Using AI for the Gospel: ORU’s Tinotenda Chiwara Launches iEvangelize
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Ministry and Leadership
ORU Freshman Tinotenda Chiwara asked himself, “How can technology be used to share the Gospel?” After reading The Power of One, a book by ORU President Dr. Billy Wilson, he found the answer. Tinotenda was inspired to create the iEvangelize app, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help believers seamlessly weave the Gospel into everyday interactions.
“My vision,” Tinotenda said, “was to harness the power of artificial intelligence in service of the Great Commission. I created iEvangelize to bridge the gap between the desire to evangelize and taking the actual step to do so.”
Seeking Purpose and Finding It
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tinotenda's path to ORU was laid out through a series of divine interventions. Starting with a moment of introspection, he questioned his purpose, asking God, “Why am I alive?” After praying for guidance, Tinotenda had an encounter where the Holy Spirit led him to pray for a paralyzed man. This moment marked a profound transformation in his life, and Tinotenda began his journey into evangelism.
“I developed a fervent passion for sharing the Gospel and witnessing the miraculous,” said Tinotenda. “My life became a testament to the power of God, with blind people being healed, drug addicts being set free, the lame walking, and over 4,000 people encountering the power of God through crusades and evangelism. This period of my life deepened my conviction and clarified my calling. When it was time to consider higher education, ORU emerged as my first choice.”
Tinotenda preaching at a school in Southern Africa
Despite initially planning to study Computer Science, Tinotenda’s path shifted toward Ministry and Leadership with a concentration in Evangelism and Outreach. It was a decision, he said, that was guided by the Holy Spirit — “A small, still voice leading me to where I am meant to be.”
Making Evangelism More Practical and Easy
Working alongside ORU’s Vice President of Global Learning and Innovation, Mike Mathews, Tinotenda gained insights into the vast potential of technology in advancing the Kingdom of God. Utilizing OpenAI's API, he dedicated weeks to developing iEvangelize. The journey was not without challenges, but with perseverance, he overcame each obstacle. To expand its reach, Tinotenda made his app accessible through the iEvanglize website and the ChatGPT app store.
“With just a few keystrokes, iEvangelize provides users with tailored conversation starters and icebreakers,” said Tinotenda, “making the daunting task of initiating spiritual conversations effortless and natural. This feature works perfectly in any context and language, helping Christians who are navigating through their daily lives, looking for opportunities to share their faith, but needing a nudge in the right direction.”
“Seek God's heart, ask Him questions, and be willing vessels for His work. I told God, ‘If there's something AI can do for Your glory, and You need someone to make it, I am here; You can use me.’"
Tinotenda sees iEvangelize as an important tool for personal evangelism and global outreach. As AI expands and continues to grow, he hopes that more and more technologists will ask the question “How can technology be used to share the Gospel?” For those who are willing to answer, Tinotenda has this advice:
“Seek God's heart, ask Him questions, and be willing vessels for His work. I told God, ‘If there's something AI can do for Your glory, and You need someone to make it, I am here; You can use me.’ I asked Him, ‘Is it possible to have a tool that revolutionizes evangelizing?’ And, of course, with God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).”
UNIVERSITY BRIEF
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 151 nations (from 2019 to 2023) to be whole leaders for the whole world.
The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.
ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- #2 in Most International Students
- #3 in Best Value
- #6 in Best College for Veterans
- #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West
For more information, visit www.oru.edu.
ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- #2 in Most International Students
- #3 in Best Value
- #6 in Best College for Veterans
- #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West
For more information, visit www.oru.edu.