Learning to Abide via Zoom

Learning to Abide via Zoom Learning to Abide via Zoom 
In 2018, we were troubled by the increasing number of people looking for Journey groups who lived in cities where we had no people physically.  We offered to teach them in how to lead groups, but unfortunately, many of these people just disappeared from our radar.  It always felt like we were leaving people behind.  We were meeting with our growing Staff via videoconference at that time, and a God-idea was birthed.  What if we led a Journey group online via videoconference?  The idea gained momentum, and we put the word out to our constituents, and received quite a few nominations for this test group.  We led the first Virtual Journey Group in fall of 2018 into Spring of 2019, and you have probably heard that it was an amazing success.  We say “success” in that:o The participants were transformed by the Holy Spirit as they learned to Abide.o The men in the group formed strong bonds of friendship and support.o The group reproduced into some of these men leading their own groups and helping others.
In the fall of 2019, 20 Virtual Groups started and in 2020, a worldwide pandemic forced everyone to start using Zoom for every facet of life.  We were ready, thanks to God.  
Here we are, 6 years later, and we see Virtual Journey Groups continuing to be a large part of God’s strategy to make The Journey available worldwide.  And as we consider the prospect of The Journey Movie and millions of people seeing the movie and seeking Journey groups, we feel these virtual groups will become even more important.  
Here’s a brief testimony that was sent to us recently from a Virtual Journey participant:
“Before the Journey, I was searching for a group of men in a small group setting to discuss God and grow in my relationship with him. I've always had a church foundation, albeit small. I also have Souly Business, my faithful wife and other believer friends as well as my own understanding. However, I've never been able to find the right environment for me and how to build that intimate relationship. Friday we talked about the Journey being a personal progression into intimacy with Jesus Christ vs a study of him, and I very much appreciate that. To be honest, my knowledge of Him is lighter than it should be, so for me it will naturally also be a study of Him.
I think what I was referencing Friday and had referenced the prior week was the principle that Grace is given by God foundationally to us. That's what we start with and having that allows us to be more obedient over time or grow in the spirit over time. This for me was profound as I have always had the philosophy taught in some religions that my grace must be earned, I must be obedient first and then I can get grace. This has always led to shame or a constant state of striving and failing in sin, only to say "I'll try harder next time or do better next time". So these last couple of weeks have been really great.
So, HERE’S THE ASK:
o Consider guiding a Virtual Journey Group.  If you need some training on how to do this, we will help.o If you know of people who might like to join a Virtual Journey Group, who live in new cities, please let them know about this opportunity.o For both of the above and more, contact Scott Lawson, our Virtual Group Regional Director at [email protected].