website in an effort to especially reach persecuted Christians around the world with church services, its founder said Sunday, November 2.
42-year old Rev. Lazlo Banfi, who himself suffered for his faith under Communism, suggested the ICIC’s new internet address, http://www.churchmeeting.net, would make it easier for people "who can not or do not want to go to church" to find his ministry.
He said the internet was often the only way for persecuted Christians to participate in a church service. Earlier this year "a 33 year old man from Iran wrote a short e-mail saying that their Christian church was closed 6 years ago," recalled Banfi.
However "they, about 6 to 8 believers, now gather in a private home to join the online Worship service, to listen to the preaching, to read the daily Bible verse and to shortly pray together. This is the only way to practice their faith," he added in a statement to BosNewsLife.
CLOSED COUNTRIES
Banfi stressed that "after two and a half years in Online Ministry" the ICIC had become very popular among Christians in non democratic countries. "More than 80% of visitors click on the online Worship service from closed countries such as Saudi Arabia, China and Iran," the reverend said, citing ICIC statistics.
He said his ministry is now looking to "work together with other churches who feel to focus on persecuted" believers.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
"What makes ICIC special is that we use the internet for worship services and community life as well as to keep in touch. We live a Christian life of joy and honesty, complete with the love of God. ICIC is a modern church for modern 21st century people," the organization said on its website.
"We regard each other as brothers and sisters in the faith (in Jesus Christ). ICIC is a church of love, freedom, and friendship," with people able to visit the church service day and night, seven days a week. Banfi’s ministry is a relative new phenomena, especially in Hungary, where Soviet domination ended just over a decade ago.
