(Moved from Facebook, originally posted on November 3, 2009
If I asked you, what is the one thing that you would do if you knew that you could not fail at it? what would you say? You know, as I observe people, I see many with regrets. They wish they had done this or that. I don’t want that to happen. Me, I have come to the point where I am willing to take some risks that I was not ready to take before. Hence, I am opening myself up for observation from others – this is pretty risky in itself. I trust that this will serve both as a point of accountability for myself, but also as an encouragement for others out there who may read this and have been wondering if they should maybe step out and take a risk, too, and to see God do things beyond “ordinary.”
The past several months have been times of introspection and seeking God’s will for ministry. I’ve discussed this with several godly men, and they have promised their prayers and input. Honestly, God has provided so many talents in my life, and I am ever grateful for all of them. To note, though, I sincerely believe that the Lord has led me to begin working with film and/or TV production.
Before going any further, some I know and work with may read this and wonder if I am jumping ship from my current employment. I am not that foolish, nor am I willing to simply leave my current ministry and meaningful relationships behind so flippantly. I love what I do, though I think God has even bigger plans in which I need to grow in faith and service. In fact, it has been my past 10+ years of ministry that have grown me to this point. Everyone else always wants the details before they ever come out – jumping to conclusions. I don’t have the details yet, so sit back, relax, and allow God to lead. He knows what’s best. That said, read on…
It all started in Africa this past June. God really began to show me that I needed to make the best of the time that I have here and to make an impact for eternity. You can read this in a prior post.
Western culture is highly influenced by media. In fact, this past Sunday, Pastor Messer (Trinity Baptist, Jacksonville, FL) referred to a statement that people attend films in order to be influenced. Unfortunately, the overall morals of the film and TV industries have had very negative impacts on individuals and families.
Sherwood Pictures has produced a few quality films in the past several years, and these have made great in-roads to improving family life. Fireproof was very moving, in spite of the few grade A actors utilized. The reception of Facing the Giants and Fireproof is evidence of a void that needs to be filled. A few other production companies have begun to make films, too, though with not so much acclaim.
Christ went out into the highways and hedges to reach people. In a society of people who have withdrawn themselves from simple neighborly contact to daily watching of favorite TV shows and movie attendance/rentals/downloads, it is time to take a more aggressive approach in reaching people where they are – television, film, and online.
I have seen the need, and I am beginning to take steps in this direction with prayer and a huge desire to see God work. After all, where am I going to go from here? I have few big credentials besides my work experience and have no big contacts in the film industry, nor do I have much cash to put into this endeavor.
I think that this is the testimony, as I trust my life has been to this point: As God leads, He will provide for the needs, too.
So, here we go, one step at a time…