The Power of Jesus

31 Days of Life-Transforming Stories and Prayer Guide
The JESUS Film Project P.O. Box 628222 Orlando, FL 32862-8222 The JESUS Film Project 100 Lake Hart Dr., 3100 Orlando, FL 32832-0100 (800) 387-4040 Fax: (407) 826-2375 Website: www.jesusfilm.org E-mail: info@jesusfilm.org 2009 Campus Crusade for Christ
No portions may be copied in whole or part, nor published via the Internet in any form, without the express written permission of Campus Crusade for Christ. Requests for re-use should be addressed to: The JESUS Film Project Cover photo: Janell Searles
he Power of JESUS will bless and affirm every believer who supports, prays for, or has only heard about the film JESUS.
JESUS is one of the most accurate portrayals of the gospel to ever play on a film or video screen. Every word that Jesus speaks is quoted precisely from the Gospel of Luke. Just as when Jesus walked the earth, the Holy Spirit affirms His Word today, as people experience the power of JESUS sometimes through acts of God that testify to the truth of what they see and hear in the gospel story, in their own mother tongues. Over the years, The JESUS Film Project has shared many of those acts of God in letter form, sent to the many friends of the film. This book is a compilation of some of the most memorable accounts from the past several years, based on eyewitness testimony, or received from reliable, trusted sources in the countries where these events occurred. Background information accompanying each story will enhance your understanding. Some of the countries and locations cannot be disclosed, for reasons of security. Occasionally names have been changed. May we suggest you use this booklet in your daily time with the Lord, drawing upon the Scriptures and prayer requests that attend each story? You can also share these accounts with friends, family, your Sunday school class and small groupor from the pulpit. May God bless you these next 31 days! Enjoy each moment, as you sense the power of JESUS!
Why God Is Blessing the Film JESUS

he Holy Spirit uses the film JESUS in the most remarkable ways! The power of this film is well documenteduniversally recognized. I believe the power of JESUS lies in Scriptures themselves. JESUS is based on the Word of God. In fact, the actor who portrays Jesus speaks no other words except those found in the Scriptures. For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12)*. In John 12:32, Jesus said, But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself. People also respond the world over when they hear the gospel in their own heart languages: with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation (Revelation 5:9). And all human beings relate to stories, the topic of JESUS being the greatest story of all time: Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables (Matthew 13:34). Then there is the power of media, the spectacle of the gospel story shown in a peoples own heart language: Ears that hear and eyes that seethe LORD has made them both (Proverbs 20:12). Prayer for the teams and those who watch also plays a crucial role: The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:15). And of course, film teams rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
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Jim Green joins in a pra yer of consecration for JESUS film teams and their po rtable projection equipm ent, asking that God will use their work and the Wo rd of God contained in the film to transform lives for ete rnity.
Then, when people have seen, heard and believed, the process of follow-through evangelism begins. Many new believers join small groups and churches for ongoing discussion, study, fellowship and training. Often, present in these groups are those who will form JESUS film teams themselves. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42). Ultimately, it is Christ Himself who does His mighty work, who intervenes in lives, who calls every person to His loving arms. Yet, God has chosen to work through people as His workers. It is He, our glorious, majestic Lord, who will act when we ask Him to raise up workers and the resources to sustain them, until everyone on earth has a chance to experience the power of JESUS. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field (Matthew 9:38). As you are blessed by reading these accounts, ask the Lord of the Harvest how you should personally respond, how you might become involved! At the end of this booklet you will find a number of ways you can be involvedmany things you can do, suitable for most every circumstance. You will soon read how the Holy Spirit works through JESUS in the most remarkable ways. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20).
Jim Green, Executive Director The JESUS Film Project Campus Crusade for Christ
*All Scripture references are from the NIV .
he film JESUS was the dream and vision of Dr. Bill Bright, founder and president of Campus Crusade for Christ from 1951 until 2001. Dr. Bright went home to be with His Lord in 2003. After seeing various films about the life of Christ, Dr. Bright envisioned a motion picture that would be totally faithful to the Gospel accounts, accurate in every way to the recorded words of Jesus, the very Word of God. The book of Luke was chosen as the most accessible depiction of the gospel events. Professionally researched and then shot in Israel, JESUS was released in 1979. Since then it has become the most viewed film in history, seen in every nation on earth. JESUS will soon be translated into more than 1,000 languages, far exceeding any other film. JESUS has had an estimated audience of 6 billion viewers.
Dr. Bill Bright
any mission experts have acclaimed JESUS as one of the greatest evangelistic success stories of all time. The film has been shown tens of thousands of times through the work of dedicated, traveling film teams the world over who take the gospel to the most remote, isolated and difficult places on earth. Many of their stories, and Gods affirmation of their work and His Word, appear in these pages. Through the efforts of these teams, video and audiocassette distribution, theater showings, television broadcasts, the Internet and podcasting, well more than 200 million people have indicated decisions to accept Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. Traveling JESUS film teams are formed typically with young men with the hearts of evangelists. Some give a year (and often multiple years) of their time to show JESUS. They endure many hardships and difficulties. Unreached people they seek to reach with JESUS may live in extremely
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remote and rugged areas. Others are isolated by barriers of culture, or hindered from seeing JESUS by hostile political or religious curtains. Taking portable film projection equipment and generators, these workers have been subjected to threats, beatings, riots and death. Yet they persevere. JESUS is also shown on television in many nations, through either local television stations or via satellite. The film is also broadcast on radio using the The Story of Jesus dramatic-audio version. The film is available for viewing via the Internet in hundreds of different languages. It can also be seen through podcasting, CDs, DVDs and VCDs (a format commonly used in Asia). Every year, film, video and distribution teams give out these specialized tools that bring JESUS to millions of people. Many interorganizational partnerships have been formed in the body of Christ, such as with Church of the Nazarene and the Southern Baptists. These groups recruit and support their own film and video teams, utilizing translations, equipment and training provided in part by The JESUS Film Project. Paramount in all these efforts is follow-upthe vitally important work of grounding believers in their new faith. Teams actively meet with believers, helping to form discipleship groups and even churches. Some mission experts estimate that more than 1 million churches have been established, where JESUS was a primary tool of evangelism.
They are men of whom the world was not worthy

(Hebrews 11:38a, NASB).
The Power of JESUS is dedicated to the memory and honor of the men and one woman who made the ultimate sacrifice so that unreached people might see, hear and understand the gospel through JESUS. Pictured to the left and named below are some who have suffered persecution or martyrdom.
Hridoy Roy Honore Rassimbaye Ehab Getachew Tessema Abebe Abate Graham Staines Philip Staines Timothy Staines Jamil A. Rifai Romulo Saune Marie Umuhire Night Watchman Team Member Isaac KoKo John Eluru Moses Ogiel
Bangladesh Chad Egypt Ethiopia Ethiopia India India India Lebanon Peru Rwanda Rwanda Sierra Leone Sudan Uganda Uganda
When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained
(Revelation 6:9, NASB). 8
DAY 1
Republic of Malawi
Location:
Southeast Africa
Literacy Rate:
56% (functionally 28%)
Population:
12.9 million
Official Languages:
Chewa, English
Spoken Languages:
15
Translations of JESUS:
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Malawi is located in Southeast Africa, nestled between Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. The national economy is weak, and the nation can only grow food to feed less than one-third of the population. One of the poorest nations on the continent, Malawi depends heavily on international aid. About 25 percent of the adult population has HIV/AIDS. Democratic elections in 1993 brought political stability, but only marginally improved the lives of the people. Freedom of religion is available for all, but there is a sense of favor for the Muslim minority. It is believed by some that Malawi is a key door for Islam to Southern Africa. One million Yaospeaking people live in Southern Malawi.
Angels at the Bridge

he vast Muslim majority of the Yao people* had never heard the gospel. Willie Erasmus, with The JESUS Film Project in South Africa, launched the process of translating the JESUS film into their language. Almost immediately he began to experience powerful, spiritual resistance. En route to the remote recording session, Willie encountered an ax-bearing maniac who shattered one of the vans side windows, propelling broken glass throughout the cab and cutting Willies hand.
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At the makeshift recording studio, key Yao phrases would suddenly disappear from the tape. Feeling unusual pressure, Willie accidentally erased both picture and critical one-of-a-kind recorded tracks. As they worked on the Crucifixion and Resurrection scenes, the power failed three timesonce, for five hours. Finally, through prevailing prayer, Willie and the translation team finished the translation. When 16 mm copies were released, Willie mobilized 35 Christians to travel from South Africa for an evangelistic campaign among the Yao. Every vehicle was fully loaded with supplies for a 20-day journey and outreach. The bush road was absolutely terrible. They found that all the bridges had been either washed away or blown up during previous years of civil war, replaced with makeshift piles of sticks, twigs, and rocks. Even in four-wheel drive vehicles, crossing those bridges was risky and frightening. The passengers got out to help guide the loaded cars and vans as they inched their way over. At any moment, one of the vehicles could have lost its traction and tumbled off. Still far from their destination, darkness fell on this moonless night, making the many bridge crossings even more dangerous. Then, one of the young women came to Willie and said, This morning the Lord brought a verse to my attention. I think it applies to us. She showed Willie the passage in 2 Chronicles 20, where the Lord instructed Jehoshaphat to give the battle to God. In the face of death and defeat, Jehoshaphat sent out singers and worshippers who praised the Lord. God then miraculously saved Judah, showing that the battle was indeed His. Willie said, Thats excellent. Thats for us. Lets do it. So, at each bridge, one person got out to guide, one person drove. The rest ran ahead up the hill, singing and praising God in the darkness. Thenthe miracles! At each bridge, every vehicle glided across effortlessly. Willie was convinced that the vehicles and their precious cargo (the Yao JESUS films and equipment) were being held aloft by angels, carrying them over each bridge. That night, they set up the screen and equipment for the premiere of the Yao JESUS film. When people working in the fields heard the film was in their own language, they dropped their hoes and came to see. During the next several days, the teams showed JESUS to 39,000 Muslim Yaos. About 6,000 indicated decisions for Christ.
* More than two thirds of the Yao people live in Malawi. This particular story took place along the border in Mozambique.
Pray for:
The continue d effective us e of church and mission ag ency partnersh ips in taking JESUS the gospel on film throughout M alawi. The effective follow-up of ne w believers, and for th e planting of new churches, in both ur ban and rural settings.
For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints
(Hebrews 6: 10, NASB).
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DAY 2
Nigeria
The nation of Nigeria is divided into three zones of states: Northern, Central and Southern. The Northern zone has the greatest concentration of Muslims and the Southern is predominantly Christian. In all zones, there are rural areas with many less-reached people groups. The unreached people in the North include the Fulani, Hausa, Kanuri, Gwoza Hills and groups in the mountainous region of the East. The Central zones less-reached populations include people from the Plateau State and numerous groups along the Niger River and the Benin border. In the South, Muslim groups such as the Yoruba, peoples in the Niger Delta and Coastal regions and the Cross River State, and others along the Benin border, are counted among the leastreached.
The Bus
film team in Nigeria received permission to show the JESUS film at Osupa, in the Ogbomos North area. They set up the equipment by a road, and announced the showing. A huge crowd gathered to watch the film more than 2,000 people. The location enabled people to watch from both sides of the road. As the film progressed, suddenly people began running in all directions. In the darkness, the team couldnt figure out what was going on, but the commotion was caused by an out-of-control bus speeding straight toward the film site. The people
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Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand
(Isaiah 41:10, NASB).
looked aghast at the rapidly approaching headlights! Everything seemed hopeless. Apparently the driver was drunk and lost control of the bus. The film equipment, the team, and hundreds of men, women and children stood directly in its path. How the large vehicle missed the crowd remains a mystery to this day. Workers said it was as though an unseen hand took control of the bus and moved it to the side, sparing the lives of not only the audience, but also the driver. Ironically, the bus drivers father was the man who allowed the use of this area to show the film. At the end of the film, people gave glory to God for what had happened. The whole area bubbled with joy and laughterand many people gave their lives to the Lord that evening.
Pray for:
The hearts of the people in the least-reached areas listed above to be open to hearing the life-changing gospel message, and for them to soon be given the opportunity to do so.
The work of JESUS film teams in many of the regions where the less-reached people live; for the planting of spiritually multiplying churches.
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DAY 3
The Republic of Iraq
Location:
Middle East
Literacy Rate:
58%
Population:
26.7 million
Official Languages:
Arabic, Kurdish
Spoken Languages:
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The Shia Muslim Arabs live in Basra and the South. Following the Gulf War in 1991, a Shia rebellion against then-dictator Saddam Hussein was brutally repressed by widespread death and devastation. Sunni Arabs (moderate Muslims) are the majority, and Pan-Arab socialism was the ideology of the former Baathist regime under Saddam Hussein. Currently there is an attempt at a Kurd/Shia/Sunni coalition-type government, but the Sunnis have been slow to participate for fear of reprisals. Both Shia and Sunni militias exist, and their violence and rivalries have helped keep Iraq from achieving stability with the new government. Iran is blamed as a Shia terrorist and al-Qaida supporter.
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Two Muslim Leaders
n the former No-Fly Zone of Southern Iraq, two Muslim leaders of high position had visions. Independent of each other, they saw the risen Son of God, Jesus our Lord. He appeared before them in glory, declaring that He was Jesus, and that they were to seek out the truth. Overcome by His presence, they both fell to their knees in awe and worship.
Days later, these two leaders were given the opportunity to watch JESUS on videoagain, in separate locations. They were taken aback. The person they saw in the video strongly resembled the man they had seen in their visions. Both clerics prayed to receive Christ. Some time later, they met. These two leaders were so transformed that each had come to share his experience and win the other man to Christ! What a moment it must have been when they discovered they each had seen the Lord and both had become believers! At last report, they were leading a group of 17 other new believers who all experienced visions of the risen Christ!
Pray for:
The rebuild ing of school s, hospitals, and basic infras tructure destro yed in the war and subseq uent insurgen t attacks. Ministry wor kers, for their safety and that their labo rs to help othe rs hear the gospel will co ntinue to build the country spiritually. Wide distrib ution of JESU S on video CD.
And it shall be in the last days, God says, That I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams
(Acts 2: 17, NASB).
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DAY 4
Republic of India
Location:
South Asia
Literacy Rate:
62% (functionally much lower)
Population:
1.1 billion
Official Languages:
Hindi, English, plus 17 other national languages
Spoken Languages:
400
84
India, with more than 1 billion people, is becoming a world power politically and economically. Having gained its independence from Britain in 1949, India grew to be the worlds largest functioning democracy. Now a nuclear state with a growing space industry, it also ranks as a world leader in computer software and related fields. The nations literacy rate is more than 62 percent and growing. While Indias constitution grants religious freedom for all, Hindu extremism continues to expand, resulting in campaigns against both Muslims and Christians. Growing concerns include Indias efforts to curtail religious freedoms.
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Until That Strange Night

priest of a major religion in India, Tanish persuaded 1,000 people in his community to give toward construction of a new temple, where gods of stone and wood could be worshipped and appeased with blood sacrifices. For his entire life, idol worship was all that Tanish knewuntil that strange night. While asleep on his crude, wooden bed, Tanish dreamed about a God who was over all and above alland about His followers. The experience was powerful, and he could not let it go. Tanish was possessed by the dream; he longed to know this God who had revealed Himself in such a personal, mysterious way. Several days later a JESUS film team arrived, sent by people who lived in a distant land. They brought with them a film in Tanishs own language. Curious, he sat down with his community to watch. As he soaked in the story of Jesus, he heard words that cut to his soul. Immediately he recognized that this divine Man, Jesus, was the God in his dream, and that the film team members were His followers. At the end of the showing, Tanish approached the team. He informed them of his dream and his burning quest to know its meaning. He declared that his quest had ended that night. There he bowed in prayer and received the Son of God, as his Savior and Lord. Tanish, a former priest, and his whole family have now been baptized and attend a local church in the community.
Pray for:
The safety and effectiven ess of 600 film teams as they show JE SUS and plant new chur ches. The equippin g, training and mobilizing of hundreds of church an d mission agency partne rships to take the gospel throughout In dia.
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation
(Isaiah 12: 2, NASB).
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DAY 5
India Urban
India is made up of 30 states and seven union territories. The size, population and religious mix vary, but Hindus constitute the majority. Muslims and ethnic religions are often well-represented, along with small groups of Sikhs, Buddhists and Christians. The Malto people are a small minority in the Bihar and Jharkhand states of EastCentral India. With more than 100 million people, the region is considered one of the worlds mega-population centers, yet is also one of the least-evangelized. Factors such as a strong caste system and political, economic and social systems that are corrupt and backward have made years of mission work yield only limited fruit among Hindus and Muslims. The small Christian presence (less than 2 percent) comprises churches that are often passive and lack a commitment to evangelism.
The Man in the Clouds
ome years ago, in India, a young national missionary couple felt the call of God to take their 3-year-old son to a very resistant area in the North to live among the Malto people. They labored faithfully for many years in this notorious area known as the graveyard of missionaries without seeing a single person come to Christ. Their every effort to share the gospel was met with opposition, as they battled discouragement, depression, spiritual oppression and polluted water. One day the husband walked through the door of their tiny home, collapsed and died. Distraught, his wife went to check on their sick child. He also had died. Devastated, confused, she returned to the States, with her acute loss, seemingly defeated.
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Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this case the saying is true, One sows and another reaps. I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor
(John 4: 36-38, NASB).
A few weeks later, a JESUS film team arrived in that exact Maltos area. This time the government officials allowed the film to be shown. During the scene at Jesus baptism in the Jordan River, when His face first appeared on the screen, the crowd erupted with shouts and exclamations. The team had no choice but to stop the film and learn what the commotion was about. Its the Man! they shouted. He is the One we saw walking in the clouds!1 It seemed that everyone had seen Him the day the national missionary and his son died. Clouds formed over the hillsides. The vision of a Man, larger-than-life, appeared above the clouds, walking over their hills, shedding tears. The Malto people suspected that it was a message from God, that He was displeased that they had rejected the gospel. Now, they were being given a second chance. As the team restarted the projector, the people settled down to continue watching the film. Everyone was transfixed by the story. Then, at the end, the majority of these hard, resistant, Malto people put their faith in Christ! Other miracles followed. People were delivered from evil spirits. The sick were healed. The deep spiritual hunger of many was met. But, the greater miracle is this: where once there were no Christians, there are now 46,000 Maltos believers and hundreds of growing and maturing churches! Today, they are preparing to send out their own missionaries to other unreached people, some of whom will use the JESUS film. The graveyard of missionaries has become the vineyard of missionaries!
1
On occasion, the Holy Spirit reportedly gives a vision of the risen Christ that resembles the actor who portrays Jesus. It appears to be His way of affirming the truth of His Word to some who have seen or will see the JESUS film.
Pray for:
Spiritual revival in the hearts of the people that make up the small Christian community in the Bihar and Jharkhand region.
That God will break through the hardened hearts of the people, with tools such as the JESUS film, and draw them to Himself.
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DAY 6
India Rural
In many regions of India, the people are Hindus, but they blend their worship with tribal animism. In some states, like Orissa, this blending is commonplace. The religious leaders are often the ones who propagate this false worship, leading the people into dark and vile activities. These religious practices and cultural traditions serve as barriers to the gospel. With low tribal literacy, the people are economically deprived and politically marginalized; these factors also impede Christian evangelism. Yet, God is still at work. JESUS film teams and partnership teams have reached at least one-third of the estimated 600,000 villages of India with the gospel! People respond as they hear the message of Gods love and forgiveness.
The Ultimate Sacrifice

wo large Hindu temples dominate a remote, resistant community of 4,500 people near the northeastern coast of India. Sanathan was the priest of both temples. He led the people in the worship of Kali, the goddess of death. During festival times, he routinely sacrificed 100 goats each day for the sins of the peoplea people who believed their idols actually drank the blood placed before them. When a JESUS film team arrived, this Hindu priest attended one of the four showings. He was respectedeven fearedas the master of sacrifice in the temples. But the blood of the goats he had killed left
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How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
(Romans 10: 15b, NIV).
him with only a deep vacuum inside his soul. As Sanathan watched Jesus being crucified, lifted up from the earth, and as he saw His innocent blood spilled, he understood that Jesus was Gods only sacrifice for sin. Sanathan was the first person to come forward at the invitation that night. A year later, 300 believers attend the village church. And Sanathan actively evangelizes and disciples, and helps the JESUS film teams travel to unreached islands off the coast.
Pray for:
The work of JESUS film teams in rural, tribal regions of India; for open doors and open hearts, even in the spiritually darkest areas.
Those who respond to the gospelfor their spiritual growth and for strong spirit-led leaders to guide the newly planted churches.
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DAY 7
United Republic of Tanzania
Location:
Eastern Africa
Literacy Rate:
68%
Population:
mainland: 37.5 million, Zanzibar: 1 million
Official Languages:
Swahili, English
Spoken Languages:
135
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Zanzibar, an island possession off the coast of Tanzania, has a unique history, culture, and government, and was formerly controlled by the Portuguese for 200 years, the Sultan of Oman for 188 years, and the British Empire for 73 years. Zanzibars main industries are a declining spice trade (cloves), fine raffia, agriculture and tourism, but in the 1700s and 1800s Zanzibar became infamous for heavily trafficking in slave, ivory, and guntrading run by Arabs. Religious freedom and equal rights for both Christian and Muslim religions exist on mainland Tanzania, but on Zanzibar, island strongholds and spiritual oppression are intense, and there are very few Christians.
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Silhouette on the Screen

traveling film team purchased space on a boat and sailed over clear, blue-green waters to an area off the coast of East Africa in historic Zanzibar to show the JESUS film. For 200 years, Zanzibar was the gateway for slave trade to the Middle East and Asia. Today, the people of Zanzibar are a mix of African and Arab heritageabout 99 percent professing Muslims. And there are very few churches. For the most part, Satans kingdom has ruled in Zanzibar, unchallenged, since the days of Christ. The film team chose a site, and began to set up their portable projection equipment. It was twilight, and a curious crowd began to gather. Thankfully, there was no resistance, at least not initially. When it was sufficiently dark, they began the film. The story of Jesus life and miracles was all new, and the people were enthralled. The Word of God penetrated their hearts. Suddenly, a strange silhouette appeared on the screen, blotting out much of the image of the film. At first, the team could not make it out. Then they realized it resembled the appearance of a witch doctor, a spiritist whom the people greatly feared. The crowd looked back to see if the witch doctor was blocking the lens. No one was there. Whatever was on the screen was not human. The team turned off the projector, checked the lens and re-aimed the image. When they turned the projector back on, the black silhouette was still there, blocking the picture. The team decided to continue, knowing the people could still hear the sound, the story of the gospel. As the film reels rolled, the team members got on their knees and prayed fervently, asking God to overcome the enemy, to cast out this apparent demon from their midst. After five minutes of intense spiritual battle, the silhouette vanished just as suddenly as it had appeared. When JESUS concluded, many in the audience indicated that they wanted to follow Christ!
Pray for:
The restricte d nations that have many barriers. Hold these nations up before the throne of God, asking that the JESUS film may penetrate thos e barriers and be seen w idely and ofte n. strong leadersh ip for the church in Zanz ibar and Tanzan ia. The raising of
For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil
(1 Peter 3: 12, NASB).
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DAY 8
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Location:
West Africa
Literacy Rate:
64%
Population:
131.5 million
Official Languages:
Amharic
Spoken Languages:
470
71
This West African nation on the Gulf of Guinea is home to one-quarter of the entire continents population. It carries major political and economic influence throughout the region. The nation is nearly 53 percent Christian, but the Muslims (41 percent) wield much of the political power. The film JESUS has been extensively used to help reach the more than 490 ethnic groups of Nigeria. Many Christians in Northern Nigeria, constitutionally a secular state with freedom of religion, face discrimination and even persecution. Since 1999, Muslim leaders have imposed Shariah law in eight northern states. Northern Nigeria ranks 36th on the World Persecution Index.
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Sealed in Safety
respected Muslim theologian lived with his wife and daughter in their African community. While he was out of town, a JESUS film team set up a 16 mm projector and portable screen in the middle of the street, to enable as many people as possible to watch from both sides. Because of this scholars position, his wife and daughter were afraid to attend, but rather watched from a distance away, just inside the courtyard gate of their home. Fortunately, the volume was loud enough for them to hearand both received Christ. When the cleric returned, they told him what had happened. He was furious; he felt they had humiliated him and betrayed Allah. He decided to kill them both. This man sealed them inside their concrete-walled house, locking the strong doors and windows and leaving them without food or water. He told the neighbors that he and his family were going away and would not return for two weeks. Because of the great distance between the homes, he knew their cries for help would never be heard. Two weeks later he returned. He unlocked the door, expecting to be hit by the stench of death. Instead, he was greeted by his wife and daughter, both standing before him, with joy on their faces. He was incredulous. How could this be? They explained, You meant to kill us, but Jesus saved us. Every day a hand has appeared giving us food and water. Sometimes it came through the door. Other times the hand appeared through a window. Sometimes it came down through the roof. The scholar scoffed and refused to believe. Suddenly, the hand appeared and offered him food and water as well. Severely shaken, he immediately went to a local Christian pastor in the community and told him what had happened. The pastor shared the gospel with him. He became convinced that Jesus was the true God, and he prayed to receive Christ.
Pray for:
The minist ry and safety of the 67 JESUS film an d church-plant ing teams. The multiply ing impact of the use of all 57 translations of JESUS for N igeria. this family, an d that they will find spiri tual food for their souls while they rem ain in hiding. The safety of
For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength
(Isaiah 30:15, NASB).
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DAY 9
Nepal
Location:
South Central Asia
Literacy Rate:
40%
Population:
27.7 million
Official Languages:
Nepali
Spoken Languages:
124
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Nepal is a small nation situated between India and China along the Himalayan Mountains. The country is physically isolated from much of the rest of the world. Nepal is the worlds only Hindu kingdom. There is freedom of religion, but it is illegal to evangelize. There were only about 500 known Christians in the country in the mid-1980s. In 1987, the first translation of the film JESUS for Nepal was completed. Gods Spirit soon began to move. JESUS film teams and national evangelists began to quietly take the gospel to towns, villages and rural hamlets. Today, Christians represent 1.89 percent of the population: even in a restrictive environment, the church in Nepal is growing.
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Should I sacrifice a goat or a hen to Him?

ear Mount Everest and the magnificent Himalayas, there is great persecution against the church and anything Christian. One courageous and profoundly dedicated film team conducted a small, secure showing for 25 villagers, including a young father named Ram and his son, Hari, who was deaf and mute. After watching JESUS, Ram asked the team what he needed to do so that Jesus would heal his son: Should I sacrifice a goat or hen to Him? No, Ram. All you need do is receive His salvation, personally, by faithnothing more. Both Ram and Hari gladly prayed to receive Christ. The team gave them and others in the village audiocassettes of JESUS, New Testaments and Bibles. About 25 days later, the film team returned to the area. They found Hari. The boy was hearing and speaking! At a subsequent outreach meeting, the team acknowledged and praised God for the miracleso did Ram. When others saw Gods power, eight more people indicated decisions for Christ Pray for: and, along with Ram and Hari, now attend The continue a local church. Pray for their safety, and for d ministry effe ctiveness of boldness in witnessing. the film and vi de
o teams, and the work of national ev angelists.
The spiritual maturing of th e church and church le aders of Nepal .
But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,He said to the paralytic I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home
(Luke 5: 24, NASB).
26
DAY 10
Central Asia
The collapse of the Soviet Union gave the world 15 new states, five of which are in Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These nations have endured an economic slide into poverty and unemployment with much internal conflict. Some states retain their old-guard communist government practices, while other states have been influenced by Irans Shiite fundamentalist movement. Religious freedom in these countries is limited to Islam, and perhaps the Orthodox church. Some of the worst violations of religious freedom occur here. Under Islamic law, those who turn to Christianity face detention, arrest, imprisonment, denial of rights, fines, and the closing of churchesand yet, the church continues to grow.
You are the ones! You are the ones!

JESUS film team traveled to a remote area in Central Asia, to a country that borders the Caspian Sea. Its a place where many hazards await Christians who openly declare that Jesus is Lord. The team ventured into the unknown, trusting God with the outcome and their safety. En route, they lost their way. They stopped in the middle of nowhere, hoping to re-establish their bearings, when a man surprised themsuddenly emerging from a cluster of trees. He was agitated,
27
The Spirit told me to go with them without misgivings And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, Send to Joppa and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household
(Acts 11: 12-14, NASB).
waving his arms over his head, and heading directly for them. The team was obviously concerned. Why was anyone out this far, alone? Was he insane? Could he be a threat? The man drew closer, shouting at them excitedly. You are the ones! You are the ones! You are the men in my dream! Can you give me Truth? Standing there, miles from any settlement, he told them about his dream several nights earlier. He had seen men coming to him. He heard a voice saying that they would bring him Truth. The dream captivated himit was so real. He had left his home on foot and been searching for them since, and recognized them as the very men in his dream! The JESUS film team invited him into their car, and he gladly directed them to his village over the dirt roads. It turned out he owned the local tea housethe place where all the men of the community would gather. That evening, the team showed them JESUS in their language. The man and his whole household became followers of Christ!
Pray for:
Practical needs of food, medical care and sanitation for people in the region.
The 60 million Muslims in Central Asia who are spiritually hungry to be fed with the gospel of Christ. Pray for distribution of JESUS on video CD and audiocassette throughout the region.
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DAY 11
North Africa
The seven countries of North Africa, including Western Sahara, are the Arabic-speaking nations of the continent. Although these nations dont have the same economic and social challenges that face other parts of Africa, they are still vastly underdeveloped. The veil of Islam overshadows most aspects of life for people in this region. The hearts and lives of people are constrained, and devoid of the hope and love that knowing Christ brings. Efforts to reach these people with the gospel must be quiet, often through methods which include the JESUS audiocassette, video CD or DVD. Radio and satellite television broadcasts of the JESUS film overcome political, cultural and religious barriers. In Sudan, 16 mm projector showings of JESUS are used effectively.
I have chosen you.

adira experienced a powerful dream. She was sitting at a round table with other people. A door opened behind her. Nadira turned to look. She saw a man in a white robe. Brilliant light was streaming from His face and clothing. Others around the table reached out their arms towards the man, begging His touchasking for just a word from Him. Instead, He walked directly to Nadira. He placed His hand on her shoulder and said to the people, No, I have come for her. Then, speaking only to NadiraI have come today especially for you. She awoke.
29
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give it to you
(John 15: 16, NASB).
Two days later, Nadira was invited to watch a DVD of JESUS in Arabic. Nadira sat down comfortably and began to watch. The film came to the scene where Jesus was about to be baptized by John the Baptist. First, Nadira saw Jesus feet stepping through the shallow water. In the next scene she saw His face. Nadira sprang hard to her feet and began screaming in Arabic:
That's Him! That's the Man I saw in my dream! Tell me who He is! A person present at the showing explained the gospel. Nadira was amazed that God loved her so much to come and tell her in a dream that He was going to come especially for her. She fell to her knees and prayed right there to give her life to Christ. Such accounts are not uncommon. In ways we dont understand, the Holy Spirit gives people dreams and visions in which Jesus resembles the actor who portrayed Jesus in the film, affirming to them that He is Truth.
Pray for:
The hearts of North Africans to be prepared to receive the gospel, when given the chance to hear it, by means of a broadcast or a cassette.
The work and safety of expatriates and national believers who are quietly distributing JESUS in these closed countries.
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DAY 12
Peoples Republic of China
Location:
East Asia
Literacy Rate:
94%
Population:
1.3 billion
Official Languages:
Putonghua (Mandarin Chinese)
Spoken Languages:
470
33
China is the worlds third-largest nation in size and first in population. The nation is gradually embracing a Western economic model with success, while retaining aspects of a Communist political system. Cultural and other reforms are opening China to the world. Chinas people are divided into Han Chinese and ethnic minorities (8.7 percent). These ethnic minorities are widely dispersed throughout the nation. Communism under Mao Zedong sought to eliminate religion, but the move to a common language has actually aided the spread of the gospel. Today, about 50 percent of the people are non-religious. The beliefs of the Chinese and many minorities are a mix of folk religions, Daoism and Buddhism. Catholicism and Protestantism, along with Islam, are present, but in smaller numbers.
31
The Man Who Wouldnt Budge

JESUS film worker went to a video repair shop carrying his well-worn video player. The machine had faithfully played the JESUS video innumerable times. The owner quoted an outlandish amount (equivalent to a months wages) to repair it. Discouraged that the man wouldnt budge on the price, he could only leave the player there and hope for a change of heart. He returned a few weeks later, anxious to continue his video ministry. Beaming, the owner of the shop handed him the repaired player, along with a bill reduced by 90 percent. Responding to the incredulous stare of the worker, the shop owner said, I watched the video you left in the machine. My life has changed. I gave my life to Jesus!
Pray for:
Efforts to ta ke the gospel to ethnic minorities ofte n located in the most remote region s, and for the continued effective use of the JESUS vide o CD. The training and mobilizing of thousands of natio nal workers fo r the task of reaching all of Chinaand be yond.
Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much. And Jesus said to him, Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost
(Luke 19: 8-10, NASB).
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DAY 13
West Africa
In both Francophone (French-speaking) and Anglophone (English-speaking) West Africa, the economic conditions are poor, and political stability is often uncertain. Population growth, disease, war, and migration to the cities have drained resources needed for people and community development. The spread of militant Islam is strong in this part of Africa. These and other barriers create unique challenges for Christian evangelism. In many of the countries in this region, the church struggles, lacking resources and trained leadership. Yet, God is at work. Joint ministry campaigns like Operation Jericho (Benin) and Operation Sunset (Guinea) using the JESUS film, church and community outreach, and personal evangelism, are seeing fruitbut not to the extent seen in other regions of Africa. Dozens of language translations of JESUS are still needed.
Fully Restored, Healthy and Alive

melia, a Nigerian woman from a Muslim background, spent her days caring for her gravely ill daughter. One day news came that a team of men had arrived at her village with a filmpictures of people who strangely move on a sheet. Out of curiosity, she went to the showing, especially since she had never seen a motion picture in her own language! Amelia sat down among the audience, ever mindful of her sick child. As the film unfolded, she was caught up by the story. There was something
33
And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him
(James 5: 15, NASB).
about this amazing man. He claimed to be divine. He commanded the raging waves of the sea and they were still. He cast out evil spirits. Then, when Jesus called a little girl back from the dead, Amelia believed. She accepted at face value that Jesus could heal her own little girl. When the film team gave the invitation for salvation, Amelia went forward and publicly declared her faith in Jesus. The team took her name and address and invited her to the first follow-up meeting to be held the next morning. It was dark as Amelia walked back to her home after the showing. Wonderful peace filled her heart. Inwardly, she prayed to her new Master to heal her child. When Amelia arrived, her daughter was waiting for heralive, healthy and fully restored!
Pray for:
Funds and laborers to translate and produce the JESUS film in additional languages for West Africa.
The equipping, training and mobilizing of JESUS film and church partnerships throughout the region.
34
DAY 14
Arab Republic of Egypt
Location:
North Africa
Literacy Rate:
61%
Population:
78.8 million
Official Languages:
Standard Arabic
Spoken Languages:
11
2
The church in Egypt has survived 2,000 years of discrimination and severe persecution, earning it the name The Church of the Martyrs. For more than 1,000 years, Egypt was a Christian-majority countryeven after the Arab Muslim conquest in A.D. 640. But, every effort has been made to erase Egypts great Christian heritage from the history records, downplay the size of the church, and marginalize its contribution to society. Today, the largest Islamic university in the worldEl Azhar Universitystands in Cairo, and annually trains hundreds of Muslim missionaries who are then sent out to spread Islam. Christians in Egypt are a strategic key for the evangelization of the Middle East. 35
We have been waiting for you!

deacon of a large church had a vivid dream. Before him he saw a familiar street in his large city, and a house address 269. The following night he had the same dream. When he awoke, this strong believer felt he should investigate, believing his dream could be from the Lord. The deacon went to the street, found the address, and knocked on the door. A man with a white robe, beard and turban answereda religious leader and teacher and invited the deacon in. He found himself in a room filled with more men in white robes and turbans, all sitting in a circleand women covered head-to-foot in their burkas. Nervously, he accepted the robed mans offer of tea, sat down and chatted. To talk about Christ in their presence could cost him his life, so he soon got up to leave. On his way out the leader inquired, But, why did you come? Hesitantly, the deacon replied, I had a dream. I saw your street and your house number. So I came, believing God sent me here. The leader replied, We have been waiting for you! We have all become followers of Isa and have been praying that God would send someone to tell us more about Him. We gather here secretly because we cannot talk about our faith outside this room. You must come again. There are many more groups like us in Pray for: the neighborhood, meeting secretly in houses. Comfort an You must also tell them more about Isa! d prot Thousands of new believers in this country are seeking to know more about Jesustheir lives having been transformed for eternity. To encourage new believers, and proclaim truth to people who have yet to hear, tens of thousands of JESUS DVDs are being distributed along with follow-up materials.
ection of belie vers who are pers ecuted, includ ing JESUS film workers who are bold ly sharing Christ.
Media-sophi sticated peop le in cities who have acce ss to DVDs, VC Ds, or CDs of JESUS. Ask the Lord to to uch their hearts by the love they see and hear.
You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man;You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues
(Psalm 31: 20, NASB).
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DAY 15
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Location:
Middle East
Literacy Rate:
86%
Population:
5.9 million
Official Languages:
Arabic
Spoken Languages:
8
3
Islam is the state religion of Jordan, but the constitution prohibits discrimination, and promotes the free exercise of religion while prohibiting the proselytism of Muslims. Still, there is great openness, and most Muslims need to hear the gospel. People of many nationalities are present in Jordan. Gulf Arabs visit during the summer, while Sri Lankans, Filipinos, and Egyptians come to Jordan to work. Agygei (Circassians) and Chechens compose minority populations.
37
Oh, the way He was speaking to my heart!

del is a Middle Eastern follower of Jesus with a passion to point his people, especially young people, to the gospel. He has led many to Christ. One day Adel gave a JESUS video in Arabic to a friend, Yousef, a young taxi driver. Yousef was a devout follower of the areas religion and had little interest in anything Christian. He believed the many misconceptions about Christ that he had been taught. Yet, he was strangely drawn to this man he knew only as the Prophet, Isa. Curious, Yousef began to watch the film. He felt the power of the words. Over many days, Adel met with his friend as they repeatedly watched JESUS and discussed the meaning of His words. Yousef wanted to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but could not. Adel told him to pray that God would show him the truth. The next morning, when Adel drove up to his office, Yousef was there, eagerly anticipating his arrival. He was changedhis face aglow with joy. Adel! I went driving in my taxi yesterday, so I could think. I asked God to show me. I felt a presence in my taxi, next to me in the passenger seat. I turned to see a Man who looked just like Jesus in the film. He was glowing brightly. And, oh, the way He was speaking to my heart! He told me, All that Adel has spoken about Me is true! Adel, I am for Jesus! He has moved from my head to my heart! You did not lead me to Christ. He did! Pray for: Yousef is now a committed disciple of Jesus, and he has led many other people from his country to Christ by sharing his testimony and giving them the JESUS videourging them to ask God to show them that the story in JESUS is true!
The church in Jordan to be a light for the nation, an d for believers to stand perfectly and completely in the will of God. New believe rs from all back grounds to be able to ha ve fellowship togetherin large or smal l groupsand for a presence of the body of Chr ist in every town, village, and neighbor hood.
Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son
(John 14: 13, NASB).
38
DAY 16
Republic of Mauritius
Location:
Southern & Eastern Africa
Literacy Rate:
84%
Population:
1.28 million
Official Languages:
Creole, Bhojpuri, French, English (official)
Spoken Languages:
13
13
Mauritius is an island nation near the center of the Indian Ocean, 560 miles from Madagascar. It is a complex, multi-ethnic/religious society, with no indigenous people, where two-thirds of the population are of Indian descent, nearly a third Creole (mixed African and European), and a small proportion are Chinese and European. The parliamentary government ensures freedom of religion, yet Hindus, the majority religion (50%), are subtly favored at the expense of Christians (33%), and Muslims (16%). Buddhist and Chinese faiths also are found. Evangelism remains a challenge. While older, Catholic churches are in gradual decline, Evangelicals continue to experience growth, particularly within the Pentecostal and charismatic groups. Young people are open to the gospel, but many hold back from commitment due to family pressure and expectations. Missionary work in Mauritius has been limited due to difficulty in obtaining long-term visas and the lack of appropriately trained personnel. 39
I want more of Jesus.
ven though it was summer, it was bitterly cold. Snow had fallen on an adjacent tropical island. Despite the freakish weather, 300 shivering people huddled in small groups, not moving during the intermittent rain and mist. They were transfixed by the JESUS film projected on a portable screen by a 16 mm projector. The entire, impoverished village had turned out. The Holy Spirit was moving.
But for one of the workers at the showing, a worker named Punkin, who had traveled from The JESUS Film Project office to help show the JESUS film in Mauritius, the unusual cold was too much. Punkin finally moved to the front seat of the vanand put the windows up. As the invitation for salvation was given, Punkin heard a light tapping on her window. She looked down and spied a tiny, very thin girl. Punkin rolled down the passenger window and heard in broken English, My mamma wants to talk to you. This child led Punkin away into the night. Normally, a co-worker would accompany her for safety, but the team was now busy following up with the many people who had responded to the gospel. Silently, she prayed, God, I am going; I am trusting You. They walked about a block in the darkness before the child led Punkin through the gate of a walled area. A home was in the center, enclosed in a courtyard. Standing in the doorway was the girls mother, with four other little girlsall sisters. She spoke to Punkin in perfect English. I want more of Jesus. Realizing that this mother had left to get her children out Pray for: of the cold and then sent one of her daugh Evangelicals ters back, Punkin assumed she wanted to to be united in their presentation of see the rest of the film. You can come back the gospel to nonChristians. tomorrow night; we will be showing it again. She replied, No, I want more of Jesus. Then it hit Punkin, Do you want to ask Leaders to be trained. Jesus to come into your heart now? Yes. For the next hour she shared the gospel Unity within the church. with the woman, her husband, and their five children. All prayed to receive Christ. Punkin left them with wide smilesa house now filled with joy. The next day she returned with a Bible. The family eagerly agreed to join a Bible study, and asked that it be conducted in their home with some other families who had come to Christ that night.
They said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. And they spoke the word of the Lord to them together with all who were in his house.
(Acts 16: 31-32 NASB).
40
DAY 17
Lebanese Republic
Location:
Middle East
Literacy Rate:
92%
Population:
3.8 million
Official Languages:
Arabic, French, English
Spoken Languages:
4
3
Lebanon was once considered The Paris of the Middle East, a sparkling jewel on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of Israel and southwest of Syria. But, since 1975 this melting pot of Middle Eastern peoples has seen one-third of its population lost through civil war, interstate conflict, occupation, death, and emigration. Since 1982, Hezbollah, the militant, Shiite Islamist organization with strong ties to Iran, has been operating in Lebanon. Hezbollah recently sparked an international conflict against Israel, with devastating results for Lebanon in terms of lives and infrastructure lost. In addition to Hezbollah, the Syrian secret police operate in Lebanon, wreaking havoc by kidnapping Lebanese, especially those turning to Christianity. The number of Christians in Lebanon has dropped in half from 62 percent of the population to onethird, and yet Lebanon remains a strategic center for ongoing ministry in neighboring nations, and the gospel continues to advance. 41
A Circle of Threats
ix JESUS film team workers headed to the southern part of Lebanon on an evangelistic outreach. In a bold move, they came to the backyard of the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollahin a village bordering Israel, next to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)a rough and dangerous area. The people held deeply-entrenched distrust of anything Christian.
The group split into three teams to go house-to-house. Habib and John knocked on the door and began sharing Christ. They expected resistance, even danger. Surprisingly, the people in virtually every house invited them in and allowed them to share the gospel. At every second house, one or more people prayed to receive Christ! As the next door opened, they entered to find themselves in the midst of a meeting of religious leaders, sitting in a circle on the floor. In what John described as a low, guttural and threatening voice, one leader announced, I know what you are here telling the people. But, you are now in my house. I can kill you and it wont matter to anyone. You may not get out alive. Just then, a tall, muscular man entered the room. His red headband signified that he had taken an oath to become a suicide bomber. He began arguing loudly with the man (who happened to be his father). He insisted that what the men were sharing about Jesus was true; he had seen a video that showed how Jesus died and came back to life. The religious leader could say nothing more and let John and Habib go. As they walked away from the house, rejoicing that God had spared them, they remembered that a JESUS video team had come courageously to this very village only days earlier and showed the JESUS video in the town square. Apparently, the film had persuaded a number of people including the leaders son! Evidently, thats why so many in this resistant area were ready to receive Christ.
Pray for:
Hundreds of thousands of displaced people living in desperate and seemingly hopeless co nditions. minister to thos e affected by the summer 2006 conflict, that they would respon d to acts of G ods love. Christians to
But He said, The things that are impossible with people are possible with God
(Luke 18:27, NASB).
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DAY 18
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Location:
Eastern Africa
Literacy Rate:
36%
Population:
74.2 million
Official Languages:
Amharic
Spoken Languages:
86
24
This East African nation, poor, even though it is a leading coffee exporter, has an unemployment rate of more than 35 percent. Wars, famine and periodic droughts have slowed economic development. Ethiopia has a long-standing Christian heritage (Acts 8: 30-39). In 1974, a Marxist regime took control of the country, ruling it for 17 years. Under the Marxist rule, Christians were persecuted, especially Evangelicals. Today, there is freedom to worship and witness, for both Christians and Muslims alike. The Muslim population, one-third of the country, is becoming increasingly more active, and growing at more than 3 percent per year.
43
Where Opposition Abounds
n an unreached area, JESUS film team members set up the projector and hammered in the stakes for the portable screen. Soon elders of the village confronted them, You must stop! We do not want you to set up your things here. The team negotiated another place away from the villagea soccer field, next to a graveyard.
As the sun was setting, about 3,000 people gathered. Most had never heard the gospel. As the projector started, a black and white snake appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the audience. It was large and intimidating. Startled and shrieking in terror, everyone began to scatter. Some tried to kill the snake with sticks. The team members exclaimed, This was not like ANY snake we have ever seen in this area of the country! Then, as quickly as it appeared, while still taking blows from the panicked villagers, the snake vanished. The film team calmed the crowd and urged them back to their places. But shortly into the second reel, suddenly a strange wind began to roar, buffeting only the screen. It was a very unnatural, powerful windlike nothing they had ever experienced. The screen began to lean as the metal poles bent, as if made of plastic. Then one pole snapped. The people ran to grab the screen. Because they were near the soccer field, they tied the screen to the goal postsand JESUS continued. When the film was almost finished, a man suddenly jumped to his feet in anger and disgust, declaring, I dont like this type of thing. Then, the team said that he headed off into the adjacent graveyard and simply vanished among the gravestones, as if defeated. The people spoke excitedly with each other, convinced that he was likely the cause of all the oppositionperhaps even possessed by an evil spirit. When the invitation was given at the end of the film, at least 2,000 people joyfully indicated they wanted to follow Jesus! Many stayed long after, requesting prayer. Scores were healed instantly of diseases.
Pray for:
The safety an d effectivenes s of 43 film teams showin g JESUS across Ethiopia. Equipping, training and m obilizing of the JESUS fil m and chur ch-planting partnership te ams.
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me
44
DAY 19
North Africa
Location:
Africa
Literacy Rate:
57% average
Population:
198.2 million
Official Languages:
Arabic, French
Spoken Languages:
189
25
North Africa, lying in the northernmost region of the African continent, includes six countries: Algeria, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, and Morocco. This region is strategically located between Africa and Europe, and Africa and the Middle East. Though some states are politically stable and pro-Western, becoming Christian remains not only illegal, but also dangerous. Missionaries are banned, and the known Christians face persecution and ostracism even from friends and family.
45
I could be a child of God

achid, a young man living in Muslim Morocco, happened to catch a television broadcast of the JESUS film. He was deeply moved by the story of the gospel told through the film and wrote to the address on the screen and asked for a Bible. In response, he received an Arabic Injil (New Testament). As he began to read for himself the wonderful story he had seen in the film, he literally fell in love with the Word and reveled in Christs love and many miracles. Still, as a good Muslim, he attended a Friday service at his local mosque. The religious leader began rebuking the people. I hear that many of you are watching that corrupt film and writing to Europe to ask for a Bible. Shame on you! If they have sent you a Bible, you must burn it, or you will be the one to burn for all eternity. Rachid was troubled by what he heard, but he could not bring himself to burn his precious new Injil. Instead, he went to bed, picked it up and began to read until he fell asleep. Then he had a vision. Jesus appeared to him, clothed in a beautiful white robe. Rachid, you are going to be one of My children. Rachid awoke and again became troubled. He returned to the mosque and shared his vision, Sir, I am really sorry. I didnt burn it like you said. But what does my dream mean? The leader of the mosque told Rachid to go home and burn the book immediately. He walked back to his home and, with great sorrow, started a fire. He threw his beloved New Testament into the flames. It was such a loss that he could not watch. With tears in his eyes, he left his house to take a long walk. When he returned home, Rachid sorrowfully sifted through the ashes. He was fascinated to find one small part of a page that did not burn. He took it in his fingers and blew off the ashes. Placing it in the light, he read these words: But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God. In a letter, Rachid wrote: I knew then that I could be a child of God because its the only verse in the Bible that was not burnedI shall not burn in hell, but be with Jesus forever!
Pray for:
Believers an d ministry w orkers to establish relatio nships and br ing Gods love to the pe ople of North Africa. The distrib ution of JESU S videos, audiocassettes , and New Te staments to tourists from closed North African nations visitin g Europe durin g the summer. Pray for high receptivity and positive response to the gospel.
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God
(John 1: 12, 13, NASB).
46
DAY 20
Africa Rural
Although many countries across Africa are experiencing migration to the cities, especially by younger people seeking employment and a potentially better life, still the vast majority of the population lives in rural hamlets, villages, and small towns. Many Africans never leave these small, remote locales, and work and farm just as their fathers and mothers did before them. People in rural Africa follow tribal religions, animism and the occult, which may be blended with Islam, or even with forms of Christianity. It is into these settings that JESUS film and partnership teams go to share the message of Gods love and forgiveness. Via 16 mm film equipment, the gospel is presented onscreen in a language the people understand, near where they live.
How Lovely on the Mountains
n a remote location in Africa, a JESUS film team with a partner organization trekked halfway up a mountain to show the film. They set up the equipment and spread the word about the film showing. But, despite their hard work and fervent prayer, only a small crowd gathered under the dark sky. When the invitation was given, only a few people made the decision to follow Christ. The team must have been very disappointed. But, imagine their surprise when, the next morning, nearly
47
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it
100 people appeared at the appointed place for follow-up! These people had come up the mountain seeking out the team. They wanted prayer, for Jesus to forgive their sins, to give them eternal life and take over Lordship of their lives! But how could this have happened? The team learned that the people lived down the mountainside from the film-showing location, in the valley below. Although they could not see the film, the sound from the speakers had traveled down and reached into their village! They were moved by all they heard. Though they could not see the film, they were touched from afar by the Word of God.
Pray for:
The gospel to be effectively proclaimed to people in the remote settings through the work of hundreds of film and partnership teams.
Spiritually multiplying churches to be planted among all people groups for which the JESUS film has been translated.
48
DAY 21
Republic of Mozambique
Location:
Southeast Africa
Literacy Rate:
40% (functionally 20%)
Population:
19.5 million
Official Languages:
Portuguese
Spoken Languages:
39
11
Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony along the Indian Ocean in Southeast Africa. Independence in 1975 led to the formation of a MarxistLeninist state, lasting nearly 20 years. Since 1995, the country has been a functioning democracy. Today, Mozambique is one of the worlds poorest countries, and heavily dependent on foreign aid. Civil war, flooding, droughts, famine, and the decaying infrastructure have pressed the nation further into poverty. The people and the nation need hopewhich only knowing Christ can bring.
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What did you say? Is that possible?

n evangelist was leading a team into difficult regions of Africa, taking the JESUS film to people who had never heard. Despite initial resistance, he saw people coming to Christ in very great numbers. Looking ahead to their next stop, the team sent a co-worker ahead to a large village to meet the chief, to ask his permission to show the JESUS film. The chief wanted nothing to do with JESUS, and he declared, I am a Muslim leader. I lead the mosque and Im the chief of the village. Since this village has existed we have never allowed any other religion. You will do NOTHING here! The evangelist replied, We have come here to show you and your people the JESUS film, preach the gospel and heal the sick. He responded, What did you say? Heal the sick? Is that possible? Okay, we want to see this. The film team went to work at a large soccer field, setting up the projection equipment. Then, they traveled through the village announcing the film. About 5,000 people came to the showing that night, and they were deeply moved by the JESUS film. They were stunned by this good mans life, Crucifixion and Resurrection. The Holy Spirits presence was strong. Over the microphone the evangelist called out, How many here recognize a need for a Savior? Almost everyone raised a hand and began crying out to God for mercy. We want our sins to be forgiven! So, in that moment, he led the entire group of 5,000 in the prayer of salvation. Then he spoke to the crowd. This Jesus is not only a Savior, but He is a Healer, and today He wants to heal anybody who is sick. Bring your sick forward. So, one by one, they did, and Jesus healed them allinstantly! The chief asked to speak to his people. Taking the microphone, he stepped forward and spoke: What you have just seen is real because there is no man who can do what you have seen unless God is with him. The Lord is with these people. Go home now and bring all the sick from the village here! A mighty transformation came upon that place, because of the Word of God, and the Spirit who affirms what people hear as Truth.
Pray for:
The spiritu al protection of the four JESUS film an d partnership teams taking the gospel on film throug hout the nation. The effectiv e follow-up of new believers, for the pl anting of new churches, and the raising of spiritual lead ership.
Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases
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DAY 22
Rpublique de Cte dIvoire
Location:
West Africa
Literacy Rate:
42.4%
Population:
17.6 million
Official Languages:
French, Jula, Abidjan
Spoken Languages:
75
7
Cte dIvoire, located on the west coast of Africa, is one of the worlds poorest nations, in one of the worlds most strife-torn regions. However, there is complete religious freedom, although Sunni Islam is strong in the major city of Abidjan and within the large immigrant population in the North. Ivorians interweave both Islam and Christianity with African traditional beliefs. Spiritism is strong, and many Ivorian Christians are still affected by the power of spiritism and fetishes.
51
Rebel Finds a Cause
n the West African nation of Cte dIvoire (Ivory Coast), a JESUS film team set up for a showing of the film. This nation is not only a battleground for Islam, but also a hotbed of rebel activity. Relying on God for protection, the team threaded the 16 mm film print onto the projector as a crowd began to gather. Among them was a feared and dangerous man, the rebel commander of the area. He strolled over to the projector and sat down to talk with the film team. In his right hand he held a pistol, and in his left, a pack of cigarettes. The workers tried to befriend him and invited him to stay and watch the film. He smiled and, after some discussion, agreed to watch.
The Word of God sounded from the speakers and moved into peoples hearts as the story unfolded before them. Many in the audience were visibly touched by a story they had never heard, by the God-man they had never met. When the call was given to receive Christ as Savior, this rebel leader was the first to raise his hand and stand! He looked around. No one movedas they tensely anticipated his response. He asked for the microphone. I am standing because I was touched by the film and the words I heard. If there is anyone else here who was touched and wants to give his life to Jesus, I ask him to stand as I am standing. The pastors will pray for us. Twenty people stood and received Christ as Savior. Four days later the team showed the film again. An estimated 2,500 people attended! The rebel leader was there, now with his entire family and military staff. After JESUS concluded and the invitation was extended, everyone in his family and staff prayed to receive Christ!
Pray for:
rs who will co me to Christ through JESU S. Pray that they all become invo lved with st rong local churches. Religious free dom to be fo und in the region, that Christians m ay worship freely and shar e their faith w ithout fear of persecution. New believe
You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever
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DAY 23
The Hashemite n a d r o J f o m o d g in K
Since 1999, Jordans government has been a constitutional monarchy under King Abdullah, son of the late, diplomatic statesman King Hussein. This royal family descends from Muhammad, but this government is less conservative than some. Jordan suffers under 22 percent unemployment due to the Iraq war on one border and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the other. Jordans absorption of Palestinian refugees cannot be overstated, and it has been said there are more Palestinians in Jordan than Jordanians. Evangelical churches, though small, percentage-wise,
I must have the wrong address.
are experiencing encouraging growth. The majority of the population is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim, but the Iraq wars have raised questions about the validity of Islam, and have created openness to Christianity.
n a Muslim country, advertising appeared in the newspaper telling people how to request a video of the JESUS film by mail. A man called and asked for a video, but not through the mail: Please, I ask you to bring it in person, tomorrow at 2: 00 p.m. A volunteer found the address and knocked on the door. A man in a flowing robe, a religious leader, answered. The
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And it will be said in that day, Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us This is the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation
volunteer apologized profusely, Im sorry to disturb you; I must have the wrong address. He was ready to leave when the leader asked, Why are you here? He answered, Someone has ordered a video, but I must have the wrong address. What video is it? Hesitantly, he answered, It is the story of Jesus, the JESUS film. Well, you have the right house. I am the one who ordered it. As the man received the tape and turned to walk back inside, the volunteer peered through the door. The room was filled with religious leaders. To a packed house of waiting people, the cleric exclaimed, JESUS has arrived, JESUS has arrived! Weve got Him, weve got Him! Increasingly film team workers are finding that people want to know more about Jesus, that all they have been taught from birth is not true, even those who have taught the same misconceptions for years. Many of these leaders joyfully receive the truth of the Word that fills the JESUS film. They know that what they see and hear is from God Himself!
Pray for:
The Jordanian staff and their desire to share JESUS on university campuses.
The believers to be encouraged, in the face of persecution, to continue to share the gospel with fellow Jordanians.
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DAY 24
Taiwan, Republic of China
Location:
East Asia
Literacy Rate:
94%
Population:
22.9 million
Official Languages:
Mandarin, Taiwanese (Amoy), Hakka
Spoken Languages:
22
2
With the fall of China to Communism in 1949, Taiwan became the island refuge of the nationalist Chinese government. The break from the mainland led to polarization and a move to greater independence, and the potential to become a separate state. The challenges of this unresolved diplomatic problem linger today. This island nation, now a leader in Asian industrialization, is becoming one of the worlds top export-oriented economies. As a secular state, Taiwan has religious freedom. The vast majority of the people follow a blend of Chinese Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Buddhism continues to grow in influence and numbers.
Who are you?

ohn, a supporter of a staff member at The JESUS Film Project, was transferred to Taiwan. While there, his wife, Ling, experienced a recurrence of an aggressive form of breast cancer. She and her family returned to the United States where she underwent a debilitating regimen of chemotherapy. John hired a house55
keeper and caregiver, Li, a woman with a Buddhist background who had just come from Southern China. For months Li watched this Christian family handle suffering and the prospect of death. Then, Lings condition suddenly became critical, and she fell into a coma. For hours her son waited at her side, praying that God would allow his mother a moment of consciousness so he might tell her how much he loved her. There were many tears and prayers during those hours. Finally, Li was so moved, she joined them by the bed, and prayed with them. Instantly, Li saw a brilliant flash. A man in a robe appeared before her and said, Follow me! Stunned, she asked, Who are you? He replied, I am Jesus Christ. Li addressed Him back: If you are Jesus Christ, I beg you save Ling. Wake her up so her sons wish can be fulfilled. Then I will believe you. But, ten hours later, Ling died. Li later reported, As everyone was leaving the room after Ling was pronounced dead, Lings face suddenly appeared and behind her was Jesus. Words cannot describe the expression on her face full of surprise and excitement, nave and innocent like a childtears came down from my eyes. In the following week Li had many questions. John wanted so much to help Li know Jesus. He opened the Scriptures to her, explaining how she, too, could become a Christian. Then, he remembered he had a video of JESUS in Mandarin. When Li saw Jesus coming out of the water at His Jordan River baptism, she was amazed. She said the man in the film looked and sounded just like the man in her visions. With Johns help, Li prayed to receive Christ. The Lord confirmed her decision with a profound sense of peace and comfort. John found a nearby Mandarin-speaking church, and Li began attending it and growing in her faith.
Pray for:
Effective dist ribution of JESU S DVDs in both urban an d rural settings to reach Taiwanese for Christ. Continued op portunities to show the classic and sp ecial editions of the film, su ch as Th e St o ry o f Je su s fo r Children, on television an d in theaters.
Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary
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DAY 25
West Bank, Israel
Location:
West bank of Jordan
Literacy Rate:
98%
Population:
2 million Palestinians, 400 Israeli settlers
Official Languages:
Arabic, Hebrew
Spoken Languages:
Numerous immigrant languages
2
In 1995, Bethlehem (Hebrew for house of bread) came under the full control of the Palestinian Authority. Bethlehem is home to one of the largest Palestinian Christian communities in the Middle East, only six miles south of the capital, Jerusalem, at 2,510 feet above sea level. However, residents with a Bethlehem passport are generally not allowed to enter Jerusalem, nor many other surrounding cities. In Bethlehem, a special statute requires that the mayor and a majority of the municipal council be Christian, although Christians are no longer the majority. Many have emigrated elsewhere due to the extreme conditions.
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100 Bullet Holes...22,000 Videos of JESUS

athan and his family had been ministering in Bethlehem, in the West Bank. In the shadow of terrible violence and bloodshed, they helped win and disciple many hundreds to Christ, mostly through the use of videos of JESUS. On many occasions, Nathan and his family faced danger in their Bethlehem apartment. When the fighting was at its worst, they huddled in the upper floor of their home for 24 hours and hardly moved. There was chaos everywhereshootings, bombings, rockets, helicopters. One morning, Nathan arose at 5:00. deciding this was the day they needed to leave. After packing the luggage, he got his family in the car and prayed. Suddenly, the sound of heavy bombing deafened them. Dust filled the air around the car. Bombs were falling on a nearby house. Out of the dust appeared two large tanks, heading right for them. They passed by, going around each side of the car, their motors and metal belts clanging in the narrow street. Slamming the gearshift into drive, Nathan sped to the checkpoint, where soldiers demanded identity papers. By Gods grace, they didnt ask for his wifes papers as required. Because of her nationality, they would not have been allowed out. Leaving the checkpoint, the daughters began jumping, laughing and clapping, thanking the Lord that they were safe now in Jerusalem. For ten days they lived as refugees until they could return. When they did, Gods hand was clear. There were 100 bullet holes in their home. An adjacent hotel was destroyed. Nathans daughter commented, Daddy, we would have all died. Shortly after this event, Nathan helped manage a media campaign in the West Bank, using broadcast and newspaper ads to offer a free copy of JESUS. You would think in the midst of all the fighting and violence that few would be interested. Instead, the ads brought in 26,000 orders for JESUS videos in Arabic! Nathan and a number of volunteers were able to deliver more than 22,000 videos of JESUS, and it is estimated that thousands came to Christ.
Pray for:
The Christ ian Jewish an d Christian Palestinian br others and sis ters to be encouraged in their faith and work. This small, embattled, ho ly city to rediscover the peace, justice, and love of Jesus Christ.
He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, for they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the LORD was my support
(2 Samuel 22: 18-19, NASB).
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DAY 26
West Africa
Location:
West Africa
Literacy Rate:
51%
Population:
265.5 million
Official Languages:
Arabic, French, English, Portuguese, native African languages
Spoken Languages:
2,100 throughout Africa
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The history of West Africa includes slave-trading kingdomsespecially in Benin, Mauritania, and Nigeriajihads, and colonial invasions. France and Great Britain controlled nearly the whole of the region at one time. Liberias civil wars have profoundly affected surrounding nations in recent times. A Muslim Christian fault line stretches from Senegal east all the way to the Indian Ocean, due to increasingly aggressive Islamic movements, even as African Christian evangelism gains ground. Despite war and mass violence, Nigeria is experiencing exceptional evangelical growth. However, a value system steeped in the old waysfetishism, ancestor worship, and idolatryundermines both Muslim and Christian religions. In many places, crime remains rampant, and thousands have been imprisoned. 59
An End Which Was a Beginning

JESUS film team traveled to a harsh prison that housed some of the most violent offenders in this African country. The team asked the warden for permission to show the film. Because he was devout in his religion, he adamantly refused. The team suggested that Jesus could bring peace to his prisonthat showing JESUS would help change hearts. Their arguments must have been appealing because he changed his mind. They set up the projector and screen as the prisoners, mostly murderers, rapists and thieves, filed in. Most had never heard the gospel. At the end of the film, many indicated a desire to trust Christ. The response was so strong that the team asked the warden if they could show JESUS again later. They also boldly asked if they could establish a New Life Training Center (NLTC) in the prison, so they could continue to help the new believers understand the Scripture. A graduation ceremony for those who completed the NLTC training was held, with 1,000 inmates in attendance. With shackles around their wrists and ankles, the graduates went forward to receive their certificates. Each gave a testimony of how Jesus had radically changed his life. That night, 47 more prisonPray for: ers surrendered their lives to the Lord, 27 of whom were from Muslim backgrounds. The One of the shackled men was to be executed five days later. On the day of his execution, a JESUS film team member who had helped him experience the power of the Word contained in the film came to encourage him. As he climbed the steps to the gallows, this condemned man did not stop praising God and singing. He declared, Outside I was a murderer; I killed three people and I would have killed again. But in this place I found Christ. And my whole family has now been saved. The inmates and prison guards were stunned by his calmness and joy. As the rope was placed over his head, and with a smile on his face, he told his executioner, The moment you pull the lever, I will be with Christ!
training of a new generatio n of Christian lead ers from Wes t Africa to help reach th e people of th e region in relevant ways.
The outrea ch project H ope West Africa, which includes show ing JESUS, follow-up, di scipleship, an d churchplanting, to give millions of West Africans an op portunity to experience freedom throug h Jesus. teams who in clude prisons in their show ing sites. Ask that thousands will be redeemed w hen they experience th e power of JE SUS. The various
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain
(Philippians 1: 21, NASB).
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DAY 27
Federative Republic of Brazil
Location:
South America
Literacy Rate:
83%
Population:
187 million
Official Languages:
Portuguese
Spoken Languages:
195
23
Brazil is the worlds largest Catholic country. Though nearly 10 percent of all Catholics reside in Brazil, only 13 percent of those are active in their commitment. Only a minority of the 75,000 evangelical congregations are led by those with basic theological training. Division of evangelical Christians into between 400 and 600 denominations creates a lack of unity.
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From the moment you started talking
n Brazil, a woman named Rosa saw the JESUS film, and made the decision to trust Christ. During a follow-up session the next day, a JESUS film team member gave her a copy of The Four Spiritual Laws including Gods plan of salvation in Portuguese. Standing outside the hut of a friend, she began to read the booklet aloud to her illiterate friend. Inside sat the friends husband, a man totally deaf for a number of years. Appearing suddenly at the door of the hut, he declared: Lady, the words you are sharing are beautiful. From the moment you started talking to my wife, I started to hear. He then burst into tears. The entire family husband, wife and daughter
came to the Lord. Since that day they have shared their newfound faith with othersand even founded a church!
Pray for:
JESUS film translation re cording teams, that th ey may work in safety, and that their labo rs to help othe rs understand will be inspired by th e Spirit of God. God to effe ctively use 16 mm copies of JESUS to re ach the most remote people groups with the gospel. M any reside in the interior, along the Am azon River.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us
(Ephesians 3: 20, NASB).
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DAY 28
The Republic of Iraq
Two decades of war and hardship have humbled the Iraqi people and led to greater openness and change. Many Iraqis believe that something must be wrong with their religion since their god was unable to help them win the Gulf War in the 1990s. The Kurds in the North suffered greatly under Saddam Hussein, but have gained perhaps the most from the change of government. After the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime, members of the underground church said there was new freedom for them to openly practice their Christian faith. Now, this is changing due to competing Muslim factions causing the nation to drift further apart. There are about 70 evangelical congregations in Iraq, but conversions are mainly replacing Christians who are migrating elsewhere. Leadership for the church is a desperate need.
Salvation From the Sky

wo Jordanian women and four Americans made an extremely dangerous trip. Shortly after the 2003 invasion of Iraq, they traveled from Jordan to Baghdad, being among the first to deliver humanitarian aid and share the gospel. Their journey took them over 600 miles of flat, barren desertwhere Saddams henchmen still patrolled the roads in 4-wheel-drive vehicles mounted with machine guns. It was near dusk, a favorite time for their attacks. The believers were all too aware that they were the only two vehiclessitting ducks on the lonely road to Baghdad. At first they saw what appeared to be two clouds of dust in the distance,
63
He delivers me from my enemies; surely You lift me above those who rise up against me; You rescue me from the violent man
approaching from behind their tiny convoy. When they realized it was desert bandits, they panicked and floored the accelerators. But they knew it was to no avail. They were outmatched. The swirling clouds of dust drew closer, now hundreds of feet long, on either side of the road. They could see a person on the back of each vehicle, manning the machine gun, bouncing hard across the desert floor. All they could do was cry out to God. The Americans knew that once they were stopped and identified, they would be killed. Then, they heard it: the unmistakable sound of military helicopters. They looked up and were astounded. Two military attack helicopters were directly overhead, one on each side. Now it was the turn of the attackers to panic. Instantly, they broke off and fled away into the distance. Like angels of protection the helicopters escorted their convoy of mercy for the last few hundred miles, remaining overhead. The sound of their powerful blades beating the air provided a constant reminder of Gods care. Then, the moment the travelers safely reached the outskirts of Baghdad, the helicopters simply vanished. A trusted, and highly credible Jordanian Christian leader with whom we partner is close friends with one of the Jordanian women. He interviewed her carefully. She said the helicopters stayed with them the entire way and just disappeared. She believed it was a miracle of God. In the weeks and months following, other trips were safely made, during which workers delivered tens of thousands of copies of JESUS on CD and DVD.
Pray for:
The safety and success of Jordanian film team workers as they cross into Iraq to distribute JESUS films, Bibles, and other materials.
The Bringing JESUS to the Magi project to bring the gospel to the Kurds in Northern Iraq.
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DAY 29
Republic of the Philippines
Location:
Southeast Asia
Literacy Rate:
95%
Population:
85.2 million
Official Languages:
Filipino (based on Tagalog), English
Spoken Languages:
169
34
The Philippines, a nation comprising more than 7,200 islands east of the South China Sea, stretches just due northeast of Indonesia and Malaysia. Both agriculture and industry contribute to the nations economy. The current government seeks to consolidate power, gain democratic credibility and bring in reforms. There is religious freedom. Yet, the Muslim minority seeks to set up an independent Islamic state in the South. The nation ranks 51st on the World Persecution Index (in Muslim areas only). Tagalog, the first foreign language translation of the JESUS film, premiered in 1980.
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Radical Believers
pastor in the Philippines and his wife received a video of JESUS. They traveled to one of the nearby islands to visit a wealthy cousin (a man who was a devoted member of the areas predominant religion). They asked if he wanted to watch the film. Because JESUS was in the local language, he insisted that they should not be selfishEveryone should watch! he said. So, they took a 14-inch TV, a VCR, and a generator for power to the local square, inviting people to join them as they went. Hundreds came and crowded around the front of the small monitor. Just as the pastor was about to press play, three armed radicals appeared and positioned themselves to watch directly in front of the TV. One held a grenade launcher with a live grenade on the end! The pastor feared that when they learned that this was a Christian film, the guerillas would react violently; yet the film was shown without interruption. As JESUS concluded, the pastors wife stood, and, oblivious to the rebels, gave a powerful, direct invitation to follow Christ. The pastor was convinced that they were in danger. Yet nothing happenedexcept many believed! The next morning, there was a knock at the door of the home where they were staying. There stood the same three rebels, armed for battle with bandoliers of ammunition hanging from their shoulders. The pastor thought; This is it. Now I am going to die. Then he noticed there was something different about the men. Their facial expressions had changed. They looked happy. The radicals expressed how much the film had meant to them, and how much they liked hearing Jesus teach them in their very own language! They further astounded the pastor by saying We give you permission to show the film on this entire island. We offer you our protection.
Pray for:
The 17 JESU S film teams an d followup teams w orking throug hout the nation. The calling and equippin g of future leadership for the Filipino ch urch.
You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples
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DAY 30
East Africa
East Africa, although more politically stable than its counterpart, West Africa, faces many of the same economic and social challenges: corruption, famine, ethnic cleansing, drought, war and disease. Foreign aid has had a limited impact. Christian missions for many decades had led to a church presence of up to 50 percent in countries of the region, yet spiritual maturity is lacking. The need for trained leadership and ongoing discipleship of believers is one key challenge. Although religious freedom increased during the 1990s, persecution of Christians by Muslims has also increased.
Praising in One Accord
n Ethiopia, a small film team working with a partnership organization brought JESUS to a remote village, to the Buma people. The film was not yet available in their language, so a team member took the microphone and began narrating the action and words of Jesus. Somewhere near the section where Jesus was beaten, crucified and raised from the deadsomething amazing happened. Suddenlyspontaneouslya large portion of the audiencethe majoritystood up and rushed the screen. Acting in unison, they held their hands high,
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Who is like You among the gods, O LORD? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?
(Exodus 15: 11, NASB).
pressing forward, as though in worship, acknowledging Jesus as God. A volunteer was standing by the screen with a camera and took this snapshot at that exact moment. She and other witnesses declared that the only explanation for what they saw was the Holy Spirit. They believed that He moved among the peoples hearts as they watched, revealing to them the divinity and majesty of His beloved Son. Then, when the invitation was given to receive Christ, nearly all those standing indicated decisions to follow the Lord.
Pray for:
Continued effectiveness in reaching and discipling East Africans by JESUS film and church partnership teams.
The raising up and training of strong leadership to guide the East African church.
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DAY 31
Central African Republic
Location:
Central Africa
Literacy Rate:
51%
Population:
4.3 million
Official Languages:
French, Sangho
Spoken Languages:
69
2
Formerly known as the French Congo, the Central African Republic, or C.A.R., is one of the poorest countries in the world. Ten percent of all adults live with HIV/AIDS, and 140,000 children have lost one or both of their parents to AIDS. The country survives on foreign assistance, the black market, and the diamond trade. Similar to the Colonial French with their African cohorts at the turn of the century, rebels assault rural populations, especially in the North, kidnapping children for ransom, or to sell as servants or sex slaves. Thousands of Central Africans flee to bordering nations, where they exist in refugee camps. Even so, despite poverty, corruption, the slave trade, and desperation, the Central African Republic contains Africas highest percentage of evangelicals, though they are greatly in need of resources for training and discipleship. 69
Power Over Witchcraft
n the Central African Republic, witchcraft abounds. The people have lived in the bondage of darkness for untold centuries. JESUS film teams working in the villages surrounding the area of Bossangoa said there was an epidemic of witches. They cast spells that had the power to kill their victims, causing a great deal of sickness, suffering and tremendous fear. Even the government of the Central African Republic has recognized witchcraft as a great threat, and routinely imprisons accused witches. However, jail cells have proven useless in restraining their powers.
Sensing the darkness and seeing the bondage, a local JESUS film team decided the time had come to act boldly. They walked from village to village, carrying their film equipment with them. Each night they courageously showed JESUS. They described their campaign as soaking the villages with the gospel. Many witches experienced JESUS and understood the gospel as it was presented in their own language. They were convicted by the Holy Spirit, confessed their sins, renounced dark practices and gave their lives to the Lord. They joyfully received His forgiveness and freedom from bondage. The governor of the region was so encouraged by the power of the gospel to transform lives that he called the film team workers and said: I congratulate you because of the miracles that your film is doing among those witches. Now your team and you have the responsibility to preach through your miracle JESUS film to all the towns and villages under my supervision. They followed his charge. At least 18 new churches were planted. The people of the area now also call JESUS The Miracle Film.
Pray for:
equip spiritual leaders and wise teachers to enable be lievers to grow in their faith. walk humbly w ith our God in the power of His Spirit, be aring fruit for the kingdo m of God. Believers to The Lord to
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
(Romans 8: 38,39, NASB).
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How You Can Be Involved With JESUS
od is ready to use you, if you are willing. Here are several ways you can become involved, to use The Power of JESUS:
Host a neighborhood party for children on your street. Show them the very popular childrens version of JESUS, The Story of Jesus for Children. You can order the DVD or download resources at www.jesusforchildren.org. Point an e-mail friend in a foreign country to www.jesusfilm.org/languages, where they can view the film online in one of more than 800 languages. If you know a person or co-worker in another country, with their permission mail them a DVD of JESUS. They will be happy to view a film in their own language. You can purchase some by calling toll free (800) 432-1997 or visiting www.jesusfilmstore.com. Form a prayer group committed to regularly lifting in prayer JESUS film teams, workers, partners and those who come to Christ through the film. For monthly prayer requests, go to www.jesusfilm.org/prayer. Invest a week to four weeks as a volunteer missionary overseas, helping to distribute videos and audiocassettes of JESUS. Just go to www.jesusfilmmissiontrips.org or call toll free (866) 622-8747. Become a monthly sponsor of a JESUS film team. You can give via credit/debit card or through your bank via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer). Call toll free (800) 387-4040, or visit www.jesusfilm.org/giving. Suggest to your church that they become a regular sponsor of a JESUS film team. To learn how, please call toll free (800) 387-4040, or visit www.jesusfilm.org/giving. To learn other ways you can be involved, we invite you to visit www.jesusfilm.org/join.
The JESUS Film Project P.O. Box 628222 Orlando, FL 32862-8222

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My Thoughts About What I Read and Saw
se these pages to record your personal thoughts and impressions as you read The Power of JESUS. Perhaps God will bring to you praise, prayer, or a desire to become more involved with JESUS.
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Ministries of The JESUS Film Project

he ministry of the JESUS film is worldwide, extensive, and multi-faceted. There may be a place for you to serve in ways you never thought possible. Please feel free to visist and learn about any of the following: JESUS Film Mission Trips www.jesusfilmmissiontrips.org
Magdalena: Released From Shame www.magdalenatoday.com

(U.S. website)
CrossRoads www.crossroadslink.org
Global Short Film Network www.globalshortfilmnetwork.com
The Peoples Connection Partnership www.ReachingTheNationsAmongUs.org
International School Project www.isptrips.org
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General Information Sources

Central Intelligence Agency, The World Factbook 2007, www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook McClung, Floyd (Ed.), Light the Window (YWAM Publishing, 1999) Johnstone, Patrick and Jason Mandryk, Operation World, 21st Century Edition (Authentic, 2001) The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter, Special Issue 2007 Wikipedia online encyclopedia, www.wikipedia.org Ebert, Michael (Ed.) WindoWatchman (Christian Information Network, 1994)
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How You Can Help Raise Up Additional Friends of JESUS
f you have been blessed by The Power of JESUS and would like to bless others, heres a way you can help. Just copy the following page, add your own personal note in the space at the top, and mail it to friends and family.
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Dear ____________________________, Because I know you share my passion that the Great Commission will soon be fulfilled, I wanted to invite you to join me in supporting the effective ministry of The JESUS Film Project. The JESUS film is probably the most accurate film ever produced on the life of our Lord. Every word that Jesus speaks is a direct quote from the Gospel of Luke. So the film is the very Word of God brought to life on the film or video screen. The Holy Spirit often affirms that Word in amazing ways at showings of JESUS. I just read a booklet produced by The JESUS Film Project, The Power of JESUS. It is collection of remarkable reportstimes when God powerfully used the film to transform lives. Even in the most difficult of countries I read how people respond to JESUS, sometimes following amazing acts of God. And the film is soon to be available in some 1,000 languages! I am sending you this personal invitation because hundreds of millions of people still have not experienced the power of JESUS. They dont even know who He is. This is why more than 2,000 film teams, video distribution teams and other partners around the world need many new friends who will stand with them as they aggressively work to let every person on earth have at least one chance to see JESUS. This strategic ministry is part of my own giving. I invite you to join me. When you give, you can also receive your personal copy of this inspiring book, The Power of JESUS. Could you pause in your busy schedule, pray about what I am asking, and send a gift so others might see JESUS? And be sure and ask for the booklet. Thanks for helping! Yours in Christ,
Yes, I too want to help the world see JESUS.

Enclosed is my donation of $___________________________________
2571058
NX2100
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Street Address:_________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ________________________________________________________________________ Optional info: E-mail address: __________________________________ Phone: __________________ Please send me my copy of The Power of JESUS (suggested minimum gift of $25) Please detach this section, place in an envelope with your gift, and mail to: The JESUS Film Project P.O. Box 628222 Orlando, FL 32862-8222 Call toll free (800) 918-9929 or, go to www.jesusfilm.org/giving.
POJ
I want to become involved!

Yes, I want to be available for God to work through me, through the JESUS film. Please contact me with ways I can help unreached people to experience the power of JESUS. Name:_______________________________________________________________ Street Address: ________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ________________________________________________________ Phone: ( ) _____________________________________________________
E-mail address: ________________________________________________________

Please detach this card, place in an envelope, and mail to: The JESUS Film Project 100 Lake Hart Dr., 3100 Orlando, FL 32832-0100
SLC 1170
2592320
NX2100
I want to have a part in helping others experience the power of JESUS.

I have been moved by the stories reported in this booklet. I want to help people who have never heard the gospel hear the power of the Word of God and the gospel in their own language. Use my gift so they may hear and respond. I am enclosing: $25 $35 $50 $100 $250 $500
2592320
$1,000
NX2100
$_________________Other
Please make your checks payable to: The JESUS Film Project To give online, go to www.jesusfilm.org/giving and use Quick Link Code NX2100. If you have any questions, call (800) 918-9929.
VISA
For Credit/Debit Card donations:

MasterCard Discover Amex __________ -__________ -__________ -__________ Card Number ________ /________ Expiration Date _____________________________________ Signature
Please detach this card, place in an envelope with your gift, and mail to: The JESUS Film Project P.O. Box 628222 Orlando, FL 32862-8222
Perhaps this film, JESUS, is one of the means God is using to hasten the day when every knee shall bow before our great King.
Billy Graham
Evangelist and Chairman of the Board Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
No one should have to learn another language to hear about Jesus.

Paul Eshleman
Founding Director, The JESUS Film Project (1979-2005) Campus Crusade for Christ
The JESUS film is the most effective evangelistic tool ever invented.
Rick Warren
Author of The Purpose-Driven Life and The Purpose-Driven Church Pastor of Saddleback Church
Whether in closed countries, illiterate cultures or in places of open harvest, the graphic portrayal in the JESUS film has radically accelerated the potential for fulfilling the Great Commission.
Jerry Rankin
President, International Mission Board Southern Baptist Convention
The JESUS Film Project 100 Lake Hart Dr., 3100 Orlando, FL 32832-0100 (800) 387-4040 Fax: (407) 826-2375 Website: www.jesusfilm.org E-mail: info@jesusfilm.org

The Power of Jesus

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The Power of Jesus

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31 Days of Life-Transforming Stories and Prayer Guide

Why God Is Blessing the Film JESUS

*All Scripture references are from the NIV .

Dr. Bill Bright

They are men of whom the world was not worthy

Angels at the Bridge

(Hebrews 6: 10, NASB).

(Isaiah 41:10, NASB).

The Republic of Iraq

Two Muslim Leaders

(Acts 2: 17, NASB).

Until That Strange Night

(Isaiah 12: 2, NASB).

The Man in the Clouds

The Ultimate Sacrifice

(Romans 10: 15b, NIV).

United Republic of Tanzania

Silhouette on the Screen

(1 Peter 3: 12, NASB).

Federal Republic of Nigeria

(Isaiah 30:15, NASB).

Should I sacrifice a goat or a hen to Him?

The spiritual maturing of th e church and church le aders of Nepal .

(Luke 5: 24, NASB).

You are the ones! You are the ones!

(Acts 11: 12-14, NASB).

I have chosen you.

(John 15: 16, NASB).

Peoples Republic of China

The Man Who Wouldnt Budge

Fully Restored, Healthy and Alive

(James 5: 15, NASB).

Arab Republic of Egypt

We have been waiting for you!

(Psalm 31: 20, NASB).

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Oh, the way He was speaking to my heart!

(John 14: 13, NASB).

I want more of Jesus.

(Acts 16: 31-32 NASB).

(Luke 18:27, NASB).

Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Where Opposition Abounds

(Psalm 50: 15, NASB).

I could be a child of God

(John 1: 12, 13, NASB).

How Lovely on the Mountains

(Isaiah 55: 11, NASB).

What did you say? Is that possible?

(Psalm 103: 3, NASB).

Rpublique de Cte dIvoire

Rebel Finds a Cause

(Psalm 16: 11, NASB).

I must have the wrong address.

Taiwan, Republic of China

Who are you?

(Isaiah 40: 31, NASB).

West Bank, Israel

100 Bullet Holes...22,000 Videos of JESUS

(2 Samuel 22: 18-19, NASB).

An End Which Was a Beginning

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain

(Philippians 1: 21, NASB).