A message appeared on Mary’s screen: “It’s hard.” As a volunteer digital responder with the IMB, Mary knew it was a cry for help. She prayerfully replied with hope and encouragement.
Sara, the sender, lived in a shack in Johannesburg after fleeing years of abuse. She’d responded to a digital gospel ad launched during the 2024 Paris Olympics—part of an IMB digital engagement initiative.
Mary passed Sara’s contact to IMB missionaries Doug and Patti Irvin. Patti called immediately and found Sara starving and desperate for connection. They brought her food, shared the gospel, and connected her with a local church. Her life was transformed.
That digital campaign reached over 8 million people. Nearly 7,000 sent messages, 500 gospel conversations followed, and 31 came to faith—including Sara.
Through the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptists support creative strategies like digital outreach to reach the nations.
Pray for more people like Sara to encounter Jesus through digital platforms—and for more believers to respond with love and truth.