Thailand. Over 1,000 workers, of which 400 were from a Muslim background gathered to “Abide in Christ” and learn together what is meant to “Bear Fruit”. (Conference themes from John 15). Our Create GCRC team regularly resources these events distributing free gospel films, mobile media players and sharing tools to help workers from North Africa, Middle East to Indonesia. Each day we filled our car with new resources for those desiring supplies for their frontline work.
Amidst a sea of precious people focused on loving Muslims, we recognized one of our cultural advisors from a film we produced over 15 years ago. Although now his hair is greying, his smile and contagious love of Jesus was still memorable. Ahmed and another advisor came by our resource table glowing with a recent report of how our film continues to impact his people group. He asked if we could let him know where to find the film on the Internet as most of the young people want to watch it on their mobile phones.
As we watched the film together, Ahmed went on to reminisce, “when we were making this film in my home in Indonesia, only a couple of the cast of twelve were believers, but after they saw the films, and we further witnessed to them, they are all now believers in Isa (Jesus)! After pointing out several he proclaimed, “Oh, yes, they are all believers now! But these are the Grandparents of the movement!” Calvin asked him, “A movement, what do you mean?” Ahmed responded, “Didn’t you know? Your movie sparked a large movement to Jesus among my people! These actors are just the first generation, they all have many children and they are all believers. And those children now have many children and they are all believers too!”
“Just last week, one of the actors was ready to die, but he breathed his last breath to Jesus who now had covered his shame and given him His honor.”
Ahmed went on, “This film has been very, very useful for helping us keep our identity in the midst of an Islamic culture. Our people felt empowered by visualizing how they could fully follow Christ yet keep their cultural identity. This film is the coolest! It is not just a film, it is really happening NOW!” Thank you Create International team for all your hard work to see this film reach our people.”
As he walked away, he turned back and shouted back to us, “Hey, you are going to be able to see some of those actors in heaven now. Thank you again!“ Stunned, Calvin and I just took it all in for a moment. This testimony will keep us going for another decade! We want to share this exciting news with all our team and our prayer supporters who helped us produce and distribute this evangelistic film.
Throughout the week, we did hear many other responses about how our films and resources are having a very positive response in seeing more people follow Christ. I am sure we will hear other feedback reports like this, but we may have to wait till we see them face to face in our heavenly home to hear all the wonderful details.
