40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 36

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 36

A young viewer writes in! (Out of the Mouths of Babes)

Pannu Dada, the Bangladeshis version of The World of Jonathan Singh, had aired for several years. This children’s series was asked for by a national channel after they had seen the quality. It reached an audience of 55 million people in Bangladesh. One viewer wrote in:

Dear (TV) Director,

Every week I see your program and I like it very much. This kind of program is very new in our country that is not only entertainment but also we can learn so many things. This is the first time I am writing to any TV program director. What I’ve learnt today I want to share with you.

I have learnt many things about giraffes. I’ve learnt about electrons, neutrons and protons. The main thing I’ve learnt is that you can’t do anything if you have stubbornness and jealousy. Jesus is the media between God and us so that we can go to heaven. These are the things I’ve learned from the program today. Hope to see this program for a long time.

-S.B.

God’s Word for Today:

“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” Proverbs 9:9

Pray with us:

  • Pray for children who are in displacement situations such as refugee camps to have chances to learn about Jesus.

  • Pray for IMM’s development of new children’s programming and networking with channels.

  • Pray for the young people you know to grow in wisdom and faith.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 35

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 35

Reaching More Than Ever Before

On the set of The World of Jonathan Singh

From 2001:

The IMM children’s series, The World of Jonathan Singh, was broadcast in Bangladesh — on the Muslim nationally owned television station. This came about after a strange set of circumstances.

The local missionary, Larry Smith, asked to view master tapes at the national television station. Keep in mind this was a time when programs had to be on specific high-quality tapes for broadcast with special machinery.

When the station manager saw the quality of the children’s programs and that it was in the local language, he asked if they could air the program. Larry was able to say he could get in touch with the “distributor,” that would be IMM, and “secure permission” for them to use them without paying for the high-quality program. In this way, he was doing a favor for the station and raised the value of the children’s programs as a special offer.

Each week the broadcast had an actual viewing audience of over 50 million people in Bangladesh. Missionaries Larry & Sharon Smith reported that in one broadcast they had reached more people than in their entire missionary career up to that point.

In addition, this same series went on to be dubbed into many languages; such as Arabic, Russian, and Ukrainian. Our CBN partner in Kiev, Ukraine said, "Every Sunday we broadcast on the Russian National channel that covers 190 cities ... and regularly on the regional channels. We'll distribute the program on all the channels we cooperate with all over the CIS (about 120 channels)."

IMM fought many battles to bring The World of Jonathan Singh project to completion and it is such a blessing to know it had these audiences and many more in the years following, including recently in Indonesia!

God’s Word for Today:

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Matthew 19:14

Pray with us:

  • Pray for those working with children’s programming online.

  • Pray for IMM’s new planning for children’s programming in the coming years.

  • Pray for your local church to be creative in reaching kids.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 34

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 34

The Skies Still Declare Him!

Years ago David Lee, founding director of IMM wrote this:

“Two thousand years ago, shepherds and wise men looked to the heavens and followed a star to a manger in Bethlehem. There they found God’s promise to mankind. Today, all over the world, men continue to look to the heavens where satellites have been launched among the stars, giving us the channels through which to communicate that same promise.

“Satellite communications are now used in nearly every country of the world. These innovations make it possible for us to reach more people than any generation in history. A highly sophisticated means by which to communicate the simple Gospel.

“‘Up-link.’ ‘Down-link.’ These are the terms describing methods for sending television signals via satellite communications. IMM has developed one more method—one more term: ‘Cross-link.’

“You are the ‘cross-link!’ You can make it possible for us to cross oceans, to cross the Berlin Wall, to cross Muslim veils, and to cross the Bamboo and Iron Curtains, communicating the message of the cross.

“Today, an average family in the United States pays about $15 each month to link up with television entertainment programming. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful feeling to know that while you are watching your own television that you are helping use television to reach the world for Christ?”

David’s words delight us at IMM all these years later. The skies do show forth God’s glory! And interestingly enough - $15 is probably pretty close to a present day subscription for one streaming service! It’s a great idea to “match” what you are doing for media entertainment to share the good news of Jesus through the skies and into hearts. Christmas was just the beginning and God’s glory still shines!

God’s Word for Today:

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’” Luke 2:15

Pray with us:

  • Pray our partners will be bold to share the light in local connections.

  • Pray IMM continues to let people know about the good news that has happened, like the shepherds.

  • Pray you will see and reflect God’s glory in both ordinary and extraordinary ways.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 33

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 33

Birth of a Big Dream - It Starts With Christmas

Christopher and Ragna Gornold-Smith

The Bible Stories Video Project idea was born after two seminars on different sides of the world where people needed visually rich biblical content. They needed more than just a preacher or someone reading the Bible on the screen.

In the early 1990s, Christopher Gornold-Smith a missionary, media trainer, and video producer had the same revelation and reached out looking for programs. It was a different time in media and there was no access. The pieces that did exist were expensive and were out of reach of an average pastor wanting to put a video on the air.

Christopher told us of a discouraging day where he was expressing his frustration to God.

“Then I heard Him speak. It was quiet but shockingly clear in my mind, ‘Why don’t you make the stories yourself?’ I thought of all sorts of reasons why this wouldn’t work: finances, locations, sets, costumes, music, actors… God said, ‘If you won’t light a candle, then don’t curse the darkness.’ Ouch! But even if we tried and got something done, it would be so little. It seems God enjoys aphorisms, ‘Half a loaf is better than no bread. Isn’t it? Just allow me to lead. At least we can start.’”

The first step was a program called International Christmas and Christopher and Ragna Gornold-Smith joined with IMM. They brought costumes and scripts to create this unique program mixing international music, a host, and scenes of the Christmas story. Initially, this program went into former Soviet bloc countries shortly after the fall of communism. International Christmas appeared first on Slovak TV in primetime, on Christmas Eve, and it was a huge hit. The following year we created another program. It was the Christmas story from Matthew’s Gospel.

In the years to come, 30 Bible stories would be re-enacted in a format narrated by a single host. This would make it accessible for smaller markets and local venues all over the world. These basic Bible stories are still in demand today. Each year, we translate and produce these programs into more and more languages.

God’s Word for Today:

"‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

Pray with us:

  • Pray for those viewing the Bible Stories Video Project today. Pray their hearts will be penetrated by the truth of the gospel.

  • Pray for IMM to have open doors and connect with the right people and resources for upcoming projects and translations.

  • Pray for God to open your eyes to His way even when it looks different than what you can imagine.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 32

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 32

Learning and Growing in God

A viewer in the Iran/Afghanistan/Tajikistan region wrote:

“In the past, I came to the conclusion through my studies that Christianity was a heresy. However, when I started watching your programs, I realized that it is the most complete of all religions. It is a religion that shows happiness in this world and the world to come. Jesus raised people from the dead and gave them life. Blessed are the followers of this religion. Thank you for your programs.”

In many nations, there are not enough workers and volunteers who speak the local languages ​​and who have the will or courage to teach the word of God in the face of persecution. We in America are blessed to be able to hear the teachings of Jesus without such fear.

A parable in the Bible tells the story of a master who distributed talents to his servants. To one he gave five talents, to another he gave two and to another, he gave one. Each of them thought differently about how to use their talents before the master returned from a trip. The one with the five talents used them to produce more and later he gained five more. The one with the two talents also used them to produce more, and he doubled his two talents. The one who only had one talent decided to keep it, hide it, and not risk anything by trying to multiply it. When the master returned, he was very happy with the results of the first two. With the latter, he was not happy. On the contrary, he decided to take away his one and only talent, since he had hidden it instead of putting it to good use.

Perhaps this happens to all of us in life. When we are afraid of losing what we have, we do not share it with others. This doesn’t just happen with material things; it could be gifts or skills that you have that you don't want to sacrifice because of the time, effort, or change it would require.

It’s easy to fall into thinking of ourselves first and the strain it will take to help someone else. But with a fresh eye and guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can begin to see specific needs that we are called and equipped to meet if we just lean into the talents God has given us. It’s a journey of faith and God is the guide. As we join hands, the kingdom is grown and salvation reaches the ends of the earth.

God’s Word for Today:

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Mathew 25:23

Pray with us:

  • Pray for more people to be called to teach and train in closed countries to disciple new believers.

  • Pray for IMM to empower the local believers with content to grow their faith.

  • Pray that you will know how to use your talents in more creative ways in the new year.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 31

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 31

A Gospel With No Borders

Refugee tent village

“Sam,” a young evangelist-minister on the beaches and refugee camps of Lebanon, told us about a man he had baptized. This lawyer and former Muslim had come to Christ because of alhayat.tv (Life TV). This Arabic channel is one we work with and broadcasts IMM’s programs.

That same day, Sam baptized another man. He was also from a Muslim background, but was Palestinian and living in a refugee camp. He also found Christ as a result of alhayat.tv.

Stories like these show media outreach is crossing lines of social and economic status. The gospel can reach anyone, from a lawyer to a refugee. Media is touching people directly where they are searching. It has no boundaries. It’s used for good and for bad. We are so glad to add to the good for God’s glory!

All across the Middle East and North Africa, missionaries and nationals are using media to share Christ, challenge the local ideology that has distorted the thinking about Christianity, and build the church of Jesus Christ. We must keep producing these evangelistic videos.

God’s Word for Today:

“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2

Pray with us:

  • Pray for the spiritual growth of the converts who are learning about God through media.

  • Pray for IMM to encourage the hearts of our partners and meet their needs with unique programming.

  • Pray for God to show you the mission He has for you as you follow Him faithfully.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 30

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 30

God Gives a Song

On the set of “Perpetua”

We asked a young actress who has worked with us before to play the leading role of “Perpetua” in the Lost Legacy Reclaimed series. Perpetua was persecuted by the Romans during the second century in North Africa. The diaries of Perpetua and the documents appended by Christians after her death mention that she sang a song while she was in the arena before they released the wild animals to attack and kill her.

Perla, the actress, and I were trying to find a song she could sing in this scene without copyrights and that was not too modern sounding. We hadn't found anything that felt right. Perla sent me two scripture verses that she felt could fit the story.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1

"For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness but of power and love and discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

But still, we had no song. Perla said she was not a musician, but she, as a new believer, would pray. She went for a walk and felt a tune rise in her heart. It was haunting and ancient-sounding — just right for the time period.

The actors had been directed to speak in Latin which was the local language of the day for the stories in North Africa. When Perla went back to where she was staying and converted the Bible verses into Latin — they rhymed and fit the tune perfectly!

Only God can do really incredible things like that. Perla sang this in the arena that we rented to shoot the scenes. It was amazing realizing that the Holy Spirit had given us a song rather than directing us to something created by someone else! Marvelous and unexpected. God is faithful. Let’s give the world more songs!

(Watch Lost Legacy Reclaimed, “Perpetua,” S1:Ep 3 in English for free. The full series can be seen on Amazon Prime Video, Redeem TV, and Inspiration TV.)

God’s Word for Today:

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” Psalm 40:3

Pray with us:

  • Pray for God to delight the hearts of those seeking solace online or on television today.

  • Pray for IMM to be tuned to the Holy Spirit as He does the best direction of projects.

  • Pray that you will have eyes to see the unexpected work of God in your life.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 29

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 29

Christ Makes the Difference

An Arabic woman shared this with SAT-7, one of our partner channels:

“I have been watching for six months. Through your broadcasts I received Jesus Christ as my Savior. My whole family says the difference is written all over my face! I really feel at peace with my life now. My younger sister noticed the change in me too, and she asked me how she could know God as I do. So I told her she has to put her faith in Jesus - and she did!”

It is hard for us in the west to imagine how limited information about Jesus or even about Christmas can be. We created a series of Bible stories called The Path of Jesus. It was released on DVD and as the television series that this woman saw.

One of the episodes, “The Christmas Story” put Jesus’ birth into context for people who knew little - or nothing - about Roman times or the Judaic environment that He was born into. This short 10-minute segment demonstrates significant points that can be easily missed by someone reading quickly or is unfamiliar with the story.

Seeing these familiar stories through the eyes of someone learning them for the first time brings a refreshing perspective. The Path of Jesus and the other 30 Bible stories we produced have gone into over 40 languages helping people learn the ways of Jesus. Even now, 14 years after they were released, regions building discipleship and Biblical knowledge into their communities have asked to have these stories translated into new languages. Using this (and other programs) after so many years reinforces IMM’s commitment to creating high-quality products that clearly communicate Biblical truths and stand the test of time.

God’s Word for Today:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Pray with us:

  • Pray for new believers learning the context of the Bible.

  • Pray for team IMM to be clear in our communication to Honor Jesus.

  • Pray for your own perspective to be renewed on the old familiar stories.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 28

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 28

Secrets of Gold

We keep secrets for a variety of reasons. Someone shares quietly so they feel less alone, and we don’t gossip. Or what about a fun secret like what you’re giving someone for Christmas? Also the desires or aches of our heart can be so personal we can’t even speak them out loud. Imagine the idea of the Gospel being your secret.

A man in the gulf region wrote to our broadcast partners, "For a long time, secretly, I have been hoping for information about the Bible and Christianity. Finally I have an opportunity for this as I can watch your Satellite programs, in which you speak about Jesus. Send me all possible information.” Abdullah

It is a great duty and privilege for IMM to stand with people like Abdullah and with the channels that are in great need of regionally specific content to communicate the truth of Jesus Christ to vast parts of the world. In places where people will find themselves on the wrong side of the law when they meet Jesus, a time of processing and learning is required to take that faith step. Then another learning and growing time before they know it is time to tell people about their new discovery and a new life.

"Dear friends, I am so glad to be writing this letter after watching you several times on a satellite channel. I am surprised that it is so good. I think I am ready to accept Christ.” A Moroccan young man

It is easy in our western world to take for granted the ability to search for programs and videos in our own language and read a Bible in our own language at any given moment. We have the treasure of the Gospel at our fingertips on any mobile device and likely in books within an arm's reach in our homes. IMM gladly stands with those who do not have this access to be part of their journey to Christ as they look for Him.

"In The Bible Channel we get the Word. We get it explained and you just get it instantly. You just open your TV and there God speaks to your heart. And there God gives you the water of the Spirit and simplifies the Word and simplifies the Way. Because He is the Word. He is the Light. And He is the Way.” Viewer from North Africa

God’s Word for Today:

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Herbrews 12:4

Pray with us:

  • Pray for believers with a Muslim background to have miraculous opportunities to grow in their faith.

  • Pray for IMM’s opportunities to create stories that grow faith and knowledge of God.

  • Pray for your church community to build one another up in faith and discipleship to be equipped to do serve.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 27

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 27

The Means May Change but Hearts Still Need Jesus

This time of year, we think about Jesus as a baby. Emmanuel. God with us. Then we will move on to think of His life and His death, but of course, Jesus did not remain in the grave. God communicated to us the blessed hope of the redemption of our own bodies through Christ’s resurrection. This message of love and hope was then entrusted to the church. For the next 1400 years, this message was communicated orally and through arduously hand-copied versions of the word of God.

The printing press was invented in 1450 and one of the very first books published was the Bible. A new era in communication and spreading the Gospel began. For the next 400 years, the spoken and written word would remain the primary method of communicating God’s love and hope, but the parameters had changed drastically.

Then in the last century, we saw an explosion in communication technology. In 1896 the radio was invented; 1927, television; 1980s, satellites; and in the 1990s, the internet. Now, we have Bluetooth and other “airborne” methods of communication.

It is crazy to imagine the drastic changes in just the last 20 years. IMM has been instrumental in the Gospel being seen and heard by millions of people around the world. All of these great accomplishments are but the tip of the iceberg of potential. Yes, millions have heard, but the population of our earth is measured in billions. IMM has never wavered in the desire to reach the world for Christ. With each new innovation, the tools are in place and become more powerful. The Gospel can truly be within the reach of this global population. Your prayers will help speed the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

God’s Word for Today:

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14

Pray with us:

  • Pray for people searching online, listening to radios, and scanning television channels today to find the hope of the Gospel.

  • Pray for IMM to be wise in the technology innovations we adopt.

  • Pray for a friend in a challenging situation and use today’s technology to let them know you are thinking of them today.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 26

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 26

What about you?

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” Jeremiah 33:3

Would you like to be part of the army of God? Sometimes, we place limitations on the desires of our hearts. “I can't go on a mission now.” “I'm in the process of buying a house.” “My children are in preschool.” “I don't know how to do it.” “I'm not good at it.” “There are others who have more talent.” “I don't have money.” “I'm not known.” etc, etc, etc. The excuses can keep going for a long time. But really they are all lies from the enemy.

Just by contributing so that others can go, you are going. You could be a part of this beautiful ministry, putting Jesus on every screen, by contributing a small sum of money, praying, and spreading the word about IMM. See how simple?

Or maybe you have a missionary call, but can't make up your mind. Well, now is the time, not tomorrow, or someday. Ask God for direction and he will teach you great and hidden things that you do not know.

Even in the late 1980s, IMM had already established a dynamic ministry. We helped design or build television and radio facilities on five continents. Our programs were translated into numerous languages and continue to be broadcast into places where the Gospel is illegal. Even in the early years, hundreds of nationals from places like Ghana, Swaziland, Romania, Russia, India, Kazakhstan and the Amazon basin received invaluable media training and went on to sustain their own media outreaches. IMM has been instrumental in the Gospel being seen and heard by millions of people around the world. The work continues!

Be part of this. Ask God for guidance on how you can be a blessing and enlist in the army of the living God. Join us!

God’s Word for Today:

“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”

Pray with us:

  • Pray for more believers in hard places to be bold to work for God.

  • Pray for more workers for IMM.

  • Pray for God to show you the marvelous things He has for you to be involved in His Kingdom.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 25

40 Days of Prayer Journey - Day 25

Hungry and Thirsty; Couldn’t Sleep

IMM was pleased to partner with the Bible Channel as they began to serve Eurasia, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. A young man from the region had a passion to reach his own people. They sent us this testimony from a viewer:

“Well, one night I couldn’t sleep. My life seemed so empty, meaningless and lonely. After trying to sleep for some time I went to watch some television. I flicked through a few channels and couldn’t find much of interest at six in the morning and then I came across a program that just seemed to draw my heart. It seemed so beautiful to me and so attractive to me that I just couldn’t change channels. It was called The Bible Channel and they were speaking of things I had never heard of before in my life. At the end of the program, the presenter said that if you are hungry and thirsty for the truth then ask God to reveal Himself to you and to show you who Jesus is. I knew I had to ask Jesus into my heart to be my Lord and my Savior because I knew that day that Jesus is the truth. Later I told my mother about the program and we watched it together the next morning. She also learned and believed that Jesus is the Son of God and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. From that day on, we have watched The Bible Channel every day and are learning more and more about the Bible.”

It’s amazing that satellites and internet platforms can reach right into homes and hearts at six in the morning. Whenever someone is seeking for meaning in life, they can meet Jesus.

God’s Word for Today:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” Mark 16:15

Pray with us:

  • Pray for those who have a God-ordained moment searching through media today to accept Christ.

  • Pray for IMM videos to be effective in touching hearts and minds.

  • Pray for God to lay a person on your heart to pray for their salvation.

Have a need that you would like us to join you in prayer for? Want to join our Prayer Team? Click the “Pray with us!” button to sign up and submit prayer requests.