Scripture Engagement through Social Media (SESaMe)

In a Muslim nation where following Christ often leads to severe persecution, tens of thousands of people have received Bible stories in their heart language from Scripture Engagement through Social Media, also known as SESaMe. Through this project, Christar workers Ned and Cindy* create and send text and audio portions of Scripture-focused content, formatted in bite-sized lessons for easy consumption. This online outreach has enabled them to share God’s Word with people in Central Asia who have severely limited access to the gospel.

Jay is one of those people. After reading through the Bible in three months, he trusted in Jesus, and since then he has shared his faith with his wife and children, who have also believed, as well as with his neighbors and friends. Now, a group of believing women, including Jay’s wife, have begun to learn to use storytelling to reach other ladies with the gospel.

In early 2022, Ned and Cindy set up a chatbot that automatically sends SESaMe content to those who are interested in reading God’s Word. This allows their audience to receive the next story or passage in sequence when it is convenient for them, and it enables Ned and Cindy to devote more time to building personal connections with those like David who are seeking the truth. David, like many Muslims from his country, took a winding path to genuine faith. Not long after he professed his belief in Christ, he started doubting the reliability of the Bible, then fell mostly silent for several months. Finally, he responded to one of Ned’s attempts to connect with him and reaffirmed his belief in Jesus’s death, though he continues to wrestle with the cost he may have to pay to follow Christ, especially if he confesses his faith publicly.

Knowing the great risk associated with following Jesus in his country, David assumed he was the only believer in Christ in his nation. But, through Ned and Cindy, he was encouraged to learn that he’s not alone and that they’re in touch with other Christians from his homeland weekly. As Ned and Cindy interact with him and with others, they pray that many will consider following Christ worth any risk, even in a place where Christians face intense persecution.

SESaMe also enables Ned and Cindy to connect with and encourage those who have already trusted in Christ in spite of the high cost, like Brea. More than a decade ago, Brea’s husband paid the ultimate price for following Jesus when he was beheaded. Since a friend introduced her to SESaMe, she’s been able to worship with other believers online on a weekly basis.

The story isn’t over for Jay, David, Brea or any of the others in their homeland whom God is drawing to the gospel. Through SESaMe, they’re continually strengthened through His Word, through encouragement and discipleship, and through the prayers of believers around the world.

Participate in the Ministry of Scripture Engagement through Social Media (SESaMe)

By Supporting Financially:

•  $130 pays for a month of social media ads and a month’s chatbot subscription.

• $170 pays for a monthly stipend for a national partner.

By Praying:

• Pray that the death and resurrection of Jesus would not only draw people to Him but also convince seekers that Jesus is worthy to live and die for. Ask God to grant them faith in place of fear.

• Pray that men on the journey toward belief in the gospel would share what they are learning with the women and children in their families, as most of the women in this culture have less access to social media or none at all.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to SESaMe men and women of peace, who are open to the gospel and pave the way for others to hear.

• Praise God that Jay is making disciples of others! Ask the Lord to raise up more people who’ve accepted Christ through the ministry of SESaMe to do the same, and that through them, many more women and children will understand the transforming love of Christ.

• Praise the Lord for the group of women learning to share the gospel through stories! Pray that through their efforts, many will believe in Christ and make disciples of others.