News Releases
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
Using the JESUS Film on the USA/Canada Region
NCN News
March 09, 2010
JESUS Film Harvest Partners has added web-based resources to facilitate using the JESUS Film and other tools for outreach in the U.S. and Canada. The "Do It Yourself" section of the web site is designed to be a place to learn from the efforts and successes of others. Information includes using the JESUS Film in a local community, accessing equipment and resources, developing outreach strategies based on the success stories of others, and getting involved through prayer and ministry trips. One might be surprised to know that JESUS Film resources are available for teaching English as a Second Language and using the film and a ladies Bible study based on the Magdalena version. Additionally tools are used for outreach such as the evangelism soccer ball and EvangeCube.
Resource people are on the front lines using JESUS Film tools to reach the lost with God's love. These individuals may be contacted directly for more details and suggestions. Some of the featured stories are Teays Valley, West Virginia - Pizza and Jesus; Sparks, Nevada - Harvest Festival; New Mexico - Navajo and Zuni Outreach; and North Dakota - VBS Evangelism Ball. Those who work with children, youth, women, missions, immigrant populations, evangelism, or outreach are strongly encouraged to visit this site.
The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page addresses topics such as:
- How do I get a copy of the JESUS Film?
- What equipment do I need to do a JESUS Film showing?
- Where do I go if I want to purchase some of the same equipment used by JESUS Film Harvest Partners?
- How do I set up the equipment?
- Does JESUS Film Harvest Partners 'sell' any equipment?
- Would someone from JESUS Film Harvest Partners come and help us do a showing?
- Who could help us be successful in using the JESUS Film?
- Are there any other tools that could be used with the JESUS Film?
- What video resources are available to reach different groups?
- Where can I get a presentation on JESUS Film Harvest Partner to share with others about the ministry?
For more information, click here.
--JESUS Film Harvest Partners
JFHP has Presence at Winter Olympics
NCN News
February 03, 2010
The 2010 Winter Olympics will be held February 12-28, 2010, in Vancouver and Whisler, British Columbia, Canada. It is estimated that 80 nations will have team representation at the games. While the athletes receive the justified spotlight there is another group of skilled participants who will be there – but without all the fanfare.
A pastor in Lake Placid, New York, home of the Winter Olympic USA training center, has been selected as one of forty chaplains who will serve in the Olympic Villages. Their responsibilities include being available for prayer with the athletes, listening to their needs, holding Bible studies, leading worship services, being available for crisis counseling, and attending events to cheer on the athletes. And while hundreds of athletes will be bringing their sports equipment to the games, Pastor Derek Spain will be packing his own special equipment: 100 special JESUS Film DVD’s provided by JESUS Film Harvest Partners in Olathe, Kansas.
Campus Crusade for Christ has produced this special 36 language Olympic DVD version of the JESUS Film called Struggle and Triumph: The Eternal Triumph. This DVD contains the 83-minute version of the JESUS Film and also features a 26-minute segment about modern-day Olympians who convey the triumphs and struggles in the world of athetics in the pursuit of Olympic gold. Pastor Derek plans to have these DVD’s with him to give out in the Whistler Village, walking around town, in small group meetings, and while talking one-on-one with the athletes.
When asked why he feels this film will have an impact at the Olympics, Pastor Derek said, “The JESUS Film will give an opportunity for athletes who may not know Christ to hear the gospel so that their lives can be changed for eternity. It will truly be more than gold for them.” He plans to ask Christian athletes to help him use this evangelistic tool with others who would like to know more about God’s plan for their life. JESUS Film Harvest Partners, with their 328 film teams around the world, continue to look for new opportunities to reach people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. The 2010 Winter Olympics with it’s motto of “Own the Podium” will be another podium to preach the Gospel.
Lemonade for JESUS
JFHP
October 16, 2009
“We hope kids like us get to hear the story of Jesus,” said Chloe Hess. Chloe, her siblings Rylie and Tatum along with friends Allie and Claire sold lemonade and cookies to raise money to support the work of JESUS Film Harvest Partners. “Our Uncle David travels the world with the JESUS Film and we think that is awesome. He has taken our Grandma and Grandpa with him to Guatemala and South Africa.” The group of young supporters plans to continue their efforts stating, “We are waiting for a really hot day so we can have another lemonade stand.” The $28 donation will be invested globally in God’s work through JESUS Film Harvest Partners. The historic return on investment indicates for every $1 invested, three evangelistic contacts occur; for every $3 given, one person makes a decision for Christ.
JESUS Film Harvest Partners Global Teams Report 9 Million New Believers!
NCN News
February 05, 2009
As of today around the world, 9,018,540 individuals have been introduced to the love of God through JESUS Film Harvest Partners ministry teams. The teams are comprised of three to five nationals who know the language and the customs of the people. The teams travel in assigned geographic areas to show the film, lead the lost to Christ, follow-up with new believers, and before leaving the area, organize new mission churches where believers gather for regular fellowship. Over the last 11years, team members have shared thousands of stories of triumph from across the globe. These stories tell of answers to decade-old prayers, freedom from witchcraft, understanding the love of Christ, salvation following persecution, release from addictions, and hope to the dying, among many others. Read for yourself below:
- “The woman prayed 10 years for her husband’s salvation,” said the team member on an island in the Caribbean. “Her husband provided transportation for the JESUS Film team to the next show location. He watched the life of Jesus on the screen and was filled with so much emotion he wept during the show. That day he was the only one who accepted the Lord. Praise God for this new life in Christ!”
- “Tatang practiced witchcraft and was powerful in the community,” said the team member in the Philippines. “Many sick people went to him for healing. After watching the JESUS Film, Tatang testified he was convinced Jesus would come again. He received Christ as his Savior, his hope, and his way. Now he plays his guitar during worship services and influences others to know Jesus.”
- Julio in Guatemala said, “I saw the film and understood what God did for me. Today I gave my heart to Jesus. My desire is to serve Him with love.”
- A JESUS Film team member in Nepal said, “Dhruba was the only Christian in his village 20 years ago. He would preach about Christ on the edge of the river to his friends. When the villagers realized what he was doing, they began to persecute him. His father told him to leave the village or leave Christ, so Dhruba left his village very discouraged. After hearing his story, we took the JESUS Film to his village to show the love of God to the people. The people who hated and persecuted Dhruba 20 years ago now attend regular fellowship meetings and are serving the Lord.”
- Peter in Peru testifies, “I was a man without values and an alcoholic. My life was a mess and I fled from reality. I was frustrated with myself because I did not support my family. In the midst of depression and discouragement, I met the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior. Now I give thanks to God because I am a new creature in Christ and I have a better life.”
- A JESUS Film team member in Sudan shared, “Our team is known for ministering to people and many are coming to Jesus. A dying man with HIV was stigmatized by the disease. He met Jesus while listening to the JESUS Film and sent one of his relatives to ask our team to show him the way of the truth before he died. We went and told him of God’s love for him and that he must repent and be baptized. He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Now, even if he dies, his hope is in Jesus. Praise God for finding this suffering man!”
JESUS Film Harvest Partners announces a ministry milestone!
NCN News
November 08, 2008
More than 50,000,000 encounters with Christ have been reported from teams around the world over the last 11 years. These encounters are face-to-face evangelistic contacts using multiple outreach resources with the JESUS Film being the primary tool. Each encounter is coordinated by God, the heavenly Father, battling for the eternal destiny of one of His beloved. Through the JESUS Film, people are seeing Jesus’ face and hearing Him speak their language, many for the very first time in their lives. In excess of 250 language translations have used in over 100 countries by 322 teams dedicated to reaching the lost with the love of God.
The mission of JESUS Film Harvest Partners is to share God’s love with the lost to help fulfill the great commission. Aggressive goals have been established to measure the effectiveness of the ministry including 100 million evangelistic contacts (results to date 50,147,801), 10 million decisions for Christ (to date 8,883,239), 3 million initial discipleship follow ups (to date 2,893,469), 10,000 mission churches/preaching points (to date 17,160) and 10,000 pastors trained/in training (to date 14,000+).
Testimonies of new believers include healing of the deaf, freedom from black magic and witchcraft, reconciliation of families, and new lives in Christ. In Bangladesh, communities have renounced the worship of snakes for the true God. In Surname, new believers have seen Jesus before their eyes. In Panama, a young girl in a wheelchair was healed and can now walk. In Pakistan, people risk social alienation to serve Jesus. To read more testimonies like these, sign up at www.JFHP.org for the Prayer & Praise email.
Continued prayer for the team members ministering through JESUS Film Harvest Partners is requested. To donate to the ministry click here.