The Youths and the Internet

Sometimes ago, while in church praying for the youths and children, I was telling the adults that the youths are facing new and greater challenges compared to their own experiences. The youths of today belong to the Digital Generation. The use of the Internet and other digital technologies is growing at an alarming rate in Nigeria and Africa. Information technology has been incorporated into the curriculum of even the nursery school pupils. Admission now is done via the internet, likewise is the checking of results.

It no longer news again that the Internet has taken over every sector of life. The adults predominantly use the net to check their emails, and search for information, however, the youths go beyond that; they use the net to find and build relationships with peers and colleagues from every parts of the world.

Leonard Sweet, the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey and an acknowledged expert on postmodernism, says that if you were born before 1962, you are an immigrant. Today's culture, with its emphasis on technology, is not your home. You're uncomfortable in a new place. You're learning a new language (gigabyte, megahertz, download, spam, etc.). You're learning new customs (email, surfing the web, shopping online, networking, chatting, linking, blogging, googling).

According to Sweet, if you were born after 1962, you're a native. You're at home in a new world of technology. You are comfortable utilizing new methods and patterns of communication. Your culture is inextricably entwined with the internet and the new digital arena.

By ‘natives’ Sweet is talking about those born after 1962, these group of people are always at home with Information Technology tools, while the ‘immigrants’ are those born before 1962, they are not normally comfortable with the use of Internet and other IT tools.

It should be noted that Sweet admits that this distinction between immigrants and natives is somewhat artificial. There are people born before 1962 who have the characteristics of "natives" and there are people born after 1962 who seem more like "immigrants".

But in general, it is a helpful distinction.

Like the mythical country I told you about earlier, natives are increasing in their dominance in today's culture. Listen to these examples Sweet cites:

• The "Love Bug," a computer virus which wreaked havoc with government agencies, corporations and individuals, causing billions of dollars in damage, was created by two college students living in the slums of Manila in the Philippines.

• In February 2000, "denial of service" attacks were launched against Amazon.com, Yahoo! and CNN.com by a 15-year-old Canadian teenager.

• In early 2000, Cameron Johnson started his second company — SurfingPrizes.com — which, at last report, averages $15,000 per day in revenue. At the time he founded the company, Cameron was 15 years old.

• In 2001, 26,000 credit card numbers (including some owned by Bill Gates) were stolen by two Welsh teenagers.

• Michael Furdyk and an Australian chat room friend he had never met in person started a company called MyDesktop.com. Within a few months, it was making $30,000 per month. Michael and his friend were 17 and 16, respectively.

• The main rival to Microsoft Windows, called Linux, was originally developed by a college student from Helsinki, Finland.

We live in a world where children in some of the poorest places on the planet can do the harm that only governments and generals could do in the past. We live in a culture where, for the first time in history, children don't need authority figures in order to access information — information is available at their fingertips. We live in a culture where, in many ways, children are the authority figures and adults need their help.

Can you now see why adults need to be informed about the technology of today in order to be able to always serve as check on the youths whenever they are using these tools negatively.

Can you see why Pastors must be adept to technology so as to be able to minister to this DIGITAL GENERATION. Especially in places like Nigeria, wee must strive to discourage our youths from perpetrating frauds and other anomalies via the Internet.

Permit me to ask you an insightful question: Who is the most adept in your house at programming the TV, CD, DVD, and VCR? Who is the most computer-literate?

Good morning,

I am glad to inform the readers of this blog on Internet Evangelism (Africa, Nigeria and worldwide) that articles on this blog will henceforth be in four languages (English, Chinese, Italian and French) for the benefits of the readers from all parts of the world. Thanks for being there always.

Apostle Oluwasesan Johnson
+2348055076378, +23428712251

简体中文版 (Chinese-simplified)


早晨好， 我是高兴通知读者在那互联网的福音传道(非洲，尼日利亚和全世界)的这个博克在这个博克的文章从此在四种语言(英语，汉语，意大利语和法语)的读者的好处从世界的所有地区的。 感谢总是在那里。 传道者Oluwasesan约翰逊 +2348055076378， +23428712251

En français


Bonjour, Je suis heureux d'informer les lecteurs de ce blog sur l'évangélisation d'Internet (Afrique, Nigéria et mondial) cette des articles sur ce blog serai dorénavant dans quatre langues (anglais, chinois, italien et français) pour les avantages des lecteurs de toutes les régions du monde. Merci pour être là toujours.

Apôtre Oluwasesan Johnson +2348055076378, +23428712251


In italiano


Buongiorno, Sono felice di informare i lettori di questo blog su Evangelism del Internet (Africa, Nigeria ed in tutto il mondo) quel articoli su questo blog d'ora in poi sarò in quattro lingue (inglesi, cinese, italiano e francese) per i benefici dei lettori da tutte le parti del mondo. Ringraziamenti per essere là sempre.

Apostolo Oluwasesan Johnson +2348055076378, +23428712251

国际互联网正面 (Chinese-Simplified)

心爱，

是我的乐趣再次欢迎您到9月。 对您以我们的阁下的名义，耶稣基督的问候。

Morealso，它是介绍您的我的喜悦给互联网正面国际性组织， Akobo，伊巴丹，尼日利亚。互联网正面国际性组织是被委任并且承诺给装备，教育和训练男人和妇女关于怎样的特别是青年利用互联网和它postively的一个非营利的组织。也确定我们看互联网和它的工具被用于涂福音书。我们的视觉、使命、项目、研讨会、训练和活动细节是可利用的在我们的网站和博克(www.icc.cfsites.org、www.apostle- smb.blogspot.com， www.smb.lifewithchrist.org)上。

不少次组织现在strugling建立互联网正面中心。 中心对我们的社区青年计划使用作为IT/Internet培训中心。确定我们使用中心装备和训练青年我们的关于怎样的社区特别是less-priledged青年做正面用途互联网冲击自己和社会。青年将被训练在MS办公室随员、互联网应用、网发展、图形设计、我们高度确定提供这些服务免费的计算机工程等等，是，绝对任意。我们不设定获得利润中心。
组织在variuos IT/Internet研讨会和训练介入了这里在伊巴丹，尼日利亚。 这些的细节在我们的网站也可以找到。

然而，组织未能设置这个提出的互联网正面中心在Akobo，伊巴丹，尼日利亚。 限制基本上在为中心的光滑的runings和设备需要的设施。 中心是需要个人计算机、膝上型计算机、打印机、放映机、扫描的机器等等。

我们将是高兴的，如果您能通过成为伙伴加入我们与我们这高尚的事业的。 我们不介意您是否想要给我们使用了或新的膝上型计算机、个人计算机、打印机、放映机、发电器等等。

个体、小组、部、组织等等是受欢迎的与我们成为伙伴。 我激发与做这个项目现实的您的合作posibilities。

上帝保佑您在耶稣名字。

你的在他的服务

Apotle Oluwasesan约翰逊
国际互联网正面
www.icc.cfsites.org
www.apostle-smb.blogspot.com
+2348055076378， +23428712251

Positifs d'Internet internationaux (French)

Positifs d'Internet internationaux


Aimé,

Il est mon plaisir de vous accueillir de nouveau au mois de septembre. Salutations à vous au nom de notre seigneur, Jésus-Christ.

Morealso, c'est ma joie pour vous présenter à l'International de positifs d'Internet, Akobo, Ibadan, Nigéria. L'International de positifs d'Internet est une organisation non lucrative qui est commissionnée et investie dans l'équipement, l'instruction et la formation des hommes et des femmes particulièrement les jeunesses sur la façon dont se servir de l'Internet et de LUI postively. Nous sommes déterminés également pour voir que l'Internet et ses outils sont employés pour répandre l'evangile. Les détails de notre vision, mission, projets, conférences, formations et activités sont disponibles sur notre site Web et blog (www.icc.cfsites.org, www.apostle-smb.blogspot.com, www.smb.lifewithchrist.org).

Pendant quelques fois maintenant l'organisation strugling pour établir un CENTRE de POSITIFS d'INTERNET. Le centre est prévu pour être employé comme centre de formation d'IT/Internet pour les jeunesses de nos communautés. Nous sommes déterminés pour employer le centre pour équiper et former les jeunesses particulièrement les jeunesses less-priledged de nos communautés sur la façon dont faire l'utilisation de positifs de l'Internet de s'effectuer et la société. Les jeunesses doivent être formées dans des suites de MS Office, des applications d'Internet, des développements de Web, des conceptions graphiques, le génie informatique, etc. que NOUS SOMMES FORTEMENT DÉTERMINÉS POUR OFFRIR CES SERVICES POUR LIBRE, OUI, ABSOLUMENT LIBREMENT. Nous n'installons pas le centre pour réaliser des bénéfices.
L'organisation avait été impliquée dans des conférences et des formations des variuos IT/Internet ici à Ibadan, Nigéria. Les détails de ces derniers sont également disponibles sur notre site Web.

Cependant, l'organisation n'a pas pu placer ce centre proposé de positifs d'Internet chez Akobo, Ibadan, Nigéria. Les contraintes sont fondamentalement sur des équipements et des équipements requis pour les runings lisses du centre. Le centre a besoin des PCs, des ordinateurs portables, des imprimeurs, des projecteurs, des machines de balayage, etc.

Nous serons heureux si vous pouvez nous joindre par partnering avec nous dans cette entreprise noble. Nous ne nous occupons pas de si vous voulez nous donner employiez ou de nouveaux ordinateurs portables, PCs, imprimeurs, projecteurs, générateurs, etc.

Les individus, les groupes, les ministères, les organismes, etc. sont bienvenus pour partner avec nous. Je suis excité avec les posibilities de votre association faisant à ce projet une réalité.

Dieu vous bénissent en nom de Jésus.

Vôtre dans SON service

Apotle Oluwasesan Johnson
Positifs d'Internet internationaux
www.icc.cfsites.org
www.apostle-smb.blogspot.com
+2348055076378, +23428712251

Positivi del Internet internazionali Caro, (Italian)

Positivi del Internet internazionali
Caro,

È il mio piacere accoglierlo favorevolmente ancora una volta al mese di settembre. Saluti a voi in nome del nostro signore, Gesù Cristo.

Morealso, è la mia gioia per presentarla al International dei positivi del Internet, Akobo, Ibadan, Nigeria. Il International dei positivi del Internet è un'organizzazione not-for-profit che è incaricata e commessa alla fornitura, all'istruzione ed all'addestramento degli uomini e delle donne particolarmente le gioventù su come usarlo il Internet e postively. Siamo determinati inoltre per vedere che il Internet ed i relativi attrezzi sono usati per spandere il vangelo. I particolari della nostri visione, missione, progetti, seminari, addestramenti ed attività sono disponibili sul nostri Web site e blog (www.icc.cfsites.org, www.apostle-smb.blogspot.com, www.smb.lifewithchrist.org).

Per determinate volte ora l'organizzazione strugling per istituire un CENTRO dei POSITIVI del INTERNET. Il centro è progettato per essere usato come centro di formazione di IT/Internet per le gioventù delle nostre comunità. Siamo determinati per usare il centro per dotare ed addestrare le gioventù particolarmente le gioventù less-priledged delle nostre comunità su come fare l'uso dei positivi del Internet urtarci e la società. Le gioventù devono essere addestrate nelle serie di MS Office, nelle applicazioni del Internet, negli sviluppi di fotoricettore, nei disegni grafici, nell'ingegneria di calcolatore, ecc. che ALTAMENTE SIAMO DETERMINATI PER OFFRIRE QUESTI SERVIZI PER LIBERO, SÌ, ASSOLUTAMENTE LIBERAMENTE. Non stiamo installando il centro per realizzare i profitti.
L'organizzazione era stata coinvolta nei seminari e negli addestramenti di variuos IT/Internet qui a Ibadan, Nigeria. I particolari di questi sono inoltre disponibili sul nostro Web site.

Tuttavia, l'organizzazione non ha potuta regolare questo centro proposto a Akobo, Ibadan, Nigeria dei positivi del Internet. I vincoli sono basicamente sulle facilità e sulle attrezzature state necessarie per i runings lisci del centro. Il centro è necessitante i pc, i computer portatili, le stampatrici, i proiettori, le macchine d'esplorazione, ecc.

Saremo felici se potete unirli partnering con noi in questa impresa nobile. Non ci occupiamo di se volete darli usaste o nuovi computer portatili, pc, stampatrici, proiettori, generatori, ecc.

Gli individui, i gruppi, i ministeri, le organizzazioni, ecc sono benvenuti partner con noi. Sono eccitato con i posibilities della vostra associazione che rende a questo progetto una realtà.

Il dio lo benedice nel nome del Jesus.

Il vostro nel SUO servizio

Apotle Oluwasesan Johnson
Positivi del Internet internazionali
www.icc.cfsites.org
www.apostle-smb.blogspot.com
+2348055076378, +23428712251

HOW TO CROSS THE DIGITAL DIVIDE, RWANDA-STYLE

HOW TO CROSS THE DIGITAL DIVIDE, RWANDA-STYLE
By Sarah Lacy


Whenever I tell someone the countries I’m hitting for my new book, they start out nodding, then the nodding slows, then they just get confused. “China, India, Brazil, Israel and…Rwanda.” Then there’s the inevitable question: “Rwanda? Is there even any technology in Rwanda?” Sometimes I even get asked if I have to stay in a tent when I go there.
The answer to the second question is no. There are plenty of hotels, and I don’t do tents unless they have outlets and wifi.
The answer to the tech question two fold. First: Despite the last decade of covering nothing but tech, I actually consider myself more of a reporter who covers entrepreneurs. It just so happens that’s normally correlated with technology, especially in the U.S. But increasingly some of the best opportunities to build the next great billion-dollar company even in markets like India and China are more tech-enabled service and product businesses than classic high-tech plays. And really, are Web businesses even about the sheer technology anymore these days?
Readers to read the complete story, please, click here

Internet Positives International

Beloved,

It is my pleasure to welcome you once again to the month of September. Greetings to you in the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Morealso, it is my joy to introduce you to The Internet Positives International, Akobo, Ibadan, Nigeria. The Internet Positives International is a not-for-profit organization that is commissioned and committed to equipping, educating and training of men and women especially the youths on how to make use of the Internet and IT postively. We are determined also to see that the Internet and its tools are used to spread the Gospel. Details of our vision, mission, projects, seminars,trainings and activities are available on our website and blog (www.icc.cfsites.org, www.apostle-smb.blogspot.com, www.smb.lifewithchrist.org).

For some times now the organisation has been strugling to establish an INTERNET POSITIVES CENTER. The center is planned to be used as an IT/Internet Training Center for the youths of our communities. We are determined to use the center to equip and train the youths especially the less-priledged youths of our communities on how to make positives use of the Internet to impact themselves and the society. The youths are to be trained in MS Office Suites, Internet Applications, Web Developments, Graphic Designs, Computer Engineering, etc. WE ARE HIGHLY DETERMINED TO OFFER THESE SERVICES FOR FREE, YES, ABSOLUTELY FREE. We are not setting up the Center for making profits.
The organization had been involved in variuos IT/Internet seminars and trainings here in Ibadan, Nigeria. Details of these are also available on our website.

However, the organization has not been able to set this proposed Internet Positives Center at Akobo, Ibadan, Nigeria. The constraints are basically on facilities and equipments needed for the smooth runings of the center. The Center is in need of PCs, Laptops, Printers, Projectors, Scanning Machines, etc.

We will be glad if you can join us by partnering with us in this noble venture. We don't mind if you want to give us used or new Laptops, PCs, Printers, Projectors, Generators, etc.

Individuals, groups, ministries, organizations, etc are welcome to partner with us. I am excited with the posibilities of your partnership making this project a reality.

God bless you in Jesus Name.

Yours in HIS service

Apotle Oluwasesan Johnson
Internet Positives International
www.icc.cfsites.org
www.apostle-smb.blogspot.com
+2348055076378, +23428712251

Children and Internet Safety

By Jodie Lawton, Children's Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis, University of Missouri-St. Louis




In a recent report it was estimated that about 17 million children and teens between 12-17 years of age were on the Internet. (See http://www.pewinternet.org/) for more information about teens online.) This represents about 75% of all the young people in the United States. With so many young people online it is important to think about some of the safety issues. Here are some frequently asked questions.

Where are the areas of the Internet that children or teenagers might come across harmful or inappropriate information?

Harmful and inappropriate material can come from just about everywhere on the Internet-- in an e-mail or instant message, through accidentally finding a pornographic website, in chatrooms, bulletin boards, or news groups.

What are some of the dangers for children on the Internet?

To read the full article,please,click here

Internet Television is the Future for Christian Ministries - Lifestream TVs Top Man Tells Why

By Martin Bertello
Published: 4/2/2008

Martin Bertello is a freelance writer covering religious news, Christianity, politics, current events, movie reviews and much more. He is a regular contributor to http://www.americanprophet.org and for http://www.usareligiousnews.com




Recently WDC Media, the world’s fastest growing public relations firm informed the press of an all new service they call the Big4. It is a cross media combination of the most powerful way to get out the Christian message since the printing press.
Media technology is changing rapidly and searching for TV and radio time for Christian programming is no longer the only choice or even the best choice. Church services, pastoral messages, Christian news programming, entertainment, films and evangelism can be presented to the public on a global scale as never before with live streaming technology. What is it all about?

First it is a chance to carry out the great commission of Matthew 28:19-20. This motive alone is what makes internet TV the most desirable media platform on the planet at this time. This is the media for those who still believe the message of the gospel is the miracle for a troubled and needy world.

Over one billion people worldwide have internet access and 845 million people a day use the internet regularly. By 2010 over 413 million households will be using high speed broadband or similar connections. The real clincher is that the lines between internet and TV are disappearing rapidly. Now anything that can be brought up on the computer can be played on the TV. New technology will be combining all media into single access point. Radio, TV, films, commerce, reference and everything else will be at a single station.

Not just America and Western Europe are experiencing a run toward interactive media through a single source. Third world nations are getting onboard the high speed internet train and Latin America has seen a 70 percent growth since 2004. Africa is seeing a 400 percent increase in broadband use. It is a worldwide phenomenon with implications for the Christian message that cannot be ignored. It may actually be the capstone for the fulfillment of Christ’s declaration in Matthew 24:14 of a time when the gospel would be preached in every nook and cranny on the globe.

To read the full stories, please, click here

Online Evangelists Tap Millions Looking for God

Like Shopping for Shoes, Many Religion Surfers Turn to the Internet to Find Their Faith

By SUSAN DONALDSON JAMES

June 22, 2009—




Two million people look for God each day -- not in church, but in a search.

"The number is staggering," said Mark Weimer, a self-described techie evangelist whose ministry has tapped the Internet to capture those looking for spiritual answers.

Weimer is CEO of Global Media Outreach, the technology arm of Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI), which hosts 91 Web sites in 11 languages to spread the "good news."

Weimer, who previously ran his own Silicon Valley start-up, insists this is not virtual proselytizing.

"We are always up front about the fact that we are presenting the Christian message," he told ABCNews.com. "We don't want to deceive anyone. That would be offensive."

Global Outreach estimates that 1 in 1,000 Internet searchers is looking for information about God. Just last year, their sites had 3 million visitors.

On an average day, sites like Jesus2020 get 150,000 visitors, and about 25,000 of them click a button to say they want to learn more. Of those about 5,000 a day fill in a form so an online missionary can contact them via e-mail.

Their questions are often surprising, according to Weimer: "Now that I have accepted Christ, what do I do next? Do I need to be perfect now? How do I pray?"

Internet Provides 'Anonymous Intimacy'

"One of the great things about being on the Internet is you feel comfortable sharing things you might not otherwise," said Michelle Diedrich, communication director for Global Media. "It's anonymous intimacy."

According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project more "religious surfers" are turning to the Internet.

But the vast majority are "not hurting for God," according to project director Lee Rainie. Most are Sunday school teachers planning lessons, ministers writing sermons and "church shoppers."

"It's a time saver," said Manuela Castro, 20, a marketing major at University of Florida who was raised a Catholic but hasn't been to church in years. She has been exploring alternatives online.

"You can Google God in your pajamas," she told ABCNews.com.


For those who are testing the waters of faith, going online has advantages.

It protects against religious leaders who are overzealous or judge, according to Rev. A. K. M. Adam, a Biblical scholar, technologist and blogger.

Shopping for God

"I don't think that online spiritual inquiry is fundamentally different from online dating or buying shoes online," he told ABCNews.com.

Going online avoids seekers from feeling self-conscious and they can get answers without risking an "awkward, potentially guilt-inducing" interaction with a minister.

And, according to Adam, it's "just plain more convenient than hopping in the car and going to Sunday morning worship, or making an appointment with Pastor Jones."

Religious groups, especially evangelicals, have been "savvy" at using media like radio and television to spread their message, so it's no surprise that they have also tapped into the Internet, according to Michael Kress, managing editor of Beliefnet, which offers information on all the world's major religions and draws 3 million unique visitors per month.
.

"We have always looked to books, magazines and other media to find meaning and deepen our faith," Kress told ABCNews.com. "And the first book off the Guttenberg press was the Bible."

'In its breadth, it can feel impersonal, but it's there to help you find what you want," he said. "Whatever you want, you can find there. The Internet experience is tailor-made for you."

Global Media uses search engine optimization and ads to link surfers with sites that explain Christianity.


Who is God?

Ask, "Who is Jesus?" and CCCI pops up number 8 on the search. "Who is God?" brings up an ad for Global Media's largest Web site, Jesus2020.

After a short introduction to the tenets of evangelism, the site asks if you are interested in more information and directs you to a form providing contact information.

Searchers indicate their religious affiliation, if any, and interest level and can also sign up for a weekly prayer that arrives via e-mail.

One, a man from Tanzania who found the ministry online at 4stepstoGod wrote, "I read and I was comforted. In those days I had lost my family due to war."

A young woman in England wrote that she too, had found solace online: "My five-year-old daughter died a few weeks ago in a car accident. I was raising her alone."


Wanted: Online Missionaries

In 2008, Global Media fielded 649,000 e-mails regarding prayer requests, Bible studies and other issues.

But with those numbers and only 2,900 online missionaries, they are having trouble keeping up with the traffic.

The ministry has enlisted the support from Northland, A Church Distributed, one of Florida's mega-churches to recruit and train 5,000 online missionaries by 2010, but admits it needs about 10,000 to meet the demand.

Many are stay-at-home mothers or retirees, who like not having to travel half way around the world to do missionary work.

"It's the future of the church, and it's fun to be a part of it," said Joel Hunter, pastor of Northland, in Longwood, Fla., who has personally signed on to help.

The Spanish language portal was so "jammed" recently with traffic it was "virtually shut down" when the requests could not be answered, he said.

Hunter has made contact with God-seekers from all around the world, many of whom have never been in a church.

"These are people looking for God but they don't have a clue," he said.

Swedish Seeking God


A surprising number of requests have come from Sweden a country where secularism has dominated for decades.

"I love it because they ask me really basic questions that Americans are too embarrassed to ask," said Hunter. "Is there really a God? In church people's eyes start to get glossed over. But when you do the basics with people it takes me back to why I got into this and it's very invigorating."

But technology can only take humans seeking spirituality so far. Because Northland has so many smaller ministries around the world, it can help religion seekers find a church or give them the resources to start their own group -- wherever they are.

"In order to grow in any faith, you need a faith community," he said. "It's true for any faith. You can't do it on your own."

"We don't care what the denomination is," said Hunter. "It doesn't matter to us. Our concern is that they don't walk alone."

Whether modern man suffers from a spiritual emptiness or the Internet just makes the number of searchers more quantifiable is anybody's guess.

"There is more open questioning going on," said Robert Gregg, professor of religion at Stanford University.

"For people with religious and spiritual inclinations, there are troubling discussions going on in the culture that may cause them to want to get a firmer grip on what they believe and who they are," he told ABCNews.com.

Still, Gregg said, searching for God "has been going on since time immemorial."

"Now you don't have to travel as a pilgrim to a holy place to sense power is accessible -- you don't even have to turn on your computer, it's already on," he said. "All you do is take a few minutes and visit a couple of Web sites and you can get an answering service."

Though he concedes it's "less communal and personal" than old-time religion, Gregg says the dynamics have not changed.

"It's an updated virtual revival tent," he said of Global Media's online effort. "A preacher comes in for two nights and stirs folks up and then the people on his team sit down with those called to Jesus and help get them to church."

But, according to Gregg, the questions about God have always been the same: "Are you out there? Do you know my name? Do you care about me?"

ABC's Andrea Alarcon contributed to this report.

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