Hi,

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine that a thousand people are lined up outside your door waiting to learn about Jesus. Have you got the picture? Can you see their faces full of questions, full of hurt, searching for an answer? How does it feel? I know how it feels because this is exactly what happens everyday at TruthMedia. People seeking spiritual answers are pouring into our websites at an ever increasing rate. It’s fantastic!

It can be difficult to talk about faith face-to-face, but online people are quick share the deepest issues of their hearts. We have a team more than 650 volunteers who have helped lead over 10,000 people to a relationship with Jesus. They have worked alongside numerous organizations and churches to expand their ministry efforts and have personally answered over 50,000 emails from people seeking spiritual answers in the past year alone. Lives are being changed!

I love the way Romans 10:14-17 is worded in The Message. It starts with, “But how can people call
for help if they don’t know who to trust?” and then skipping down a little it goes on to say: Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: “Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?” The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to. (selections from Romans 10:14-17)

Amazing things are happening in mentoring and I want us to reach out even more. But we can’t do it because we are experiencing a significant shortfall in giving. Instead of expanding to meet opportunity, we are faced with holding back or even shrinking. To keep this ministry helping people come to know Jesus we’re asking God to provide 500 donors who are able to give $20 a month.

You can help. Would you consider joining our team and giving $20, $50 or even $100 month? Would you consider a special gift of $150.00 or more? There are thousands lining up at our doors in need of the hope that exists only in Christ.

You can give online here.

Your donation touches a life and changes a future forever, preserves a family, saves a teen from
crime, brings healing to an abused woman, gives a college student strength to say “No” to alcohol
and yes to God. Thank you so much for your help in this moment of extraordinary global opportunity.
I am excited to see what God will do.

You are a blessing.

Serving together,

Karen Schenk
Director, TruthMedia

Merry Christmas!

The November stats are now available.

I’m sure your homes are busy as you get ready for the holiday season. Christmas always reminds me just how 24/7 the Internet ministry is.  People come to our door looking for someone to talk to all 365 days of the year.

The other day our team was talking about how to manage our sites Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  We tend to hear from people who are deeply hurting on those two days.   The reasons why are quite simple.  Christmas is supposed to be a time of family celebration.  If you don’t have a family, or if you are in crisis and not celebrating, the jingle of Christmas  bells can be a hard sound to hear.

The people who  go online on Christmas Eve and Christmas day are alone and in pain.  They come looking for someone to talk to.   It’s amazing that we are in a position to be there for them.   Our incredible volunteer team makes this possible.  Each person is able to give a little time and the result is a lot of people being helped!

People come to us at Christmas with an uncommon openness.  They are quick to share the deep issues of the heart and from there we are able to share the love of Jesus with them.    Thank you for your support this year.   Lives have been changed.

You can’t always see the heart that’s breaking.   Sometimes the people that need help the most are silent.   But what they won’t say out loud, they will talk about online.  Through mentoring and chat, we can be there when they’re ready to talk.  As we come into this Christmas season, If you are able to give a special gift, please do so at:
http://secure.powertochange.org/p-484-online-mentoring.aspx?source=TRU09CWHOP
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:

Please pray that I will have the deepest desire and hunger for God’s WORD! My husband, not saved, is in Iraq. He went there 1yr. and 3 months ago.  Now my mind must be under some stress–I have never undergone anything like this.  Thank You for all your prayers. (USA)

I just came across the website (Soul Cravings) and it seems as if this just what I needed. Just so much I could relate to. I just need peace and fulfillment and happiness in my life. (USA)

I’ve read your message of Faith Adventures and I would love to see if I can do something for GOD and for our family and friends. Please email me back any information or anything that I might be able to assist on, once again I thank GOD for bringing me to this site and may GOD bless you always. (Canada)

The October stats are now available

This past week marked an incredible milestone for TruthMedia.  We launched brand new versions of both womentodaymagazine.com and christianwomentoday.com!  These are our flagship sites.  It is exciting to finally see them under the banner of Power to Change, fully integrated into the new supersite.

We want to help people discover a walk with Jesus. A young man wrote in saying “I just started my walk with Christ seven weeks ago. I feel I need to surround myself with other Christians. To make the transition easier for me I believe a online mentor would help out a lot.”

In today’s culture, everything is influenced by social networking. As people feel connected in relationship, change can take place. Through our sites, our partnerships with other groups, churches and businesses we want to connect people who are asking questions with mature believers who can help them take the next step in their spiritual journey.

Thank you so much for your involvement in this ministry.  You are appreciated so much!

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 been through things in life that I now feel so alone, unfocussed. I have a great job but I cant find any motivation I feel so much pressure scared all the time where I can’t relax… any advice you may have I would greatly appreciate. Thank you.  (USA)

I feel I’m dying inside. There’s a big hole in my heart that its really hurting me. I had an abortion one year ago; I didn’t know the truth about abortion that time. I was afraid that time. I had reasons why I did it but still I know it was wrong. I ask God forgiveness but I can’t forgive myself and others who were involved. I feel that I am worthless and don’t have the right to be happy again…Please pray for me. (Trinidad)

I have been a Christian for many years, but struggle with anger, and patience. My self is often in the driver seat, not Christ.  Thank you for this prayer, and this web site.  (USA)

I am confused at times, and make mistakes and allow the devil to interfere in my life.  I do believe & trust in God and He has always shown himself to me at all times.  I know He loves me with all my faults & flaws.  (South Africa)

I need prayer because my kids are heading down the wrong path and I’m trying to steer them right, as well as myself.  (USA)

The July stats are now available

As relationships are being developed between mentors and those who are write in, we are see lives being changed.  It’s exciting to see those who have no faith come towards a place where they believe in God.  I’d like to share a new story and an update  with you.

Atheist begins to believe that there must be a God:

Please pray for Bob* who read an article, “Search for meaning of Life” and emailed us this question.   “Why do you assume a meaning to life?”

Twenty-six emails later he said, “I, am speechless. I am not sure if I am ready to commit to being a Christian, but I think there must be a God. I guess I really underestimated Christianity, and Theism.  Thank you, I think there is something out there in the universe, I just don’t know what. If what you say is true, I’ll find him.”    Mentors build relationships and trust and in that context, share the love of God.  (* Names have been changed)

Update on Jen’s Story:

Last month I told you about Jen, a high school grad who was partying a lot and then started going to church.   I received an update this past week.  She is on a journey and making significant changes in her life.  In her own words:

“I leave for school in two days now. I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done to help me in the past couple of months.  I truly had a very difficult summer and to be honest, I know that your words alone helped me pull through a lot my problems. It’s not easy trying to build faith for myself, but I have built enough confidence to know that I will be okay on my own.

I’m not sure if I already told you this, but I went back to the doctor and I’m clear of all STDs now.  I’ve made the decision to withhold sex until marriage which is the way it should be.  No teenagers really listen to that theory, but it is the right choice when you want to find real love.   I honestly thought that this entire year was the end of the world for me, but it really wasn’t.  Teenagers tend to be extremely dramatic and I know I am an extremely less severe case compared to others out there.  But I am still very grateful for your help.  I know that I will always have you to talk to talk to in the future. Thank you once again. ”

Please keep praying that she will discover a deep and meaningful relationship with God.

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 am rededicating my life to the Lord and asking for strength and deliverance from temptation of looking at inappropriate online images/content. I have a great marriage, would never want to hurt my wife, and need prayer to keep it that way. Thank You.  (USA)

Just starting to personally accept The Lord into my life.  (United Kingdom)

I have depression and am unhappy in my marriage. I separated from my husband and cannot make it financially. I feel trapped.  (USA)

I am finding it very hard to deal with “the flesh”. I find it hard to “subdue fleshy desires”.  How do I overcome this?  I also find it hard to put aside time to pray or read my bible, I feel as if God won’t hear me anyways…. I have no one I can speak too about this, as I am a prominent member in the church.  I get scared to talk to anyone in church as they may judge me. Thank you. (United Kingdom)

Really struggling with self-injury. It’s mostly just a temptation right now; I rarely fall into it, but a lot of the time I can’t get it out of my head. I just can’t stop thinking about it and I want to do it so badly. Last week I fell into it and it was worse than before, and I felt so depressed and filled with self-hatred and self-disgust afterwards. It’s so frustrating.  (USA)

The June stats are now available

Mentoring begins with a simple email.  From there a relationship develops as the mentor connects with the individual, sharing Christ with them when the time is right.  Here are two mentoring stories that happened recently.

Jen’s Story:

Jen sent in an email on June 14th.  “It wasn’t until this year (senior year in high school) that I have created a problem with myself. I have been sleeping with random guys that I do not know. It has becomes an addiction because I find that it’s the only way for myself to feel loved. I can’t even look in the mirror. I try to stop but whenever the chance comes around again, I fall into the trap so easily because I love the feeling of being wanted when I know that I am only wanted for one thing. How can I break out of this terrible habit with the motivation to find respect for myself again?”

Jen was matched up with a mentor.  During the past few weeks, they have emailed 16 times.  This week Jen sent in her latest email, sharing what God has been doing in her life.  “Your words are the helping spirit which lifts me up each day to continue with what I was doing. I think I want to start going to church. I’ve never gone once in my life and I believe it will be a huge help. . .  Thank you for helping me lead that path towards god.”

Glen’s Story:

Glen read this article on our site after doing a search for “Meaning of Life”.  In response, he asked this question. “Why do you assume a meaning to life?”  This email went to one of our mentors.  After 24 emails back and forth, the mentor received this email from Glen.  “I am speechless. I am not sure if I am ready to commit to being a Christian, but I think there must be a God. I guess I really underestimated Christianity, and Theism.”

Please pray for Jen and Glen and the countless others who are on the same path toward knowing Christ.

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 want to know and love the Lord. If I don’t get anything else done during the day, I want to know and love Him more. Pray for my family, and for our soldiers.  Thank-you.  (USA)

I am in the first step in my spiritual journey, I have prayed the prayer of salvation many times before and I always drifted back into my sinful ways, but I want to really change and do right by the Lord. How can I keep faith in myself to not drift away anymore and make God my everyday work? (USA)

Because of my busy schedule sometimes I can’t go to church. I need guidance from God to help me on how to face my every day’s trial. I need your help, please pray for me.  (Philippines)

I am facing a crossroads with life. Pray for direction and guidance to make decisions and commitments to better my life and others that surround me. Currently I am dedicating time to God and to my relationship with God but I feel alone with no real direction.  (USA)

The May stats are now available

One of my favorite pastimes is to browse around in The Mentor Center. Its so exciting to see the incredible communication that takes place. The conversations cover a wide range of topics and happen in many different languages. It’s been nearly a year since we moved into this new system and during that entire time development has been ongoing. Just today our Mentor Co-ordinator said “I can see TMC starting to function the way I always dreamed it would.” We are seeing significant ministry take place.

God is at work in many people’s lives. We are thrilled with what is taking place. It’s so exciting to know that we can connect with people through their current realities and help them go on a Faith Adventure.

Thank you for being on the journey with us! In many ways, we feel like it’s just beginning!

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 would like to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I would like also to become a great teacher of the Word of God, and start prophesying. (Kenya)

Why can I not manage to have the intimate relationship with God that I desire so much?  I have often asked Him, but there is a void in me.  I don’t sense His presence even if I know that He is in my life.  There is something that keeps me from experiencing His presence.  How can I receive the grace of praise, from Him who asks that we praise Him in every circumstance? (France)

I have gone in and out with my faith; sometimes I feel completely fulfilled and able to put my trust in the Lord, but recently my worldly desires have prevented me from having a deep relationship with God. Lately, I often don’t feel God’s presence. I now rededicate my life to the Lord, hoping that I can have a closer relationship with God and feel Him in my life. (USA)

I am at the beginning of my spiritual journey. Please pray that I will continue to grow in my belief of the Lord, find a home church, be free of fear, follow God’s word, and accept His guidance in my life. Thank you.  (USA)

The April stats are now available

Walking down the streets of Vancouver, it’s nearly impossible to miss the fact that the Olympics are coming soon.   As an organization, Power to Change is making plans to offer faith adventures in the City of Vancouver during this upcoming event.

TruthMedia is getting involved with many Power to Change ministries by offering mentoring for each domain and ministry area.  We have outlined a church strategy that enables churches to offer mentoring to their constituencies.  To see how your church can start mentoring, please view the information on the site.

A recent email really showed me once again how powerful online mentoring can be.  It reads,   “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.”

God is working through this ministry and we are so thankful for the opportunity to be involved in specific ministry opportunities like Olympics.

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:

Not yet a church go-er, but willing to be a Christian with apostolic church mission. Pray for me to have strength in all the days of my life, have a loving and caring husband, and have mercy on people.  (Botswana)

I recently struggled with connecting with Christ, and felt a loss of that connection; I am now trying to reconnect.  But I am tired, and a bit afraid. But I know that there is nothing on earth that can compare to God, so I want to try.

I want to experience the total transformation and abundant life that Jesus promised. I have been saved for a while but find that I still am not living a victorious life. Please pray for me.  (USA)

I’ve not established an intimate relationship with Jesus with the fact that I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior since 3 years ago. I experienced the power of prayer once a while. Yet, I am able to pray given lack of priority in my life. Often time I felt that I live a life without purpose. As a result I found my work is lack of efficiency and all the meeting I attended are without concentration. I am in need of Jesus to change my situation.  (China)

I want to be a stronger person inside and out. I want to walk with God everywhere, Satan keeps attacking me and I don’t know what else to do. I don’t want to get discouraged easily and go back to the life I had!  (USA)

The March stats are now available

Just the other day we had the pleasure of hosting two of our mentors here in the office. Andy & Becky from Sarasota, Florida were in the area and came to headquarters.  It is always a treat to get to meet mentors face to face!  While they were here we talked about the need for writers.  Andy said he was willing to write, but wasn’t sure if his writing was polished.  I reminded him that we have editors who can do the polishing, what we need is his knowledge and experience.

There is a lot of great information and encouragement represented in our mentoring team and we would love to get it out into articles.  Right now we’re looking specifically for people who can write about marriage and all aspects of discipleship.  If you would like to write an article, all the details are available online.  You never know how God will use 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 am a 16 year old high school student who accepted Christ 5 months before. Since that time I had regularly struggled with sin in my daily walk with God and had failed many times. Though I read the Bible and Pray everyday I still feel like i have not achieved that spiritual fullness.  Please pray for me that i might totally submit myself to God and that i might resist temptation.  (USA)

I would like for you to pray for: Strengthening my marriage.  (USA)

Dear father, I am a Bangladeshi Muslim. Now working in Dubai. I want change my life to the Christianity. Because, I like Christianity. I want proselyte to the Christianity. This is my dream and thing. So, if you can help me, I will proselyte to the Christianity. How can I proselyte from Dubai? Please tell me.  (Bangladesh)

Praise The Lord.  I am a second year BBA student. I want to get an admission for MBA in a good college. SO PLEASE PRAY FOR ME.  THANK YOU.  (India)

I just want prayers for my family and myself were going through a death in the family and it hurts also I need a prayer to have strength in completing college classes my junior year in HIGHSCHOOL…I know its going to be a lot of stress and I just need a prayer to keep me focused.  (USA)

The February stats are now available.

God continues to use this ministry in incredible ways. Two stories that really touched me this past month are from a stroke victim and a teenage girl.

Recently a man who had experienced a stroke and could not talk came into the chat room. His communication was limited to very slow typing.  The group prayed for him and ministered to him.   It amazes me that people from around the world can gather together and minister to a lonely person trapped within his own body.

This month we also heard about a teenager who called into a radio station that partners with us for online mentoring. She called to thank them for the mentor she was matched with months before. The TruthMedia mentor helped her radically transform her life over the last eight months.  When she first called into the radio station, she was partying hard, drinking and doing drugs. With the help of her mentor she came to know God, got involved in a church and turned her life around.

Please continue to pray for the ministry.  If you are interested in becoming a mentor or your seeing how your church can get involved, go to www.thementorcenter.com.

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 your kind words and prayer. Just having someone listen and understand helps quite a lot.  I’m sure I will contact you again. I was feeling down the other evening when I wrote the message and was very glad to have stumbled upon your website. It’s a very nice concept.  God bless you.

Prayer request to help me to get my life in order with the Lord. I want to give my whole hart to the Lord and I am down and need you to pray for me so that the Lord can change me to be a better person to other people. (South Africa)

Thank you for those comforting words. Although things are pretty much the same today, there have been a few break-through’s (if you will) lately. I will indeed re-focus and read the passages you have recommended. I can’t say thank you enough for this direction. I am learning to learn that there is no question I should consider a dumb question. The prayer that you sent gave me warmth within. I thank you for that. God bless you and each of the sisters and brothers who keep this site going. It has truly been a God-send. Please don’t be insulted if I say that the Main source is my foundation and this avenue is not to substitute. The Lord tells me that we are to seek council and not to feel defeated that we are not ‘getting’ Jesus’ message. I will persevere because He does. Amen

I’m asking for prayer for strength and support from God. In September 2008 my first child, a son, was stillborn at 36 weeks. This week I had a miscarriage with our second child at 10 weeks. I feel completely alone and lost and empty. My soul, my mind, my heart and my body are at rock bottom. I know that I need to pray for God’s will in my life but I just don’t understand why this has happened again. I just need prayer to help me accept God’s will and that he will show me what he needs from me. I want so badly to be a mom and have a family. (USA)