Reaching Students Through Film
As you know, our team’s primary focus is making short films. These films are designed to be used by students, staff and churches to help start conversations that lead to deeper discussions and ultimately, the Gospel. While our team focuses primarily on creating the films and making the tools, we know that without a way to distribute them, they will not be effective. This is where our partnership with the Global Short Film Network comes in. Over the last year GSFN has seen some great successes in reaching out to students using the tools we helped to create. I received a report from GSFN and wanted to share some of the stories with you.
One story comes from Kenya. Robert is a university student in Nairobi. He attended our short film seminar at CM2007 in Korea and was given our DVD. He went back to school and hosted a short film festival, where he led twelve freshmen to Christ using the DVD.
In Kansas City, Kirk and Sarah Springer hosted a mini-film festival on a campus there. Six students showed up to watch the films and three of them trusted Christ. Two of them are now in follow- up Bible Studies.
Over the past two months, we had one hundred staff from around the USA participate in a test program using the films. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve found that twice as many students prefer using short films to traditional methods of sharing their faith, and 70-80% of students who are asked to watch a film on an iPod continue on to a significant spiritual conversation compared to 40-50% with a survey. As I read the report from GSFN I was so encouraged to see that what we are doing is really working. I hope you are encouraged as well!
Change in Ministry
As I briefly mentioned in our last letter, I (Rocky) have been looking into starting a new ministry within Campus Crusade. I want to continue to make films that lead to spiritual change and are used by people around the world, but as I do that I’d like to reach out to those in the local film industry here in Austin. I am working hard to get better at what I do, as well as do ministry that makes sense for how I have been gifted. One of the things that I always wish I could do a better job of is building relationships with the people we work with on films.
It seems the filmmaking world can be very lonely and tough on people, and there aren’t too many Christians involved. I want to be able to get to know the actors, directors and other people on the set. Making a film together bonds people together pretty fast. Unfortunately so many times I have to move on to other projects and tasks within Simplebulldog to really get to be a part of these people’s lives. What I would like to do is focus on the role of director of photography in hopes that I not only bring my skills to the next level but that I’d get to spend more time with people I have the opportunity to work with. Right now I’m not sure how the details of this change will affect me, but I know I have felt lead to do something along these lines. I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I and my co worker Richard move forward in this endeavor. I am thankful to get the opportunity to minister to people in the entertainment business, a group of people that many say is the most unreached industry.
Family Update
Adelaide at her second birthday party.It is absolutely insane to think my due date is less than one month away now. I can’t imagine what the transition is going to be like, but I’m nervously looking forward to it all the same. Our little boy is looking healthy though he seems to be measuring a bit on the small side. As he enters the world, please pray for our transition to a family of four. Pray for good health all around and a safe delivery.
Adelaide is still her quirky self. She makes us laugh a ton though the past few months have probably been the most trying since she was born. Reaching the two year old mark brought along more attitude, defiance, and stubbornness. It’s been interesting to be reminded through her that we are all indeed born sinful and separated from God. In my mind I’ve known that but now it’s really registering how desperately I need Him and Adelaide needs Him. When she is having a hard time it’s not uncommon to hear her say, “Mom, pray for my attitude.” Not a bad way to deal with the issue :). As you think of us in prayer, you can pray Adelaide will be a good big sister. I think she’s already understanding alot for her age, and she loves other babies a ton. When she sees babies now she says, “I have a baby brother too!” Pray we’ll be good parents to her and understanding of her feelings even if she can’t express them.
Prayer RequestsPray as we need to raise about $1500 monthly to make up for lost support and to prepare for the arrival of our new family member. Since the baby is due May 19, we won’t be going on a summer project; instead, we’ll be trying to reach our support needs/ goals.
Rocky and his coworker Richard are beginning a new ministry here in Austin. They will continue to work with Campus Crusade for Christ and make short films but will also be more involved with the film industry here, building relationships with people and hoping for opportunities to share Christ with them. You can pray that everything will come together during this transition. They are still working through some of the nitty gritty details.
