Connection. Compassion. The Gospel

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. - Aug. 27, 2015 - PRLog -- Some of her statements in the chat proved that she was broken but in the end - desperate to discover hope and love.  Below are a few statements Nicole made while chatting with a coach:

•  When hearing for the first time that God loved her she said, “I’m confused, Why am I hearing about this now and not years ago?”

•  When the coach said she was precious, she replied, “I am anything but precious.  No one thinks I am precious or anything good.”

•  She asked the coach how she felt the day she understood for the first time that God loved her then she said, “A weird feeling in your stomach and heart?  Because I’ve got that now.”

•  “I’m still stuck on the fact that maybe Jesus loves me”

•  “Why am I crying? I haven’t cried since I was 9”

•  “I can get Jesus now, I don’t have to go to church first?”

•  “How do you pray?  I have never heard anyone else pray.”

This is just one of thousands represented in the JesusCares chat room.

Anyone who has lived through adolescence can testify that it is a difficult time. As they navigate the waters of our post-Christian society, today’s young people suffer from unprecedented levels of depression, anxiety, pressure, loneliness, and desperation for approval. For many, one nagging question motivates every social media post, short-sighted decision, and attempt to self-harm: Does anyone really care about me?

At JesusCares.com, hurting teens and young adults from across the globe find comfort, guidance, and the answers they desperately seek.  An initiative of Groundwire (http://groundwire.net/), JesusCares.com follows and expands the remarkably effective model that has touched millions of young viewers and listeners since 2006. Using a multi-pronged strategy, Groundwire leverages media and technology to meet the age 15-25 demographic exactly where they are — viewing, listening, texting, or chatting — and to invite them to voice their questions and struggles so they can find answers in the message of the Gospel. Young people listening to popular radio broadcasts or viewing favorite shows on networks like CW, MTV, VH1, Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming, and Comedy Central are interrupted by direct advertising spots that catch their attention, resonating with where they are today.

The JesusCares.com initiative includes targeted, authentic, and well-produced commercials that grab the attention of young viewers and listeners by the millions. As they respond to the broadcast messages, they are invited to visit the JesusCares.com website where they can chat with a live spiritual coach available day and night, as well as find a collection of resources such as podcasts by Groundwire’s founder and executive director, Sean Dunn, and daily devotionals.

“Statistics indicate that 86% of teens believe in God, but most don’t believe He is loving. Even fewer believe they are lovable. What if this generation truly understood and responded to God’s offer of hope, truth, and purpose?” Dunn asks.

Since 2006, Groundwire has interacted with broken and searching youth on thousands of live chats. Students are drawn to the honest dialogue about spiritual issues, often receiving Christ as their Savior as a result of the coaches’ ministry. Coaches then do their best to connect visitors to local churches and resources where they can continue to grow in their faith. JesusCares.com looks to grow Groundwire’s reach in contemporary culture.

To bring JesusCares to your community or to sign up as a coach, go to www.JesusCares.com.

For interviews with Sean Dunn please contact Diane Morrow Diane@BarnabasAgency.com