December 12, 2007

Greek Name - Serious Web site!

There is a chain of Sandwich shops called Schlotzsky's. Their slogan is "Funny Name - Serious Sandwich". In relation to the Department of Resource and Ministry Development's new web site, Parabolais.com, the slogan "Greek name - Serious Website" might be fitting. What is www.parabolais.com? Parabolais.com is a web site designed so that you can go online and type your personal testimony. You can then direct people you come in contact with to simply "read your story" on the web site. Users can order business size cards that have the web address noted and a place for you to fill in your name. The cards can then be handed out to people with a simple statement "I'd like for you to read my story sometime. Here's a website where you can read it." Anyone you direct to the site can enter your name, hit the search button and find your personal testimony. It is a simple way to personally share the gospel with others. When you type in your testimony, be sure to include the web address for your local church. Then those who read your testimony will also see a link to your church at the end of your testimony that asks them to "check out my church". You can also upload a picture of yourself that will come up with your Testimony. To see an example of this, you can go to the site and enter the name David Pittman. The site includes a couple of video taped testimonies from Virgil Curry and Joseph Ussery who are members of Farley Street, Waxahachie. There is also a video presentation of the Gospel message from David Gradberg, Associate Pastor at Farley Street, Waxahachie. The front page also includes a slide presentation of the gospel message. There is an "Answers" page that is designed to answer questions users may have about salvation. Why the name "parabolais"? Parabolais is the greek word for "story" or "parable". It is pronounced [par-ab-ol-ah-ees]. The word is different, unique and we had no trouble securing the web address! Don't worry about having to say it though, just order the cards and let the cards direct people to it. What the web site needs now is participation. That's where you come in. Go to the site www.parabolais.com and share your story. Your story is unique. It is definitely the greatest story you can ever tell. Then ask others to go and read it. Your church or ministry is welcome to post a link to this web site on your church web site. You are also welcome to encourage people to use it in your church newsletters and programs. There is no charge to use the site and there is no charge for the cards. Cards may be ordered in packages of 100 from the web site. The site is operated by the BMA of Texas Department of Resource and Ministry Development and is funded through donations to the department.