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.

Trustiness - Seth Godin

We're all looking for someone to trust. People and institutions that will do what they say and say what they mean.

Banks used to use marble pillars and armed guards to make it clear that our money was safe. Doctors put diplomas on the wall and wear white smocks. Institutions and relationships don't work without trust. It's not an accident that a gold standard in business is being able to do business on a handshake.

Today, though, it's easier than ever to build a facade of trust but not actually deliver. "Read the fine print," the financial institutions, cruise ship operators and business partners tell us after they've failed to honor what we thought they promised.

It's incredibily difficult to build a civil society on the back of "read the fine print." Emptor fidem works so much better than caveat emptor. When we have to spend all our time watching our back and working with lawyers, it's far more challenging to get anything done--and it makes building a business and a brand infinitely more difficult.

The question that needs to be asked by the marketer is, "are we doing this to create the appearance of trust, or is this actually something trustworthy, something we're proud to do?"

Building trust is expensive. You can call it an expense or an investment, or merely cut corners and work on trustiness instead.

Trust is built when no one is looking, when you think you have the option of cutting corners and when you find a loophole. Trustiness is what happens when you use trust as a PR tool.

The difference should be obvious. Trust experienced is remarkable, trustiness once discovered leaves a bad taste for even your most valued customers.

The perverse irony is this: the more you work on your trustiness, the harder you fall once people discover that they were tricked.

(With a hat tip to Colbert)

My prayer for your Christmas

Father, help your people to slow down and savor the goodness of the Savior come into the world. Guard our hearts and minds from images and ideas that detract from the profound nature of the Advent. As we worship, inspire us to live sacrificial and beautiful lives consistent with the story of your Son.

Mobile Consultation - It's a Wrap

Wow! It was great to be with 39 mobile practitioners for three days in North Carolina. Look below for a blog post with more detail.

Mobile Ministry Consultation

The second Mobile Ministry Consultation will be taking place December 11-13 at the JAARS headquarters in North Carolina. Please pray for God's blessing and direction. We had 16 participants for the first consultation last year and this year we'll have over 50. Sessions will be recorded and made available later. See what we're up to at www.visualstory.org/mobileschedule.

Fund Your Vision Recordings

Wow! Great job on the training from the Jesus Film team. Thanks Mark Mayers, Larry Buck, Wayne Brink, David Fish, Fred West. View the sessions at www.visualstory.org/fundsessions.

Fund Your Vision

The "Fund Your Vision" training will be taking place Monday, December 5 in Laguna Niguel, California. It will be streamed live as well. For more info, check out the Events calendar or go to www.visualstory.org/dec5.

Headed to Call2All

This week a number of us will be at the www.Call2All.org gathering in Long Beach, California. I look forward to being with the Conkeys, Craig Forrest, Terrence Berry, Jeff Holder, Brian Bird, Chris Jones, Tom Nash, Matt Kilburn, Gary Stratton and many others. Very excited about the Media Track!

Great Festival Opportunities

Bill and Jamee Kennedy have built the Attic Film Fest (www.atticfilmfest.org) into a fixture in Austin, Texas. Lori and Rodney Marett have seen God bless the growth of the Gideon Media Arts Film Festival (www.gideonfilmfestival.com). I had the pleasure of meeting the visionary leaders behind each of these festivals recently. If you're looking for a place to submit your film, check them out.

Mobile Training Course - Wow!

The first-ever "Mobile Ministry Training Course" was a huge success. We hoped for 8 participants and 32 took the four-week course. Most were from Africa and Papua New Guinea. Great job John Edmiston for this extraordinary work. The next course begins January 10.

The Call of the Martyr

We are called to be witnesses as followers of Jesus. The Greek word for witness is martyr. It is our honor to reflect and reveal the light of Christ to all those we encounter. Visual story can help us become better martyrs / witnesses by becoming a student of story, telling our story, creating stories, and more. Read more at www.visualstory.org/mywitness.

Learn More About VSN

If you're in Southern California, you are invited to our "Come and See" Vision Evening on Friday, November 4. We'll be sharing the vision of how we see God using new media in the next three years. For me info, email clyde@visualstory.org

Art in Mission 2.0

We’ll be hosting a one-hour webinar Thursday, October 27 that will show how Marge Malwitz and Bert VanderMark use their creative gifts to engage people in an encounter with their Creator. Together we’ll brainstorm on best practices of the artist seeking to witness. Come ready to learn and to share your insights. Look under the Event calendar for more info.

The 10 Immutable Laws of Storytelling

In your business, your ministry, your filmmaking, and communication in general...memorize these laws of storytelling. Stories are about people. Stories need to be fixed in time and space. Stories don't tell, they show. For the rest, go to www.visualstory.org/10laws.

Mobile Ministry Consultation - Site is Live

We’re very excited about the second Mobile Ministry Consultation taking place December 11-13, 2011 at the JAARS headquarters in Waxhaw, North Carolina! The registration site is live! Check it out at www.visualstory.org/mobileconsult.

Mobile Ministry Training Course

Wahoo! The world's first Mobile Ministry Training is available online at http://www.cybermissions.org/mobilemin/. Great work by John Edmiston, Brian Ward, Antoine Wright and others. This is one of the projects that came out of last year's Mobile Ministry Consultation. Check out the Events calendar for this year's consultation.

Reluctant Convert

I felt "guilted" into getting onto the Mac platform after 20 years of being a PC guy (thanks Shane Sooter). I thought the transition was more painful (and costly) than it should have been. Now I do really like (not love) my Mac. I do love my iPhone. I'll never spend $500 on an iPad. Yet I was surprised how saddened I was by Steve Job's death. Death is the great "change agent."

First Art in Mission Forum ... Great to Connect

Thanks to Kirsten Borrer, Angel Ambrose, Marge Malwitz, Debby Topliff, Sean Olesiuk, the Carsons, Scott Howe and Ashley Lane for making the first Art in Mission Forum a great time of sharing, learning, and getting inspired. Look under the events calendar for the next forum on October 27.

Missional Art & the Artist's Witness

We’ll be hosting a one-hour “conversation” this Thursday that will feature artists sharing how they have used their creative gift to engage people in an encounter with their Creator. Together we’ll brainstorm on best practices of the artist seeking to witness. Come ready to learn and to share your insights. Look under the Event calendar for more info.

Mobile Ministry Forum Consultation

We are excited for the upcoming Mobile Ministry Forum Consultation. It will be held at the offices of JAARS (a ministry of Wycliffe) in Waxhall, North Carolina. It will take place December 11-13, 2011. Keep an eye on the events calendar for more information.

36 Parables and IMM Partnership

John Schimke (www.36parables.com) and Jerry Gibson (www.imm.edu) just completed a partnership production on the 19th of the 36 parable series. Partnerships are just plain smart. Check out the finished product at http://www.vimeo.com/28808392.

Fund Raising Training

The JESUS Film Project has generously offered to give a one-day training seminar on fund development. The training will take place in Southern California on December 5. We will also make it available online via streaming. Mark the date in your calendar. Check the Events calendar for more details.

Brian Bird's film screening on NBC Saturday

Brian Bird wrote the script for “Game Time: Tackling the Past.” This will air tomorrow night (Saturday, September 3, 8:00 p.m. / 7:00 Central) on NBC as part of Wal-Mart’s “Family Movie Night.” If you’re in the US and able to watch, check it out. Great work Brian!

Call2All Global Congress / Media Track

We will be serving with Carol and Calvin Conkey to organize the upcoming Media and Missions track at the Call2All Congress in Long Beach, CA on November 29 - December 3. This strategic gathering will focus on reaching the least-reached with indigenous media. Chuck Quinley will be joining us as well. Learn more by looking under the Event calendar. Let us know if you can come.

Launched a Kid to College

Shirine and I spent a few days this week taking our oldest child to college this week. We are sobered by the "letting go" process. We realize this is a huge part of life. May you experience God's grace when it is time to let go of something He has entrusted you with.

Left to Tell

I just got off the phone with Mary Beth Minnis. She is mobilizing prayer for the film, "Left To Tell." Already there are 50,000 who have "liked" the Facebook page. Check it out at "Pray for Left to Tell" on Facebook. They are hoping the film will be funded and filmed in the next year.

Mobile Ministry Forum Consultation

The Mobile Ministry Forum is making plans for a small gathering this December 11-13 in Philadelphia. If you are interested in getting more info, keep an eye out in the Event calendar.

2011 Edinburgh Summit Sessions

We've made available a handful of the sessions from the 2011 VSN Summit in Edinburgh, Scotland. Learn more about story, social media, advice from veterans and more. Take a look at the titles listed below and enjoy. Special thanks to Ted Cox and Jim Meyer for their able videography.

Visual Artist Community Growing

It has been very encouraging to see visual artists with a deep kingdom commitment join the VSN community. Kristen Borrer, Marge Malwitz, Debby Topliff and I had a great conference call the other day just getting acquainted. We're looking at hosting a forum on "Taking Missional Art to the Ends of the Earth" on September 29. Keep an eye on the event calendar for updates.

What is Your Role as a Leader?

Hat's off to Seth Godin (again) for crisply saying something we should believe. "Leaders lead. Is that too simple? Writers write. If you want to be a writer, write. And be sure to have people read what you write. And leaders? Leaders lead. If you want to be a leader, go lead." (I used to say the same thing to Shirine when she talked about writing).

Prayer for Rob Hoskins

Rob Hoskins is one of the co-founders of the Visual Story Network. He is a man of faith, integrity and a personal inspiration to me. He recently contracted e-coli only to find out he also has prostate cancer. Please join me in praying for God's healing and complete restoration of Rob.

VSN Overview Video Available

The VSN Overview video is available for viewing and free download at www.visualstory.org/overview. This 3:27 video combines the "Yuseff and Andrea: Why Visual Story?" video (2:40) and a brief explanation of the Visual Story Network.

All About Storytelling

"This generation coming of age in this digital society doesn’t see or perceive much difference in types of media...The actual tools used are irrelevant. It’s the end result – the storylines, the messages – that matters. This generation thinks in pictures, words, and still and moving images and is comfortable mixing them all in the same space." N. Bilton, I Live in the Future, p. 12.

2500 Connected Communicators

As I seek God for what He has for us in the next three years I sense many exciting developments in the visual story movement. Presently we are about 900 people in 49 countries who connect with one another as we seek to give everyone the opportunity to encounter Jesus and His kingdom. I believe we will grow to at least 2500 strong by the end of 2013. What are you trusting Him for?

How's Your Baggage?

Thought provoking piece posted by Clint below. We've all got stuff we'd rather not have. Are you serious about "owning" your stuff in order to deal with it before God? God loves to have clean vessels He can fill...so we can overflow to the ends of the earth. Take a look at the video...and your heart.

Southern California Crew Needed

Joey O'Conner and his team are looking for crew for a three day shoot in Southern California starting May 25. See his post below for more info. Joey is one of my all-time favorite people. You won't regret working with him!

How's Your Motivation?

Pearls from Seth Godin: "There's an entire system organized around the idea that we're too weak to deliver effort without external rewards and punishment. If you only grow on demand, you're selling yourself short. If you're only as good as your current boss/trainer/sergeant, you've given over the most important thing you have to someone else. What do you do when no one is looking?"

Silicon Valley

I'm at Mt. Hermon Conference Center near San Jose, California for the GCIA conference (www.gcia.info). Great time with leading lights in Internet ministry. We'll be helping with the Mobile and Visual tracks on Wednesday and Thursday.

Global Christian Internet Alliance

I'm at Mt. Hermon Conference Center near San Jose, California for the GCIA conference (www.gcia.info). Great time with leading lights in Internet ministry. We'll be helping with the Mobile and Visual tracks on Wednesday and Thursday.

Visual Story Trainer Consultation

24 of us gathered from 3:00 - 8:00 at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center in Hollywood on April 29. A BIG thanks to Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran for hosting us! It is inspiring to be with global innovators like the Conkey's, Quinleys, JESUS film leaders, Gary Stratton, Paul Luebbers, Kurt Tuffensdam, Diane Wigstone, Charlie Matz and others. Check out the images in the slide show.

First-Ever Story Trainers Consultation

Can't wait to meet with 20 global innovators on Friday. A first-ever "Visual Story Trainers Consultation" will take place at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. Create International, the JESUS Film Project, Act One, 168 Project and others will explore how we can see a global movement of visual story training take place for the kingdom. We may be able to stream portions.

Anime JESUS Film

"My Last Day" is 9-minute animé short created by The JESUS Film Project. Barry Cook, director of Disney's Mulan wrote the story for My Last Day. Animation was created by Tokyo's renowned STUDIO 4C. Check it out below. It is available for free download at www.globalshortfilmnetwork.com. Good work!!

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!!

I pray you will be able to enter into the sacredness of this weekend. Take a look at some of the videos below that may help you. The resurrection changes everything.

Post-Edinburgh

Most of us are back home after traveling from 11 countries to be together at the Summit in Edinburgh. A special thanks to Elaine Duncan and the Scottish Bible Society for their role in helping host the Summit. In the end, there were 52 of us representing 33 organizations. I look forward to seeing how the Lord will use the connections that were made last week.

Edinburgh Day # 2

Keith Williams rocked us with the realities of the Mobile revolution. Andrew Flynn and Bex Lewis gave us some handholds on the way Social Media is changing how people connect. Great "speed networking" session. Loved hearing from veterans like Jock Stein, Murray Watts, Jim Green, Bob Hoskins, and Nigel Goodwin. First UStream experience...8 of you joined in!

VSN Summit: Day One Summary

Great day! Why visual story (Clyde), Fiona McDonald on vision, envisioning a global movement, Jerry Gibson and Graham Vermooten on Unleashing Story, Nick Pollard and Jim Meyer on Missional Engagement. Jeremy Feser and Ben Whitnall hosted our Visual Showcase. Special thanks to David and Holly Hughes and Ted Cox for making things happen!

VSN Summit: Day One

Today is the first day of the VSN Summit in Edinburgh, Scotland. 51 world-changing leaders, four big themes (Unleashing Story, Thinking Missionally, Mobile revolution, Social media), two days, one Great God to lead us. We will make our first-ever attempt to do live streaming. Tune in today at 13:30 (UK time) for Unleashing Story and Missional Engagement on the UStream tab in the navigation bar.

Edinburgh Summit is this week

This is the week for the VSN Summit at the University of Edinburgh. 52 of us from 34 organizations will be meeting April 13-14, but folks start traveling Sunday and Monday. Please ask God to inspire us, equip us, and create fruitful relationships. We may be able to stream some of the sessions live via UStream (not convenient for those in the Americas). We'll let you know beforehand.

Soul Surfer

The movie of the incredible story of Bethany Hamilton, the 13-year old surfer whose arm was bitten off by a shark, premiers in theaters in the US this Friday (http://www.soulsurferthemovie.com). Our friends at GMO and the Campus Alliance have built this web site that tells the story of faith behind the story. http://soulsurfer.com