Some people will argue that social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and blogs like this one are a waste of time.  Some will even go as far to say that social media has nothing to do with real life at all.  I see how both of the statements are true for many.  For me and many others, I see it a little bit differently.  We’ve talked a lot on this blog about Social Media Responsibility- that you can Use Social Media to Gain Influence thus Taking the ME Out of Social MEdia!  The below story is proof that social media tools can contribute to significant influence, allowing us to draw people together from around the world to build up communities and change culture.  Here is the story:

So a friend of mine from LifeChurch.tv named Diana Beaty felt called to lead a group of medical professionals to Haiti this summer with Samaritan’s Purse.  I posted a video in May entitled Help Out In Haiti, asking for help from medical professionals that would be interested.  Through Diana’s connections and several connections we were able to make through Facebook, Twitter, LifeChurch.tv and TheWayItCouldBe.com, she was able to form a team of 13 medical professionals that will hit the ground in Haiti this weekend, Aug. 1st!  Below is a video from a good friend that heard about the trip through Facebook and this blog (with a message from Diana below). 

Here is a text from Diana; please pray for her group: Hey Chad- will you guys send out some prayers for the two teams that are going to serve in Haiti. We have two teams of some awesome people willing step out and serve the medical needs of those in Haiti with Samaritans Purse. The first team leaves on Saturday morning and the second team leaves the following Saturday. Please pray for safety, opportunities the Lord will present to us, comfort, ability for us to connect with the Haitian people and share the love of the Lord, and for the families-comfort and peace of heart and mind. Thanks!! Diana

To the many people that shared Diana’s story on Twitter, Facebook or elsewhere- thank you.  You may have been the connection point that helped create awareness for this story.  You may be a big part of the hundreds of people that will recieve medical care in Haiti over the next week.  You may be a part of the thousands impacted by the Haitian medical trainees being equipped to provide long term health care in Haiti. 

To those that have given up hope for the Church being united- see what a small group of people are doing to work together for on Jesus.  Hold on to hope that the Church can stand together to make a difference. 

To those using social media sites like Facebook, Twitter or Blogs- It doesn’t HAVE to be all about you.  Find your voice.  Tell your story.  Make a connection.  Have a lasting impact.  You can make a lasting difference. 

To those that have a dream to do something BIG- Look at what happened when Diana stepped out in faith to organize this trip.  She didn’t wait around for someone to buy her a ticket and drive her to the airport.  You don’t have to wait around either.  Put some prayer and legs to your dreams and see what God will do.  Take a risk.

To those flying solo- Consider partnering together with organizations like Samaritan’s Purse to make a difference.  Consider partnering with the local church to reach out to the world to make a lasting impact. Don’t fly solo. 

To those that are going to Haiti or that have family members on this trip- Thanks for your sacrifice.  You are BEING the Church to a broken and dying world.  You are a difference maker.

Comments?  Love to hear your thoughts!