News Releases
JFHP Announces National Ambassador Coordinator
NCN News
June 21, 2010
Brian Helstrom, JESUS Film Harvest Partners (JFHP) Executive Director, has announced the appointment of John Cunningham as the JFHP National Ambassador Coordinator. The JFHP Board of Directors gave direction to hire a national coordinator to focus on expanding the collective power of volunteer ministry in the United States and Canada to help spread the mission of JESUS Film to share God’s love with the lost. Endeavoring to reach the goals set by the Board for the Harvest 120 Sponsorship program, John will bring focus, clarity, and encouragement to existing and new Ambassadors.
Brian Helstrom shared, “While looking over résumés of several people, God reminded me of someone on staff at the JFHP office. This person embodied all the qualities and experience this position required--the field and office experience, networking connections, public speaking ability, and the experience of having developed a similar denominational structure that the ministry needed to replicate. The next day, I scheduled a meeting with John Cunningham and his wife, Sandy, to ask him if he would be willing to move from his present responsibilities as Field Projects Coordinator to be our National Ambassador Coordinator. John told me that God had also spoken to him on the way to our meeting and told him to ‘accept whatever Brian says to you.’ So his immediate response was ‘Of course I will, when do you want me to start?’ The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors offered their unanimous affirmation. I am happy to announce John Cunningham as the new, full-time National Ambassador Coordinator. Sandy will assist John in the administrative functions in the development of the Ambassador program, along with her other responsibilities.”
Cunningham is a graduate of Eastern Nazarene College and Nazarene Theological Seminary. After a pastorate in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, the Cunninghams served in various mission fields including South Africa, Africa East, the Horn of Africa, the Africa French Equatorial Field, and helped pioneer work in Madagascar. They served in the Candidate Office of World Mission (now Mobilization Office of Global Mission) where they were responsible for career missionary recruitment and implemented the Mission Call Coordinator ministry, as well as helping to process missionary candidates. The Cunninghams have served at JESUS Film Harvest Partners since 2007 coordinating projects in areas of evangelism, church planting, and discipleship. John also oversaw and developed ministry partnerships with outside organizations to help fulfill the mission of the church.
The JFHP Ambassador program is designed to engage people to participate through prayer and support of the JESUS Film Harvest Partners ministry. Ambassadors volunteer their time and energy to share the amazing evangelistic work God is doing through the JESUS Film with those in their personal realm of influence. To find out more about the Ambassador program, contact John Cunningham at jcunningham@JFHP.org or 816-694-2684.
Deliver Backpacks for JESUS
ENGAGE Magazine
May 21, 2010
Much of the world lives in literal darkness when the sun goes down and in spiritual darkness with no hope unless Jesus shows up. To combat the darkness, solar technology is used to share JESUS. JESUS Film teams in Nepal, West Africa, and Guatemala are using solar powered backpack sets to share the story of Jesus in the language of the people.
The backpack set, weighing less than 50 pounds, delivers a powerful punch. The set provides the equipment needed to show the JESUS Film in remote locations even in the absence of power sources. A solar panel charges the battery which runs the projector and sound system for up to four hours. A collapsible screen is also included in the set. This compact set can accommodate an audience size of up to 1,000 viewers. Leadership in Nepal and Guatemala has requested additional backpack sets and Bangladesh is on a waiting list to get its first solar power backpack set.
Funding is needed for the $4,000 backpack sets, along with willing people to transport them to the field. A JESUS Film Ministry Trip to deliver a solar power backpack set offers a small group of two or more from your church or family a chance to fund a backpack set of equipment and deliver it to the country you select from the needs list. Ministry Trip teams provide their own travel costs and fund the solar powered backpack set.
The Ministry Trip team will meet a JESUS Film team of nationals in the country and participate in a JESUS Film showing using the new equipment. They will receive an on-field cultural orientation and participate in JESUS Film ministry activities. You can fund a solar powered backpack set here. For information about JESUS Film Ministry Trips, contact Rusty Robbins at 913-663-5700 x 103 or rrobbins@JFHP.org
Backpack for JESUS
ENGAGE Magazine
May 21, 2010
Monsoons, thick jungle vegetation, mountain trails, and baking heat hinder the ability to reach people who need hope. JESUS Film teams around the world transport equipment on bicycles, scooters, horses, boats, and their backs in order to share about the life of Christ.
Guatemala is one location where natural barriers create transportation obstacles. JESUS Film teams walk several hours in the mountains to reach remote villages. The lack of power in remote areas is another obstacle teams encounter.
The introduction of a portable, lightweight, rechargeable system makes it easier for JESUS Film teams to go to hard-to-reach people groups. JESUS Film Harvest Partners is offering teams a manageable option in the form of a solar powered backpack set.
Mr. Lem, a team coordinator in Guatemala, said, “The equipment is really easy to transport. We have used it in several presentations. Portability is the best feature of this set.”
Guatemala JESUS Film teams are sharing a single backpack set in three month intervals. Team member, Mr. Quib said, “The equipment is easy to carry and has been helpful because in many cases the team has to walk several hours to reach villages. We usually have to climb steep slopes carrying several pieces of the traditional equipment set the whole way. The smaller backpack set allows us to trade off carrying the equipment. Another great feature is the solar panel. It charges the battery allowing the equipment to be used for several showings.”
A traditional set of JESUS Film equipment weighs 185 pounds. On a three-person team, each member carries an average of 62 pounds of equipment plus their personal belongings. With the less-than-50-pound backpack, one person can comfortably carry the set allowing team members to take turns transporting the load.
Mr. Quib shared a story from a remote showing. During the JESUS Film presentation, a drunken man came to him and started talking. He said he wanted to accept Jesus because he saw Him as the only one who could help him quit drinking. Mr. Quib was not really sure about the sincerity of the plea because of the man’s inebriated state, so he asked the man if his desire was genuine. The man said he was tired of drinking and spending money on liquor. Mr. Quib prayed with the man, and after the prayer, this man gave Mr. Quib an offering equal to two weeks pay in the mountainous area. The next day, the team had a follow-up discipleship meeting with new believers. The man showed up with his family, and during the session, he and his family accepted Jesus in their hearts. Afterwards, he offered his house as a meeting place for the new church.
The solar powered backpack set is a valuable tool for sharing God’s love. Based on positive feedback of this resource, leadership in Guatemala has requested a second backpack set. To help send a solar powered backpack set to Guatemala and other world locations.
Help for Nigeria
NCN News
May 17, 2010
Nigeria, Africa - Nigeria, in western Africa, is twice the size of California. The total population has an average life expectancy of 47 years. The lower life expectancy is due to rampant AIDS. This is a nation in need of a Savior like many other nations around the world.
The following testimony is of one Nigerian man impacted by the love of God:
I am a policeman. My job is not a good one as there is corruption in the system. When I watched the JESUS Film, I heard everything in my mother tongue. It is wonderful what God has done for human beings. He gave His son to die for us. I surrendered my life to Him and confessed Him as my Lord and Savior. I sense inner peace within me. Words cannot express the joy I feel, but people around me see a difference in me. Jesus is my Lord. I tell others about my new faith in Christ. Some do not believe I am a Christian, but they will be convinced. I want to make a difference in my community. Pray that God will give me the grace to excel for Him. Pray for my family too.
Urgent help is needed to share Jesus with the people in Nigeria. Their years are short and the opposition is strong. You can help people see JESUS through the work of JESUS Film teams. JESUS Film teams are comprised of three to five nationals who know the language, culture, and people. Teams work in a specific area approximately four weeks showing the JESUS Film, inviting people to a personal relationship with Christ, providing follow-up discipleship, and seeking to establish a preaching point for the new believers.
You can help today through your support of JESUS Film Harvest Partners.
Temporary tabernacle to permanent church in Senegal
NCN News
April 07, 2010
The ARK was delivered in August 2009 as the corn crop was beginning to grow in Senegal. A JESUS Film ARK Partners Trip was responsible for delivering the 16-by-24-foot portable building made of long poles and weather resistant material. The ARK served as a temporary tabernacle for a new preaching point started from the work of a JESUS Film team.
"The ARK provided shelter to cultivate and grow the congregation," said Darrell Leber, Partner Trip leader.
The structure was used with such frequency, it was determined that a permanent building should occupy the location. By the time the corn was harvested in early 2010, the materials were delivered to begin construction.
JESUS Film showings in the area near a tree were the catalyst for beginning the new church. The JESUS Film is used by a team of three to five nationals who share God's love using the story of the life of Jesus to reach their own people in their heart language. Teams often spend one month in a location showing the film multiple times, sharing scripture, and answering questions.
To learn more about Partner Trips go to www.jfhp.org/getinvolved/partnertrips.cfm
Robin: From Street Thug to JESUS Film Evangelist
ENGAGE Magazine
April 01, 2010
Robin Onyango began a rough life in the city of Nairobi, Kenya. At the age of 14, Robin had already been imprisoned shortly for robbing homes and people. He was a thug; robbing, mugging, drinking alcohol, and smoking different types of local drugs called bang and miraa. Robin even had his own shop where miraa could be purchased. He was serving in the Catholic Church by day and out mugging, drinking and taking drugs by night. Eventually Robin dropped out of school seeking to get more money, a good life, and more friends. He ran away from his family, his auntie and uncle, who were raising him. Robin moved in with friends and continued robbing to get his daily living.
After 25 years of this life, Robin came to where he felt completely hopeless. His friends had grown tired of him and he had nowhere else to go. In 2005 he had joined a gang, which eventually led him back to the prison cell. Robin KNEW he needed to change, but HOW? He was so very tired and worn down.
At the encouragement of his auntie – who was trying to get rid of him -- Robin left for the town of Nakuru, Kenya, where another uncle of his lived. This uncle, Moses Olare, worshipped at the Nakuru Ronda Church of the Nazarene.
Moses introduced Robin to two men who would help to change Robin’s life forever. First, he met a guy named Kennedy Okoth. Recognizing some of the same signs of his own previous lifestyle struggles, Kennedy quickly befriended Robin. He was also introduced to the Nazarene Kenya-Rift Valley District superintendent, Pastor Emmanuel Wafula.
At that time, Pastor Wafula was having Kennedy stay in his own home in order to mentor him and to keep him on the right Christian path. Pastor Wafula invited Robin to join Kennedy in his home. Robin spent a lot of time with Kennedy walking and talking together. Kennedy told Robin his testimony of how he had been saved by Jesus Christ. He even took Robin along with him to evangelistic crusades. Robin heard the sermons and even watched another man get saved. Robin remained unmoved; he just sat and listened.
One Sunday morning at the Nakuru Ronda Church of the Nazarene, Robin quietly slipped in the back during the worship service, hoping no one would see him. Today Robin says he can’t remember a thing about the sermon, but during the altar call the preacher asked those who had any kind of a need to come forward. Robin did have a specific need; he needed to get a national ID card in order to be considered for a potential job possibility. Robin did not have any idea how this could happen. He knew that considering his background it would take some kind of a miracle in order for the application and paperwork to go through. Robin walked forward to the altar, hoping these steps would get him his ID.
At the altar a change of events took place. Timothy Wahongo approached Robin and asked him, “Robin, have you ever received Christ?”
Robin replied, “No.”
Timothy asked, “Would you like to?”
In his mind Robin thought, “God, I have tried all things – imagine, even my family has chased me away. Let me try you!”
Robin knew emphatically that his answer was, ‘YES!!!”
Timothy prayed and an unfamiliar peace overtook Robin. He knew something had changed in this hopeless life of his. That day Robin’s Uncle Moses saw Robin walk forward to kneel at the altar. He asked Robin what that was all about. Robin answered, “Yes! I got salvation today!”
Together Robin and Moses talked about salvation and what it means to be a Christian. Robin had so many questions, even about his own life. Robin asked his uncle, “What about my smoking? What can I do about it?”
Moses answered with lifechanging words: “God has forgiven you; do not do it again!” With that, Robin never smoked again.
In June 2005, Robin’s uncle gave him his first Bible. At this time Robin was very pale and sickly; the years of alcohol and drugs had damaged his kidneys. God gave Robin particular instructions: drink three liters of water every day, not take any food, and pray and read the Psalms.
Robin obeyed. He would go inside the Nakuru Game Park (home to many wild animals) where he could find solitude to follow God’s instructions. During this time with God, Robin became very zealous for Jesus Christ. God began to restore his health, his mental capabilities and even his remembrance of the English language.
Robin attended church worship services, Christian fellowships, prayer groups, and at every lunch time he attended an evangelical meeting in Nakuru Town. He began to grow and grow in his understanding of faith and Christianity. Once, he was even allowed to teach a Bible study. Through this experience God called Robin to become an evangelist.
During that time, Robin was offered a job as a mechanic. He quickly realized that his boss was unscrupulous. He wanted Robin to secretly exchange good parts for older ones when repairing customers' cars. The Holy Spirit quickly convicted Robin. Although he really needed work, Robin refused this job. Pastor Wafula praised Robin for this difficult act of obedience.
One day Robin went to a crusade with his spiritual father, Timothy Wahongo, and took this opportunity to testify about the change Jesus Christ had made in his life. God touched many lives that night. Later Timothy took him to a showing of the JESUS Film, during which an evangelism team shows a film about the life of Christ and invites attendees to consider accepting Him into their lives. Again, Robin took this opportunity to witness and to share his testimony.
He had such zeal to follow in the footsteps of other Godly men and he sought them out. Robin had the chance to hear sermons from some great Africa Region leaders such as Rev. Friday Ganda, a missionary; Rev. Don Gardner, Africa East Field strategy coordinator; Maranatha Hess, regional JESUS Film coordinator; and Rev. Nathan Menya, Uganda Central District superintendent.
Dr. Daryll Stanton, of Africa Nazarene University, especially changed Robin’s life with the words that they shared together. Robin had each of these men sign his Bible in order that he may never forget their lives. He wanted to become just like them.
On April 4, 2006, Robin was baptized by the Ronda Church of the Nazarene pastor Charles Oguta. He had a new life, new friends, the English language had been restored to him. Robin is now working on finishing his secondary school education. What had been lost was now being restored to Robin. Even now, for the very first time, Robin has his own home. Robin is hungry for the Word of God. He says he would like to buy a dictionary and as many translations of the Bible he can find.
Robin sensed that God was calling him to become a JESUS Film Evangelist. Rev. Wafula saw sincerity in Robin’s life and asked him to serve on the JESUS Film Committee. Other church leaders also were recognizing this in Robin as they began to give him more and more ministry opportunities. By the grace of God, Robin has now served as the local Ronda NYI leader for the past three years. He also was recently elected as the Rift Valley District NYI leader.
Currently, Robin is serving as the South Rift Valley JESUS Film coordinator. Robin is very flexible and able to minister under any circumstances, no matter how difficult. He has also been gifted with the ability to assimilate with many people groups and tribes, but he has a special affinity toward the Maasai people. He often will wear the clothing of the Maasai as he reaches out to them his loving hand of ministry.
Recently, Robin returned to Nairobi to see his old friends and to tell them that he now serves a living God. He is so excited about all God has done for him. Standing next to him, you can feel the excitement of his testimony. Robin is definitely a man set free, changed by Jesus Christ, and called into a life of evangelism and telling others!
-- Sarah Reed is the Children's Ministries director for the Africa East Field. She met Robin through a Sunday School Teacher Training. His passion for everything captured her attention.
The photo of Robin and Sarah's husband, Dr. Rod Reed is courtesy of Sarah.
Bangladesh receives first ARK
Eurasia Communications
March 22, 2010
In February, ministry leaders in northern Bangladesh received their first ARK, a 5- by 7-meter portable building made of long poles and special canvas fabric, useful for a variety of ministries from JESUS Film showings to pastoral education to compassionate ministries.
Leaders in Bangladesh will test the ARK to see if it works in their various ministry contexts. If it does, they may request more, said Field Strategy Coordinator Ron Gilbert, who assists ministry leaders in several South Asia districts, including Bangladesh.
"We're organizing a church almost every day in Bangladesh," he said. "They did 356 this year. Because of that we are so short of buildings. So we're experimenting with this to see how useful it can be in starting up new ministry centers."
The ARK features skylight flaps, open and closable air-vents on the sides, and a removable rubber floor. It can be carried in eight suitcase-sized bags and assembled in less than two hours.
The district requested the ARK from JESUS Film Harvest Partners because it may fit well with the strategy in Bangladesh to enter new villages first with compassionate ministries, said District Superintendent Nathan Biswas.
"There are several reasons we can use that: during the week child development centers, then Sunday school, then community meetings, self-help meetings," he said. "We can use it as a disaster response office. For integrating (ministries), the ARK will be very unique for outreach ministry. I'm really excited to have some more."
Bangladesh, a low-lying country, is hit almost annually with destructive storms and floods. The tent is designed to resist powerful winds and rain - a highly valuable feature.
For instance, during monsoon season JESUS Film teams could set up a projector and generator inside the ARK and project the film on one of the transparent walls; viewers could sit outside and see the film displayed on the wall. The ARK could also shelter small groups of viewers during a sudden rainstorm, Gilbert said. The structure could also be carried to a village and set up for a week of pastoral education to existing leaders, then move to another village to conduct more training.
"We need many more than one, but it's a beginning," said Gilbert. The Bangladesh District has received 12, 238 new members so far this year.
For more information on the ARK, visit www.JFHP.org
Bible Story Cloths Help Sri Lankan Pastors
Where Worlds Meet - Eurasia Newsletter
March 15, 2010
