Today was the first time in a number of years that I spoke in front of people. I had been planned to speak at AMOC’s Niagara Bible Conference today. (http://www.amoc-nbc.com/) AMOC stands for the American Mission for Opening Churches. I wasn’t sure what to expect to be honest. They’re involved in many different things, but most notably they have a camp there. I went to AMOC as a kid and have many good and bad memories there. When I showed up last week to meet with Tom who runs things there, I found it weird seeing the place after so many years. Now it’s funny that after all that time, to be back there, and speaking in the Chapel on a sunday night. I wasn’t there to give a sermon really, but instead talk about STANDING FIRM, testify to some of the things that God did, and share with those there about the church screenings and how they can be utilized in their ministries. The folks who show up to this are from lots of other churches locally. Some pastors, some elders/deacons, and a handful of normal church folks. I would say maybe 50-60 were there.
My hands were shaking, I was sweating terribly, and I was waiting for everything to start. I was wearing a suit and such which is something I almost never wear, and just baked inside of it. Having worn flip flops and shorts for the last year and only having a suit on a few times, my body wasn’t having much fun. I kept running through what I was going to say in my head and didn’t have anything to start off my speaking with. I didn’t know how to start things off in a non-awkward manner. I was really nervous to say something foolish or dumb, or crack a joke that would fall flat, and I didn’t really know where anyone there fell theologically so where I touched in areas there I wasn’t sure about. STANDING FIRM could be slightly controversial because of the truth it presents, and I wasn’t sure if any backlash could come of that. So when I got up there I just went for it, and probably repeated myself a time or two but I think things went well. I probably wasn’t the most cheerful speaker they’ve ever heard, but it had it’s light moments of laughter. I was pretty serious up there speaking to everyone, and brought up some very uncomfortable issues in the church (specifically the American Church) and spoke a bit about the state of the church as well. I had all that rolling around in my head and wasn’t sure if there would be a good spot to fit it in, but I think it worked. I basically went towards making a few comments like that because the issue of suffering in the film is so different from some of the namby pamby fluffy hug a teddy bear type Christianity that’s rampant out there. Death, suffering, financial woes, etc. none of it is fun to talk about. But I think everyone understood where I was coming from, and hopefully it made sense in that the film tackles a lot of issues that is rarely preached or taught.
Afterwards I shook many hands and had copies for sale. Out of the folks who were there, I got rid of a ton of copies, some buying 2 or even 4. I had a sign up sheet for the church screenings so I could send the folks more information. I hope I get a few signups from this, because that would be great. I also talked to a Pastor directly who already knows when he would want to do a screening so we’re going to work on that. It was great to see the positive reaction after it was over. My hands were shaking anymore, and I was able to just breath and talk to folks. Turns out one of the women there has her entire family in Brazil and they would probably be interested in doing a screening or two down there. I’ve already had a church in Brazil interested in a screening, so this could mean more! Pretty crazy the kinds of foreign folks who know about the film and have requested it. Pray for distribution in the Portuguese market, because it’s sorta on hold at the moment.
So overall a great night, and I was glad to see it over with. I’ve had barely any sleep lately and I need to catch up. There’s only 16 days until STANDING FIRM comes out, incredible! I think I’ve only caught a glimpse of what God is going to do with this film, and I can’t wait to see…
I got an email today that really encouraged me too. David Evans (Writer/Director/Producer of THE GRACE CARD, recently picked up by Provident Films/Sony) dropped me an email to say he’s excited to see the film and can’t wait to share TGC when it’s done. Last year while I was in LA he called me one day asking questions about filmmaking and who he might call and whether or not I knew anyone he could contact. Through some emails and phone calls I was able to help him which was great. I helped him get his AD (Justin Tolley from Fireproof/Courageous/Letters to God), and Michael Joiner (the lead in the film). It was great being able to help and then for a time I went down to Memphis to help do a little location scouting and a few other things, then I went home before production actually started. David’s email was very encouraging as I hadn’t heard from him for some time and I had actually just thought of how he was doing on my way to church this morning. God is good 
A very good day, and filled with Blessings. Looking forward to a good night sleep and then a busy work week to follow. Lots of things to do! The posters for the church screenings should arrive today (it’s monday already) and then I’ll be all set to send the church screenings. If I can get all the packages weighed and ready I can start shipping them much earlier than I originally thought, so WOOT!
Till next time…
