I viewed a program on TV in Miami last Saturday about the film where they interviewed some of the actors and showed some captures from the film and I believe this is one of the most important things that has happened for decades. Now we have to get ready to receive the film here in Finland. Talk about it, take your friends to see it, and talk to those who have seen it. This film will leave NOBODY untouched.
- Bobi
The mail from Stuart Bennet:
Dear Friends,
I'm forwarding to you information regarding Mel Gibson's film "The
Passion of the Christ".
I attended a "live" satellite link on Saturday where Mel spoke about
the project. He talked about this being a personal journey for him for the
last 12 years. While conducting research, he spoke to literally hundreds
of Biblical scholars and historians. He has searched the scriptures, even
going into the Old Testament to look at the prophecies about Christ.
He said that there is no doubt in his mind that Jesus was the Messiah and
fulfilled every Biblical prophecy. He also said, in true Gibson
fashion, that it would be easier for a monkey to type the Gettysburg Address
than for Jesus NOT to be the Messiah. He also spoke about his faith and how
much he believes in the story. He is convinced that all mankind needs to
hear the message of love and how the Son of God died for everyone's sins.
He believes that people seeing the film will be changed as he himself has
been changed in the process, particularly during the past 2 years. He
talked about the need to fill a void in his life that neither fame nor
fortune could fill. that God shaped hole. He said that he used to be a
complete monster to which his family can testify.. They have seen the change.
He said his desires have even changed. He hasn't smoked a cigarette in
more than a year. I was impressed by his humility, grace and innocence. (It
was refreshing to hear someone speak about faith without all the Christian
subculture clichés and lingo). It also occurred to me that he probably
knows more about the Christian message now than most pastors and
scholars.
As the film hits Europe, I have pledged to help Icon Films in any way
I can to help promote the film. So, I hope you don't mind if I give them
your contact information. They plan to create the same kind of grassroots
movement that they have employed in the U.S. finding endorsements from
religious leaders from the big guys to individuals in the pew.
Many churches here in the U.S. are seeing this as one of the biggest
opportunities to reach people for Christ in decades. Many churches are
renting movie theatres for congregations to invite friends. There are
lots of free materials available for publicity as well as corresponding
tracts, etc. It is important that the church be prepared as Mel Gibson says
screenings have demonstrated two things; 1) When the movie is over
people sit stunned, then after several minutes begin to talk to people around
them, not wanting to leave the theatre; 2) that people leaving the
film have many questions and are highly motivated to know more about the
rest of the story. There are many stories of people weeping openly, others
going home quietly being extremely introspective, others reporting later
that they went home and read the entire four Gospels. One comment I heard
is how ironic it is that Hollywood is being used to shake the church and
motivate us to action.
WHERE TO GO FOR PASSION INFO & MATERIALS
www.cbn.com Jim Caviezel who play Jesus in the film, talks about his
faith in Christ and making the film.
www.thepassionofchrist.com The official Icon Productions website.
Here you will find the trailer, downloadable posters, screen savers and
desktops. Most importantly, advance and group ticket sales are offered
here.
www.thepassiondownloads.com Downloadable versions of ads, posters,
bulletin inserts, banner ads, email and fax blasts, screen savers, desktops,
and other items.
www.passionmaterials.com FREE Materials (posters, flyers, buck slips,
post cards, door hangers) - must pay shipping and handling.
gyle.smith@oncoregroup.com
www.thepassionoutreach.com Evangelistic outreach materials (posters,
banners, bulletin jackets, direct mail impact cards, door hangers,
invitation cards, a DVD with the movie trailer and sermon series
complete with power point slides.
www.IBSDirect.com To order "The Servant King" New Testaments and
Gospel of Luke
www.atstracts.org Evangelism Tracts related to the film
www.passioncommercial.com Television commercials available for the
church.
www.thepassiontoolbox.com An evangelism-equipping site from Campus
Crusade
www.the-passion.org A seeker-sensitive website from Campus Crusade
Stuart Bennett
Director of Special Projects
CBN International
977 Centerville Turnpike
Virginia Beach
Virginia 23463, USA.
