The Rise of New Media
Written by Trisha Khoo
New Media is defined simply by Wiktionary as interactive digital media, such as the Internet, as opposed to traditional media such as print and television. In the last decade, we have seen new media grow at exasperating rates resulting in rapid globalisation and the rise of virtual communities.
Whilst some dub the Internet as a "monster", something they would rather shy away from, we can't ignore the fact that more and more people are jumping on the information bandwagon and benefitting from it. Technology has come so far and has bridged geographical boundaries, allowing people thousands of miles away to form relationships and build communities. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Blogs etc... these have now become mediums through which people, especially the next generation, now connect and communicate.
Churches, Ministries and Christian communities have also realised that these are viable channels for us to use. One can now listen to a sermon being preached halfway around the globe and people can share problems and needs and have prayers lifted up for them by someone they've never met before.
At Covenant Vision, it is our desire to utilise what's available to share the gospel, teach the Word and reach lives for Jesus. In November 2009, we launched our Media Centre, allowing anyone with an Internet connection to watch and hear our messages. Folks from as far as Mexico have tuned into our sermons. Through our websites, we have received prayer requests from countries as far as the United States and Africa. The new media avenues are rich with opportunity and we're seeing that even more now.
Even as we pursue this area of ministry, we are mindful that in everything, God has to direct and to empower. We believe this year is going to be more exciting as we further grow this area of ministry in a bid to share Jesus and win souls for Him.
"When I was going through your website, I discovered your MEDIA CENTRE. Thank God for your team of dedicated fellow workers who have contributed so much to setting up and maintaining the centre and uploading all the precious Word of God faithfully week after week. I am one of the many beneficiaries of their giving to the Lord in this area. I make it a point to include hearing from God through your Media Centre as part of my Quiet Time with the Lord each weekday morning when I am in the office.
On Friday evenings and sometimes on Saturday afternoons when only my husband and I are at home, I will 'broadcast' the sermons on our laptop using portable speakers so that my husband too will receive 'fresh manna' from the Lord. In fact, I feel very much part of your CVCC family now after logging onto your Media Centre for so many months."
Mabel Lui