In early April, 67 people from 31 organizations met for two days at a beautiful Resort in Chiang Mai. Under a banner reading “Pressing Toward Completion” sat representatives of both well-known organizations and small but mighty groups. We came from all around the world, but we all held in common our commitment to use visual media to share the Gospel with the unreached. Opening with a wonderful tribute to the legacy of Billy Graham, Jim Green (Jesus Film) exhorted us to keep the flame of evangelism burning in our hearts.
Hosted again by Create International and the Visual Story Network.
2018 marks the 3rd Visual Media Strategy Forum held in Chiang Mai. This year, in a room dominated by a huge floor map and 111 stars on the wall, the atmosphere was solemn and prayerful. Each of the 111 stars represented a completed indigenous Gospel presentation. As we walked the perimeter and read the names on the stars, we could not help but be moved to tears. As Calvin said, “the closer you get to the Lord, the closer 
you get to the people on His heart.” All of us felt the Father’s great love for His created people and the joy of what has been accomplished. Once again we prayed and declared God’s promises on a 15 x 20 ft map of the unevangelised world.
Of the original list of 164 Least Evangelized Mega-People groups used for the 20/20 Vision, only fifty-four productions remain in process. As we approach the finish line, our presenters admonished us to “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Perseverance is necessary. There are reasons why the remaining fifty-four groups still aren’t finished. These people groups are among some of the most difficult, the ones where project partners may disappear and connections fizzle out. It is crucial, as our Uzbeck project partner reminded us, to listen closely to the Holy Spirit. Philip met the Ethiopian through the leading of the Spirit and forty-five percent of Ethiopia was saved. We must be attentive to the Spirit as we go forward on the remaining projects.
Though challenges abound– we are on target to completion. Latest update: 115 completed projects and 50 peoples remaining! This is God’s vision and God is with us.
We are entering into the last phase of the 20/20 Vision, which just may be the most difficult. But this is God’s vision and God is with us. Ask so we can receive! Knock and the door will be opened! Pray for the people groups and that God would be glorified as we see the 20/20 Vision completed.
