VR outreach underway in Paris; Ukrainians suffering persecution for faith; Many churches may be stuck in the past

In Paris for the Olympics, visitors may stumble upon a unique freebie: water bottles with QR codes. Scanning the code leads to an immersive virtual reality experience designed by the International Mission Board (IMB). This innovative VR journey, available via the VRChat app, takes users through a series of emotionally charged scenes, from Olympic athletes’ highs and lows to personal moments of joy and struggle.

Upon reaching a crossroads with two doors symbolizing celebration and defeat, users choose their path. Opting for celebration transports them to a picturesque island party, but the experience takes a twist as they descend into a dark tunnel—a metaphor for life’s challenges. This journey reflects the struggles and triumphs of the human experience, ultimately leading participants to a serene island where they encounter a gospel presentation.

IMB’s Bryson Holtson, part of the organization’s MXLabs innovation team, explains that this VR project aims to connect individuals with the message of Christ in a new, engaging way. As virtual reality becomes a growing social space, Holtson emphasizes its potential for missions, inviting everyone to explore this novel approach to sharing the gospel during the Olympic Games.

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Religious freedom no longer exists in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, where religious leaders have been abducted and sometimes tortured, several Ukrainian journalists said during a recent visit to the United States.

Vlasta Lazur with Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe was one of the journalists in the U.S. recently.

Lazure said there have been multiple violations of religious freedom in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine.

Earlier this year, a Ukrainian priest in the occupied area of Kherson Oblast was kidnapped from his home by Russian forces and killed, he said.

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Are churches stuck in the past? Around 3 in 10 (29%) U.S. Protestant churchgoers say their church’s ministry activities and methods would fit best in a time period before the turn of the new millennium, according to a new study from Lifeway Research. Close to half (52%) say their church’s ministry belongs in the 2000s or later. Another 19% aren’t sure.

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The world’s greatest problem is lostness. Learn how to carry light into the darkness at IMB.org.

 

 

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