How many of you use Twitter? Some people tell me they only use it to post random useless thoughts. But I’ve seen the power of Twitter to help others. About a year ago, a woman in Indonesia or it may have been the Philippines, announced she was not happy and that life was not worth living, she insinuated through her tweets that she could take her own life at any moment. Some concerned Twitterers scoured the internet finding out who this woman was and contacted authorities in her town. She was helped to live another day. Unfortunately, Twitter is not the best at follow up so we don’t know what has happened to her. If you know of this situation, let me know.
Last week, a woman from Nashville lost her passport in an Amsterdam train station. A retweet of a message stating so ended up in my Twitter timeline. It wasn’t from the woman who lost the passport but from the woman who found it. I researched a bit and found this woman’s phone number in Nashville. The number I had was her mobile. I called it and left a message. I’m sure others did too. A few moments later, it was announced the two women met and the passport was returned.
Just yesterday, I tweeted this at 9:57 a.m. : “Anyone in DFW know anyone who can delete virus files off a laptop manually? Need a sermon and fundraising info off my laptop. No $ to fix.”
At 10:06 a.m. @michaelmalenka retweeted my tweet.
At 12:10 p.m. @cytael said he could help.
I gave him my number and he called almost immediately. We met 30 minutes later at a pizzeria where a lot of my ministry work is done. In case you’re looking for a great NY style pizzeria in Euless, TX, check out Lushaj’s (pronounced Loo-shys). It’s right across the street from Trinity High School.
My laptop was fixed about 30 minutes and a few slices of great tasting pizza later. MmmmMmmmm.
Now I know these three “Twitter is helpful” stories aren’t living in a vacuum. You must have some too. How has Twitter helped you? How have your tweeps added value to your life? How have you helped others through Twitter? I would love your comments.
