Spiritual conversations with a deck of cards

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About 2 weeks ago, God used a simple deck of cards to help me start a spiritual conversation with Ameer, a student from Saudi Arabia. It was a conversation that re-ignited in me a desire to be used by God to talk more about Him. My friend Gary and I (as part of a Christian Worldview class) had gone down to UCF to seek opportunities to interact with students.

 

What is Perspectives Cards, and how to use it?

What was supposed to be a 20-30 min ‘survey’ turned into a 90 min conversation about God and how he relates to us. Ameer used the cards he picked to describe his beliefs, and shared passionately about what he felt about morality and the source of truth. He later even told me about his desire to see change in his country that according to him has been ravaged by corruption and poor leadership. He tells me coyly that he hopes to someday to be in the country’s top leadership, so that he can somehow effect change for the better. I can’t help thinking… how cool it’d be for God to raise up a generation of young Saudis who are committed to Him, who would eventually return to their countries to make a difference!

I was impressed by this young man and his aspirations. At the same time, his questions, and his openness tells me God is at work in him.

I know it was ultimately God who had prepared (in advance) for Ameer to engage in this spiritual conversation. But what surprised me was how a deck of cards can readily open up a frank open discussion without the usual ‘fears’ or ‘inhibitions’. I actually enjoyed listening to Ameer share about his worldview, which enabled me to better share more thoughtfully to where he is. The Perspectives Cards proved useful in outlining clearly what worldviews he has, perhaps something he’s not even thought about seriously (apart what he’s learned growing up in his country). It also helped surface some inconsistencies in his own beliefs. Finally it provided the opportunity for me to share briefly (without offense) from my biblical worldview, what that means, and why it matters. I thank God for this unique opportunity. And I would heartily recommend this tool for your consideration in your personal evangelism.

Perspectives Cards

So what’s this ‘digital strategies’ thingy??

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Some folks have wondered… what has Simon been up to lately ministry-wise?
I know he’s talked something about involved in ‘Digital Strategies’ and ‘Online Movements’ and all that jazz… but what’s that all about?

That’s a great question! To be frank, it’s not something that I can easily explain in 1 or 2 sentences. But if I’d to do it briefly, it’d be using this new document that we recently put together.

 


VLM Vision Map v1.2 December 2011

 

This provides an outline to some of the broad strokes stuff that I’ve been engaged with in one way or another.
The Global Coalition team that I’ve been part of help crafted this ‘Vision Map’, to express what VLM needs to be about.

These 4 priorities (Offer, Lead, Help, Collaborate) all drive towards the goals of ‘Connecting People‘, “Sharing Learning‘, ‘Increased Evangelism‘ and ‘Increased Discipleship‘.

Btw, ‘VLM’ = ‘Virtually-led Movements’.

It’s our ministry’s lingo to refer to various creative, digital (online/mobile) strategies to engage & connect with our changing generation, to essentially ‘win-build-send’ christ-centered multiplying followers of Christ to launch spiritual movements everywhere.