Thank You Letter From the Middle East

"To all the financial supporters of the JESUS film: Thank you very much for making it possible to show Magdalena in my country during Christmas. We put up several posters, radio and TV ads, and LED billboards. During the time the film was shown, 239 people came to see it (both Arabic and Kurdish), I know this may not be a big number, but this event is not only about numbers but the ability to hold such an event publicly in an Islamic country. We received lots of opinions concerning showing the film. Many objected to showing the film, so we  communicating how this film is important to know what Christian citizens believe, and encouraged them to attend. One very heartwarming story was of a blind woman who came to the cinema. She just wanted to listen. Another was a teen girl saying she only watched the film to mock it, but at the end she sat crying. We pray that the film will have an effect on the people who saw it, whether they where nominal Christians or Muslims, and intriguing to them to search and know more about the love of Jesus."

~ a missionary living in the Middle East

February 2016 - This is What Cheaters Get

Sena was set on revenge. Armed with a cutlass, he intended to kill the man who had committed adultery with his wife. As he wandered around town, waiting for darkness to fall before finding and attacking the man, Sena came upon a group of people watching a film. He drew nearer and realized the film, JESUS, was in his Ghanaian language.

At first Sena watched it just for entertainment, something to do until he began to search in earnest for the man who had wronged him. Then he heard Jesus speak of forgiveness and found himself drawn more deeply into the message of the film.

When it finished, he walked forward to receive Christ. He surrendered his cutlass to the students showing the film, told them the story of what he had planned to do, and assured them he no longer felt any vengeance against the man. Stunned by his story and the transformation of his heart, they immediately sought out a local pastor who committed to disciple Sena in his newfound faith.

Jan 2016 - The Call of God

The Call of God

A while back I had the honor of speaking for 3 days at a youth camp in Polk City, Florida to more than 70 high school students.

As the featured missionary for the week, I highlighted our ministry with The JESUS Film Project. The first day I shared the ADVENTURE OF MISSIONS covering the history and the work of the film. The next day I spoke on the SACRIFICE OF MISSIONS telling stories of persecution and martyrdom of some of our overseas JESUS film workers. The last day I covered the FUTURE OF MISSIONS presenting the need for workers at our JESUS film Master Studios in Orlando. I followed that up with several scriptures including Matthew 28:18 and a call to action.

I was amazed as 29 young people stood up to announce they felt God was calling them into missionary work. All of them came forward for prayer. Praise God for what He is stirring in the hearts of these youth as He prepares them to take our place one day.               

January 2016 - Short Films Prepare Hearts

A university student in Asia shared about using our short films in ministry: "I am a member of [a local] church. My cell group members organized a Christmas evangelistic program... During this program we were able to create a safe and comfortable environment in which we showed JESUS Film Media short films. The films served to prepare the hearts of the attendees so we could share the gospel. A dozen people heard about Christ that day, most of whom accepted Jesus as their Savior! I was blessed to see the faithfulness and supremacy of our Lord.”

Vonette Bright's Homegoing

With a spirit of both joy and sadness, I want to share with you a tribute to Mrs. Vonette Bright, who passed away to be with the Lord on December 23, 2015. 

As the co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ^®, she and her late husband, Dr. Bill Bright, championed the launch of the “JESUS” film and this film evangelism ministry in the late 1970s. And that support has endured over the years in multiple ways. In recent months, even in declining health, she has been a wonderful prayer advocate for the Project and its efforts to take the gospel to every person, to every nation, in the pursuit of the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

To join in honoring Mrs. Bright and her passion for advancing the work of the Great Commission, please consider a Tribute Gift, even today. Your gift will not only be an encouragement to Vonette’s sons, Brad and Zach and their families, but also help take the gospel to more unreached people across the globe. Every gift will make a difference in the lives of people and extend her legacy. Respond as the Spirit leads you. Thank you. 

Please click here to send a gift in honor of Vonette Bright.

December 2015 - Ex Muslims Share JESUS

Three vans filled with police pulled up outside. This was not going to turn out well, especially in such a dangerous nation.

In this Middle Eastern city a partner of the Jesus Film Project is working to reach a city of 10 million people with the gospel—in the midst of great hostility to Christ.

It was a typical day at the center. Workers and volunteers were preparing a batch of JESUS DVDs. That’s when the three police vans pulled up. The doors opened, and armed officers poured out, heading right into the center, led by a highly placed director of this country’s Secret Police. It was a frightening moment.

Marching into the center, the officers began interrogating each of the workers: “What is this

DVD about the life of Jesus?” “Why are you placing it in the hands of Muslim people?” “Where do you take the DVDs?” “What are these books you call Bibles?” “Who gave you permission to do all this?”

The workers answered honestly and respectfully—knowing that their next stop might be prison, or worse. Finally, the commanding officer said: “…send two copies of the DVD to my director, the head of the Secret Police.”

They complied and two of the workers were dispatched immediately, taking the DVDs directly to his office…at obviously great risk to themselves. (Amazingly, the vast majority of the center’s volunteers and workers are from Muslim backgrounds. Nearly all came to Christ when they were given a DVD of “JESUS,” watched and believed.)

It wasn’t long before they heard from the Secret Police again. The director wanted the staff of the Good News Center to know that he watched the DVD and was very happy. He saw nothing in the DVD or in their work that was a threat, and he was actually pleased to learn about Jesus!

Then he stunned them further...

The Secret Police are aware of many radicals who would love to disrupt the Christian work, harm or even kill the volunteers and workers, so the director gave an order.

The police were to visit the Good News Center three times each week, making their presence known. The police were to go not to restrain their work, but to make sure they were safe, that their giving out of the DVDs of “JESUS” would not be hindered in any way.

Days later, the Director of the Secret Police actually came to the center himself, telling them, “We appreciate what you Christians are doing in our country. You are doing good for our people.”

Thus far, this partner has given out 700,000 DVDs from the center. For your part in supporting our work, thank you. Stories like this cannot happen without you.

December 2015 - "JESUS" Brings Changed Heart and Life

During this Christmas season, take time to remember the reason why we celebrate: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He came into this world to wash away our sins and His mighty power still exists today as is evidenced in the story below:

"I was not able to change my life," said the 20-year-old in Nicaragua. "I have tried drugs, alcohol, and sexual promiscuity. My family gave me warnings and advice about my lifestyle. I did not listen. I would get mad and shout at them to not meddle in my affairs. In my heart, I knew they were right in all they said; I just was not able to change. Tonight, I watched the 'JESUS' film and I realized it is possible to change by allowing Jesus to be the absolute owner of my life. When the team asked if there were those who wanted to serve Christ, there was a fight inside me. I just did not want to go, but I knew Christ was my only hope for change. I struggled for several minutes and at last, I went forward confessing my sins. I accepted Him as my Savior and asked His help to make me different. For the first time, I feel peace. I have confidence in Christ that I will succeed in overcoming all my addictions. I am excited about my future. . .."