God’s Word has always been shared most effectively when people openly talk to each other about their hopes, fears, ideas, and struggles. Jesus did, and His people have been striving to do it ever since.
As more people today gravitate to the internet seeking answers to life’s most pressing issues, LHM has developed various online platforms around the world that allow staff and volunteers to enter into digital conversations with individuals and provide them with biblically based answers for their lives. Vivenciar.net is a bilingual platform that offers relevant content to Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking individuals through downloadable e-books, topical videos, courses, and an opportunity to talk to a team of volunteers throughout Latin America and the United States.
Guadalupe is a young woman who was sad and distressed due to the loneliness she was experiencing. She shared details of her problems with friends, but they began distancing themselves from her for various reasons. She went online for help and discovered Vivenciar.net. She began chatting with one of LHM’s volunteers, who calmed Guadalupe down, pointed out the website’s content about loneliness, and invited her to download the free e-book on the topic. When Guadalupe asked for prayers, the volunteer explained how finding our best friend in Jesus will help fill the voids in her life. Guadalupe said she appreciated the advice and requested additional materials to learn more about Christ’s messages of hope.
María, a 22-year-old student, has been receiving professional treatment for depression for a long time. However, she doesn’t feel like it has helped. She began searching online for ways to deal with her depression and came across Vivenciar.net. During her online conversation with the ministry volunteer, she mentioned that she attended church as a child, but no longer does since she feels more “sinful” in that environment. This depresses her even more because she feels like she cannot do what God asks of her. The volunteer conveyed the hopeful message of the Gospel and explained how Maria should focus on the comfort, strength, and peace that only God can provide. While Maria was hesitant to accept a referral to speak with the pastor of the Lutheran church in her town, she agreed to talk with LHM’s chaplain pastor through the platform. After several conversations with him, she asked for the Lutheran pastor in her city to contact her. She has started attending services at the church and is participating in a variety of congregational activities as she strengthens her faith.