This is kind of a follow up to one of my previous posts about how technology can isolate us from the world and people around us.
Someone who I follow on my Twitter account posted this update after going home from a YWAM Discipleship Training School (YWAM DTS):
I think I talk to my friends in Australia more than I talk to people in my own home church. Weird.
It’s a sad but very prevalent truth in our world today that it can be easier to connect with friends from the past, than to connect with local friends IRL (In Real Life). Not only is it easier, but it usually involves a lot less emotional involvement and can involve less openness as well. I find it a lot easier to pretend online than I do to pretend while with someone in person.
The crazy thing is that I am sure that technology like social networking and email is probably limiting missionary work! Sure, it’s great for raising awareness and support, but it is so much easier and more comfortable to engage in conversion and relationships on-line rather than in person. This can seriously limit the effectiveness of one on one / friendship evangelism and relationships as missionaries in the field don’t spend as much time and energy on the new relationships in the area / community they are called to.
How are you using social networking and email on the missions field? Do you find that you are spending more time on there than with the people God has called you to minister to?
Wow, that cuts. I will admit that sometimes I get enamored by my social connections as it tends to become lonely on the mission field. I need to intentionally spend more time growing the relationships here, while still connecting to those back home. It is possible to achieve a balance, which I think is important.
Thanks for the challenge!