Our
11-person production crew arrived in Kyrgyzstan in April 2009 and were
immediately blessed with amazing meetings and interviews that got us started on
the two films we were there to make:a Video People Profile and an evangelistic film.
As
we listened to testimonies from local believers, God put together a plot for
the dramatic film.It was made up
of moments from many heartbreaking stories – tales of the hurt and pain that so
often result from sin — and of the hope and redemption that Jesus brings into
those situations.In the end the
story was about the friendship between a believer and a homeless man who had
lost everything through his own sin.It was challenging to write.We had to wrestle with questions of the depths of God’s love:when there is true hopelessness, can
the grace and mercy of God truly break through?Yet the Holy Spirit led us forward, and gave us the story we
believe he wanted to use to share the gospel with the Kyrgyz.
The
actors and helpers for producing this movie came primarily from one local
church, and they did a terrific job.Our lead actor, especially, managed to capture the brokenness of a
homeless man who had lost everything.It was a privilege to be invited into their community as we partnered on
this project.We all remember the
feast we enjoyed when a village fed us an entire sheep!
Meanwhile, we also had the opportunity to meet up with many
amazing workers – both foreign and local – who were doing ministry through
teaching, health care, social work, and more.These connections became the foundation for the Video People
Profile for the Kyrgyz.
Everyday, we geared up to take the best footage God would have for
us. We’ll never forget the breathtaking views during our trip through the Tian
Shan mountains to visit Naryn province, birthplace of the gospel in Kyrgyzstan.
The time with Kyrgyz first-generation believers was powerful, and as we saw
their faith we couldn’t help but see the parallels with the Book of Acts.
Some
days were tougher than others. There were many repeated attempts to film that one perfect image, and we
were all stretched as we shot until the early hours of the morning in the cold
weather.Other challenges included
inconsistent electricity, difficulty finding locations, and even a car accident
(fortunately nobody was injured!). But God’s grace was completely sufficient, and in
the end we successfully captured all scenes and got all the footage necessary
for both films.
The morning we left, the sunrise was glorious. We thought -
Kyrgyzstan is ripe for the harvest. It is in this spirit of hope that we
entered post-production (editing, graphic effects, etc.)We continue to trust that these films
will be used as tools for God’s Kingdom in Kyrgyzstan.
Testimonies
Although
we’d learned to use video cameras in our lecture phase, I didn’t feel confident
in that as we headed out onto outreach.But God had spoken to me before going that He would show me new skills
that I’d never known I had before.In Kyrgyzstan I was asked many times to be the cameraman, which I really
enjoyed.I felt that God taught me
and gave me this skill to use for his glory.
- Mark, Egypt
During
my outreach, I not only learned media and cross-cultural communication, but
also what it means to worship God with all our lives. God has shown His commitment and faithfulness to me and it’s
amazing privilege to be used by Him.This time was a great encouragement for me to respond to the call he has
for my life.God gave me new level
of faith through this adventure.I’m so thankful to be chosen by Him!
- Jason, USA
In
Kyrgyzstan, I saw in a new way the reality that each people group has their own
unique story, as well as their own needs.Understanding something of contextualizing the gospel for different
cultures has helped us both to share the story of the people with the body of
Christ, and to bring the gospel to them in a way that retains and celebrates
their God-given culture.God has
awakened in my spirit a new and deeper passion for intercultural missions.The SFM has helped to give me specific
direction in the calling that God has put on my life.
- Josh, Australia
I
felt somewhat inadequate going to film a documentary in a foreign land, where I
do not speak the language or understand the culture. God faithfully imparted his
heart for the Kyrgyz, while the SFM provided knowledgeable, experienced staff
who created a flexible environment for me to learn use the equipment on the
field. In being open and teachable with any task, God blessed me with many
opportunities to film interesting shots and interact well
cross-culturally. I was even
honored with a special meal in the village by the Kyrgyz! Anything is possible
with God. - JoAnne, USA
Video
The entire evangelistic film, Greater Grace, is now available (in the Kyrgyz language) on Create International's youtube channel if you'd like to have a look:
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