I'm pretty excited about finally being able to share the new short film with you guys. After hours and hours of work here it is.... [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljLuja369Gw&w=560&h=315]
Poverty and homelessness are prominent in parts of Memphis, TN. This is the story of one church's effort to share a light in the darkness.
The last 48 hours were a whirlwind of awesome. I departed Friday afternoon from Russellville First Assembly of God in the company of 17 other excellent individuals as part of our Chi Alpha missions team "Kairos". Our destination? Memphis International Church. We arrived around 7:30 pm Friday and didn't waste any time getting to work, but the purpose of this entry is not to highlight what our team did this weekend. That will come in another later writing. I just wanted to take a brief moment as I lie here ready to catch up on some sleep and reflect on the remarkable nature of the church I spent the weekend with. Memphis International Church is a place that is light on resources, but steeped in compassion. It is their driving motivation. And in a place full of such diversity, it is the tie that binds. I was utterly blown away by the level of outreach they are able to accomplish with what little they have. To that end, search your heart and support them if you find it in your means to do so.
I have been in a LOT of churches in my life, but never one that is so on target in terms of understanding their community and engaging it with the unfettered love of Jesus. This is a place that is deeply connected to the Great Commission. They get it. They aren't trying to shape people into homogenous hive-mind-like drones. They are showing and sharing Jesus with every brick on their property, but it doesn't stop there. They are regularly reaching out into their community. They understand that the Church is much less about a building, and much more about the connected Christ-centered community.
It's not a large church. It's not a large congregation. But they are making a difference where they are at that puts a lot of places I have seen to shame. What an incredible weekend!
More to come soon.
In this final trailer for the GO12: Santo Domingo documentary, Daniel Andrews captures an entire week of outreach in just under five minutes--helping us all to realize how the most important thing really is giving your time, energy, and heart to helping others realize the beautiful love of Christ. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zacBWhieLo4&w=560&h=315]
Daniel and I have been working on a short film documenting our recent trip to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for over a month, and it is almost finished. We recently screened the nearly completed version with a few people who went on the trip and it was met with a warm reception. We are excited about getting it out there for more people to see. Written by Grant Jones one late night in Santo Domingo, this trailer captures the heart of what the film is about, leaving. I hope you enjoy the trailer.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBk-2FN4evY&w=560&h=315]
Since returning home nearly a month ago Daniel and I have been hard at work editing the footage we filmed from the trip. We're hoping to roll out a fully produced documentary within the next couple of months, but in the meantime, here is a small teaser. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSntqG0Y6Is&w=853&h=480]
To read more about GO12 see one of these stories. Challenges Going Learning Jordan Hearing Doing Grant Dakota Home
A lot of the time when people ask for your money they bury it under a sales pitch, but that's not really my style. Jamie and I want your money. The truth is, we need it to fulfill the call we believe God has placed on our lives. Many of you who visit either my blog, or our family ministry site, already regularly support our ministry through your money, your prayers, or both. We are incredibly grateful. We can't do what we do without you. I won't spend the next three paragraphs outlining how God will bless your bank account if you give us X amount of $ per month, although I do believe blessing often follows giving. Instead, I just want you to know that any financial pledge you prayerfully consider sending our way will greatly bless us, and our ministry. So, what do you think? Will you consider joining our growing team of financial and prayer partners? You can click HERE to make a donation to our ministry, whether it be a regular commitment or one time pledge. Or click HERE for a printable faith promise form. All donations are tax-deductible.
Please copy and paste the following info into the comments section on the donation page or into the “Missionary Info” section of the faith promise form.
Nathan and Jamie King Chi Alpha Account – 505543
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Erm6FstXy2A] This is a short recap of our Sunday morning "Wrap Up" session from Winter Retreat 2012.
After you've finished watching, go read the first chapter of the Book of Joshua for more insight. Let God transform you into the kind of leader He has always meant for you to be.
