Witnessing Through the Internet

Have you ever witnessed to someone through the Internet? Many people do. I’m one of them. So is my friend and co-worker in ministry, Dr. Jeff Schwehm who is an ex-Jehovah’s Witness. My son, Rev. Kevin T. Meyer, also witnesses through the Internet. I’d like to discuss this opportunity to witness and encourage you to consider how you might do this with family members, friends, and strangers.

Dr. Jeff Schwehm frequently witnesses to Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW) and their families. When he decided to leave the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society many years ago, a Christian man witnessed to him through the Internet. That Christian didn’t just use words, he actually sent money to Jeff and his wife, Cathy. They desperately needed the funds to tide them over during that difficult time in their lives.

In my book Mission Field on Our Doorstep: Jehovah’s Witnesses Jeff Schwehm shares stories of some of the people he reaches through the Internet. Jeff uses pseudonyms because most individuals associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses must have their identities protected from retaliation by the leaders of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Here are some of those stories:

Emily

While discussing religious issues in an Internet chat room, I spoke with a JW named “Emily” who wanted to discuss religion. During our discussion, it became apparent that Emily has serious doubts about her beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness. During the next few weeks, I was able to send her literature critical of some of the false doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Emily and I correspond regularly via the Internet and the telephone on issues relating to the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Please pray for Emily.

David

In another instance, I met a gentleman on the Internet named “David” who was thinking of being baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness. However, there were still some issues that he was dealing with that were preventing him from taking this last step toward joining the organization. While speaking with him, I shared the scripture in John 5:24 and Eph. 2:8-10 that clearly shows that one is saved due to faith and not due to any works. In the next few weeks, David told me that he was no longer considering baptism by the JW’s. He also told me that he was interested in finding a church home that taught that salvation was through Christ alone.

Floyd

In another instance, I met an active JW on the Internet whom I will call “Floyd.” Floyd serves in his Kingdom Hall as a Deacon. During our conversation, Floyd shared with me his doubts about his beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness and we made arrangements to continue to discuss these doubts over the Internet.

But, how does Jeff find these people? I e-mailed him and asked him what he does to reach interested people through the Internet. Here is what he shared: “What I do is to find a threaded discussion board that encourages discussion on Jehovah’s Witness or Christian related issues. There are usually tons of them but a lot of times there are a couple of these boards that are really active.  I just get on those message boards and make friends.  Those individuals who want to learn more about the Christian faith usually wind up contacting me or going to my website for more information.  I make it a point to always include a link to my website or to a good Christian article whenever I post a message on the board. Sometimes after the individual tells me that they would like to be a part of a Christian community I will encourage them to find a church to attend or I will even help them find a church to attend. I would say success occurs when you get an e-mail from someone who says, “this is what I have been looking for my whole life” when discussing their new relationship with Jesus.  I always get chills when this happens.  It always amazes me that Jesus has allowed little insignificant me to help someone find Him.”

My son, Rev. Kevin Meyer, also witnesses through the Internet. For the past several months he has been witnessing to a man who lives in England. This man thought that Christians must be sinless after they come to faith in Christ. Kevin corrected this false teaching and continues to witness to him. Kevin also mailed him print resources and several audiocassettes from the Family Shield radio program that talked about the plan of salvation through Christ. Later he invited the man to listen to a Family Shield radio program that he hosted. And the man listened! Would you pray for this man? Pray that he would confess his sins, and commit his life to Christ.

Last year, in a previous St. Louis MetroVoice newspaper column, I shared information about my Mormon friend, Brian, who e-mailed Family Shield Ministries and asked if we would promote the Book of Mormon on our website. Of course, we couldn’t do that because we believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not a Christian denomination and is outside of the Body of Christ. But, his e-mail gave me an opportunity to get acquainted with Brian, and to witness to him. I won’t repeat the entire story, but if readers would like to read the previous column, they can call the Family Shield office and request it at (314) 772-6070.

Other things to think about as you consider witnessing through the Internet:

Pray and ask the Lord to lead you to witness in a God-pleasing manner. Allow Him to open the doors. Ask for His Wisdom as you write.

When witnessing through the Internet you will use the written Word. It can be misunderstood. Be professional. Reread what you wrote to make sure you have said what you meant to say.

Recognize that witnessing this way will take time. Don’t try to share everything at once.

It is important to share the Law and the Gospel. People like to hear “Good News.”

You may sometimes need to correct false teachings. Do your research. And back up what you say with Scripture.

Know the Word of God. Become prepared by attending Bible studies, attending witnessing training classes, and be in the Word.

Don’t continue to write to people that do not respond. Make sure the person you are writing is interested in continuing the Internet conversation.

I pray that something in this article will help you consider how you might witness through the Internet. Let me know how your fishing for souls progress! God’s peace through Jesus!

Remember the words of Jesus...

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am .” (John 14:1-3).

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well.” (John 14:6-7).

Kay L. Meyer is the president of Family Shield Ministries, Inc. You can listen to Family Shield’s radio program on Saturday’s on AM 850 KFUO in St. Louis from 11:05 a.m. --- 12 noon and in Chicago on AM 1160 WYLL. Learn more about Family Shield by visiting www.familyshieldministries.com or by calling 314-772-6070.