Christmas movies

12/28 - It is not often I get to see movies when they come out in the cinema.  I've enjoyed both the Hobbit and Les Miserables.  Both are bit long, but are well crafted and deal with great themes.  I give my two thumbs up for both films.

Get Your Story Started

12/20 - We're very honored to have Brian Bird (Not Easily Broken), David Nixon (Letters to God), and Ralph Winter (X-Men) share in our upcoming webinar series on "Getting Your Story Started."  Reserve your spot (it's free), but limited by going to Event Calendar and registering.

Innovation in Art

12/14 - Love the innovation by Chuck Quinley and his students in Thailand.  Check out his brief  post under blogs.  And he has a powerful way of wielding his 15 inch Mac Book Pro as a video camera.  Chuck is one of the great mission innovators in the world.  Really.

Intentional About Advent

12/10 - I pray you are taking time each day to slooowww dowwwn and worship.  Here in America most people move faster in December and miss the stunning reality of God become flesh.  Enjoy.  Meditate.  Listen.  Receive.  Give.

Content Coming

12/6 - We're doing our best to get the excellent content from the Mobile Ministry Consultation last week published.  Keep an eye for new videos.  For starters, Tim Jore's excellent presentation on the future of content publishing is posted.   Great job Tim!

It's a wrap!

88 leaders from 56 organizations gathered last week in Orlando learning how to use mobile devices in ministry strategies.   Wow! One participant said, "Most practical conference I have ever attended! Thank you!"  We'll have summary, recorded talks, resource links out in the next two weeks.

Mobile Consultation: It's a Wrap!

We had 88 attendees representing 54 different organizations.  Attendees included the leaders of 21 of the ministries/organizations represented as well as five VPs/Executive VPs. One participant said, " A very practical and missiologically sound, field-needs-driven, conference where I felt that every talk and every conversation was advancing the Great Commission.”

Mobile Consultation: It's a Wrap!

We had 88 attendees representing 54 different organizations.  Attendees included the leaders of 21 of the ministries/organizations represented as well as five VPs/Executive VPs. One participant said, " A very practical and missiologically sound, field-needs-driven, conference where I felt that every talk and every conversation was advancing the Great Commission.”

Day 1: Mobile Ministry Forum

Whoa!  We had 96 for the first evening!  Great job by Frank P on "Jihad: Pull vs. Push Media in Movements."  Looking forward to day 2.  Great times with Graham VerMooten, Nancy Keel, Keith Williams.  Join online.  Email Jay at jclark@maf.org

You Can Participate in Mobile Ministry Consultation

11/26 - I'm headed to Orlando for the rest of the week for our 3rd Mobile Ministry Consultation.  You can participate for free via Internet.  To get registered and signed in, email Jay at jclark@maf.org.   Hope you can join us!

Mobile Ministry Consultation

11/14 - Though only our third consultation, we'll nearly double the numbers from last year.  So far 75 have registered to join the most innovative group of Christ-followers using mobile devices for kingdom purposes.  There is still room.  Join the party. www.visualstory.org/consult2012. 

Connections Galore!

11/10 - One of the great things about the Visual Story Network is the connections made everyday.   Jon Gregerson and Melissa B will be talking about possible synergies in the gaming world (yes, games are very story driven).  Both have experience with small games like Call of Duty and City of Heroes.  Love when this happens.

Barnabas Group

11/6 - Wow!  I just had to great days meeting with business and ministry leaders in Southern California through the Barnabas Group (www.barnabasgroup.org).  I got to share the vision of a global movement of visual story for the sake of Jesus' kingdom.  Many great connections.  Thanks to Jim West and his team for their great work.

Arts, Media, Entertainment

10/29: I'm in Denver with Bryon Spradlin, and Evy Baehr as we co-host the Arts, Media, Entertainment track at the Mission America gathering from 10/29-31.   Tom Khazoyan will be joining us.  Not to late to jump in if you're in the area.  Text me at 949.310.8733 if you're interested.

Great Job David Wood!

10/24 - David Wood did a phenomenal job organizing the Pan Pacific Film Festival in Los Angeles this past weekend.  It was an honor to speak on a panel alongside John Ware (Project 168), Tige Charity (Kids in the Spotlight), and Mark McCallie (JCTV).  Other great connections included Jim Green, Sean Dunn, Robby & Ted Baehr, and Roger Dunliff (CFDb). 

Pan Pacific Film Festival

Oct 16 - I'm looking forward to getting time with VSN Co-Founder Jim Green.  Together we'll be enjoying the Pan Pacific Film Festival along with David Wood, Sean Dunn, Jim Schmidt, and many others.   The festival runs October 18-20.  Jim and I will be there this Friday, the 19th.  Hope to see some of you.

Stephen Keel Graduated

October 10 - Here are excerpts I received from Stephen's wife Nancy.  "I am sad and happy to inform you that Steve went home to be with the Lord last night about 6 PM.  He had all of his children around him singing for the last several hours of his life.  He was awake and aware some of the time and even wrote a couple of notes.  God is sustaining me through this time of Steve's departure."

Stephen Keel

October 5, 2012 - Please pray for Stephen Keel.  His double lung transplant has left him in pain and deteriorating health for nine months.  He needs dramatic intervention from Lord or he may be seeing the Father face to face.   There will be a prayer conference call Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m Eastern for all who wish to join. 209-647-1000 Code 508213#.  I'll be there.

JESUS Film App releases today

October 1, 2012 - The long-awaited Jesus Film Media app is available on the iTunes store.   It will be available for Android by the end of the month.  The app is free and allows you to access 80,000 different forms of media in 1100+ languages.  Amazing.  Pass the word along.

Senna - A Stunning Documentary

I'm not a Formula One fan (at all), but was mesmerized by this documentary about Ayrton Senna, an iconic Brazilian driver who changed the sport forever.   It can be streamed over Netflix (if you're in the US).   Fascinating faith elements.  

Mobile Ministry Deadine

We're excited for the ministries that will be represented at this year's Mobile Ministry Consultation.  The early registration deadline is September 25.  Secure your place and your discount at www.visualstory.org/consult2012.

Mission American Deadline

The early registration deadline for the Mission America Coalition is Monday, September 17 (my 50th birthday!).  After Monday, the rate jumps up by $50.   Byron Spradlin, Evy Baehr, Bob Beltz and others will be joining us in the Media, Arts and Entertainment track.  Please join us in Denver (10/28-31).  See the event calendar below for more info.

Pastor Nadarkhani is freed

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was imprisoned in Iran for apostasy and sentenced to be executed.  After nearly three years in prison, he was released on Saturday, September 8.  Pray for his safety because Iranian pastors have been mysteriously killed after being released in the past.  His lawyer is currently in prison for "acting against national security."

Chloe's Mom Passed Away

You may know of Chloe's family's story (www.visualstory.org/petra).  Sadly, Chloe and Petra's mom passed away.  Here is the post from her site: This past Sunday evening (8/28), Petra’s (and Chloe's) mother, Kim, passed away in her sleep. Thank you for all the prayers and support you’ve given to the Anderson family over these last few weeks. They have been appreciated more than you could ever know.

Festival Directors

We just hosted a meet and greet with these leaders of faith-based festivals.   We honor these saints who do serious heavy lifting to make these festivals a reality.   Lori & Rodney Marett (Gideon), Richard Bagdazian (San Diego), John Ware (168 Project), Bill & Jamee Kennedy (Attic), Peet Louw (Transforming Stories), and David Wood (Pan Pacific).  

2013 Vision

The VSN Community has been growing steadily.  Together we are accomplishing much more than we can alone.   Here are some of the things I'm asking the Lord to enable us to do together.   Check out www.visualstory.org/2013 for our big, hairy, audacious goals.

#1000 DJ Chuang

DJ Chuang is online community member #1000!  For that he get's the Apple suite (MacBook Pro, iPad, and gift certificate for the iPhone5).  Actually, I've offered to buy him breakfast since he happens to be local to me.   Glad you're here DJ. 

999

There are now 999 of us who have entered the VSN online community (not counting many others who have participated through events, projects, and partnerships).  I'm curious to see who will be #1000. 

"Undaunted" Takes Prizes

Doug Maddox's film "Undaunted" took two Crown awards at ICVM's recent gathering.   It took best documentary and best evangelical film (in the same category as "Courageous").   There will be a premier screening in Baltimore on October 21 (check out the Event calendar for more info).  Kudos to Doug and the team on the film.

Film Festival Directors

We're hosting a meet and greet for film festival directors on August 30.   If you are a festival director or would like us to extend an invitation to someone you know, let me know.   Send me an email at clyde@visualstory.org.

Richard Bagdazian - San Diego Festival

It was great to have Richard jump into the VSN community recently.  He founded and directs the San Diego Christian Film Festival.  There are many of us who have very similar passions and are disconnected from the greater work God is doing in our own cities as well as around the world.  As it turns out, Richard works 10 minutes from my home and yet we never met until he joined VSN. 

Chloe Anderson's Sister Shot in Aurora

Chloe's sister Petra was seriously injured in the Aurora shooting last week.  She was not expected to survive the first night, but has been making significant progress.  There is a fund setup to defray the costs of medical care for Petra and her mother (fighting cancer) who do not have insurance.  Here is the link: http://www.indiegogo.com/readytobelieve

TV pros

Thanks to Craig Forrest for setting up a great time with some southern California television pros today.  Guys like Jon Smith, Truett Hancock, Kevin Clark, and Craig Forrest have 150 + years of experience between them.  

Synergy

David Nixon (Letters to God) and Charlie Matz (Veracity Co Labs) were able to work on a project together because of connections made through VSN.  I love when the people within the VSN community connect and collaborate.   Gotta love the synergy!  

Great time in Seattle

We had a great time in Seattle last week (though we didn't see the sun often).  We were able to share the vision of reaching the world through visual story with more than 1000 people (in 8 speaking opportunities).  Great time to connect with people like Phill Butler, Brian Gough, Rich Husby, David Hughes, Andrew Loomis, and others. 

See You in Seattle

Shirin and I will be in Seattle from June 22 to July 2.  If you are in the area, we'd love to see you!  Track us down by checking out www.visualstory.org/seattle.  

Biola Digital Media Wrap up

Thanks to Dr. Dave Bourgeois and his team at Biola for their work at Biola Digital.  There was a strong emphasis on the mobile revolution and the need to wisely and intelligently integrate mobile strategies into our work.   At the very least, think through how to adapt your web presence to the mobile (compatible, optimized, or responsive).  Great to be with John Edmiston, Antoine Wright, Johnathon Pulos, and Leighton Cussak.

Biola Digital Media Conference

A number of us will be at the Biola conference this week (including folks like John Edmiston, Antoine Wright, and yours truly as part of the speaker line-up).   It starts on Tuesday.  Lots of great content.  Look under Events for more info.

One Click Away

Josh McDowell and his team have created a powerful story to draw attention to the danger that invades homes across the globe.  Click on the video tab to view it.

"The Quickest Way to Get Things Done and Make Change"

"Not the easiest, but the quickest:  Don't demand authority.  Eagerly take responsibility.  Relentlessly give credit."  (Seth Godin).   Yes, I'm a fan of Seth.  Subscribe to his daily feed at http://sethgodin.typepad.com.  I do.

Mobiles, Security, and Privacy

You and your ministry are more vulnerable than you realize.  Learn why this Thursday in the Mobile Security seminar.  Check out the events calendar for more details.   There are still a few seats remaining.

VSN Site is Mobile Friendly

Please check out VSN from your mobile device!  Though this is only a beta version, you should have a much better experience with VSN from your mobile.   

Story and the VSN Movement

I had the chance to share about the VSN movement last Sunday at Harford Community Church.  Pastor Allan Gorman spoke about the power of story and image and interviewed me about what God is doing.  Catch this message at www.visualstory.org/hcc.

Mobile Webinar Wrap

We had a great time with 25 leaders from around the world on April 26 discussing the progress of the new movement occurring around the use of mobile devices for the kingdom of God.  Check out the notes and learn more at www.visualstory.org/webinar2.

Mobile Webinar on April 26

We're looking forward to the Mobile Webinar this Thursday, April 26 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific (GMT - 7:00).  There are a limited number of seats remaining.  To secure a spot, go to the Event Calendar and read more about the webinar.

Mobile Event Calendar

Special thanks to Antoine Wright at Mobile Ministry Magazine for creating an event calendar for all things related to learning about the mobile device revolution. To go to the calendar, go to www.visualstory.org/mobilecalendar.

Two Dark Fridays Bring Light

Some 1980 years ago today Jesus suffered "many things" at the hands of religious leaders. 30 years ago today I suffered at the hands of College Park thugs (jaw severely broken). This experience was a big part of my awakening to the importance of Jesus' suffering on my behalf.

Act One Writing and Producing Training Deadline

For years, Act One has provided excellent training in writing and producing for the screen. The application deadline for this summer's training is April 15. This top level training is for Christians pursuing a career in the mainstream entertainment industry. Learn more at www.actoneprogram.com or lookup Terence Berry in the member's section.

October Baby vs. Hunger Games

Life affirmation vs. bleak world of Panem. I paid for October Baby over the weekend (voted with my feet). I'm finishing the third book in the Hunger Game series. As I read, I'm struck with the absolute absence of God in the HG series. Both films paint clear pictures of how significant a relationship with God is. One from a vision of a world penetrated by His grace and one completely devoid of it.

October Baby

This is the weekend that October Baby (www.octoberbabymovie.net) releases on hundreds of screens across America. I've seen the film and it is a moving story of a young woman who discovers she is an abortion survivor. Tough weekend to release going against Hunger Games. I'll be supporting it in the movie theater. How about you?

Eurasia

I'm getting good reports on the gathering of folks working throughout Eurasia. A great four-day training on visual story production (go Tom Khazoyan and Ted Cox)! Also some great workshops on the mobile revolution. Thanks to Steve B for his leadership on putting the whole thing together.

A Uganda Story - Pre Kony mania

Great storytelling by Tom Costanza on the children of Uganda. Check out "Uganda's Children of War" on the work of World Vision. This goes back 5+ years. This is a good look at a good work before the Kony mania hit.

Great Time in Colorado

Headed back to So Cal after a number of days in Colorado. VSN folks gathered in Colorado Springs and Denver to connect, share ideas, showcase new projects, and expand the visual story movement. Thanks Cheryl Meredith, Tom Khazoyan, South Fellowship, Matt Arnold, Dave and Colleen Briggs, and others for the warm welcome. Get a visual summary through the slide show now posted.

VSN Coming to Colorado

We'd love to see anyone in the Colorado area this Saturday or Sunday evening. We'll have presentations from various VSN types. Check out the event tab for more info.

Art in Mission 3.0

Looking forward to the webinar this Thursday with Debby Topliff and Angel Ambrose. Get all the info you need in the Events Calendar.

VSN Coming to Colorado

We'll be having mini-VSN gatherings in Colorado Springs (March 3) and Denver (March 4). Special thanks to Cheryl Meredith and Tom Khazoyan for helping host the evening events. Keep an eye out in the event calendar for more details. We're looking for specific ministry projects we can showcase each night.

Evangelism in the Digital Age

Way to go Dan Henrich. His newest book just came out. "Evangelism in the Digital Age: Media Case Studies." It is available on Amazon.

Mobile Consultation Sessions

Thanks to Jay Clark of Missionary Aviation Fellowship, a growing number of sessions from the Mobile Consultation are available in video format. Go to the "Visual" tab and check out the selection.

Issachar Initiative

Wow! Just spent the day with 185 leaders focused on the importance of taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth, not just where it already is. Check out www.issacharinitiative.org. Some amazing leaders behind this emphasis...Paul Eshleman, Paul Saber, Pat Murdoch, etc.

Dying in 2012

I spend extra time seeking the Lord at the beginning of each New Year. The goal is to slow down, worship, and hear His voice. Each year I ask Him for a theme for that year. This year, He gave me Matthew 16:24-25 (ouch). So...I invite you to join me this year in dying ... that you might live. Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Christ. Let's do it together.