They don’t own computers, but know plenty of people do. That’s why they support BGEA’s Internet evangelism ministry, Search for Jesus. See how two seniors—ages 65 and 84—decided to be part of this innovative online outreach.
‘Cyberphobic’ at Best
Ray Cambeses is retired from a juvenile correctional facility where he sums up his job description as “wrestling teenagers.” He’s used to keeping the younger generation in line, but isn’t exactly up on their technology.
“I am absolutely cyberphobic,” he said. “I don’t know how to use the Internet. I don’t have an email account. I don’t even have a cellphone.”
So why would this 65-year-old from Knoxville, Tennessee, give to a web-based ministry like Search for Jesus?
“People are broken. They’re confused. They’re hurt,” he said. And he knows many of them take that brokenness, confusion and hurt online, looking for help.
Search for Jesus is there to respond with a simple Gospel message. More than 400 trained volunteers around the country—both English- and Spanish-speakers—encourage, pray for and disciple people in their faith.
Since 2011, more than 34 million people worldwide have been impacted by this ministry, with more than 7 million of them indicating decisions for Christ, and thousands receiving one-on-one follow-up.
Online ministry like Search for Jesus (SFJ), Ray said, is “where the rubber meets the road.”
Ray and his wife, Joan, have read the stories about people giving their hearts to Christ and heard how they’re growing in their faith through SFJ.
“This is a cutting edge ministry,” Ray continued.
He can do plenty of outreach and evangelism on his own—pray, invite people to Gospel-focused events, hand out tracts—“but sitting down to a blinking computer screen and responding to people using my fingers, it’s just not within my skill set.”
And while he continues living happily in an offline world, he’s not shocked to hear about a whole world of ministry happening through mobile phones and computer screens.
“Didn’t God tell us that His Word would be preached to the world?” he asked. “Why are we surprised when what He told us is coming to pass? I’m not surprised.”
Paying it Forward
Rose Marie Borrelli bought a laptop when she turned 80. But with a busy schedule and no time to learn how to use it, she gave it to her son.
“I’m computer illiterate, I truly am,” she said. “But you’re not.”
And that’s the main reason she supports SFJ.
The Internet, she said, “is the thing of the day.” With so many people online now, “it’s a way to reach people from all over.”
There’s another reason she donates, too.
In the early ’60s, Rose Marie attended a Billy Graham Crusade in Chicago. That’s where she “came alive.” She was struggling in her marriage at the time, but realized at the Crusade that her need went deeper than that. She needed Jesus in her life and decided from that day on to live for Him.
As she walked forward at the Crusade in response to Billy Graham’s Gospel message, she declared a new direction and purpose for her life.
“When I went down, it’s like I was floating on cloud nine. … I was on fire and I wanted everyone to experience what I did.”
Thanks to people like Rose Marie who give to SFJ, others are experiencing the same thing she did over 50 years ago. Not only has she led people to Christ in person—including two children and her late husband—but she has extended her ministry field to the entire world by supporting online evangelism.
“I wanted to do something … to show my gratitude and direct others to the Lord,” she said.
While Rose Marie has seen a lot of hearts turned over to Christ through her own prayer ministry, founded two decades ago, there are countless more she won’t witness here on earth—lives touched by SFJ.
Not everyone gets to go to a Crusade, Rose Marie said, but this is a way to reach them where they are.
“I know what (Christ) did for me and I know the ripple effect,” she said. “There’s fruit that followed that Billy Graham Crusade. I’m delighted to still be used.”
Search for Jesus depends on support from people like you. Will you help share the Gospel online? Give today.
Read the latest stories about people who have been impacted by Search for Jesus.
