by Karin Ristau

Just like the weather outside, storms clouds were threatening my heart.  Christians do become sad.  But this was so different. I was preparing for a pity party – just me, myself and I. ‘We’ weren’t too far into it yet when I heard a knock on my heart’s door. I had really wanted to be alone to grieve that I could no longer do all the things I wanted to since my knee injury. Reluctantly I went to open the door and who should be there but my best Friend! He had something new and exciting He wanted to show me. He had planted a new thought in my mind. Once again He proved himself faithful. Before I called He came.I was reminded that recently a friend of mine talked about how he enjoyed chatting on the internet.It was common knowledge that chat rooms on the Internet are dangerous places where unsuspecting chatters, who reveal too much personal information, can really get into trouble. I’ve never been one to believe all negative and shocking comments others make about people, events or things. Besides, more than once I have found that checking things out proved valuable and wise. Researching information on the ‘Net is a lot of fun, educational, rewarding and inspirational. I had never been in one of those rooms though and didn’t even know how they worked. I started with Christian Women Today by Campus Crusade for Christ. It is beautiful women’s e-zine; I liked their layout. Getting into the chat room is very easy. A nickname keeps you anonymous. Often peopl e will ask those in the room “Where do you l ive?” and the answers come flashing on the screen, Engl and, Austral ia, Bel gium, India, even Iran. Other times it may be Texas, Florida, California, New York, Michigan, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and so on. It was so exciting to meet women from al l over the globe! When you enter the room you are usually recognized as a newbie. There are others who have been there a whil e and teach you the best way to chat. During open chat the women tal k to each other about parenting, marriage, church invol vement, books they read, recipes or music they l ike. Anything of interest to women! There is l ots of good humor and l aughter. However, I was deepl y moved by the way they stop al l conversation just to pray for one who expresses a need. The chat room is regul arl y monitored by vol unteers from Campus Crusade. Chatters who do not compl y with the Terms of Service and become disruptive will first be warned and talked to at l ength. If they do not compl y, they are banned. That is why this room remains the best on the ‘Net. As I participated once or twice a week I noticed that there were many women who just needed a place to find encouragement and prayer. Then they could cope with their unique circumstances. There are teachers, nurses, doctors, students, grandmothers, teenagers, as well as young married women. Women from all walks of life! Some are lonely, bitter, confused, hurting, some physically challenged, and some seeking spiritual direction or advice. Some women, like me, are there to see how God could use their life’s circumstances to minister and help others who are going through similar situations. One day I asked the question, “How does one become a monitor?” Dead silence on the screen. “Oops,” I thought, “did I say something wrong?” After what seemed like a very long time, a Christian Women Today director came on. She used the private chat button to tal k to me personal l y. Imagine my surprise when a few sentences into the conversation reveal ed that we had mutual friends! She had been a bridesmaid at my cousin’s wedding! These are real peopl e! As we got talking I understood completely that this is what the Lord wanted to show me. We were full of excitement at how He had orchestrated this meeting. I was an answer to her prayer for more volunteers. This ministry was an answer to my prayer for something I could do from home because I could not get out as much as before my knee injury. Later in the day she telephoned with me. We talked for over an hour! She signed me up as a volunteer with Campus Crusade right away. Reference checks were simply for her files. I was given the assignment to co-host the Tuesday evening topic chats. After just the first few chats I was told that I am a natural! I never would have believed it. Imagine, at my age! At the end of October I led my first chatter to the Lord. After the topic discussion, the chatter asked to speak to me privately. She still had many questions, most of them having to do with Bible characters who sinned, like King Saul. Is he in heaven? I realized that she wondered if God could forgive her sins. I assured her of God’s love for her. I asked her if she wanted to let go of the life she was leading and invite Christ into her heart. “Yes,” was her excited reply. With great joy she later shared with the others in the chat room, “Ladies, I am so happy, I want to share something with you. I just accepted Jesus into my heart.” You should have seen the “Praise the Lords” and the “Hallelujahs” appear on the screen. I took down her e-mail address and submitted it to the office for further follow-up. There is another team of ladies who will now contact her and mentor her. I am so amazed and praise God for this special joy and will continue to lift her in prayer! I’m in the chat room an hour a week as a vol unteer and at other times just as a participant. I’m not one to get addicted to stuff, but someone who is not sel f-monitored coul d easil y spend too much time on it. I empathize, but don’t take on other peopl e’s probl ems; I know that I can’t fix them. That is the Hol y Spirit’s job. I simpl y bring their concerns to the Lord, provide them with l ots of encouragement, chal l enge them to grow and urge them mature in their faith. I, in turn, am greatl y bl essed by others in the room. This is a valuable tool for evangelism. Your friend may be open to hear the gospel through this innovative approach. You can meet your friend or sister in the chat room and after the topic discussion still have a private conversation. This technology is not just for the young. Even grandmothers are online and loving it! The benefits to me are beyond words. So rather than allow myself to indulge in pity parties, which incidentally are no fun–I am a playful person who loves fun–the Lord re-directed my thoughts and my fingers to a new and exciting outreach. God is working everywhere; we just need to join Him there! Learn more about volunteering with chat.