Youth Leaders Retreat south of Mexico City

The following is a portion of a e-newsletter I recieved from the Petersons, missionaries from our church:

Saul is one of the finest young Christian men we know. He entered the military to be able to study medicine and eventually use that for the Lord. About 6 months ago he felt convicted to leave the military and prepare himself for full-time Christian service. Saul shared that when he was in the military they would sleep with their weapon, learn how to take it apart and assemble it in the dark and carry it with them at all times. They knew it inside and out. He said for the next month he wants to do the same with his spiritual weapon (the Bible). He wants to spend as much time in the Word as he can and carry it with him wherever he goes, sleep with it, etc. "Why should we know a physical weapon better than our spiritual weapon?"
Please pray for these youth who attended [the Youth Leaders Retreat]. They have the potential to change the youth of Mexico and God believes in them just like he does in you and I.

TZOALLI'S BIRTHDAY
One of those who attended the retreat is Tzoalli who celebrated her 30th birthday a couple of weeks ago. Tzoalli works for Johnson & Co. here in Mexico and has a heart for evangelism. She has a sister who is a Christian but her brother and father are not. She has led several of her friends to the Lord and is working on others. This year she decided to give a birthday brunch for herself. But she didn't want it to be just a regular birthday party but an evangelistic one. So she asked some friends of hers who have a huge backyard if she could use it for the event. She invited half Christian friends and the other half non-Christian friends and family that she has been witnessing to. She asked all of her non-Christian friends ahead of time to be specifically praying for those who would be coming. She had a beautiful brunch catered with little place cards with scriptures on them. She had some friends sing some Christian music, she shared a testimony of what Christ had done in her life and she had Rodney share a short devotional thought.
It was a meaningful time and those who were Christians had a great opportunity to get to know those who weren't and share in a casual environment. Please pray for Tzoalli and her continued witness to her friends and family that she will see the fruit of her efforts.

Below are two pictures from the retreat plus a picture of Tzoalli sharing at her birthday brunch.

Your Partners in Ministry,
Rodney and Linda Peterson

Abigail Hope was born on October 10, 2005 around 2:15pm

Abigail Hope was born on October 10, 2005 around 2:15pm to Aaron and Heidi Earlywine.

For pics: http://earlywinefamily.blogspot.com

Walden Media talks Narnia, C.S. Lewis

The following is an article about the upcoming Narnia movie:

Walden Media talks Narnia, C.S. Lewis
14 Sep 2005 by Paul Martin
Contributing sources: BPnews

Christians tend to think of Hollywood as a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah inhabited by the living dead. Indeed, evidence would indicate that the Sodom and Gomorrah part is pretty accurate. But its citizenry consists of all kinds, including those who desire to create family friendly films and those who even proclaim a relationship with the Almighty.

One such man is Micheal Flaherty, who, along with college friend Cary Granat, formed Walden Media ("Because of Winn Dixie"; "I Am David") six years ago. Their purpose was to make great films from celebrated literature.

(Actually, Walden Media is located in Boston, but then, there really is no Hollywood nucleus. The populous of the entertainment community resides throughout the world.)

Forming the film production company was a challenge, one not taken lightly by the company’s founders.

“We want to be the next great trusted brand for families, particularly for teachers, libraries and parents," Flaherty says. "And we have to deliver on our mission to use the film and the book to make learning more exciting for kids."

The Walden Media CEOs now face their greatest challenge and very likely their most rewarding contribution to the film world -- the making of "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe."

Based on the best-selling children’s book by C.S. Lewis, the story concerns four children who discover a magical wardrobe that transports them into the realm of Narnia, a land inhabited by talking animals and many a life lesson. There, the children join forces with the courageous lion, Aslan, to defeat the evil forces of the White Witch.

“We go to a lot of teacher conferences, library conferences, curriculum conferences," Flaherty says. "That’s an opportunity for us to ask teachers and librarians what books their students are reading. And what books they want to see made into movies. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe has always been at the top of the list.”

A step up from most children’s fables, the book and the film are full of Christian analogies and symbolism. What’s more, many churchgoers find that the story serves to open a dialogue between parent and child concerning the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf.

Asked if this religious kinship raised eyebrows at Disney, Flaherty says, “No, no one ever separated out themes or characters from the book anytime we had a discussion about it. Everyone embraced it as a great story.”

With Disney embracing the Christian philosophy of C. S. Lewis, surely that means a filmmatic makeover.

“Well first, the film is the book, pure and simple,” Flaherty says. “So any themes in the book are there in the film. For me, the main themes are family and forgiveness. Those are the two great themes. I especially pay attention to them now that I have three children. What’s unbelievable is the friendships between the brothers and sisters in the story. And of course, the theme of forgiveness is beautifully incorporated.”

“There are a couple of educational guides on the site (Waldon.com) that parents can work on with their kids. Basically, it details how we brought the book to life. It also goes into some history behind The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and its author.”

If Wardrobe fits moviegoers, will Walden Media embrace other projects by the author?

“I’d love to," Flaherty said. "One of our first projects was The Question of God, a documentary that examines the religious debate between Sigmund Freud, a life-long critic of religion, and C.S. Lewis, who became America’s most influential proponent of faith based on reason. Screwtape Letters is one of my favorite books and Mere Christianity was one of the most influential books in my life."

Bridges of Reconciliation

Last night at Middle School Youth Group we talked about building bridges of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5 says we have been reconciled through Christ and that we are to be Ministers of Reconciliation.

The following story illustrates how Jesus builds bridges of reconciliation between people.

There were two brothers. Their father had a large farm and when he became too old to work, he called his sons to him. "I am too old to work anymore," he said. "I will divide my farm in half and give each of you one half. I know that you will always work together and will be good friends."

When the brothers first started farming on their adjoining farms, they were the best of friends and would share everything together. For years, they helped each other work the farms and even loaned each other equipment.

Then, one day there was an argument between the two brothers and they stopped speaking to one another. Things got so bad that one of the brothers took a bulldozer and dug a trench between the two farms so that a creek could run between them, creating a clear boundary.

For many years, not a word was spoken between them.

One day, one of the brothers was at his house when a carpenter came to his door and said, “I would like to do some work. Do you have any work that I can do?” The brother thought for a moment and then replied, “See that big pile of lumber over there by my barn? I want you to build an eight foot high fence out of it so I don’t have to look at my brother’s farm or even see his face anymore! I’m going into town and I’ll be back this evening.” The carpenter said he understood and would do his best.

When he came back that evening, he was shocked to see that the carpenter had not followed his instructions. Instead of building a high fence there, he had built a bridge over the stream. The man walked down to take a look at the bridge, and as he did, his brother walked toward him from the other side. His brother said, “After all the terrible things I’ve done to you over the years, I can't believe that you would build a bridge and welcome me back.” He reached out to his brother and gave him a big hug.

As the brothers had a happy reunion, the carpenter turned to go. “Wait,” the farmer said, “I have other jobs for you.” “No thanks,” said the carpenter as he hoisted his toolbox to his shoulder, “I have other bridges to build.”

Sometimes you and I have a disagreement with our brothers and sisters in Christ. When that happens, we often build a fence between ourselves and them. We stop talking to them. We don't want to see them. We don't want to be around them. That isn't what Jesus wants us to do. Instead of fences, he wants us to build a bridge of love between us.

Dear Father, we know it is your desire for us to live together in peace and harmony. Help us to love one another. Amen.

Saved - the movie

Have you seen the movie "Saved"? I have read some reviews of it and am interested in seein it when it comes out on DVD.

Below is a review from www.theooze.com

LINK:http://www.theooze.com/articles/article.cfm?id=939

SAVED
by Adam Beach
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As an extremely sardonic and satirical critique of Modern Christian pop culture, the movie Saved has been largely scorned and ruthlessly ridiculed in Evangelical sectors for its merciless look into the shallow world of the modern evangelical movement. Yet, some Christians have reacted to the movie with genuine interest and inquisitive thought. When viewed in its entirety, Saved proves to be a valid and much needed satirical critique of the growing Christian subculture. The movie explores, comically and critically, the world and lives of students and teachers at a Christian private school, the American Eagle Christian School. It addresses Modern Christianity’s view on such issues as swearing, homosexuality, sex, adultery, smoking, non-Christians, worship, and speaking in tongues. Being a movie meant to critique, Christianity’s views regarding the aforementioned issues are mercilessly shredded throughout the movie. Many of these critiques are valid and accurate, but some are overstated. A valid critique is Christianity’s lack of tolerance of homosexuals. In general, the Christians in Saved are portrayed as being intolerant and abusive toward homosexuals, treating them as if they were inhuman and in need of “curing.” This is a realistic representation of Christianity’s view of homosexuals in modern day America. It is tragic to see so many Christians acting in condemnation and hate towards homosexuals, while turning a blind eye to such glaring issues as adultery, divorce, and premarital sex. The movie also factually shows Christianity’s refusal to acknowledge these ever present devastating issues. The fact is, Jesus said little to nothing regarding homosexuality, but rarely stopped talking about loving your [homosexual] neighbor as yourself and taking care of the poor. Another valid criticism in the movie is its portrayal of Christianity’s taboo concerning smoking and swearing. Both of these issues reveal little about one’s heart. It is pitiful that the church has wasted so much time, energy, and anguish on such external issues. Though Saved stands as an excellent critique of Modern Christianity, it did cross the line in few areas, such as worship, Christianity’s view of non-Christians, and prayer. The director of Saved demonstrates an obvious understanding of Christian pop culture, but does ease into comical error in these few areas. In nearly every instance of exaggeration or error, it is obviously for the purpose of comedy. Yet, this does not erase the fact the Christians were made to appear fairly shallow, goofy, and condemning in many scenes throughout the movie. It is because of these discrepancies that many Christians have discounted this fine movie as ludicrous. Unfortunately, many Christians will deliberately avoid seeing this film simply because their skin is too thin to take a healthy dose of valid comical criticism. Many Christians have sadly forgotten how to discern. Void of the ability to accept valid critique, the Christian church has been weakened. Christians need to have the wisdom to step back from their presuppositions, and honestly evaluate their actions and views. Saved is a perfect example of a reasonable but frank critique of modern Christianity, that would be widely accepted and evaluated by Christians if we had any desire to be honest and genuine in our walk with Christ.