JFHP 2020 Spring Newsletter

Thrilling Glimpses of God at Work
Peggy Hephner - Harvest Partner
A few years ago, God led Wichita (KS) First
Nazarene to plan a Clean Water 5K to raise funds
for a Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM)
borehole well in Africa.
As our Father often does, He worked out numerous
details — both large
and small — to form perfect
connections far beyond
our expectations. But
that is hindsight.
Truth be told, we were
operating on a seed
of faith as we planned
this 5K — a prayerful hope
to raise $8,000 for a well in
Malawi that would bring life-giving water to
several hundred villagers.
NCM wells are built
on church property,
so these wells bring
hundreds of people
to a church every day
and give pastors and
other Christians regular
opportunities to
share the Living Water with those who collect
physical water at the well. What could be more
biblical?
NCM sent us pictures of the site in Malawi that
would receive the well. We prayed over these
precious pictures, knowing the folks there
walked miles each day in search of water as they
waited for the outcome of our race. We also
knew the water they currently fetched was dangerous
to their health. This put extra pressure
on us as we wondered if we would raise enough
money for their well.
As I peered into
the pictures of the
village, I noticed
a JESUS Film
Harvest Partners
(JFHP) Bible Story
Cloth draped over the front of the
pulpit. My heart soared as I realized
a JESUS Film team had been in our
village at some time.
Continued on Page 2
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Thrilling Glimpses of God at Work
Peggy Hephner - Harvest Partner
Continued from Page 1
As a JFHP board member and unabashed fan of
our devoted teams, I’ve seen how much prayer
goes into every aspect of this ministry. I’ve witnessed
God at work and have heard hundreds
of miracle stories. With this vision of the Bible
Story Cloth, assurance calmed my anxious heart.
I KNEW God was at work in this place and would
accomplish His plan and purpose for His beloved
children there!
The 5K took place without a hitch, and God even
gave us enough sponsors and runners to raise
funds for two wells.
Soon the drilling took
place in Malawi at two
sites, and we received
pictures of the completed
wells along
with detailed reports
from the church
leaders.
The reports confirmed what we
already knew from the clue of the
JFHP Bible Story Cloth: the church at
our first site was planted by a JESUS
Film team. What’s more, we
discovered the team planted this
church SEVENTEEN years ago.
Once again, the certainty of God’s providence
and provision overwhelmed me as I pondered
all that had taken place in this village during
these past 17 years.
I thought about the
courageous JESUS
Film team who first
brought Jesus to this
village of people. I
wondered how many
showings they did
and how many people
came to watch
each one.
I wondered about the follow-up conversations
and the discipleship interactions that led to the
planting of this church. I wondered who sponsored
this JESUS Film team and if they knew
about the rich fruit from their investment.
Finally, I wondered about that cherished JFHP
Bible Story Cloth that was still in use, displayed
paramount at the front of the church on the
pulpit. How many people learned about the
deep love of God through this tool — perhaps
even the pastor; perhaps he preached from it
each Sunday. How many people’s lives have
been changed at this place and were now busy
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sharing the Good News with others —
maybe some of these have even become
JESUS Film team members themselves.
I will never know the answers to these
questions on this side of heaven, but
I’m grateful that God gives us
thrilling glimpses of His vast
work and even invites us to be
a part of what He is doing.
Narrating for Jesus
Cinco, a team member in Nicaragua, was so excited
to receive an equipment set after hearing of the
amazing things God was doing through the JESUS
film.
He began to show the film, but was
saddened to discover his equipment
was broken — no matter what he tried,
the audio did not work correctly.
Be Part of
God's Work
God will use your donation
of any amount to make a
difference as teams share
the Good News around
the world. Complete the
enclosed envelope to give
today.
Undefeated, Cinco proceeded to show the film,
narrating it himself for the entire two hours. He was
so passionate about sharing the Good News that
he repeated this method with his ‘broken
equipment’ over 30 times. At least one dozen
people came to Christ after each showing!
Several months later, Cinco shared the wonderful
results and difficulties he was experiencing at a
JESUS Film leaders’ meeting. He happened to have
the equipment set with him, which another leader
inspected. The problem? Cinco’s copy of the JESUS
film was in Creole, not Spanish.
Today, Cinco continues sharing the gospel through
the JESUS film (in Spanish) with slightly less effort
but just as much passion.
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Beyond the JE SU S Film
The JESUS film is integral to this
ministry — it’s half of our name!
But did you know
teams use many more films
and tools beyond the JESUS film?
From
the Dark
SOUTH AMERICA
Dayasagar
EURASIA
Attracts young viewers as it conveys
the powerful story of Felix, a member
of a violent drug cartel. He serves time
in prison, then discovers Christ’s love
through his wife. This discovery takes him
on a journey from darkness to light.
“Felix’s testimony tells so much about
the changes Christ can make in people’s
lives. Our team even sees men who
had hardened hearts and closed minds
decide to open their life to Jesus the
way Felix did.”
Junior, Venezuela team leader
Dayasagar, meaning Oceans of Mercy,
depicts the life of Christ. Indigenous
Indians perform in the same language
and lifestyle as the film’s viewers,
making it a powerful, culturally relevant
experience.
“This movie is often shown in churches.
Older generations can connect to it
as it has been created with Indian
audiences in mind."
Rusty, Eurasia JESUS Film
Regional Coordinator
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Thanks to JFHP’s generous ministry partners
like Renew World Outreach, we regularly send
SD cards to JESUS Film teams filled with many
films and resources.
These resources include animated movies,
films geared especially for women and children,
and series of clips that help viewers look
at the gospel through different angles and
perspectives.
JESUS Film teams disciple new believers
through tools like Rivka, segments of the JESUS
film, the LUMO films, and many others to help
them go deeper in their faith. From the Dark,
Yatin, The HOPE, and Dayasagar are just several
of the various diverse films available to teams.
To watch the JESUS film and other films in
the 1,700+ available languages, download
the app: Jesus Film Project.
Yatin
The Hope
AFRICA
MESOAMERICA
Many people in West Africa practice
the dark powers of voodoo and witchcraft.
Yatin depicts the story of a pastor
named Phillipe who shares the gospel,
revealing the true and better power
found in Jesus, ultimately delivering a
village from the forces of evil.
“This movie teaches that the Savior
is with us. Because He died on the
cross, we can overcome any forces
of darkness.”
Jean, Benin team member
Tells the story of Genesis and God’s
promise for all people through 12
episodes. The HOPE combines secular
movie clips with clips from Jesus of
Nazareth to present God’s epic story of
redemption.
“Several teams in Haiti use The HOPE.
The film connects many different stories
in the Bible with the gospel, which
has impacted many people, giving them
hope that God is on their side and He
sent Jesus to save them.”
Daniel, JFHP Field Services Director
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Multiplied
to share her faith with anyone
who will listen to her.”
“After watching the JESUS film
nine times, the local community
college professor came to the
Lord last month. Since then, he
has led two of his students to
the Lord. He is also witnessing
to his younger brother.”
“Two are better than one, because they have a
good reward for their toil.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (ESV)
There is incredible strength in numbers, especially when
believers join together! This can especially be seen in Ethiopia,
where 97% of those who make decisions for Christ receive
initial discipleship follow-up. In the last year, JESUS Film teams
reported more than 33,700 Ethiopians were discipled!
According to Aaron*, the Ethiopian JESUS Film Country
Coordinator, these numbers are so high because, “New and
seasoned believers work as a team.” Seasoned believers
encourage new Christians to share their faith. He said, “They are
so excited that they want their loved ones, friends, family, and
others, to be saved, too.”
Aaron’s comments reflect how we are stronger together than
when we are apart. With the support of seasoned believers, new
Ethiopian believers are developing zealous faith and continually
multiplying the harvest:
“Three teenage siblings came to
the Lord this month… after we
showed the JESUS film. Within
three weeks of their conversion,
these teenagers led their
mother to the Lord! They are
now being discipled together.”
All believers are called to fulfill
the Great Commission. These
testimonies reflect how to
passionately live as the hands
and feet of Christ, whether we
have followed Him for ten days
or ten years.
Aaron concluded, “The JESUS
Film ministry is the single most
effective tool the church has
in Ethiopia. We appreciate this
amazing tool.” *A pseudonym
“Alemnesh is a widow who came to Christ along with her six
children last month. Then, they invited their landlady to watch
the JESUS film, and she also made a decision for Christ. The
landlady was always mean to her tenants, but her life has
changed since becoming a disciple of Christ. Alemnesh plans
Your gift of any amount will help
support and fuel this exciting
multiplication movement!
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Share Your Passion
You can help give every person an opportunity to hear about Jesus Christ by
sharing the need with others! The following tools are very helpful to introducing
your friends and family to the ministry:
Presentation Packages
God is doing incredible things around the world through JFHP.
Download a PowerPoint presentation and share the opportunity
to support urgent needs on the field with your missions group,
Sunday school class, church, or other community! Opportunities
range in donation level, from $75 (Audio Bibles) to $15,000 (Team
Sponsorships).
To download a presentation,
visit JFHP.org/Share.
Resource Kit
Are you planning to speak or create a table display on behalf of
JFHP? The new JFHP Resource Kit is the perfect display-in-a-box!
Quantities are limited. Request a kit three to four weeks in
advance of your event. If approved, instructions on how to return
the materials to JFHP will be included with the kit.
Items in the Resource Kit:
• 2 ft. x 6 ft. banner
• 11 in. x 17 in. poster + stand
• JFHP Ministry Overview books (20)
• DVDs: JESUS film, Magdalena,
The Story of JESUS for Children
At the time of publication, social distancing practices prevent
JFHP from sending out kits. Please call the office at 913-663-5700
if you are interested in reserving a kit. We will add you to a list
and notify you when they become available for use.
• Bible Story Cloths
• EvangeBracelets (30) with salvation color meaning cards
• JFHP business cards
• Harvest Partner Response Forms & Return envelopes
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15055 West 116th Street
Olathe, KS 66062
Flourish
2020 SPRING
NEWSLETTER
Truth and Light
“I am a farmer. I have friends who are Christians, but
I made fun of them. I thought they didn’t understand
anything, and I categorically refused to believe in
Jesus.
For many generations, my family has sought
happiness in worshipping idols. When we were told
there would be a film screening, we thought it was
just to learn how to celebrate the idols this year.
When I arrived, I saw and felt something strange.
During the JESUS film, the Holy Spirit touched my
soul. I saw the truth and the light. I pledged to
repent and change my life. I owe Christ my life!”
–Tchilanga, 48-years-old, Togo
JESUS Film Harvest Partners is an accredited partner of ECFA.
® “JESUS Film Harvest Partners” is a trademark of Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc. licensed
to Harvest Partners, Inc. All rights reserved.
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