septemerish things

Getting Official

As you know I have been working with my good friend Richard Jones to start a new ministry within Crusade to filmmakers here in Austin. It’s funny how long it can take to get something done sometimes. Finally after months of talking with different people within the ministry and writing and pitching proposals, it looks like everything is working out within CCC. We will officially be a part of PA [Priority Associates]. I know, I know, another acronym to remember, CCC has far too many of them believe me. PA is a ministry that reaches out to businessmen and women who in turn can influence those around them for Christ. The film community will be a very different sphere of influence for PA, but they seem to be excited to try reach to this group of people. It’s nice to have Crusade make it official for us to continue doing what we love.

Pray for our relationships. Pray that we would be appropriately forward with folks about what we believe. Pray for the film students that I am mentoring a bit. Pray that we are part of the right projects and connected to the right people.

As you know I have been working with my good friend Richard Jones to start a new ministry within Crusade to filmmakers here in Austin. It’s funny how long it can take to get something done sometimes. Finally after months of talking with different people within the ministry and writing and pitching proposals, it looks like everything is working out within CCC. We will officially be a part of PA [Priority Associates]. I know, I know, another acronym to remember, CCC has far too many of them believe me. PA is a ministry that reaches out to businessmen and women who in turn can influence those around them for Christ. The film community will be a very different sphere of influence for PA, but they seem to be excited to try reach to this group of people. It’s nice to have Crusade make it official for us to continue doing what we love.

Pray for our relationships. Pray that we would be appropriately forward with folks about what we believe. Pray for the film students that I am mentoring a bit. Pray that we are part of the right projects and connected to the right people.

The Kids

Abe is four months old. Adelaide is nearly two and half. Time flies. Adelaide continues to be a great big sister; in the picture above, she asked if she could hold Abe for awhile in our bed. She reads to him; she picks up his toys when he drops them. She helps me when I’ve got my hands full. Adelaide started CBS (Community Bible Study) this fall with me and loves it. I’ve been so impressed with their children’s program. Adelaide already has memory verses and is learning bible stories.

Abe loves his big sister; well, he loves everyone actually. He’s an easy going guy. He’s got his quirks, but he is usually smiley and happy. He is rolling around, scooting a little, and squealing like crazy these days, and although I hate waking up in the middle of the night still, I keep reminding myself that he won’t be this little much longer. I’m trying to appreciate each stage as it comes.

CSU

At the end of July, we made our first big trip as a family of four. We headed to Ft. Collins, Co for the biannual Campus Crusade for Christ staff conference which was held at Colorado State University (CSU). The conference is meant to be a time of encouragement for those working in full-time ministry as well as a time of connection among all the parts of Crusade’s ministry.

We once again stayed with friends of ours just outside of town which was a blessing (and fun as well). Adelaide was in childcare every day from 8:30 to 4, and she LOVED it. She is such an extroverted kid; I think she was wondering why all the other kids were crying when they were getting dropped off. Abe spent the days with us which made it a little harder to go to all the seminars and meetings, but we did what we could.

A big focus this year came from Tim Keller who spoke about social justice and Tim Muehlhoff who spoke about really loving all people and what that looks like. It’s funny how hard living up to the two greatest commandments can be. The conference was a good reminder of what we should be doing as believers.

Abe is here

Just wanted to send out a quick update and some pictures. We are all doing very well, and Rocky and I are enjoying the new addition to our family. Abram (Abe) Roscoe Conly arrived yesterday afternoon at 2:10pm. Despite being a mere 5 lbs. 15 ozs and 19 inches at birth, he did not suffer any distress during labor and came out beautiful and healthy. The induction seems like it was a great decision. Abe is already making up for lost time by eating well. He is a cutie and very strong. He has already rolled over on his own several times and can lift up his head when on his stomach. The pediatrician said often times little babies are "scrappers;" that seems to be the case with our Abe. Thanks for all the care and love for our family. We have appreciated all your prayers.

If you want to see more of the little guy go over here . http://gallery.me.com/conly#100046

-Rocky, Sunee, Adelaide, and Abe

April 2009 prayer letter

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 Requests
Pray 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.

just a test

Is anyone out there following this blog? I have not updated it for a while so if you do check here, sorry I have been very lazy in updating it.

Please leave a comment if you read this blog and would like to see me "get with it" and update this thing more often.