Justin was the first Christian Michaela encountered in her virtual reality world who spoke about Jesus. She logged into VRChat, a video game that simulates reality, where she used to escape and intentionally bully others. However, when she tried to provoke Justin and his friends, they responded with kindness, inviting her to join their discussions about life’s challenges.
Through these conversations, Michaela soon realized her greatest need was spiritual, and she accepted Jesus as her Savior while logged into the game. Now married, Justin and Michaela serve together as IMB missionaries in Osaka, Japan, using digital innovations to reach the lost.
In VRChat, the focus is on socializing, not winning. Justin and Michaela use the platform to pray with people, disciple them, and plant seeds of the gospel. They understand that their unique skills in the gaming world might make them the only ones sharing the gospel with those in the virtual spaces they serve.
When our church gives through the Cooperative Program (CP), we support IMB missionaries like Justin and Michaela as they use technology to reach the lost in new and unique spaces.
Pray for the real people inside of the virtual reality world who need the Gospel. Pray for more missionaries who are willing to use the newest technologies to reach the world for Christ.