March 31, 2017 update

Having an international ministry presence on the internet, it is not uncommon to receive email requests from believers in third world countries asking for finances for needs and projects.  I have received requests for everything from supporting orphans, to purchasing Bibles, to funding their church building projects, to pay for hospital bills and to assist their children to enter into western universities or seminaries.  But, this month I receive a most unusual email request.  Someone named Leah from a company named Pureflix asked me to write a blog article about how I use movies in ministry.  Because of the history with email requests, in the beginning I dismissed her email as a request for free advertising.  But, yesterday after having shown the film named "The First Grader" in my Lighthouse English Club Outreach Ministry, the Lord prompted me to write this blog post on using movies in ministry.  The truth is that we do use movies in ministry to illustrate Biblical principles and to introduce people to Jesus Christ.  We missionaries sometimes use movies as platforms for spiritual discussions.  This movie, "The First Grader" is an inspiring story taking place in the context of an impoverished country of Kenya.  The main character is a persistent 84 year old man who is determined to learn how to read so that he can read the Bible and gain understanding about freedom.  Despite the hardships, opposition and ridicule he perseveres.  As a result many lives are radically changed.  This film based on a true story has impacted and inspired tens of thousands if not more to "never give up."  The parallels to Jesus Christ and the Christian lifestyle are many. "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God, For consider Him who has endure such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1-3).  So, Leah, you asked and received this blog post about the power of using movies in ministry.