I have had online pen pals that I encouraged in life. I’ve been able to communicate on a personal level about how God is always there for us, no matter what problems we may be facing. At times, I have sent verses from the Bible and have given support in any way I could.

Sgt. Sterwin Tan

Sunland-Tujunga church

My cousins and I have discovered each others’ Christianity. We encourage each other via e-mail and share insights into the beauty of God’s character. I don’t try to use e-mail as an evangelistic tool, but as an encouragement.

Jan Sutyla

Vallejo Drive church

I use e-mail to encourage my church members, to remind them about appointments and share Bible studies. The church newsletter is on the church website and we e-mail it. Ministry leaders can link to their own pages, too, from any location. Lately I’ve done more blogging or journaling, as an opportunity to share inner thinking. Mostly I do the website myself, though I’m not a techie. It is important for the church to be available online for people who may be looking for a church.

Pastor Bill Colburn

Ventura church

I actively participate in an online discussion group called Conversations about God, sponsored by Pine Knoll Publications in Redlands. Adventists, former Adventists and others participate. The person who started moderating the discussion was not an Adventist at the time and is now a Sabbath-keeper. I lead a Bible study every Friday night in our home, and I use the Internet to research for background and other information for that group.

Doug Warner

Lighthouse of the Valley church

I send e-mails with some quotations and inspirational stories to the pastor and to friends. I have been the treasurer of ASI (Adventist Laypersons Services and Industries) for more than 20 years and, because of my busy practice, ASI is my only ministry. So I e-mail stories of mission from that organization to non-members as well as to members.

Alberto Bagingito

Central Filipino church

I use the Internet to research resources for my ministry, Hands of Praise, a signing ministry. I am constructing a website for the ministry, and we want it to be accessible for Christians who are hearing-impaired. I communicate with my ministry staff of eight persons almost exclusively by e-mail; we hardly ever phone any more.

Jenice Broomfield

Smyrna church

We do a lot of AY meetings, plus lesson planning for Sabbath school. We use the Internet for reference, to access the Spirit of Prophecy and other materials we need for these meetings. To advertise to the young people, we e-mail announcements about programs and meetings, post flyers and ask for their feedback to help us in planning future meetings.

Fernando and Myrna Garcia

Central Spanish church

If I read a nice verse in the Bible, I e-mail it to my friends. I try to send more verses to my friends who are not Adventists. I also forward inspirational e-mails that I receive so my friends can enjoy them, too.

Brenda Vanegas

El Evangelio Eternal congregation

I just found out that people in my department are Christians, so I set up a once-a-quarter prayer group to pray for individuals working on their dissertations or preparing for exams. I e-mail fellow students to tell them about the prayer ministry and requests and to advertise location and time for praying together.

David Cort

University Church