"I don't want to know what you had for lunch!"

Apparently, my parents aren't too hot about Facebook.  They jokingly quip that they frankly don't care about what people eat, or where they are headed, and they really don't understand what "poking" means.  And I get that.  But they are soon realizing that they can keep up a whole lot better with their grandchildren by looking at their statuses, then by waiting to hear news in person or by phone (do people even use a phone to make calls anymore, anyway?). 

But I submit that while Facebook definitely has the potential for "evil", it also has the ability for good!   Besides keeping up with current friends, I so enjoy watching what life is bringing to so many of my former friends and or students and players.  While you need to be careful what you post, it can be used as an almost instantaneous prayer chain.  School closings are posted on Facebook even before the news has broadcast on the TV!  Have an event?  Instead of sending out "snail mail" invitations, invite everyone and get almost immediate RSVP's.

So, why do I talk about Facebook on a mission blog?  God has shown that He can use modern social media to benefit His kingdom if He chooses.    We have been so blessed by messages and encouragement we have received through this electronic media.  People we haven't talked to in over 20 years, sending us support, prayer and kind words.  I get to talk to friends that we met halfway around the world, and know that they struggle with the same things we do, but as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are there for each other!  I get to keep in touch with the 30+ members of the Brazil tour 2010 and see that they are as crazy now as they were last summer!

And yes, I even get to know what most of you had for lunch.  And I'm ok with that!