USA (MNN) — For those traveling in the Ronald Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport, the JESUS Film is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Interfaith Chaplains Incorporated have a chapel in each airport that is always open. Senior Chaplain and Director Ralph Benson explains the need. "You have literally millions of people coming through the airport, and they're going to funerals, they're going to weddings, they're going to visit grandma and grandpa, or mom and dad. We have hundreds of soldiers leaving for deployment. We have business travelers." Because of their location in Washington, they also have many international travelers each day.
The JESUS Film is playing all day in the chapel. Passers-by can see it through the glass
windows as they walk by. Benson has seen travelers who watch the film and follow along in the Bible. "TV has a way of drawing people," said Benson.
Benson said the greatest tie between evangelism and the film is with employees, of which there are 38,000. "They'll sit and watch the movie, and then they'll ask questions about it. I've had several chaplains who, based upon somebody's questions about the movie, will maybe share a tract with them, maybe share a devotional with them, lead them to Christ and then be able to follow up," he said.
The fact that the chapel serves all faiths means lines of communication are open to talk about
the Gospel. In one case, a Muslim man was loaned a copy of the JESUS Film in his own language by a chaplain. "Over a period of months, he made the decision, personally, to become a Christian. Now, that's a very big move if you've been a Muslim all your life," said Benson.
When employees become interested in the Gospel, it is easier to do follow-up. Chaplains have conducted more than 208 Bible studies reaching over 3,200 employees. They also offer chapels at specific times at each airport.
Benson shared that he has the privilege to pray with at least 20 people every day. "We wear pedometers so we know how many steps we take a day, and on an average day we'll walk 5 five and ten miles," said Benson. "So we walk, and talk, and meet people, and talk to people in all kinds of places."
