The disruption has amplified the youth’s activity online and on other social networks, however, it has not put a block to the spiritual reality that is occurring behind the screen. Whether the youth realize it or not, they are actively doing their research online. The problem that arises is that what is being put on the internet is difficult to discern whether it is true information/news. It should concern us as Christians to know that youth are subconsciously facing a crisis when it comes to the information/news on media.

Social media evangelism has opened a way for Christians to use this space to spread the true news about Jesus, who had such deep love for humanity even to the point of death, making way for each person to experience a new life set free from the pain of this world.

Shane Sanchez, the Director of InsideOut at Gwinnett church and Alison Leamon, who serves as the Next Gen Pastor at Preston Trail Community church, met with the leaders of Barna Research Group Institute as they discussed using social media as a strategy for digital discipleship.

It was shared that students are living in a mythical belief system where they are unsure about what they are viewing online is real or not. These leaders shared that what needs to happen is to ground students back into reality with history as they have lost the ability to discern the false news from true news.

If we look closely at what the meaning of discipleship is, it is “the one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.” This also relates to what our commission is as believers. We are to teach others about the undoubtedly and undeniable truth about Jesus. When we are able to articulate that Jesus’s life on earth was an actual event that occurred in our history, the chances of them being able to connect with this reality is greater.

It is our commission to teach diligently and to raise leaders on all platforms, this is truly what we must do. In this spiritual battle, we are the Christians who can restore the life and hope in humanity as we debunk the myths and speak out to answer the questions students may have about Jesus.

May we gain deep understanding of the calling we have as Christians and constantly remind ourselves of it each day so that we can build greater urgency to save one more soul.

The last two years were not an ideal situation for most of us. The transition from social interaction to isolation was a new way of living and for some in 2020. It is still taking time to adapt to this current climate in 2021, even as many cities have reopened. Although this has become the new reality, Christians must keep their eyes on the Lord and looked to him for their strength.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

No matter what is happening in the world, be encouraged! This past year has had its highs and lows but when we put trust in God, it gives Him room to lift us up and do things in our lives that we have never experienced before, thus helping us to see the lows from a new perspective.

Think about it, you have a vision for your dream home, however, your landlord let’s you visit the home and you find that the property is in need of a lot of reconstruction and repairs. This may crush your dreams when you hear this until you see the transformation that has taken place. You walk into the home after the restoration took place and it has everything you wanted to be in your dream home. It went from being an old, vacant home to now a beautiful place to dwell.

This is how God redeemed us from this fallen world and made us new in his image. God’s plan, in the beginning, was to create the earth and beautiful creatures to live on the earth; humans being his most precious creature. However, we know that in the Garden of Eden, man sinned and no longer followed his original design. Despite this, God still had us in mind and had a plan to fix what was broken. And Revelation 21:5 gives us hope that despite what difficulties we may have faced in 2020 we can hold on for 2021, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). 

God has already done so much for us which is enough to be thankful for. I encourage you to write a list of all the good things that God has done in your life this past year. You will find that the good outways the bad, so rejoice and be hopeful for what is to come!

As we are going into the new year, I pray that we can all keep our eyes on God and set personal goals and ministry goals with hopes that he will fulfill them at due time. Being reminded of his promises and already giving thanks to him for the redemptive work he is doing in our lives. He is doing a new thing and for that reason, every New Year will be happy!!

Our senses are very important as we need them in order to discern things that are good or bad. AM wants to include sight, hearing, and touching as a way to help the students retain the message. Our sight is a very important part to our bodies as it is what allows us to see and perceive things. The bible stresses the importance of having clear vision and being able to see otherwise, we will lack understanding. Visual aids of the bible passages and scriptures will stimulate the students’ sight, which will allow them to perceive and understand the message more clearly. Video content will be a hybrid of both images and sound which amplifies the learning experience. Certain sounds can set the tone for the story which evokes our emotions. Lastly, hands on learning will include the opportunity for students to be engaged with activities that involve touching objects. The ability the touch objects based on the message allows the student to feel the pain or joy of the story.

Jesus did not just lecture, but he painted pictures for people’s minds as he told parables. He even told people to ‘come and see’. And when they came and saw, they followed him and experienced the truth through engagement and participation. It is true that our senses help us to perceive which enhances our understanding, yet they all function differently to shape our perspectives. In the same way, people’s learning styles are different. AM hopes that by incorporating different aspects of student learning, that it will help them retain the bible messages in the way that is most fitting for them.

The hope is that as AM continues to update their education system, that they can experience growth both in the ministry and in the lives of the soon to come students.

Through the use of video and film production, Dr. Bright and his colleague were able to produce The Jesus Film, based on the Gospel of Luke that would capture the hearts of millions of people around the world. The idea was to create a film that would then be translated into other languages for people in countries that either do not have access to a bible or for those that are unable to read.

A village in West Africa that was predominantly Muslim, had 13 people that were very touched after viewing the film and gave their lives to Christ. It helped them to see God’s great grace, love, and sacrifice for them even as they were experiencing a dark time. Bright made sure to be very detailed and meticulous in his production for the film by adding vivid imagery, captivating sound, and dialogue that was translated to other languages. He found that the film and the translated languages made it more personal to the viewers.

“We are not finished because right now nearly 5 billion people have yet to encounter Jesus-and it will take each and all of us to reach them.” With over 1,4000 translations these were Dr. Bright remarks in regards to fulfilling the Great Commission. Although the film was released 40 years ago, there are still many places today that are highly influenced by demonic spirits and have not heard the good news of the gospel.

As they are diligently seeking to reach M40 countries, AM HQ Staff are beginning to make plans for a video studio that they hope to have set up by this week. The idea is to have a dedicated space for filming and video production that would be used as a tool of mass evangelism. As the media is evolving and as people’s attention to social media is changing, AM hopes to create short  1-3 min films that would captivate and engage college students’ interests in pursuing Jesus.

If done precisely and creatively, this method of mass evangelism can truly pave the way for open dialogue and for deeper understanding of Jesus’s life and his teachings. It introduces the story of Jesus in a relevant way especially for young adults who are actively using social media platforms.

“Our desired goal is not to simply use a tool like The Jesus Film for the sake of showing a movie. Our goal is to proclaim Christ’s love for all and salvation through faith.” May AM plan and prepare well for the video production studio. Please pray that this method of mass evangelism can truly proclaim the name of Jesus and reach those with hearts that are seeking him.

Proverbs 16: 9 states, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

If you are still thinking about how to plan and set goals for the year purposefully, the SMART method is one that could help.

1. S – Specific: Make your goals as specific as possible. If your goals are too general, it may not be clear later down the line exactly what you want to accomplish.
2. M – Measurable: Your long terms goals as well as some short-term goals should have milestones or “checkpoints” within them, with which you use to measure your progress thus far.
3. A – Actionable: Goals should involve action. List the steps you would take to get to each milestone and eventually accomplish the goal.
4. R- Realistic: Faith can make us bold. However, be aware of where you stand currently and make your goals reasonable and attainable.
5. T – Time-Targeted: Make deadlines for each goal and milestone. The deadline will be an opportunity to reassess and evaluate what was accomplished.

God is pleased with our intentional and careful planning but let us not forget God is the one who directs our steps and all the beautiful thoughts and ideas that flow into our minds. He directs us through the planning, the execution, and the result.

Most people have heard in their life that God loves them. However, this love is so powerful and beautiful that it is in fact all we need in this life. The love of God heals, transforms, unites, and resurrects sinners like us. This love is more than just wishful thinking. It is love that waits, love that fights, and love that dies for us. No one in the world can measure up to the great love of God.

Join us for a mini-retreat to learn more about the most amazing love we could know. Let’s together confess, “Jesus, we love you.”