In the season of advent we remember how Israel waited for centuries for the fulfillment of the prophesies about the Messiah. Finally, the long-awaited day arrived, and the angelic host proclaimed that Christ was born in Bethlehem. The world has never been the same.
Five years ago, God spoke to me about partnering with Create International to produce a gospel presentation for the Turkmen people. Turkmenistan is the third most repressive regime in the world, a challenging environment to produce a live-action gospel presentation. I was resistant at first, honestly preferring to facilitate others’ efforts than get involved myself. But the Lord persisted in calling me and I relented.
Working with Create International, and two other organizations, the Centre for Linguistics, Translation & Literacy and Gospel Wave Media Center, we filmed in three different countries before production was complete. From beginning to end, God was so faithful. He provided connections with Turkmen partners to advise us on culture. He provided the total funding for the project within three weeks of our shooting schedule. And even before these things, God worked a miracle in providing visas into Turkmenistan after our whole team was rejected at first application.It took three years of prayer and research with our partners to determine what type of film would best present the gospel to the Turkmen. “From Darkness to Light” is a thirteen-minute film that tells the true story of Shohrat Piriyev overcoming his fear of the Sirat Bridge. This is a bridge that Islam describes as “thin as a razor and suspended over the fires of hell.” Muslim Turkmen are terrified of the concept of that bridge and live in bondage to that fear.
Once the initial shooting was complete, we returned to edit the footage and work with our partners to develop a distribution plan. The film will be broadcast by satellite throughout Central Asia. There is social media campaign planned and a customized app for viewing and sharing. “From Darkness to Light” will also be available with the Jesus Film. As the distribution dreams grew, so did the budget. But where God calls, he provides, and nine new partners have come on board for the final push. It is our hope and prayer that the Turkmen people will come to know their Messiah, the tiny baby born in Bethlehem, and their world will never be the same.
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