Archive for the ‘Ministry Update’ Category

Breathing Life into TheLife.com

Friday, February 20th, 2009

The January stats are now available.

TruthMedia is thrilled with our newest site www.thelife.com. This site brings all of the content from our current network of sites into one central location. The site is divided into two main sections – www.thelife.com for our evangelistic (Discover) audience and www.thelife.com/experience for our discipleship (Experience) audience. Both audiences can now access video and blogs in addition to chat and mentoring.

The site is in a technology that allows visitors to comment on articles. We’ve seen the comments create great opportunities for mentoring. Recently Jason commented on an article telling us that his wife admitted to an affair that happened several years ago. “Its like it happened yesterday and for her, she has gotten over it and wants to move on,” he wrote. “Does anyone have any advice on how to get us on the same page??” We were able to point Jason to an episode of Marriage Uncensored that directly addresses this issue, putting the link right there in the comments.

Mentoring continues to be at the heart of our ministry. With the new site, we have more opportunities than ever before to share the transforming power of Jesus. If would like to share www.thelife.com with people in your life consider adding the URL to your email signature. Webcards are also available at a low cost by calling New Life Resources 1-800-667-0558.

Serving together,

Karen Schenk
Director, TruthMedia Internet Group

Online Mentoring
Each month we receive many encouraging emails from all over the world from people who have come across our sites, and in turn have had their lives changed. Here are a few that have touched our hearts from around the globe.

Thank you for taking an interest in me without knowing my name. The past 5 years I have struggled with insecurities that have festered into mountains keeping me from healthy relationships with God, myself, and others. I struggle day to day with negative thoughts. I appreciate you keeping me in your prayers as I know the importance of the mind (USA)

I’m Algerian, and I was a Muslim before I recently prayed to God and once again today to entrust my life to Jesus Christ. I hope that Jesus will come into my life. I need so much to be on the right path. That is what I am searching for in my life (in every area, and most importantly with God) Thank you for praying for me (Algeria).

Please pray that I may find a job soon. My gas was disconnected and it’s freezing. Thank you (USA)

It is also a privilege for me to be working as an online mentor with TruthMedia Internet Group. I had no knowledge such a thing existed until I stumbled on it early last year when I was surfing the Net just looking for whatever and anything. Surely, our Lord must have led me to it. Now, involved in this ministry, I feel a real contentment and fulfillment like I have finally settled into what I should be doing and love being a part of this very powerful and deeply enabling ministry. As I minister, I, myself, feel ministered to!

New Tools for the New Year

Monday, January 26th, 2009

The November stats are now available.

As the new year begins, I am excited about the future of TruthMedia’s ministry. Each day thousands of people come to our doorstep. We have a unique opportunity to connect with them and help each one go on a Faith Adventure. For most of 2008 we focused on creating tools that would expand our capacity and leverage our ministry effectiveness. These tools are now mostly in place and we are beginning to see the rewards.

The Mentor Center is available in five additional languages. It’s exciting to be able to offer people the chance to minister in their native language. Please pray for us as we are in the process of adding partners to this ministry. Pray that God would open doors so that these partnerships would enable even more lives to be changed as people discover relationships with God. Your involvement is a gift! Thank you!

Serving together,

Karen Schenk
Director, TruthMedia Internet Group

Online Mentoring
Each month we receive many encouraging emails from all over the world from people who have come across our sites, and in turn have had their lives changed. Here are a few that have touched our hearts from around the globe.

I have lost my faith in believing God after my friends, my lover, my family—all the people I love & trust—hurt & left me. I stand alone & lost as a fifteen year old now (Malaysia).

This is my 2nd time visiting ChineseWomenToday.com today. I was enlightened greatly by reading your articles. I praise the Lord for the opportunity to be enriched and to learn. I experienced God’s faithfulness in a recent turmoil. The universal economic crises have made my work full of hardship. Please pray for God’s empowering me with courage and faith to get to another chapter of my life (China).

I am praying for patience, and the anger inside to go away, for help as I found out three days ago my 15 yr. old is pregnant. I know the bible says that if we give it all to God, he will take care of it, without us having to worry about tomorrow, or food. I’ve struggled since I was a teen mom of 2. And at age 40 I am on my third divorce, struggling, disabled, and lost my job. I feel like everyday is more and more. Why? Where did I lose me? (USA)

I have been raised as a Christian but with a period of great doubts. Lately I have been having difficulties in keeping my intimacy w/ God on a daily basis. So I need prayer for a more disciplined prayer/devotional time as well more time in/with the Word. Thank you for this site and such a dedication in spreading God’s message (Portugal).

Year End Giving

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

We would like to apologize that some of you may have received two TruthMedia ministry updates yesterday. There was a technical problem with our third-party newsletter system and it randomly sent out an outdated update together with the December update. We also realized the link for donations was missing. It is https://truthmedia.com/giving.

Thank you so much for your partnership! Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Karen Schenk,
Director

Preparing for Christmas

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

The November stats are now available.

During these past few weeks, staff in our department have been preparing for the holidays. Their preparations are quite different than gift buying and decorating. They are busy co-ordinating staff and volunteers who will be there for those who are hurting and alone over the holidays. TruthMedia prepares for a 24/7 watch of our systems and emails. Christmas is a time when our volume decreases, but the intensity of the issues that come to us is highly increased. People are hurting and needing to talk. So, on Christmas Day, while turkeys are cooking, someone will be checking the emails and systems to be there for those who are facing their darkest moments. Please pray for divine appointments. Also, please pray for the funds that are needed as we approach the end of the year. If you would like to give a gift towards the ministry of TruthMedia, please go here. Thank you so much for your prayers and partnership!

Serving together

Karen Schenk
Director, TruthMedia Internet Group

Online Mentoring

Each month we receive many encouraging emails from all over the world from people who have come across our sites, and in turn have had their lives changed. Here are a few that have touched our hearts from around the globe.

hey, i’m just so lost deep down inside and i wanted to comeback to him and give him what he deserves. how i wish my faith would come back stronger than ever…hope u can help me bring back my spiritual life…(Philippines)

I longed to accept Jesus as my personal savior for a long time. I fell short of faith with the fact that I studied Bible for a while. Knowing I am a sinner who God chose to save, I am afraid that I can’t meet the God’s standard. Please give me some help. Many thanks. (China)

Please pray for me as I am losing everything that’s dear to me. My family is far away , my boyfriend is not as close to me as before and most of all I have never felt so insecure in my life as right now !I need to be close to God as I used to !thanks for reading my mail (U.K.)

AM a woman in Kenya in northern desert paths, when it comes to bible or knowing God we are behind coz we don’t get access to church to a person to tell you about God or encouragement to face challenges of life. am happy now that i got you to help me get to know God better. eg i read your story no different with what am going thro, pls can you help me. am now i single mother of two girls who needs me as there mom and daddy, thanks a lot. (Kenya)

Sharing the truth of the Gospel

Friday, November 14th, 2008

Dear Ministry Partner,

The September stats are now available.

Recently, I was asked if I ever wondered if the all emails we receive in The Mentor Center are true. It’s a great question! I asked it myself many times when I first began hearing the issues that people talk about online. I have made a profound discovery. People online are actually the same as people in “real life” — sometimes they tell the truth and sometimes they don’t.

We answer each email on the assumption that it is true. Sometimes a great truth can be shared in a conversation that started with an email that was a lie. When mentors are involved in an ongoing conversation, they can see if there are inconsistencies. The Holy Spirit gives clarity and direction as mentors pray for the people they are ministering to. For the most part, people who take the time to write in write the truth.

Thank you for the role you play in sharing the truth of the Gospel with each of our visitors.

Serving together,

Karen Schenk
Director, TruthMedia Internet Group

Online Mentoring
Each month we receive many encouraging emails from all over the world from people who have come across our sites, and in turn have had their lives changed. Here are a few that have touched our hearts from around the globe.

First of all, I’d like to extend my sincere appreciation to those who pray for me and to bless this website. I praise the Lord for helping me finding this website. I’d like to offer myself as living sacrifice to be used by our Lord. I pray for God’s equipping me and use me as an holy vessel. May He open the door for me to serve Him and bles my ministry. I pray in Jesus name. Amen (China).

I am just in the beginning, i just said prayed to Jesus for the first time. My life is a mess. I have been in constant presence of drugs. Along w/ the presence of drugs, my financial situation is in a totally ridiculous predicament. I am in despair, on the verge of losing my wife and unborn son, and also my family members. I can’t find the courage to face reality and the predicament that will be dealt to me. So now i turn to Jesus Christ my Lord, and invite him into my life, and change me the way he see fit (Indonesia).

I need new direction in my life. I am having serious relationship issues with my wife. I don’t know what to do anymore. I am confused. I know deep down I want to hear God’s voice (Canada).

I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit led me to your website. I am a 49 year old christian woman that feels like I’m losing my mind. I went from being an active leader in my church to a total recluse. I thought at first I just needed a rest from all the busyness but it quickly turned to depression. I don’t know who to go to. But I need help so bad. It’s a little frightening. I know that God is with me. I’d appreciate any Godly counsel from you. Thank you for your prayers (USA).

I was baptized and experienced God’s grace for long time. Nevertheless I still don’t feel about God. Please tell me who I am, what should I do? Why those who didn’t receive Christ live a much better life than me? Why??? (China).

My experiences I have encountered in being a mentor with TruthMedia have been absolutely fabulous. I have grown in my knowledge. It delves me into the Word and increases the well of knowledge within me that God has provided. I have had many letters and many positive replies (from a mentor).

Transforming Lives

Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

One of the amazing things we experience at TruthMedia is hearing about changed lives.Over time, as conversation continues between a mentor and the mentoree, there is often an incredible journey that leads to life change.

Recently, a mentor received an email from a young man named Dave*. This is his story.

Dave: Hey. I’m 17 and I’m a senior in high school. I have a problem with just about every relationship I’m in. I’m adopted so pretty much my whole life I felt like I wasn’t even really a real part of my family.”

Mentor: “So you feel like a square peg in a world full of round holes.”

Dave: “Yeah man, that square peg and round hole thing is it. I feel like I don’t ever belong anywhere. When I was smaller until maybe I got into high school, my mom would always tell me I was found in a dumpster. If my parents didn’t want me when I was just a innocent baby. Who’d want me now?”

The mentor then shared some of his own journey and asked Dave if he might be interested in a faith adventure.

Dave: “Yeah for a faith adventure, I’m interested. I know where I am now isn’t where I wanna be. I’m down all the time, and I try to turn to God but I don’t know how. I can’t do it by myself, and I need help.”

Mentor: “The first step is having a personal relationship with God.”

Dave: “I’m taking the first step. I’m ready. yeah I prayed the prayer, and I opened my heart.”

This is only one of many stories we hear of people whose lives are transformed as a result of the time, care and prayer that has been invested in them by a caring mentor. If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming one of our mentors, please complete the online application.

Thank you so much for your part in this ministry where lives are being changed every single day.

Serving together,
Karen Schenk
Director, TruthMedia Internet Group

Online Mentoring
Each month we receive many encouraging emails from all over the world from people who have come across our sites, and in turn have had their lives changed. Here are a few that have touched our hearts from around the globe.

i really trust u i want to ask some of questions which i have doubt please make me friend & answer it…(India).

I have been raised to beleive in Christ and that He died on the cross for our sins. But because I have sinned and because I don’t go to church I feel guilty and not worthy even though I beleive. I feel that even though I pray only when it is convenient for me or in times of sorrow that God will choose not to hear me. The Bible verse that always sticks in my mind is that everyone who cries Father Father will not enter into heaven. He will say He does not know them. How do I know if He still wants me as a child of God? (Canada).

My husband walked out and took the money with him. I haven’t worked outside the home in almost 15 years. I am having trouble finding a job. I have about $1000 left. I have 3 children and a dog. Please pray that I find a job, soon. Thank you (United States).

Hello I have said your rededicated pray for Jesus to dictate my life. But as it reminds me that these are words, very strong words and I need to act on my words not only have and believe but to do the works of God. Thank you (Australia).

New Challenges, New Opportunities

Thursday, September 18th, 2008

Dear Ministry Partner,

The August stats are now available.

In the midst of two major software changes, TruthMedia has seen a tremendous amount of ministry taking place.  A couple of weeks ago, we received five suicidal emails within just a few hours.  Our crisis mentors were able to come alongside those individuals, give them hope and provide resources. These new systems will expand our capacity significantly and it is clear that the enemy is aware of this.  Please pray for our team as we are in a spiritual war zone.   We have encountered tremendous obstacles along the way.  We know that God is at work and thank you so much for your prayers and support.

Serving together,

Karen Schenk, Director
TruthMedia Internet Group

Online Mentoring
Each month we receive many encouraging emails from all over the world  from people who have come across our sites, and in turn have had their lives changed.  Here are a few that have touched our hearts from around the globe.

I wrote in about a month ago using a pseudonym, because I wanted to share with you my problem of adultery.  A woman responded to my message and I would like to thank you for your prayers, and tell you that I have stopped this relationship and I hope that my husband will truly forgive me. Would you continue to pray for me and support me? (France)

I had encountered problems with my relationship. I always complain and felt injustice at things happened around me. Wondered why it is me who got the hit most of the time regardless my innocence. Is it from God who desires to give me trials? I pray for His mercy given I don’t think I can endure the turmoil any longer. Please help… (China)

I have been spiritually ambivalent for a long time. I pray a lot, and do love God. I just get so weary of the constant and really tough trials he sends my way, that I’m frankly exhausted. I’ve gotten to where I turn to things I probably shouldn’t that may lead me further away from Him. I think about death a lot, and although I’m not suicidal, I’ve often asked God to go ahead and let it be over. And…that’s where I am, and seems I’ve really always been. (U.S.)

Dear Jesus! I would like to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin. I want open up my heart to receive you as my savior to take charge of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sin and give me eternal life. Help me to become a person after your heart. (China)

Ready to Launch!

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

Dear Ministry Partner,

The June stats are now available.

The past couple of weeks have been anything but normal at TruthMedia. For over a year now we’ve been working towards changing two of our foundational systems – one for mentoring and the other for content.  A few days ago, both of these new systems reached their final testing stage.   These are exciting days!

These two systems won’t change the type of ministry that we do, but they will significantly increase the tools available for us to do it.   With The Mentor Center we’ll be able to handle more requests than ever and match them with even greater precision.  Our new content system will open doors for us to create content that truly listens.

In addition to these changes, this is the last month that we will print and mail out our stats and stories.  To continue receiving the stats and stories please go to http://truthmedia.com/news/newsletters to sign up to get the TruthMedia Ministry Update in your inbox.

Thank you for praying for us throughout this process.  We praise God for the opportunity to do ministry by simply talking and listening….online.

Serving together,

Karen Schenk
Director
TruthMedia Internet Group

Online Mentoring
Each month we receive many encouraging emails from all over the world  from people who have come across our sites, and in turn have had their lives changed.  Here are a few that have touched our hearts from around the globe.

~ Hi, Thanks for putting this website together to get reconnected to my faith in Jesus Christ. I truly believe that there are still some people out there who can pray and wish everyone to be saved. Thank you. God Bless (USA).

~ I have recently had a miscarriage at 6 weeks, and was totally shattered. But the way God has helped me recover..is simply amazing.. I want to specially thank God for his blessings on us. I pray also for all the expectant mothers and also the couples trying for babies..may God almighty bless us all..PRAISE BE TO LORD JESUS CHRIST! (United Arab Emirates)

~ I’m a recovering alcoholic I¹ve been sober months I go to AA and hand my life over to God and the power of prayer really works, without Gods help I could not do it on my own (England).

~ what if i prayed the prayer but i do not find spiritual fruit in my life that the bible speaks about? is praying a prayer all that it takes for a cursed creature to be reconciled to a righteous and just God?

~ Hello, I’m really lucky to find this website. I know that God is there but at the same time my mind is getting diverted to Islam. I feel like reading Quran and know more about that religion and i feel that I’m going away from Jesus by having this kind of feelings. Please help me out and I request you to pray for my parents and my health. I look forward to hear from you (India).

~ I read the articles that you counseled me I see more clearly now and I know that I need to reorient these things and allow God to once again have first place in my life (Gabon).

Increasing Our Ministry Impact

Thursday, June 26th, 2008

Dear Ministry Partner,

The May stats are now available on Truthmedia.com

During the past month our teams have been working diligently on our two key projects which will significantly increase our capacity and leverage our ministry impact. These two projects are The Mentor Center and the creation of a SuperSite.

We are moving all our websites into a single supersite so that we can do regular (possibly daily) updates to the site which could be featured on many sites at once. The content is designed to encourage people to engage in mentoring relationships. Please pray for our team. We are doing this additional work at the same time that we are continuing with the regular ministry growth that we experience.

God is continuing to do amazing things through this ministry everyday and we really appreciate your involvement!

May God bless you!

Karen Schenk
Director
TruthMedia Internet Group

Online Mentoring
Each month we receive many encouraging emails from all over the world from people who have come across our sites, and in turn have had their lives changed. Here are a few that have touched our hearts from around the globe.

~ I am like the seed that was thrown on the hard ground among rocks and such. I need Christ in my daily life; I need a personal relationship with Christ (USA).

~ I have recently given my life to Christ but I am having struggles with temptations from my previous way of living (Jamaica).

~ Thank you so much for your mentoring. I’m so grateful for this. It is you who gave me courage and strength to continue my life journey. I will cease my thought of committing suicide and live a meaningfully life. Many thanks (China).

~ It is often hard to pray when there are so many things that go wrong in my life. Please pray that I will have the strength and faith to continue to trust in Jesus even through the hardest times. Thank you God Bless You (Australia).

~ Please, pray for my faith and confidence in Lord and to be humble (Croatia).

~ I came across your website by sheer accident. God has clearly directed me to your website and all its inspirational quotes and stories. I just want to say what a great site!!! I feel like God is saying there is so much that life has to offer me!! Please pray for me and I would be happy to receive your updates and newsletters. Thank you (United Kingdom).

~ I would like to understand more about faith. What is faith in the Christian point of view? How do you differentiate faith with false hope (Malaysia)?

Online Mentoring Bridges the Gap

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

Dear Ministry Partner,

In the past couple of months, our teen mentoring community has grown exponentially. Teens are pouring out their hearts and mentors are responding – even though many of the mentors are the same age as the teens’ parents. Online mentoring bridges the generational gap. We are thrilled to watch as teens are shown the hope Christ offers for their situation.

Here is what some are saying:

“I have a problem with one of my friends and I’m really scared for her so I need someone to talk to.”

“I need a mentor more then anything. Nobody understands. “

If God has given you an interest in mentoring teens, please let us know by becoming a mentor at www.truthmedia.com/mentor . If you are already a mentor, please let your community leader know if you would like to mentor teens. (Teen mentors require a criminal check.)

Also, please continue to pray for the launch of the new Mentor Center. Testing is currently underway and we hope to begin moving in to the new system shortly.

Many blessings,

Karen Schenk
Director
TruthMedia Internet Group

The April stats are now available on Truthmedia.com

Online Mentoring
Each month we receive many encouraging emails from all over the world from people who have come across our sites, and in turn have had their lives changed. Here are a few that have touched our hearts from around the globe.

~ I would like to understand more about faith. What is faith in the Christian point of view? How do you differentiate faith with false hope (Malaysia)?

~ I am 25 yrs old. i lost my control of life because of drugs, but i want to change my life i need God at the centre of my heart to help me (Malta).

~ I am so touched to receive your reply email today. I will make an effort to follow the advices you mentioned to improve my people skills. I need to think more positively and accept myself as what I am. I am confidence that I will live a new life in the near future (China).

~ I’m a 36 year old married, maturing Christian very involved in my church yet I feel so empty and worthless at times (USA).

~ That is EXACTLY what I need – a mentor. I’ve been saved a long time (35 years). There is NO mentoring or discipleship program in my church. I have no one that I can go to (at least I feel I don’t) for guidance, instruction, to ask questions, for prayer, for what to study next or do next in my very young Spirit-filled life (USA).

~ i am still trying to build a relationship with God but i keep coming across things that destroy me. i would like to build a relationship with God so that i may get guidance and strength in the choices that i make in my life (UK).

~ I’m lost and can’t seem to bring back the faith i once had in my life. I need you to help me know how to get it back so that i can have a close relationship with God as i once had (Zambia).