The Passion of the Christ in Almaty May 2005

God has given a historic opportunity to our city; to view a vivid portrayal of what His Son did to save us from sin. “The Passion of the Christ” – in Russian - is now playing in two theaters, Alatau . At this point the film is scheduled to be shown for just two weeks. If there is a good response, it may play longer at these theaters and also be shown in other theaters around the city.

There are different opinions about this very graphic film. But as this film has been shown around the world, entire communities have focused their attention on the most ultimate questions, ‘who is Jesus?’ and ‘what did Jesus do?’ There should at least be a Christian consensus to pray that many people who have not yet found the life changing answers to these questions may do so. God only knows whether we will again see this kind of high profile Christian impact on society in our lifetime.

May I suggest that you “jump on this wave” of opportunity?

· See the film, decide its worth for yourself.
· If you feel it is valuable, take others to see it – family members, friends, colleagues from work – especially those who do not know Him.
· Seize this opportunity to talk about Jesus, people you know in the neighborhood, at work, in school, are going to see this film. Tell them more about this Jesus.
· Provide resources for people to learn more - books, Bibles, the “Jesus” film – a number of these are on the ICF Book table. If you need more materials, let me know.
· Consider going to the theaters and handing out Scripture portions and the ‘Jesus’ film to those who having seen the film want to know more. (Last night one valiant ICF member was all alone at the Arman theater – I trust he will soon be getting the word out about how we can help.)
· Pray, pray, pray!!!

I believe in the God of Jonah, who at the simple word of repentance brought the entire city of Nineveh to salvation. I believe God loves Almaty and is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Almost one hundred years ago, Harry Ironside, then a preacher with the Salvation Army, was challenged by an Atheist to a debate. He agreed on one condition:

"First, you must promise to bring with you a man who was for years what we commonly call a 'down and outer'...a man who for years was under the power of evil habits from which he could not deliver himself, but on some occasion entered your meetings and heard this glorification of agnosticism and your denunciations of the Bible and Christianity, and whose heart and mind as he listened to such addresses was so deeply stirred that he went away from the meeting saying, 'From today, I too am an atheist!' and as a result of imbibing that particular philosophy found that a new power had come into his life. The sins he once loved he now hates, and righteousness and goodness are now the ideals of his life. He is now an entirely new man, a credit to himself and an asset to society - all because he is an agnostic.

Secondly, I would like you to bring with you a woman...once a poor, wrecked, characterless outcast, the slave of evil passions, and the victim of man's corrupt living but who also entered a hall where you were loudly proclaiming your agnosticism and as you spoke, hope was born in her heart and she said, 'this is just what I need to deliver me from the slavery of sin!' She followed the teaching and became an intelligent agnostic or infidel. As a result her whole life revolted against the degradation of the life she was living. She fled from the den of iniquity where she was held captive for so long; and today, rehabilitated, she has won her way back to an honored position in society and is living a clean, virtuous, happy life, all because she is an agnostic"

“If you find those two people and I will find 100 people who have been so changed by Christ.” The two people were never found, and the debate was never held.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Romans 1.16

Praying with you for our city,
Pastor Mark Blair