As I write this, we are one week into the
showing of “The Passion of The Christ” in our city.
In the first week alone, we worked with over 90 churches from
across our city in a huge outreach ministry to those who attended
this movie.
Large white, heated tents were placed on the property of three
of the main theaters across our city and were manned after
each showing by a team of counselors who were available to
talk with those who needed to talk, pray with someone who
might need prayer, or just offer an encouraging word or smile
for others who simply wanted to come to the tent to “sit”
for a moment.
We had no idea as we entered into that first week what would
happen, or what the response would be. There was a lot of
excitement and anticipation as we got closer to the opening
date of February 25. To see that first week a schedule consisting
of so many churches of different denominations working together
equaling a sum total of over 2500 volunteers was indescribable!
Much prayer was offered as we sought God’s leading in
how He wanted to use us to share His love with so many we
might otherwise not have an opportunity to reach. What a tremendous
evangelistic opportunity this has been for the church!!
Early into that first night, some of the “kinks”
began to surface. Generators were failing, lights were not
working properly at one tent location, another location had
misplaced their key to their trailer and were unable to get
any of the materials out to use for counseling.
The pace began picking up as parking lots continued to fill
with cars of those coming to see the movie. And in the midst
of all the challenges and at times, chaos, a single lady walked
into one of our tents to receive Christ. She was a Jewish
lady who came to the tent all by herself to accept Jesus as
her Lord and Savior!
Not too long after that another report came in of an older
man and his son wanting to rededicate their lives. And then
later in the week, a high school boy who had been selling
drugs made the decision that this was a route he no longer
wanted to follow.
All across our city, one by one, lives have been touched and
forever changed. And even more have had a seed planted in
their hearts in some way. I believe that this movie leaves
a definite impression on every viewer and for that, I thank
God!
I thank God for the over 100 decisions that we have already
been made aware of. I thank God for the over 3,000 volunteers
to date who have “answered the call” and unselfishly
gave of their time to do whatever was needed. I thank God
for those “behind the scenes” who co-ordinated and
organized all the details of this effort. I thank God for
Mel Gibson who didn’t worry about what people thought,
or whether or not the movie would succeed, but responded to
a burden he had to share the story.
I thank God for individuals like Bill Warren who worked with
us in allowing us to distribute materials and erect our tents
on the property near the theaters.
And most importantly, I thank God for His Son Jesus, and the
story of His death, burial and resurrection and what it means
to each of us!
As you read this, the tents will be down but the churches
will continue to be “touching” those movie goers
for as long as the movie is playing. We will be giving out
cards to tell people that if they want to talk, have a need,
or need a hand sometime along life’s journey, the church
is here for them. The card will also contain a phone number
they can call to find a church that is located near their
home where they can go and find a friend.
This has been an incredible journey and one I wouldn’t
have missed for the world! My heartfelt thanks to each and
every one of you who stepped up to the plate and helped with
this enormous task. To Him be all glory!!
I love you,
