Using video to reach the lost for Jesus.

As missionaries part of the fun in the journey is the people God brings across our path, people that we can share the ministry with.  One of those people is Paul Finch.  He is here as a volunteer and has been a tremendous help in the work of the Hydro-Electric Project at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital.  Before he came he asked about bringing video equipment so he could show Christian films.  He was told yes and packed the equipment needed.  Paul said, "Then I remembered that most of the bush churches have no power.  God reminded me that my pastor had a small suitcase size generator. I brought that along in my luggage."  

A few days after his arrival he showed his first film, since then it has been 4 nights a week and close to 40 different showings.  Paul says, "In the 11 weeks I have been here over 4000 people have seen a film. The most popular is the film” End of the Spear”. At first I was amazed at how much it meant to them.  But the longer I am here to see the culture I realize that revenge killings and brutal treatment of people are expected. This film gives them hope. For the Christian it is hope that there communities can change. For the non-Christian it reveals other options to the violence.   That forgiveness is possible.  The pastors here are so thankful to have it shown in their church because it is very hard for them to get across to their people. This film gives a visual similar to the culture of the PNG people  of which they can relate to."

Sunday nights viewing at Wagmil Naz
Apa seated on chair front corner.

At one of the first services where the "End of the Spear" was shown, a pair of woman came up after the film and forgave one another.  It seems that one was married to the brother of the other.  The sister blamed her for his death.  She publicly forgave the wife for accusing her and asked for forgiveness for all the wrong things she had done. Many tears were shed, and a lot of hugs shared.

Also shown is The Jesus film for Children.  Nearly 900 students, from the school just outside Nazarene Hospital gates, packed in a church to see the Jesus film for children and the End of the Spear. God planted many seeds that day!

At one church there were so many people that they were pulling the siding of the church back to see.  At others when the windows & doors are full as many as 25-40 people leave because they cannot get in to see.



A video showing to the hydro crew at the hospital chapel.

As mentioned before the Hydro Electric Project is under way.   The Admin. team for the hospital has a system worked out with the local village people that every month they rotate workers to get as many involved as possible with the work. At each months changing of the crews, on the last Friday that they get paid, Paul shows a video. Earl, our project manager for the Hydro project, had asked me to be involved with the last one, this past Friday, and to have a wrap up, an alter call if you will, at the end of the movie. The movie was called “The Climb,” I think, but it deals with a friend giving his life for his buddy. After talking with the group for a few minutes I asked any who wanted to repeat a sinners prayer after me could do so. I was told that 8 people prayed the pray.

 

Paul setting up our sheet for showing the video at Apa's village.

This past Sunday night we showed the “End of the Spear,” at Wagmil Nazarene church and there were over 100 people present for the showing. At the end of the movie there were many who prayed the sinners prayer. It was also neat, Apa, a National was translating and helping in the understanding of the movie as it was playing.  As Paul said, "I stand in awe of the Power of the Holy Spirit. To be able to communicate through these films, that are in English, to people that don’t speak much English at all. I now have a man named Apa who goes to interpret for the people. He has a passion for spreading God’s saving grace. I hope to return to PNG to be able to go to more Bush churches and share this film. If that is Gods will and with His help I am willing. PRAISE GOD for HE HAS DONE GREAT THINGS!!!"  

 

This coming Sunday night we are planning to return to a village that we showed “The End of the Spear” at several weeks ago. Paul had planned to show the Kids Jesus Film also that night but the generator died and we were unable to show it. The man in charge that night asked if we would come back and show it. We didn’t want to make promises not knowing how everything would work out. But because they wanted to see it we are going to try and go back. Apa goes with Paul a lot to these showings and this is actually his village so he is to let them know we are coming. Paul leaves Monday morning but we hate not to show it when they want to see it and if one person is changed through it, then it is all worth it.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal. 6:10)

Photos and story are by Paul Finch & Jeff.