USA (MNN) — Every four seconds, somewhere in the world another person indicates a decision to follow Christ after watching the "JESUS" film.
Every four seconds…. That's 21,600 people per day, 648,000 per month, and more than 7.8 million per year. That's nearly the population of the entire city of Seattle, WA, coming to Christ every 27.5 days. And yet, if you are like most people, you may have never even heard of the "JESUS" film.
Called by some "one of the best-kept secrets in Christian missions," a number of mission experts have acclaimed the film one of the greatest evangelistic tools of all time. Since 1979 the "JESUS" film has been viewed by several billion people all across the globe and has resulted in almost 230 million men, women and children indicating decisions to follow Jesus.
"But how can a single film reach so many people and touch so many lives?"
It is the power of the Word of God in their heart language.
Based on the Gospel of Luke, the "JESUS" film has now been translated into 1,077 languages, with a new language being added nearly every week. This brings God's Word to people in more than 200 countries in languages they know and understand. By God's grace, it is yielding a spiritual harvest of unprecedented results.
Not only is the story of the "JESUS" film one of effective evangelism, but it is also of a powerful tool for expanding the church worldwide. In fact, according to Dr. Stephen Steele, former CEO of DAWN Ministries (c. 2001): "Three quarters of all churches planted in the last decade around the world used the 'JESUS' film as part of the church-planting process."
God is using this film in powerful ways to reach people and build spiritual movements worldwide. And yet, so much of the world remains in spiritual darkness. Billions of people have never had the opportunity to hear God's message of salvation and say "yes" to Christ.
Here's just one story of God at work through the film:
Travelers try to avoid crossing a part of Madagascar called Bongolava–a large area where brigands rule. Nevertheless, after receiving training in evangelism, discipleship and the use of the "JESUS" film, a group of pastors chose to go to the valley of Bongolava for an outreach event. Their trip was not without difficulties and danger.
After driving less than half a mile, a tire blew out on one of cars. They replaced it and continued on, only to hit such a bad stretch of road that one of the cars had an accident and overturned. Praise God that no one in the car suffered injury, and team members turned it upright again. No sooner were they on their way when a brigand began firing at them! God protected once again, and no one was hurt.
Finally the team arrived safely at their destination where they showed "JESUS" and conducted door-to-door evangelism for three days. Many people received Christ as their Savior, and New Life groups have begun. Future plans include planting a new church in the area. Praise God for His protection and marvelous work!
The JESUS Film Project is reaching millions with the Gospel of Christ, but with your help, many more can be reached.
You can make a difference today in the lives of people through the message of "JESUS" and bring God's light into the darkness. Click here to help.
