Jesus Film

One Friday night, our team split into three teams to participate in Jesus Film showings all around the city.  One of the groups went to a remote location on the outskirts of the city – here’s Connor O.’s story from that night.

We were all excited as we stepped into the bus, setting out for the Jesus film showing. It was about 5:30 in the afternoon, and everyone was energized and ready to go. After about 30 minutes of driving, we were met by some of the J-film staff who showed us the way to the site. It was quite humorous to watch so many of us foreigners tread through the slippery mud in order to reach our destination. All of our shoes were covered in sewage filth by the time we finally got there. But what we were about to witness was completely worth the effort, and it would etch a memory into our lives that we would never forget.

As we gathered around, we were swarmed by little children. All of them were exhilarated by the presence of so many “white” people, and they quickly found that we provided some high quality entertainment. We started out by doing the Funky Chicken, followed by about five other kids songs. By the time we finished our fun, we had gathered a sizable crowd.

By now, the Jesus film staff had finished setting up, and we were ready to watch the movie. As the projection began to play, I couldn't help being overwhelmed by what was happening. There were at least 200 people standing in mud, all prepared to watch the 2½ hour-long movie. I had never been in a similar situation before in my life. It was amazing.

As the sun began to set, I began to see stars dot the black sky. I could feel the Holy Spirit working in that place, and it was an absolutely humbling experience. As I looked behind my shoulder, I could see people stacked along the streets. There must have been over 350 people watching! The constant murmur of the crowd filled my heart with joy as they would whisper “Hallelujah” or “Amen” after every miracle. The fact that there were so many people who, for the first time, were being exposed to the gospel was simply awesome.

Yet the most fantastic thing happened near the end of the movie. When Jesus was being crucified, the film stopped, and tension filled the air. Then, an Amharic voice began to speak, and I quickly recognized that it was a call to prayer. Suddenly hands started shooting up. Nearly everyone present were raising their hands, accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Tears streaked down my cheeks as I realized what was happening. All these people, who lived in what we would describe as slums, were receiving life. They were receiving a hope that is greater than anything this world has to offer. They were receiving Jesus.

I will never forget that day. Not because of the sewage mud that we stood in, or my aching legs after standing straight for nearly three hours, or even the sheer number of people that came.  I will remember that day because of how the Holy Spirit worked a miracle in the hearts of so many desperate souls, and how they now have a purpose in life to live for.