With the rise of such popular social networks as Facebook and Twitter connecting people all over the planet, one local couple has also found success with social media, using it to connect people to Christ.

Founded by Selma natives Gregory P. and wife Crystal Smith, the newly formed Myfitspirit.com, is a Christian forum where everyday Christians from all walks of life can come together to encourage one another through the word of God. Launched just two weeks ago, the site already has 53 members hailing from six different states.

Crystal said the site, which encourages “spiritual fitness” through reading and meditating on the Bible and fellowship with other believers, is beneficial to spiritual growth.

“I believe this gives a platform for people to share with others,” Crystal said. “We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony … this gives people a platform to share what God has done in their life and that encourages others.”

The Smith’s wanted Christian fellowship without barriers, and as a result they created the site.

“It was my husband’s idea,” Crystal said.

“We’re not just one location, one denomination, one nationality, we’re all different. This gives us an opportunity to hear the heartbeats of different types of people through social media. We all have something to offer in telling our story …  as Christians we all should be studying our Bible to therefore have words of encouragement to share with our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

And with the current success by word of mouth, Crystal said the goal is reach beyond Selma and go global.

“Our goals are massive, we want to go worldwide,” Crystal said. “We want every person from every country to be on the site. There are Christians from other countries who suffer — can’t express themselves, and we want them to come on and be encouraged.

“It’s a worldwide vision and media is one of the ways to do it. I think we’ve had a positive response.”

For more information about the site visit www.myfitspirit.com.