Ministry Update: Internet Evangelism
Morning glory at the Shanklins.
By Tom Shanklin
Despite the limitation that ministries are facing all around the world because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, there are still great opportunities to present the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We’ve been preaching the Gospel on the internet through writing, video, and audio. We can see that people all around the world are reading, watching, and listening. The Lord has turned the challenges of Covid-19 into an opportunity for the Gospel, and we are sharpening our skills for online ministry. Each year, we reach more people with our online tools.
This year, so far, we have ministered to 16,470 people from 226 nations on our website, and we’ve had 4,500 views on YouTube. We receive prayer requests and communications from many of them as well. Who would have thought 20 years ago that these things would be possible?
Luis Palau on Internet Evangelism
I received an email from Evangelist Luis Palau which demonstrates the great potential of Internet Evangelism. Here’s what he said:
“This past year we’ve learned a lot about digital evangelism and outreach strategies. While we haven’t been able to hold live festivals and events as a result of COVID-19, we haven’t slowed down sharing the Gospel. In fact – if you can believe it – we have reached more people with the Good News of Jesus Christ than any other year in the history of our team! This global pandemic can’t slow down the Gospel. In fact, in many ways, it has opened up many new doors for the Good News to be shared. And we’re taking advantage of as many of those doors as possible . . . even as we head into the end of the year.”
Please pray that we all would have wisdom to make use of the great opportunities that we have and also be be prepared for the time when more opportunities open for in-person ministry.
Hortense Clossou with some of the clothing that’s being produce at the Tabitha Sewing Center.
Extending Our Reach
We continue to be excited about extending the reach of this ministry through partner ministries around the world.
Susan and I visited today with Rev. Issac and Hortense Clossou of Benin, West Africa, by video chat. We have been working on two projects with them—The Mount Moriah Bible School and Ministry Center and the Tabitha Sewing Project.
The Mount Moriah Bible School is training ministers to work in rural areas of Benin. They presently have 23 students who are scheduled to graduate at different levels in November of 2021. The school is affiliated with Vision University, which is bringing its curriculum and program to many third-world nations.
The ministry center not only serves as a base for the school but also monthly prayer retreats and a local church for the village of Danzounmey. We have helped to drill a well on the property and helping to construct a dormitory to house the pastor and his family and the Bible School students. The need right now is for a concrete roof for the dormitory at the approximate cost of $5,000. You can make a donation to the Benin Bible School Project here.
The Tabitha Sewing Project is helping women learn sewing and provide for themselves and their families. God has been using the center to help the ministry to reach more people, (customers and apprentices) and Hortense has started a weekly cell group to minister to these people in her home. There have been some challenges at the center, as the sales of clothing have been slow due to challenges relating to Covid-19. The center could use some more support at this time for salary for the dressmaker, who also serves as a teacher to the ladies who want to learn the trade. They also would like to buy one more sewing machine, which would allow them to train one more person at a time at the center. You can make a donation to the Tabitha Project here.
Rev. Clossou also informed us that, after hearing about the Tabitha Project, a church from Texas was inspired to make a donation to establish a second sewing center in north Benin. This is a Muslim-dominated area where Isaac’s church has adopted an unreached tribe called the Hausse tribe for prayer and evangelism. They believe the sewing ministry will help them to build relationships and reach people with the Gospel in that area.
Thankful for You!
Susan and I are so thankful for our faithful partners and supporting churches, who are helping us to take the Gospel to the world. As the Scripture says, “And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:15a, NKJV) You are making this ministry possible through your prayers, encouragement, and financial support. We pray that the Lord will water you as you have watered others with your love. God bless you!