From Instagram to Baptism

Nemanja Jurišić was scrolling on Instagram just like 30.6 million other people do every day. However, his was no mindless scrolling; he was researching. Aware of the strong presence of other Christian organisations on the giant social media platform, he also noticed the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Serbia was not well represented. ‘Why doesn’t someone do something?’ was his first thought. ‘Why don’t I do something?’ was his second. That last question fired him up to start a digital ministry that has led to more than ten teenagers in his digital community to give their lives to Jesus.

Jurišić, a 25-year-old electrical engineering student, started his Instagram account “Prorocanstva” (“Prophesies”) three years ago. Today, nearly 5,000 people follow him on Instagram. However, he was not looking for popularity; rather, his vision is driven by the desire to share the gospel in a relevant way. “As I read Ellen White’s counsel to go from door to door to preach the gospel,” he shared, “I was thinking, ‘How should we do that today?’ Then, I realised that we could do it from phone to phone!”

At first, Jurišić was surprised to see teenagers interested in the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. “I thought this to be a topic for old people, but I found out that this message is relevant and is changing young people’s lives.” Supported by guidance from local pastors, they partnered with him and gave Bible studies to his Instagram followers. They even went live on Instagram to preach and distribute free books like The Great Controversy and Bibles. “I am so grateful for their help and wholehearted support. It was a fantastic team effort!”

Seeing the increased interest in spiritual topics, Jurišić and the church leaders organised monthly meetings where the teens could mingle and ask any questions on their minds. This led to their first spiritual retreat in Zlatibor, Serbia. Almost 30 teens and young adults who had never stepped into an Adventist Church before attended the event, “Neither they nor we could hide our enthusiasm. It was obvious that the Holy Spirit had been working in their hearts for a long time,” said Jurišić. Together, they studied Job until late into the night. Realising there was still much to learn, the young people asked for a similar event to be held soon to continue studying.

Jurišić is amazed at the impact of his humble Instagram ministry, “Some people think that to keep an Instagram ministry going, they will have to post something new every day, and they will be very busy; but I post content only once a week.” Jurišić doesn’t spend hours planning the content either. “I read the Bible and the writings of Ellen White and let the Holy Spirit guide me.” The results speak for themselves because, as Jurišić joyfully informs, more than ten people have been baptised thanks to the direct and indirect influence of this ministry. “I am amazed,” he says. “The Holy Spirit is breathing on us!”

When asked about the future of his ministry, Jurišić reflects, “My dream is to continue to preach the three angels’ message to the entire world—to every nation, tongue, and tribe—until Jesus returns.”

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Are you a digital evangelist? We would love to hear your story! Are you interested in becoming a digital evangelist? We would love to support you! Please contact Vanesa Pizzuto at [email protected] for more information.

This article was originally published on the Trans-European Division’s news site