

C.S. Lewis

PLEASE VISIT:

www.NarniaMovie.info

It is a new site

Check it out and tell me what you think,

Scott@ChristCares.org

International Web Ministry Strategy

2005-12-04T17:12:00.000-06:00

Hundreds of millions of lost souls outside of the United States search the Internet on a daily basis. Proclaiming the GOOD NEWS to them is a vital part of Reconciliation Resource Ministries' Web Evangelism Strategy.

When our core organizing site (www.internetminister.org) goes live in April of 2006, we will be developing communities of Christians with common desires to reach out to particular groups. The development of quality "Bridge sites" will be central to our efforts. We must penetrate this lost world and interact with those who don't know God.

We can not expect those who do not know God to attend church just because they drive down the street and see a pretty church sign. No, we go to them. We must stretch our comfort zone and be willing to invest TIME in the great cause of sharing God's love to this world. By finding ways to connect with the lost in meaningful ways, we are then able to demonstrate and proclaim the love of God.

We will not only have sites designed for those who are already actively seeking for spiritual answers, but we will also be developing sites that will allow us into their world ("Bridge Sites"). Most people without God will not be surfing through the various church ministry sites on the Web. We have strategies to go to them where they are. Actually in web terms they come to us because we are what they are searching for. Then we have awesome opportunities to share our faith:

a woman SEARCHING for water came to a well. Christ used that opportunity and that need to share that her greatest thirst was for God. As the Messiah He alone could fill her thirsting soul. The disciples marveled at this sight. They had just obliviously entered a village filled with those who didn't know the GOOD NEWS. Christ charged them to: Lift up their eyes and see the fields ready for a great harvest. We need our eyes opened! Multitudes are ready for harvest! The workers are few. Will you help?

One aspect of this will be forming communities of believers to work together to reach out to a particular people group, nation, or language.

One exciting development that we need immediate financial help with is working with Christians who are already immersed in these cultures. This is especially true in third world countries where a full time missionary can be supported for 2 to 3 dollars a day.

We are already in contact with some potential missionaries and would like your prayers. The basic plan is as follows:

1) RRM is endeavoring to raise designated funds for this project. Out target is to raise $100 per third world missionary. You may support any portion of this amount. I am encouraging the urban churches we resource to start a mission budget of at least $5 a week to help with this cause. Those involved with this project will be able to communicate directly with the missionaries that they are helping.

2) The monthly financial breakdown will be as follows: $80 directly to the missionary family, $10 to the mission organization or church we are partnering with to help oversee the missionaries endeavors, and $10 to go towards the expenses of accessing an Internet Connection, software, and the promotion of the websites we develop. Of course we would really appreciate if if you also included a donation to our general fund to help us with all our other endeavors.

3) The missionaries we support will spend a portion of their work week helping us develop and maintain Internet Ministry websites. They know the culture best and will be very valuable in our efforts of bringing the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. We will be developing three basic types of websites: evangelistic, discipleship/training, and bridge sites such as Free English Lessons, job training, games, etc.

4) We will be working mostly with small but already established mission boards for three reasons:

Since we are not physically in that country we need a trusted Christian organization in place to help with the accountability of the missionaries and to encourage them.

We are not set up to deal with all the implications of having foreign employees of Reconciliation Resource Ministries.

This will also help strengthen their wonderful mission endeavors. The extra $10 a month can have a real impact in foreign lands. Also, in most cases, the missionaries we support will spend the bulk of their time in church planting, evangelism etc. For most we are only asking for one full day a week and a couple hours daily. The bulk of their time will be used working with the mission agencies or churches they are already involved with.

Please pray and drop me an email if the Lord is leading you to help with this endeavor.

Scott Reese WebEvangelist@gmail.com

www.ChristCares.org

God Questions...

2005-11-28T21:53:00.000-06:00

PLEASE GO TO www.christcares.org and view the banner ad at the bottom of the page.

I could use a little input. Please click on the link about God Questions ( www.Godinfo.info ) and then drop me an email (webevangelist@gmail.com) or leave a comment post. Let me know what comments you may have on:

1) The banner ad.

2) The copy for the main page of www.Godinfo.info .

3) What you feel the top questions would be from unchurched individuals so we can provide some initial information.

4) What links are you aware of that would be helpful for a "seeker".

5) What links are you aware of that would be helpful for a new christian.

6) What links are you aware of that would be helpful for a believer with questions.

7) What additional ideas do you have for the development of www.Godinfo.info?

8) Is there any material that you could provide or would you be willing to help answer requests once we begin promoting this site. (We would provide you with an anonymous email address, training, and foundational answers for common questions.)

Thank you, and thank you for your prayers,

Scott

P.S. - A copy of my latest newsletter is available HERE.

Surf Time

2005-11-14T02:08:00.000-06:00

How much time do you spend daily surfing the web?

What sites do you like? Why?

How much time are your kids surfing? What do they like?

There are probably several key sites that take up a lot of daily time. Wouldn't it be nice if there were similar sites that provided the same services/information/entertainment etc.; yet also were a gospel witness?

With your help it can be done. RRM will soon be providing opportunities and training on how to share your faith online. In the meantime, Let me encourage you to be a good steward and to wisely and strategically invest some time in the kingdom of God. Wouldn't it be nice to invest the same amount of time as a TV sitcom in equipping yourself to share the GOOD NEWS to this lost word. Why not take a little time right now...

Besides the Web Evangelism Guide (www.internetministry.info) I want to recommend a couple other sites where you can receive outstanding training for web evangelism. (These are also good places to go just to better understand the concept of Internet Ministry).

http://truthmedia.com/training/

http://iec.gospelcom.net/otoe/index.php

www.evangelismtoolbox.com

For anyone interested in a more advanced college/post-grad study of Internet Evangelism, a great place to start is John Edmiston's Cybermissions course:

www.Cybermissions.org

Pastor Jacob

2005-11-08T11:14:00.000-06:00

Let me introduce you to Pastor Jacob from India.

First, did you know?

· Of all the people who have ever been born, ½ of them are alive today. The world’s population is about 6 Billion. Nearly 3 billion live in what is known as the 10/40 window (North Africa – Central Asia). Most of these precious souls have never heard the GOOD NEWS.

· Traditional missionary efforts in these areas are becoming increasingly difficult: 87 countries have officially closed the door to foreign missionaries. There is growing violence towards foreign missionaries. Less than 2% of the world’s missionary force is left to minister there. Also less than 1% of missionary giving is spent on the 10/40 window.

· In spite of these difficulties God’s church is growing. Native pastors and missionaries are boldly and bravely sharing their faith. The Internet is also providing awesome opportunities to get the gospel to this region. New believers can study discipleship materials in the safety of their homes. RRM is strategically partnering with native missionaries to create, publish, and promote websites to evangelize and disciple the lost in these strategic areas. We need financial support for these efforts but we also are hoping for your direct involvement. Staring in April of 2006, RRM will provide training and opportunities for you to share your faith Online. This truly is amazing…Instead of spending an evening watching sitcom reruns, you’ll be able to share your faith with real people. People who are lost and hurting and seeking for the truth. You can get a head start by reading articles at: http://www.internetministry.info/ and http://www.fishblog.org/ .

Pastor Jacob.

I met Pastor jacon at The Internet Evangelism Coalition's Conference in Chicago.
He has a real burden to share the gospel in his homeland. He is in the Chicago area for a few months to raise funds for his "Bless India Missionary Society" which has been in exsistance for almost a decade. We are discussing ways to work together and I want to encourage others to come along side this fine brother. He taught at a Bible college in India and then he resigned because he had a passion for ministry. He ministers in a very difficult mission field. Because he grew up in the area he knows how best to share the gospel in that particular cultural context. They have a great vision and many needs. I'd love to put you in touch with him.

It's amazing how far dollars go when investing in native missionaries. I am challenging the Urban Churches that RRM resources to resource a native missionary. Many of these USA urban churches do not have a mission budget. For $15 to $25 a week, they can support a full time missionary through various ministries that RRM is partnering with. We plan on raising funds for native missionaries and then asking them to spend a small protion of their work week helping us develop and maintain a witness to India through internet ministry. Internet evangelism has awesome potential especially if we involve those who best know the cultures we are trying to reach.

The needs are so great everywhere we look, it's hard to know where to begin... a good start would be like the Good Samaritan, to help those whom God puts across your path. Please prayerfully if Pastor Jacob is such a person. He will be in the United States for another 2 weeks to two months depending on a number of factors.

Also www.Christcares.org is under construction. Since it's my first site I am finding optimization a challenge. If you(especially you tech geeks) have a chance to look at it, I'd appreciate feedback and ideas. Thanks.

PS - Several of you have contacted me saying that you have not been able to leave a post on this blog. Just click "Comments" at the bottom of the post-(not the email icon), as far as I know everything is enabled for you to leave a post.

The synergy of combined passions...

2005-10-31T21:47:00.000-06:00

As a teenager, through God's grace and godly influences, I had a passion to know God and to serve Him. God gave me a burden for the lost, and at the age of 13 I began to share my faith on a regular basis.

Another great passion/interest I had was basketball. I loved to play basketball and found great joy and fulfillment in playing.

It was a great day in my life when I realized that these two could be combined.

Through the years, basketball has opened many doors for ministry.

Basketball gave me opportunities to share my faith. Basketball gave me opportunities to develop relationships and to have a positive impact in many lives. I ended up going to the urban playgrounds of Chicagoland. Through basketball I started several Bible Clubs and eventually a church. (Tonight I visited that church and was thrilled to see the gynasium filled with kids for a halloween alternative activity - this special night was made possible, initially through the vehicle of basketball.)

On one occasion I was able to play a 6'8" All-American (high school) basketball player at an urban playground. Earlier my friend and I had read about him in the newspaper. We went to his house and shared God's love and he trusted Christ as his savior. He came to church was baptized and became a good friend. I even got into the locker room of the Chicago Bulls because his brother played on the team. Anyway, God blessed my fade-away jumpshot that day and I beat him by two points (sorry for adding that part, with 45 year old knees, I like to reminisce on the good old days)- it drew such a crowd that my friends and I were able to share our faith with over 100 kids. Through providing opportunities to play basketball, we have had hundreds of kids make decisions to follow Christ. One young man that was influenced by one of our basketball Bible Clubs is now a minister in New Jersey. He also serves as my boss - the President of the Board of Directors of Reconciliation Resource Ministries.

Our passions, our interests, our talents, etc. can be used of God in a powerful way!

These interests can give you a large, listening audience to share your faith with. Your interests and passions can give you an opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with a person that does not know Jesus!

What are your passions, talents, and interests? ... What are your hobbies, what activiteis do you look forward to? ...

Every day millions of people who need Jesus log on to the Interent and search for information about their passions and interests. It is also becoming a vehicle for people to search for community and friendship. We know that ultimately they are searching for God... Let's be what they are searching for and then give them the GOOD NEWS. ALTHOUGH WE ARE SINNERS, UNABLE TO HELP OURSELVES - CHRIST DIED FOR US AND PROVIDED A WONDERFUL WAY OF SALVATION. Inner peace can be found! That inner void can be filled.

We here at RRM want to empower you to combine your passions.

Your passion for God along with whatever life passions you may have. We are developing community groups of like-minded individuals with different skills and gifts, to unite and to share their faith in effective ways... Stay tuned... Please pray...

We are also praying for God to touch individual hearts to support this effort. Ultimately we know it is God who will provide. Pray and see if He wants you to be part of this endeavor, either financially or by participating with one of our focus groups (or better yet by both!).

PS: Added bonuses of combining your passions are that it is great fun and that you develop deep, lifelong friendships with your co-workers for the Lord.

More info can be found at: http://christcares.internetminister.org/guide.html

Gutenburg goes to church

2005-10-24T02:03:00.000-05:00

Imagine if... Guttenburg attended church the Sunday after he invented the printing press. He was overwhelmed with inner excitement about his goal of making the Bible available to the common man. After the service he walked up to the minister... "Guess what, I've come up with a way to copy books quickly and inexpensively...I was thinking of starting with the Bible."

"Why would you do that?", was the reply. A book would be so impersonal...if someone wants to learn about God they should come to church and listen to us...that's the way it has been done for as long as anyone can remember!

Why, if you start printing Bibles, anyone could read them and who knows what doctrines uneducated people would come up with...By the way, this printing press could be used to print evil books - a tool of the devil, we want no part of this... and please don't ask us for money to print Bibles to distribute all over the world. We only give money to our traditional missionaries who do things like us...are you serious? You want us to invest God's money for you to play with your printing press in your basement?...

We are part of an new communication revolution. The basic ways people communicate... how people get information... how people are entertained... how people find friends and connect with community... the Internet is changing everything.

The Internet is a powerful medium that can be used for evil or good. "All that is neccessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing". The cults, false religions, pornographers, and those with worldly values are using the Internet in powerful ways to get their message out.

Most American Christians fail to see the potential of using the Internet to get the GOOD NEWS out. There are only a small handful of Internet missionaries that have been able to raise enough funds to work full time in this strategic ministry.

Most American Christians have not personally shared their faith with anyone this past year because of a perceived lack of opportunity.

Most American Christians have forgotton how lost this world is. Most have a close network of Christian friends from their church and don't even realize that America is fast becoming a pagen nation. Euorpe, the land that birthed the reformation is vastly post-Christian. Billions who live in countries like China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, North Korea, etc. have never heard a clear presentation of the GOOD NEWS.

The time is short, the need is great, we must rally the troops!

With your computer you can publish the GOOD NEWS to the uttermost parts of the world! We want to inspire you and train you to share your faith. We want to team you up with a like minded community group to encourage you and empower you to share your faith in a powerful way... Please pray for us...

"I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest"...

Web Evangelism Guide

2005-10-17T10:12:00.000-05:00

Soon Reconciliation Resource Ministries will be diving into the world of Internet Evangelism. This Blog will serve as a place to refine our ideas as well as a way to enlist and train volunteers. If the Lord has you crossing our path by reading this blog we would deeply appreciate your prayers and ideas. We are still a few weeks away from promoting this blog and our ministry website.

If you are interested in Internet Evangelism, please keep in touch.

For those who are new to this I want to introduce you to a few great resources.

First I recommend that you sign up for the bi-monthly e-newsletter:

The Web Evangelism Guide at:

bulletin-subscribe@web-evangelism.com

This is a wonderful resource that will inspire you with fresh ideas and will keep you up to date with the latest in Web Evangelism.

Second visit and study:

www.Web-Evangelism.com our personalized versison is found at:

www.InternetMinistry.info

This is an absolutely the best site for learning about Web Evangelism. I had the privilege of meeting the site's founder, Tony Whittaker, a few years back at the Internet Evangelism Coalition's IEC Annual Meeting. You will notice when you visit his site, his name and picture is not plastered all over the place. He is a brilliant and humble servant that just wants the world to turn to Jesus. Years ago when I first thought about Internet Evangelism, I came across his newsletter. The Lord used it to help inspire me. For those who will be helping us in our endeavors and those who are just interested in getting the Gospel out to this lost world, you will be much better equipped by studying these two resources.

Let me know what you think...

National Porn Sunday

2005-10-10T11:29:00.000-05:00

National Porn Sunday was yesterday. The purpose was to draw attention to the temptations of the dark side of the Internet. No one made of flesh is immune to the temptaions of the flesh. Scriptures teach us that we should follow Joseph's example and "flee youthful lusts". We are to make no provisions for the flesh... a good first step to protect yourself and your family is to get a good Internet Filter and accountability program.

I reccomend Bsafe, it is also reccommended by NEW MAN MAGAZINE, Campus Crusade, Dave Ramsey, Josh McDowell, and others. It's advantage is that everything goes through their servers so there is no clever work arounds. If you would like, the accountability software will send all your Internet history to an accountability friend. A free trial of the software is available here:

FREE TRIAL OF BSAFE INTERNET FILTER

They also have an inexpensive virus protection and email solution.
By trying this awesome product through my link here, you also help me in my efforts to be supported as a missionary.

You may send a copy of this post to a friend by clicking the "envelope" at the bottom of this post, or you can copy and paste the folowing link:
www.bsafeonline.com/?106290
to include in an email to your friends.

For about the same price as Norton AntiVirus or Mcafee you can get their top-of-the-line Antivirus protection, plus the Internet Filter, plus the accountability software!

_______

National Porn Sunday was sponsored by www.xxxchurch.com . Churches across the country addressed this seldom talked about issue. They have many good resources on their website and they also have a fee accountability software package.

India needs YOU!!!

2005-10-03T00:17:00.000-05:00

This is amazing... I still haven't shared this blog with hardly anyone. I'm just writing out the vision that I believe God has given me. Today, I sat down to write a blog on how God can use Internet Ministry to share the gospel in India. First, I checked my email and somehow a pastor from India saw my blog on Internet Evangelism and wrote me:

"I PRAISE PRAISE "'GOD"'THAT YOUR GREAT INTREST TO HAVE THE FELLOWSHIP TOWARDS EVANGELISM,I CAN RAISE FUND FOR YOU BUT HOW CAN I HELP U? SUGGEST ME & INVOLVE ME ALONG WITH U SO THAT IN INDIA WILL BE BLESSED TROGH OUR FELLOWSHIP.THANK U FROM INDIA," PASTOR...(I'm not sure if I can share his name)

WOW! Thank you pastor, and thank you LORD, it's great to get a word of confirmation.

INDIA has nearly 1 Billion people who don't know the Lord...
INDIA has almost 1 Billion people who don't know Jesus...
INDIA has about 1 Billion people who are like sheep without a shepherd...weary, scattered, without direction, fearful without a protector and hope for the future...
INDIA has nearly 1 Billion people who God loves more that we could ever understand...
INDIA has almost 1 Billion people who woke up this morning without the "peace that passeth all understanding"...
INDIA has about 1 Billion people...1,000,000,000!!!...each one precious...each one with a void that can only be filled by God. Can we compehend this? ... Who cares?... Do you care?... Do I care?...

India's population is about 1.06 Billion. 80% are Hindu, 12.5% Muslim, and only about 2.5% Christian. Since 1975, India has allowed very few missionary visas and has expelled many foriegn missionaries. Those few who are left face increasing persecution and violence from religious extremists..."How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? and how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" We need to pray for India. Will you pray for India today? Will you pray for the billion lost souls tomorrow? Prayer always preceeds revival...

Let's pray and let's get involved. You can make a difference! Like those in the parable of the good Sameritan, we are confronted with the pain, the suffering, the need... We can choose to turn up the noise of our busy life and forget...to keep working on our personal to do lists... to live this day like yesterday and the day before... OR we can choose to PAUSE..., ..., PAUSE..., try to comprehend the pain... allow God to touch our hearts with HIS compassion... take time out of our busy schedules to demonstrate the love of God... and like the Good Samaratan invest financially into the kingdom of God... There are many wonderful Christian organizations and national churches ministering to India... Here is how you can team up with us...

OUR INTERNET MINISTRY IDEAS FOR INDIA:

Strategy # 1. Empower national pastors and ministers for both Internet ministry and conventional church/evangelism ministry.

At the Internet Evangelism Coalition Convention the Lord placed across my path Pastor K.I. Jacob, an national Indian Pastor. (He is in the US for a few weeks and I'd be happy to put you in touch with him). We prayed and began the process of coming up with a strategy.

First we can support a national pastor for about $60 dollars a month. We would want him to work part time with our Internet evangelism efforts along with their local mission. With over 18 different languages and 1650 dialects they'll know best how to contexualize the efforts. There would also be a need to provide a computer and internet connection. In much of India an Internet connection is rare and sought after. Besides developing and maintaining evangelistic sites, It could be used to train and disciple believers. Another important function would be to train poor children (English, education, trades) during the day. This will not only meet a great social need, it will also open doors to minister spiritually. As a side benefit, they also feel if poor children are receiving quality help it will greatly reduce the religious persecution and violence. I'm sure there are also many other India pastors that would like to partner with us in this manner.

I am praying that the Lord will touch a church or individual to commit $150 a month for at least a year to immediately start a test program with pastor Jacob's ministry. (Reconciliation Resource Ministries - designated "India Project", 223 W. Memorial Drive, Chicago Heights, IL. 60411)

www.IndiaMinistry.org This will be the place where we will be developing the community of those who wish to reach out in love to India. For now, if you'd like to help, please leave a post and send me an email at: WebEvangelist@gmail.com . We need help in so many ways...I don't have time to list right now. We also need to explore what resources are already in place that we can partner with.

www.FreeEnglishLessons.in This has tremendous potential. Please see my previous post on Internet ministry to China to get further information.

www.MumbaiIndia.in , www.CalcuttaIndia.in , www.DelhiIn.in . City portal sites have great potential, I'll share this in more detail in a later post. These three are a good starting point, they're HUGE. Metro Mumbai has about 18 million almost tied with Mexcico City as the world's second largest metro city.

www.BangaloreIndia.in , and www.HyderabadIndia.in . These are strategic cities... I'll share my ideas for them at a later time. These cities are centers of hope, hope of a much higher level of lifestyle for millions of young people. These are centers for IT and accounting outsourcing as well as call centers for huge American companies. There is also awesome talent there that could be tapped into for our Internet ministry projects. According to the Indianexpress, India wil now be the back end for all the new .org's.

www.GoodNewsForIndia.in . We need help in developing this as an evangelistic and discipleship site for the various language groups of India.

www.MobileIndia.in . Mobile phone useage is exploding in India. It will also be the only way millions will be able to access the internet. We need to think ahead. Besides developing some sites designed to be mobile friendly, we could offer various services such as Java and Flash games, a "joke of the day" etc. there will be great demand and many opportunities to provide a service to someone who would normally be antaginistic towards a Christian.

I need someone to make a designated donation of $65 US dollars so we can buy and secure www.IndiaChildren.In, www.IndiaTeens.org, www.IndiaFamily.in, (See the Chinese Internet Ministry post for how they can be used for the kingdom). also www.Bollywood.org.

Finally, my favorite: www.Touchables.in . In India they have the caste system. At the bottom are about 300 million know as the "untouchables". They are ostracized and have little chance of having anything but a life of poverty.

Aren't you glad for Jesus, the friend of sinners?
Jesus who TOUCHED those with leprosy, who were cast out, dispised and regulated to poverty.
Jesus, who lifted up the woman caught in adultry.
Jesus, who had time for children.
Jesus who touched the eyes of the blind man and cared for him who could not walk.

Oh I know the "untouchables' in general are not going to be surfing the Internet. Yet somehow, God can use this to give them hope. Maybe by raising awearness and mobilizing an army of prayer warriors. Maybe by providing materials and training for national pastors as they share the GOOD NEWS.

Spend a day, knocking on American suburban doors... invite them to church... ask them if they are interested in receiving God's awesome gift of salvation... Then hear the words of the LORD, "COME for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. I have...therefore I cannot come...Then the Master being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind....GO...and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

We offer hope. We offer unconditional acceptance. We offer value, though unworthy, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. I believed God is going to raise up mighty men and women of God from the so called "untouchables". We are all untouchables, without strength, without beauty, unable to help ourself. Our righteousness is as filthy rags before the Lord. Yet for some reason, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

He bound up our broken heart. He brought beauty into the ashes of our life. Instead of mourning, He gave us the oil of gladness. Instead of a spirit of despair, He gave us a garment of praise. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of Jesus Christ!

Only God deserves the glory and the first step to God is being poor in spirit and deeply humble. And for that reason... not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise...and the LOWLY things of this world, and the things that are DESPISED, has God chosen...That no flesh should glory in His presence. It is not excellency of speech or enticing/clever words that bring souls into the kingdom but demonstration of the Spirit and of Power. That way, our faith will not be in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God. Oh we have GOOD NEWS for the "untouchables". When Jesus proclaimed His public ministry, His first words were, "The Spirit of God is upon me, Because He has annointed me to preach the gospel to the poor...".

What will you do today?

PS (10/10/05) - 20,ooo die in an earthquake in the area and It's not the lead story for the Sunday Chicago Times... The Suntimes did have an article on Bangalore... they also stated that 800 million people in India survive on less than $2 a day...

2005-09-26T02:00:00.000-05:00

LISA N SCOTT

Chinese ministry websites - volunteer now!

2005-09-25T14:31:00.001-05:00

As I begin my adventure it is important for me to prioritize and refine my ideas. My starting point is an easy choice, to develop a site explaining our 501c3 Christian non-profit, Reconciliation Resource Ministries. (www.ChristCares.org - hopefully functional by Oct.15). We plan on having our new fundraising materials by then. This Fall we are also sharing that Internet Ministry will be one of the main things we will be doing. I've mentioned it on and off for the past couple years but now we are actually making it an important part of my work week. I'd appreciated your prayers: 1) that our current supporters will catch the vision and continue to support us as we make Internet ministry a major component of what we do, and 2) that the Lord will raise up new individuals and organizations to support our efforts.

Instead of listing all my ideas, I'll take one focus area a week. Feedback will be important as we refine the ideas. We also want to start forming a team/community of those who might want to help out in some way.

Lets start by listing some ideas of how to reach out to the Chinese community. Soon there will be more Chinese on the web than Americans. I've been preaching at the South Suburban Chinese Church on a regular basis for about 15 years. I've developed a true love for the people and a deep respect for the culture. Ideas:

www.FreeEnglishLessons.org

Since China is closed to open witnessing, an effective strategy to share the gospel is to go to China and teach english and then look for opportunities to share the gospel. I have a friend who just returned from China doing this and another friend who is in process of raising support for this. It takes thousands of dollars for each missionary sent.

What if a few thousand dollars were invested in developing a website and advertising in China?

We could set up different courses (by age and by level of English knowledge). Volunteers could grade tests and write cirriculum. A selling point for this program could be that everyone who signs up could have an (American or English speaking) tutor that they could chat or email (& soon video IM) with on a weekly basis. The volunteers could have an email address from www.freeenglishlessons.org in order to keep a level of anonymity. Witnessing would take place on a couple of levels. 1) We can have limited advertising on the site and fill it with Chinese (witnessing) banner sites so those who are actively seeking God would have an easy path to follow. 2) More importantly, the relationships that are built by the weekly tutoring will provide many intentional witnessing opportunities. This would work with other cultures as well, next week I'll be sharing this idea with a national pastor from India.

www.YaoMingFanClub.cn Sport fan sites. Yao Ming is the most famous athlete in the world! He probably has OVER A BILLION world-wide fans. What if we banded together and made one of the best unofficial fan sites? (in both English & Chinese) ...

I also have www.yao.cc , www.yaofans.org , www.yaomingfanclub.info , www.yaostore.com , www.sportstars.cn , www.hrockets.com . I really think my nitch will be in developing indirect witnessing websites. There are many ways to witness through a "fan" site but I must move on due to my limited time.

www.fun.org.tw and www.fun.cn.com . Most people who come to Christ do so while they are young. Child-like faith is more natural as a child. A site with lots of games, crafts, coloring, etc. A lot could also be done in a fun way on Chinese culture, language, and history. There are many Chinese parents in America who are looking for ways to keep their culture alive for their children.

www.ChineseSpaceProgram.com . There is a lot of interest in this now.
There will be many book reports and search engine requests for this. There are many ways we could develop an indirect witnessing site through this.

www.GodLovesYou.cn . This could be a direct witnessing site. As long as politics are avoided, it should not be censored. It may be wise to have a mirror .tw or .org site in case of possible censorship. I use to own "godislove.cn" , my domain registra made a mistake when I renewed it and told me it was successfully renewed when in fact it was dropped. Because another Christian organization picked it up I don't think I will persue anything.

www.Chinaministry.org . This could be a site where we:
1) Develop a community for those who would like to help with these and other Internet outreaches to Chinese people.
2) Develop resources for Chinese Christians. Also list current Internet resources available for Chinese outreach.
3) Strategize and possibly find a Chinese Christian who: a) has a passion to serve God b) is web literate c) who lives in a 3rd world country so that he/she could help us with our endeavors in a significant way for a couple hundred dollars a month.

I also have www.ChineseTeens.cn (& www.chineseteens.info as a mirror "backup" in case of censorship.
www.shopchina.cn , and
www.chinesefamily.cn (& www.chinesefamily.info as a mirror "backup" in case of censorship. ) any ideas?

Please pray:

That God will send the people and resources for the witnessing projects.
I am praying that poeple will see the need to support full time Internet Missionaries. It's a strategic time and a strategic method. I have been on a part time salary for almost a year now and if God doesn't provide quickly, I'll take it as His will for me to be a "tent-maker" and do the Internet witnessing as I am able to find time after work and family.
I want to do His will, whatever that may be. I don't know how, but since I feel God's leading in this endeavor, I believe he will provide in an unexpected and bountiful way.

If you or someone you know would like to help, please contact us to get further information:

Reconciliation Resource Ministries
223 W. Memorial Drive
Chicago Heights, IL. 60411 usa
*1(708)709-0469

Scott Reese: Pastor/Director
WebEvangelist@gmail.com

We need both financial donations and volunteers. I'm praying for a special gift of about $3,300 to help launch our Internet Ministry endeavors (Chinese and many other ideas). Any amount would be deeply appreciated - (We are a 501c3 non-profit, so it would be tax deductible). We need volunteers for the various aspects of these (and other) projects. We need your thoughts, ideas, and input as we prioritize our endeavors. We also need people to help spread the word for these endeavors.

PS: The Internet ministry conferences that I attended are putting much of the conference materials online on their websites. I'll see what all they put up and add anything I got out of the conferences that is not posted. www.webevangelism.com and www.gospelcom.net . Also since I still don't know how the blog/net search spiders work let me add: Internet Ministry, Web Evangelism, Chinese ministry, Chinese Christians, how to do internet ministry, christian volunteers, volunteer to teach English, Internet Evangelism, Church, PCM volunteers, billy graham, outreach, media ministry.

A blue Monday?

2005-09-18T18:54:00.000-05:00

It's almost Monday morning,

time to go "back to the grind"...

But wait...There's excitement in my soul...

I can't wait to get up and tackle "the Adventures of a Web Evangelist".

Last week I attended Internet evangelism conferences sponsored by the Internet Coalition (Billy Graham Center) www.webevangelism.com and www.Gospelcom.net. I got to meet people like John Edmiston www.cybermissions.org and Allan Beeber www.worldlinc.org . A guy named Terry Mattingly taught on Christian Blogging www.tmatt.gospelcom.net .

Walt Wilson shared stories of real people. How God used the awesome technology of the Internet to get the GOOD NEWS to precious individuals like you and me, who had deep hurts and a hungering to know if there really was a God who cares.

Today I had the privilege of preaching at the South Suburban Chinese Church (With the help of a translator - just like Billy Graham, just minus about 50,000 people) on Romans 10:1-15. By God's grace and mercy, I can say with Paul, that my heart's desire and passion is to share the good news of the love of God!

MondayBlog * MondayBlog * MondayBlog * MondayBlog * MondayBlog

For now I'll blog every Monday (or Sunday Night) and more often as God guides. I need daily prayer and daily I need wisdom and counsel as I make important decisions, so maybe it will be more often if there are people willing to give me advice and share their thoughts.

My first blog I just decided I should put one up because it is important for me to learn about blogging. I had no idea that people would be reading it before I had a website up and before I told anyone about it.

Thank You! for the encouraging words. You inspired me, and I deeply appreciate it. If there is anything you'd like me to be praying about or if I can help in any way, just let me know. Frank I think you got things going. You have an awesome site with awesome ideas and resources:http://www.strategicdigitaloutreach.com/ Somehow Brian from the UK heard about my blog and sent me some very helpful resources. Thank you Brian. He has a great ministry, especially to new believers. His site is: www.newchristian.org.uk .

NEXT WEEK:
1) I will share highlights of the two awesome Internet Conferences.
2) I will list some of my Internet Evangelism ideas. I could really use some feedback: Preparing for this moment I have already bought a bazillion domains (No, I'm not manic-depressive, at least I hope not). My poor wife has rightlfully been a little dismayed when I would purchase a domain when we're not close to getting a full salary...God bless her...I feel like God has a plan and will honor a little sacrifice. Anyway I can't attack in all directions, I need to prioritize...feedback, ideas, and counsel would be helpful.

May God Bless you in a mighty and powerful way. And be ready with a smile or a kind word for that person that God will put across your path today who needs HIS love.

Scott,
your friendly Web Evangelist

Bungee Jumping

2005-08-30T13:33:00.000-05:00

Here I go again...the most exciting part of bungee jumping is when you tell yourself to jump, knowing you're taking a risk and crossing a line of no return. ..

After 25 years of Urban Ministry, 100+ murders, victories & defeats; lives changed and lives unchanged, here I am again jumping off into a new and exciting venture... Web Evangelism.

After graduating from Bible College, most thought I was off my rocker to pastor a little inner city church I started in the poorest suburb in the entire country. Even the pastor of America's largest church thought it was a "waste" of my talent. People didn't understand but I trusted and obeyed God.

Now @ 45 once again I feel God's calling and have a passion to obey him. For several years I've had this vision. When I try to share it with others, most just shake their head, "why pay someone to play with computers when there is a world lost, without Christ."

September 1 is the plunge, although continuing with some aspects of Urban Ministry, Internet Evangelism is now the emphasis.

I'm jumping...I feel God's leading and I am excited.

Please pray, I'm full of ideas, but I know not what adventures await me.

Please pray, its not by great ideas, or might or power, but by God's Spirit and blessings that lives are changed.

Please pray for the financial blessings to keep my three girls fed and happy: Lisa my wonderful and gorgeous wife, Alex (Lexi) my awesome 17 year old princess, and Katie my precious little missionary girl.

Please pray that especially during this time of transition that God would miraculously place people across my path to help and assist me in this endeavor.

Most of all pray that God will use this endeavor to bring precious souls into His kingdom and that HE will be glorified.

Scott Reese
WebEvangelist@gmail.com