| PLANS,
HOPES AND DREAMS
If I could choose any time in which to be alive, this would
be the time! We are beginning to see the fulfillment of the
prophecies of Matthew 24, and we are in one of the most exciting
times in human history!
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, His disciples asked Him
what would take place just before His return to earth. He
gave a number of signs including an increase in earthquakes,
lawlessness, and wars. But in the fourteenth verse
of that chapter He says, "This gospel of the kingdom shall
be preached for a witness to all the nations, and then the
end will come."
Can the world be reached with the message of Christ in our
generation? Can we make some major advances by the year 2000?
Let me give you a brief overview of our plans.
Two thousand years ago, the angel appeared to the shepherds
outside the village of Bethlehem proclaiming, "I bring you
good tidings of great joy for all people. For unto you is
born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ
the Lord." Two thousand years later, as we approach
a new century and a new millenium, the body of Christ is being
captivated by new thoughts and new vision, new hopes and new
dreams that perhaps in the coming decade a movement might
be launched that would make sure this Good News of the Savior
gets to every part of our earth.
We live in a unique time in history. Never before
have we had the technology, the finances, and the trained
Christian workers that we have available today. In addition,
we have seen the barriers between churches, denominations,
and Christian missions breaking down. There is a new spirit
of cooperation and encouragement in this century. [And that
is what this web page you're reading this on is all about,
helping to bring together in spiritual union all the differing
churches, denominations, and Christian missions, for the accomplishing
of this goal Jesus set before us all.]
For forty years the watchword of our organization has been
"the fulfillment of the Great Commission in this generation."
But no single organization can do it alone. The
magnitude of the task is awesome. The immense complexity of
the world is almost beyond our understanding.
Yet, the need to give every person on earth at least one chance
to hear His message drives us on. And, this idea that perhaps
we could present His "Good News" to everyone at least once
before the year 2000 is captivating.
Our plan relates to the two facets of our Lord's Great Commission:
- "Preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15) and,
- "Make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:20).
But how is this possible?
DIVIDE THE WORLD INTO 5,000 AREAS
Every task is a little easier if the task is divided up. The
basic unit for all our plans is an area of one million people,
called a Million Population Target Area (MPTA). There are
a little over 5,000 MPTA's. These are further sub-divided
into ethnolinguistic people groups and a strategy is developed
to reach each group.
PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY PERSON IN EACH AREA
How? Wherever possible, through the JESUS film--in theatres,
national television, 16mm film showings, and videocassettes.
In some very media-sophisticated areas, other evangelistic
approaches will be used.
"MAKE DISCIPLES" IN EACH AREA THROUGH
TRAINING CENTERS
Although the Scripture is quite clear that we are to proclaim
Jesus to everyone, it doesn't say how many disciples are to
be made before the Great Commission is fulfilled. However,
we would like to see at least 1,000 multiplying disciples
established in each area who could lead groups of new converts
to grow in their faith.
These small group leaders would be prepared in Mobile New
Life Training Centers where they would receive 100-150 hours
of classroom and practical field instruction. Cooperating
churches and missions provide trainees who are equipped to
start new home fellowships, often called New Life Groups,
in unreached areas.
At least one training center will be established in each MPTA--5,000
in all.
PLANT ONE MILLION NEW CHURCHES
The New Testament portrays the first churches as thriving
home fellowships. Church history is filled with examples of
dynamic movements begun in homes, including the present-day
example of the thousands of home churches in Asia.
Our experience has shown that as we start New Life Groups,
they eventually combine to form new churches. The New Life
Groups provide the support and instruction that is vital for
new believers...These young churches will be adopted and supervised
by different denominations, who are willing and able to give
good supervision. No church will bear the name of
Campus Crusade for Christ.
The JESUS film is helping scores of missions each
year to present the claims of Christ to millions who have
not yet found freedom in Christ. It is a tool that
God has given the WHOLE BODY OF CHRIST, not just one organization.
It is our privilege to serve over three hundred missions currently.
Far beyond entertainment, the film evangelizes, edifies, teaches
and makes disciples.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
The Scripture says that the effectual, fervent prayer of a
righteous man availeth much. It is the power of prayer and
the working of God's Spirit that we depend upon for the mighty
challenges of the days ahead. As we move into new areas, untouched
by the gospel, we face incredible spiritual opposition. Your
prayers can help prepare the way.
A second great need in the project is for financial support.
It will take at least five years to reach an area of one million
people with the JESUS film and set up the training center
to follow up the new believers. The cost will be about $50,000
a year for the first three years. The center should be self-supporting
after that.
Consider challenging your church or a group of friends to
underwrite one of these areas. One million people could be
touched by the gospel and as many as 100,000 or more brought
into the kingdom. Hundreds of new home groups and home churches
would be formed to keep taking the gospel to future generations.
Today many people are coming to Christ in areas where there
were no Christian churches. Between 1976 and 1989, the number
of believers in Nepal grew from five hundred to more than
one hundred thousand. Approximately 90 percent of these believers
meet in homes. Yet, there are not nearly enough leaders for
the thousands of home Bible fellowships that are meeting.
The JESUS film works hand in hand with the training
center, local churches, missionaries, and the whole body of
Christ to be a tool of evangelism in the presentation of the
gospel. The impact of the JESUS film is just beginning. It
is as timeless as Scripture itself, for that is what it is.
It is Scripture brought to life. And wherever it is shown--even
in prisons of oppressive regimes--it brings freedom."
"JESUS"
Film Facts
As
of January 1, 1994 the "JESUS" film had been shown
to more than 530 million people in 201 countries. It had been
translated into 285 languages and was being used by over 400
Christian organizations. More than 35 million people had indicated
decisions to receive Christ.
The story of the "JESUS" film continues. You can
play a part by helping to provide the translations, films
and equipment still needed:
A translation of the "JESUS" film into a new language
Costs $25,000.
A set of equipment for each "JESUS" film team including a
projector, screen and portable generator costs $4,175.
One showing of the "JESUS" film costs $120.
This is a strategy that is working. In the time that it took
you to read this book, many thousands were presented with
the message of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Hundreds
will have placed their faith in Him. That is good news!
The sad news is that so many millions have not yet had the
opportunity. Our ability to keep reaching out with the film
is dependent not only on prayer, but also on sufficient financial
resources.
Join us as we work together toward the incredible challenge
of seeing the Great Commission fulfilled in our lifetime.
It can be done!
If you would like to be informed of the continuing impact
of the film, to know current needs, and receive updated reports
write to:
The "JESUS" FILM PROJECT
P.O. Box 72007
San Clemente, CA 92674-2007
Phone: (714) 361-7575 FAX: (714) 361-7579
Online: http://www.jesusfilm.org
Email: jfp@ccci.org
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