You guys, please read this...girls too :)

[Jilly81]

I know that many of you have heard the stories of people who claim to be seekers, yet come into this site's chat room and start arguments in the main chat, usually being rude or blasphemous enough that they get banned within an hour at the most. Many seekers have also come in... however, they usually sit there and watch. I know this; I've talked to many of them. I wanted to share three stories with you.

The first lady was one I greeted after the CC bot said that she had just joined that day. She said in the main chat that she felt like God had told her to come here. I asked if I could PM her. When she said that that would be fine, I asked her privately if she had ever accepted Jesus as her Savior (I actually felt led to ask her that right away). "No, I never have" she said. "I believe that Jesus is God, but I don't see why He had to die". I explained to her how our sins had to paid for, because we couldn't save ourselves, and Jesus was perfect, so His sacrifice paid the price for the bad things we have done. She mentioned that there were some things she was doing that she knew were wrong...she added that she was probably bad, because she rather enjoyed doing those things. I told her that it was normal to feel that way; the Bible says that sin is a pleasure. She said that she wanted to go to church, but didn't know how she'd be treated. I kind of cringed inwardly, knowing that there's a good chance that she'd be judged.....glad she decided to look for God on the internet. Never thought I'd think of the net that way, but recently I have a lot. Anyway, before she left, she said that she was going to ask Jesus to be her Savior .

Another lady came in and I asked about her screen name (her moniker made me think that she was curious about Christianity, which she affirmed). I gave her the Gospel in a few sentences. She thanked me and said that she grew up Jewish, but that she and her husband didn't officially even believe in God. I asked her if she'd ever read Isaiah 53. She said that she had; those prophesies are what got her wondering if Jesus might be the Messiah. Part of her hesitation seemed to be that she had assumed that she would have to leave her husband if she accepted Jesus. I assured her that she wouldn't; that scripturally she should actually stay with him unless he insists on leaving her, which really seemed to surprise her. She mentioned that she'd been to other Christian chat websites, but had only watched. She said that she was about to give up, "but then you PM'd me....". Wow, even now as I type that, it felt funny..... so glad I decided to talk to her.

The third story is of a man who typed in the main chat, "Okay, since I'm here, it probably means that I want someone to tell me about God". I said that I'd be glad to talk to him, as did another person. I then PM'd him, just to make sure that he didn't get away . He started out by telling me that he was an atheist (I think he did this so that he'd know right away if I was judgmental). "Okay, cool" I said. I told him the Gospel. I'd rather not give any more details since others might have seen his announcement in the main chat, but after I answered his questions and said that I needed to leave, he said, "Have an awesome day . Godspeed".

These people were from three different countries (the US, Europe, and Australia). Both of the women specifically thanked me for telling them the Gospel, as many others have (the Jewish lady even typed "hugs" when I clarified something to make sure that she didn't take what I'd said the wrong way). I've gotten very little opposition, even though everyone I've talked to has been a total stranger, and I don't even have a photo of myself they can see.

Just hoping desperately that we will all tell the Good News to the ones who need to hear it....not just on this website; hopefully everywhere, but it's such a ripe harvest out there in the lounge.....

[Crossfire]

Originally Posted by Jilly81

I know that many of you have heard the stories of people who claim to be seekers, yet come into this site's chat room and start arguments in the main chat, usually being rude or blasphemous enough that they get banned within an hour at the most. Many seekers have also come in... however, they usually sit there and watch. I know this; I've talked to many of them. I wanted to share three stories with you.

The first lady was one I greeted after the CC bot said that she had just joined that day. She said in the main chat that she felt like God had told her to come here. I asked if I could PM her. When she said that that would be fine, I asked her privately if she had ever accepted Jesus as her Savior (I actually felt led to ask her that right away). "No, I never have" she said. "I believe that Jesus is God, but I don't see why He had to die". I explained to her how our sins had to paid for, because we couldn't save ourselves, and Jesus was perfect, so His sacrifice paid the price for the bad things we have done. She mentioned that there were some things she was doing that she knew were wrong...she added that she was probably bad, because she rather enjoyed doing those things. I told her that it was normal to feel that way; the Bible says that sin is a pleasure. She said that she wanted to go to church, but didn't know how she'd be treated. I kind of cringed inwardly, knowing that there's a good chance that she'd be judged.....glad she decided to look for God on the internet. Never thought I'd think of the net that way, but recently I have a lot. Anyway, before she left, she said that she was going to ask Jesus to be her Savior .

Another lady came in and I asked about her screen name (her moniker made me think that she was curious about Christianity, which she affirmed). I gave her the Gospel in a few sentences. She thanked me and said that she grew up Jewish, but that she and her husband didn't officially even believe in God. I asked her if she'd ever read Isaiah 53. She said that she had; those prophesies are what got her wondering if Jesus might be the Messiah. Part of her hesitation seemed to be that she had assumed that she would have to leave her husband if she accepted Jesus. I assured her that she wouldn't; that scripturally she should actually stay with him unless he insists on leaving her, which really seemed to surprise her. She mentioned that she'd been to other Christian chat websites, but had only watched. She said that she was about to give up, "but then you PM'd me....". Wow, even now as I type that, it felt funny..... so glad I decided to talk to her.

The third story is of a man who typed in the main chat, "Okay, since I'm here, it probably means that I want someone to tell me about God". I said that I'd be glad to talk to him, as did another person. I then PM'd him, just to make sure that he didn't get away . He started out by telling me that he was an atheist (I think he did this so that he'd know right away if I was judgmental). "Okay, cool" I said. I told him the Gospel. I'd rather not give any more details since others might have seen his announcement in the main chat, but after I answered his questions and said that I needed to leave, he said, "Have an awesome day . Godspeed".

These people were from three different countries (the US, Europe, and Australia). Both of the women specifically thanked me for telling them the Gospel, as many others have (the Jewish lady even typed "hugs" when I clarified something to make sure that she didn't take what I'd said the wrong way). I've gotten very little opposition, even though everyone I've talked to has been a total stranger, and I don't even have a photo of myself they can see.

Just hoping desperately that we will all tell the Good News to the ones who need to hear it....not just on this website; hopefully everywhere, but it's such a ripe harvest out there in the lounge.....

Awesome job! It's good to see that there are people who come to evangelize rather than for debate or entertainment.

[Jilly81]

One more thing: you guys, please take this thread the way it's meant....this isn't directed at any specific person. Please don't turn it into an argument. I just wanted to tell everyone about some awesome things that have been happening in the chat room, partly in the hopes that others will be willing to join me in this exciting venture; NOT to have this be Jill's "atta girl" thread.....please don't think that I'm looking for kudos for this. Just hoping that we could all tell the Good News to the ones who need to hear it....not just on this website; hopefully everywhere, but it's such a ripe harvest out there in the lounge..... wow, what an easy way to fulfill the Great commission....people who are searching, and they're willing to listen to a complete stranger.......you guys, this is almost too easy....

[Crossfire]

Originally Posted by Jilly81

One more thing: you guys, please take this thread the way it's meant....this isn't directed at any specific person. Please don't turn it into an argument. I just wanted to tell everyone about some awesome things that have been happening in the chat room, partly in the hopes that others will be willing to join me in this exciting venture; NOT to have this be Jill's "atta girl" thread.....please don't think that I'm looking for kudos for this. Just hoping that we could all tell the Good News to the ones who need to hear it....not just on this website; hopefully everywhere, but it's such a ripe harvest out there in the lounge..... wow, what an easy way to fulfill the Great commission....people who are searching, and they're willing to listen to a complete stranger.......you guys, this is almost too easy....

I'm glad that you are willing to discuss this openly so that others might be inspired to join you & take up this worthy cause. I hardly hit the chat rooms anymore however, after reading your post, I may join you as soon as I get settled in.

[Jilly81]

Okay, Crossfire; cool . I guess that by now you saw my added bit in the edited section, so you know that I wasn't just talking to you in my second post....I thought about this for a couple weeks before I published this thread; I SO didn't want it to turn into an argument; glad that we're good so far . BTW, I see some people ask how to get saved on the forums also (or make it obvious that that's what they need to hear), and sadly, they don't always get an answer right away .

[Jullianna]

Very cool, Jilly. There are so many opportunities to pray, encourage and witness to others here, as well as learn. We need to be paying attention and seize them. I haven't been here as long as some people, but I've seen a lot of people come to know the Lord here. A young atheist coming to know the Lord just a couple of weeks ago was a very special blessing.

[Liz01]

I like your stories Jilly, its nice to see what is happening on the chat rooms

[Crossfire]

Originally Posted by Jilly81

Okay, Crossfire; cool . I guess that by now you saw my added bit in the edited section, so you know that I wasn't just talking to you in my second post....I thought about this for a couple weeks before I published this thread; I SO didn't want it to turn into an argument; glad that we're good so far . BTW, I see some people ask how to get saved on the forums also (or make it obvious that that's what they need to hear), and sadly, they don't always get an answer right away .

You're cool. I understood ya' right away.

[Crossfire]

Originally Posted by Liz01

I like your stories Jilly, its nice to see what is happening on the chat rooms

Exactly. This sort of thing should have it's own forum where people dedicated to this could exchange input thus people could assist one another both in prayer and / or follow ups with those who are interested or have just recieved the gospel.

[Jilly81]

Originally Posted by Jullianna

Very cool, Jilly. There are so many opportunities to pray, encourage and witness to others here, as well as learn. We need to be paying attention and seize them. I haven't been here as long as some people, but I've seen a lot of people come to know the Lord here. A young atheist coming to know the Lord just a couple of weeks ago was a very special blessing.

Oh yes, Jullianna. I was there that evening when he prayed over the mic....that was SO wonderful . It was funny how he said early in the evening that he was an atheist, yet a few hours later he led himself in the sinner's prayer.....wow, he even knew what to say. Well, God let him know what to say, or however it worked . He mentioned a few days later that he'd expected us to be judgmental..... I'm so glad that we weren't that night.....hope the room can stay that open to seekers in the future, too .

[Jullianna]

Originally Posted by Crossfire

Exactly. This sort of thing should have it's own forum where people dedicated to this could exchange input thus people could assist one another both in prayer and / or follow ups with those who are interested or have just recieved the gospel.

Someone is working on it I know that Stilly would like to see the youedify room used for this far more than it is too.

[Siberian_Khatru]

That's great, Jily81! My experiences have lead to people coming to me more for personal/carnal problems rather than spiritual ones, but I've had a few encounters pertaining to the latter as well.

God bless!

[Jullianna]

Originally Posted by Jilly81

Oh yes, Jullianna. I was there that evening when he prayed over the mic....that was SO wonderful . It was funny how he said early in the evening that he was an atheist, yet a few hours later he led himself in the sinner's prayer.....wow, he even knew what to say. Well, God let him know what to say, or however it worked . He mentioned a few days later that he'd expected us to be judgmental..... I'm so glad that we weren't that night.....hope the room can stay that open to seekers in the future, too .

He said that he'd expected us to pounce on him, but he said that he not only appreciated the love and patience we'd shown in answering his questions for a couple of days before that, but he had noticed the love we had for one another as well. Unbelievers are paying attention. We should too.

It doesn't always happen the same day. It can take weeks...months..but it happens

[Jilly81]

Okay, Crossfire; glad you understood . That's a good idea about the forum....I'm cool with this thread turning into a "souls report" for now if anyone wants to add a good story, but a forum about that would be great; we could tell of some of the methods we used, and it's encouraging to read about people who are interested, even if they don't believe yet, though the new brothers and sisters would be great to hear about! It could be one in which seekers could post also; now that'd be awesome ! Sadly, the curious often go to the Bible Discussion forum.

Thank you, Liz . I enjoyed sharing them, and knowing now that they are being appreciated .

Oh, one more person to thank so far: Jesus, thank you for everything You've ever done for us; praise Your holy Name !

[Jilly81]

Originally Posted by Jullianna

He said that he'd expected us to pounce on him, but he said that he not only appreciated the love and patience we'd shown in answering his questions for a couple of days before that, but he had noticed the love we had for one another as well. Unbelievers are paying attention. We should too.

It doesn't always happen the same day. It can take weeks...months..but it happens

Yes, that was the fastest I've ever seen anyone break down, if that's the right way to phrase it.....he mentioned halfway through the evening that "every time one of you talks about God, I get so excited that I start pacing the room and waving my hands". So neat to see the Lord at work .

Concerning the post you made about the Youedify room, that sounds great, but I hope that we do a forum about it also; seems like it'd be easier for the seekers to get help on a forum. A girl on this site a few days ago posted that she wanted to get saved, and fortunately someone saw it right away and told her....she said that it was exactly what she needed to hear. The next day she told me in the chat room that she'd accepted Jesus the day before when she read what to do, and it was the best she'd ever felt !

[Jullianna]

I agree.We would be more likely to see a post no matter what time it was posted and questions could be answered the same way. I hate that people often come into the prayer room and youedify room to find no one there. I used to sit in there by myself sometimes while I worked on other things, but I don't it very often anymore. I don't chat nearly as much as I once did. Maybe I should...

That's adorable about him waving his hands. One of the coolest things about being around new believers is how their excitement lifts the spirits of all of the believers around them..or it SHOULD.

[Snackersmom]

This subject has been on my heart for a while. I didn't join this site to argue about pre-trib/post-trib, or whether or not Mary remained a virgin for the rest of her life .

I joined because I wanted to see lives changed by the power of Jesus Christ. The harvest is great; LOTS of seekers come to these forums, and I'm afraid that most of them end up in the Bible-discussion forum, which makes me sad . I would LOVE to see a forum dedicated those who are seeking or new to the faith, where arguing isn't allowed..........Sharing the love of Christ should be forefront on our minds, and this site really does make it easy to do. As Christians, we are supposed to be Jesus' earthly ambassadors, and it makes me wonder just how amazing and effective this site could be if we all kept the proper goal and mindset.......Thanks, Jilly God Bless. -Nichole

[Jullianna]

^^^^^AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!^^^^^

[zeroturbulence]

That's awesome, Jilly81!! The force is strong with you. (Sorry, I couldn't resist saying that). I guess we can view the Holy Spirit as the invisible force of God though.

[Jullianna]

Jilly, thanks for putting this here. I really needed to read it. I had pretty much decided that I was going to be leaving here...that I might be doing more harm than good at times. We have reason to be here. Yeah...we talk about silly stuff sometimes. But we also talk alot about the stuff that matters.