Stories from the Field

This is a small representation of the many comments we have received chosen at random. Got a story? Tell us at comments@jesusvptexas.org .

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A Double Healing     Jan 1, 2002

The City had sent me a notice concerning the old fixer-upper house that I had purchased down the street. The notice stated that I had to cut back a giant oleander bush that had become an obstacle by growing over and blocking the sidewalk and was now into the street. I took my trusty pruning shears which I call "loppers"....a name handed down from my Dad, and set out to alleviate this problem. As I was steadily trimming this huge bush, I noticed someone walking towards me. I glanced that way and realized that it was R.A. from across the street and three houses down.

I have lived on this street for 27 years and have known R.A. since he was a boy. I was in my early twenties when I met him and although I did not know the Lord at that time, I tried my best to advise this young man of the errors of his ways. During his adolescence, I watched him sniff paint and glue and any other substance to get high on. I witnessed his older relatives introduce him to alcohol and drugs. I heard of the many times he was caught stealing bicycles and of the many instances of burglaries. In his teens, he progressed to auto theft and armed robbery and was constantly in and out of the Juvenile Court system. He along with his two older brothers were the terrors of the neighborhood. I have watched these "neighbors" of mine beat people senseless, because they are the kind that do not stop hitting and punching until the other person stops moving. These are vile people and truly a family of mad dogs. Things were real peaceful around here for four or five years, because all three men were incarcerated for various crimes. The two youngest have been released from prison and the oldest will not be eligible for parole for twenty more years. He is doing time for attempted murder. I have always kept clear of this bunch and I have never felt comfortable living around them.

I spoke to God as R.A. approached, " Lord, be with me for trouble is heading my way." The still small voice within me clearly said, "Tell him !"

"Tell him ? " Lord, I do not have anything to say to this man...he is a vile person."

"How vile were you ?", the voice clearly spoke to me.

I fired right back. " Lord, I have done sinful things, but this guy has done things that I would never dream of doing, I mean heinous things...he is so evil."

The Voice said, " Sin is sin...it is not up to you to Judge. Tell him. "

I responded to that sweet Voice and said, " But, Lord I do not like this person at all and I can not stand to even talk to him. "

The Voice spoke to me, "We must love the sinners and hate the sin." " Tell him."

Now this man in his early thirties was standing two feet from me. I looked into his eyes and saw the results of the years of torment. I noticed the scars on his face and the premature wrinkles put there by the many physical and mental battles that he had fought. He said in a loud nervous voice, " Hey John, my grandmother used to live in this house and she planted that bush that you are cutting down." I gripped the pruning shears a bit tighter and prepared to defend myself. I said, " Uh, ok I did not know that." He said in a quieter voice, " Do you think it would be all right if I get a cutting from this plant in remembrance of her ? "

My first thought was, "Thank you Jesus !" and then I said, " Sure, take all you want...you can pull up the entire bush and transplant it if you would like. "

I guess he felt more at ease then and began making small talk about the neighborhood and the filthy language just poured out of his mouth and really made me uncomfortable. The inner Voice spoke to me again and said with authority, " Tell him ! "

R.A. then said he would let me get back to work, and I thanked him for that and he started to walk away. I called to him and said, " Hey , did you get a videotape in the mail recently about the life of Jesus ?"

He said, "Yeah, I did. "

I asked, "Did you watch it ?"

He said, "No, I did not quite know what to make of it."

I said, "Would you do me a favor and watch it....it is about an hour and a half long, and then get back with me and tell me what you thought about the movie ? "

He surprisingly said, " Yeah, I will."

About a week later on a Thursday evening, my wife and I were leaving to go to dinner and as I was coming out the front door, I saw R.A. walking down the street towards our house. I opened the door to the car and let my wife in and then walked around the car to try to get in before he reached us, but when I got to the rear of my vehicle he was right there and said, " Hey, Big John...can I speak to you for a minute ?"

I said, " I was just leaving to go to dinner."

He said, " I just want to thank you."

" For what ?", I said

" For encouraging me to watch that Jesus video.", he said.

I asked, " well what did you think of it ?"

He said that the movie was so easy to understand and at the end when they gave an invitation, he now knew that he was doomed and desperately needed God in his life.

He went on to say that the Sunday after viewing the Jesus video that he went to a little Church close by and shared with the Pastor and that he bowed his head and asked God for forgiveness and surrendered his life to Jesus Christ.

I looked at him and knew that he was sincere and embraced him and praised God for my new brother in Christ. I shared with him of the importance of following up with Baptism, joining a Bible based Church and gathering with believers, and to stay in the Word daily. One moment I did not want to get within two feet of this person and the next moment I was hugging him...... God is so awesome !

Almost ten years have passed since I was saved and I have always had trouble understanding the Commandment of loving your neighbor. I wanted to pick and choose which neighbors I loved. I did not want to love the dope dealers, thieves, drunks, etc. that were my neighbors. God used R.A. to heal me also, for I now know that no matter how much I dislike the actions or attitudes of my neighbors......I should love any person as a my brother or my sister and tell that person of Jesus to help prevent them from going to Hell.

John - Pasadena

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My folks got the Jesus video in the mail today.  My dad put the video in - which is amazing - because though he was saved years ago - he has not lived it and he curses terribly - and won't go to Church - but I think he felt like we needed this tonight.  Anyway, we just finished watching it and it was really wonderful.  It reminded me what I am here on this earth for.  Between the video and the tape I listened to - it reminded me that I am not here for my own desires or interests - but to glorify Him and bear fruit.  I don't think I have done much fruit bearing and it is time I changed that.  I have made  my husband  the most important thing in my life - to the point of even wanting to die without him.  How selfish!  I need to prepare myself - I need God to prepare me as quickly as is possible, to change me and to place me where He needs me to be to do his work.  I want to get to the point that I ...can quote the Scripture at an instance when it is most needed.  I want to know my Bible backwards and frontward .....  I have a lot of work to do.

ROUND ROCK

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THE LORD HONORED THE EFFORTS OF 6 CHURCHES (40 PEOPLE) WHO WENT OUT "FAMILY TO FAMILY" IN ROUND ROCK ON MAY 19TH. PRAISE HIM FOR THE DISCOVERIES MADE, THE PRAYERS OFFERED, AND THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOLLOW UP VISITS IN THE FUTURE!!

The following represents what took place a couple of weeks ago and what still needs to happen to be good stewards of who God is sending us to:

Ministry Summary for May 19th:

-38 Professions of faith from prayers prayed at the end of the video!!

-13 of these families have no church relationship and requested a visit from a church**

-29 additional families requested a visit from a Round Rock church**

-40 homes had prayer requests

-34% of actual physical contacts were "positive/productive"

-252 families were at home and were visited with

-171 families completed the survey and/or asked for prayer**

-86 families said they watched the video

-440 homes were left evangelistic tracts and a list of the churches involved in the Project in Round Rock

Addition:  Another group just came in that led 9 to Christ and identified 20 more who were saved through the Jesus Video!!

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FYI: Thanks so much for reminding us to thank our mailman for their efforts in delivering the Jesus video. After leaving my mailman a note and candy bar thanking her for her efforts here was the note she left in the mailbox: "The Jesus video was my pleasure for God's kingdom. Thanks, but Praise God!" Signed, Your mailman, Angie. Isn't that great!!! My mailman loves the Lord!! In Christ's love, Nancy

Last night a member told me that she happened to be home when the video was delivered. The postal carrier saw her Jesus Video sign in the front yard. The carrier began a conversation about it. Our member gave a short testimony. The carrier set up an appointment to talk the next day to our member. How about that. The postal carrier delivering the video - might just get delivered herself! Praise God!

I wanted to share something with you. At church today, the message was unusually clear concerning our need for Christ. It was not surprising to see several people go forward at the end. But when I saw a little girl in my wife's Sunday School class walk down, I just started crying and praising God. I know that she is in a foster home, and suspect there was probably abuse of some kind from her father. She is only 10.... my oldest daughter's age. I know some of the struggles she faces from some comments she has made in class. She has often disrupted the class, and other kids keep their distance because of her edge. Even though I know things will not be "perfect", I know that her whole life will change because of her decision for Christ. She can finally know a Father that will never hurt her, and never leave her. I'm mentioning this because after the service she told my wife that she had actually accepted Christ earlier in the week... after watching the Jesus Video. I know that God has, and will continue to do great things through this video. But if all that comes from the Pflugerville mailing is this little girl's decision, the project was huge success! Thanks, Brian

 

EAST TEXAS

A pastor in an East Texas community went out by himself last Saturday and knocked doors -he found twelve people had prayed the prayer!

Just wanted to let you know that during our men's bible study class at church last Sunday morning we watched the Jesus Video as part of the lesson. We had a new visitor that God had put in class that day to see the video. Before we left class he accepted Jesus as his Savior. I know the video played a big part, although the group of men in the class were a big part also. I just wanted to thank for your work on this project and wanted to share this good news with you. Richard Burleson Carpenter's Way Baptist Church Lufkin

GEORGETOWN

A couple in central Texas area visited 30 apartments, and found eight had prayed to receive Christ!

Wow!! Powerful captivating, on the edge of my seat. I am a devout Christian. he who is not with me is against me, love thy neighbor, and thine enemy. anything that which brings faith.. is a miracle of God. I believe that this video, is just that, people whom open their hearts to our savior will know this, even if this video cost 3 mil to make, if it were to bring people to Christ it is worth so much more than any amount of money, this was a very ingenious way to spread the word of God and I commend you, every time I read scripture or say a prayer, my faith only makes me more happy that some day, I know I can say I am ready for the coming of the lord, may peace be with you, & thank you for this gift this treasure, it is the best gift any person could give.. the word of God.. Amen.. God bless. Chris

the video was outstanding. thank you and may the Lord continue to bless you in all that you do. John

Ft. Worth

I am a 53 yr old Female. I have been saved & born again. I love the Lord Jesus Christ & know him as my personal Lord & Savior. I want to take a moment to thank the one's who put this video together it has been a blessing to me. Brought me to rededicating my life to God. I hope this video does for others what has done for me. That is to help them see there need for Christ in their lives God Bless you all. God is truly coming back. We the people need to be ready. Thanks again for your effort to reach souls for Christ this is what's its all about. Preaching God's word to all the world. Prepare them for his glorious coming back to earth to receive his own. Love in Christ. Delores

Duncanville

I am writing this note to thank you for sending me this wonderful video of the greatest story ever told. I was deeply touched and reminded of how awesome our Lord is. I am a child of the King and will share this video with all who are saved and unsaved. I do believe this video will reach out and touch the lives of many. Thanks to you and your dedication to spreading the Word of God, our world will know the Truth and be richly blessed now and forever. Phielis

Pipe Creek

i am thankful to the lord for giving me the opportunity to receive such a generous gift, and i thank you. Pray the Prayer: Yes.  Evangelina,

I'm Not sure how I received this video from you as I never ordered it but am very thankful for it. I recently have been studying prophecy and would love to have any material you have on this subject. thank you again for this wonderful video.  Louann

Killeen

I absolutely loved the video. I was looking for comfort because my life right now is anything but glorious and each time I watch the movie it does give me comfort. I tried to call your 800# after the movie because I really need help and to speak with someone who will give me strength and hope but I was impossible to get through. please keep up the wonderful work of hope...god bless each and everyone of you. Henny 

I thought it was really good, and I recommend any one who is not saved should watch this video and trust that God will do something for there life. You just have to trust, have faith and believe in the word. Kevin

I just want to thank you. I think this is a great idea. Praise the Lord! I was saved in 1956. Marie & Tom

The video was excellent. It shows a very accurate historic view of the life of Christ. My 6 year old son has watched it about 3 times and enjoys it thoroughly, he has different questions every time he watches it. Liz

Temple

I I have 4 children and I will have them watch this video I always have taught my children who Jesus is now they can see and learn more of Jesus I have taught my children how to pray we believe in Jesus and his father the lord. we have the things that we have because of Jesus and the lord and I have 4 beautiful children he has given me. and I thank the lord and Jesus for our life. missy

I committed my life to Jesus, when I was 17 I have wandered from the fold since then. I returned a few years ago, then last year I lost my way again, Thank you so much for the video, I do believe it put me back on the right path. I felt like the seed that fell among the thorns, I believed but gave way to temptation, I am still struggling with it, I pray that Christ will give me the strength to not give into it. Please pray for me. Kathleen

The Film was wonderful. Thank you. Dorothy

Springtown

I know a tremendous effort went into the making of this video. It was nicely done. My Church contributed to the project and I stand ready to invite and take any of my neighbors to Church with me because I know the importance of Church involvement. Just keep up the good work and encourage other Christians to invite their neighbors to their Churches, but not only invite, but physically take them. It's one thing to invite someone to Church. It's another thing to take someone to Church with you. May the Lord be with you and this project. Amen terry

A moving account of the life or our Savior that the whole family can watch and discuss. Danielle

Weatherford

Thank you so very much for all that you are doing. God is working through this. I appreciate the gift; it has brought new life to my devotion to God. Thank you for washing the feet of Jesus. Sam

Lincoln

I was impressed with the depiction of Jesus' life. It was very accurate. Thanks.  Kim

Giddings

It gave me a feeling of warmth and self assurance that God will come again to save those who believe. Stephanie

Belton

I have several other Jesus videos, and this one seemed to really stand out in my mind. This was a very inspiring video, and I know that many people will be saved from watching this video. The one scene that always seems to grip my heart is when they crucified our Lord Jesus Christ. How could they do that to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!! What a great video. Kathy

the movie really moved me it inspired me to go out and do more for my life. It also showed me how much more i want to believe in god (of course) I'm glad I got to watch the movie and that there are people considerate enough to send out this many copies to everyone THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!!!!!!  Tina

Arlington

Receiving this video was a very pleasant surprise. I watched the video alone, then I watched it a second time with my companion and her 13yo daughter, and then I watched the video a third time alone. Just an excellent video and a wonderful thought by the 'Jesus Video Project of Texas. Jim

We are born-again Christians and actually our Church the Arlington Church of God participated in this project and we have prayed for many souls to be saved and for people to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Shane & Andra

I am a member of First Baptist Euless, TX and have been a Christian for many years. I grew up a Catholic but converted about 20 years ago. I have struggled with sin and guilt over the years and have never felt totally forgiven. I guess I have never totally given myself over to Christ. My marriage has been failing over the years and I have a son that was recently shot and one with a chemical imbalance that has been in and out of jail and hospitals over the years. I have cried out to God and Christ in desperation over the years but have struggled with knowing how to have a relationship with Him and change all aspects of my life. I had read about the video and saw it mentioned on TV this past Sunday and was looking forward to receiving it. I put it in last night and watched with my two younger sons and my wife. I hope that it has an effect on my middle son, who is recovering from the gunshot. I have been praying for a spiritual recovery as well as a physical recovery for him. I know that I and my wife are also in desperate need of a spiritual recovery as well. I hope the video has sparked that flame. Thank you for your commitment to Christ and the Gospel and God Bless You.  Richard

As son as it arrived in the mail, my 3 yr old yelled 'It says Jesus. Watch it. Mama' He's been watching it every day since. I am glad that the Crucifixion scene was not too graphic.  Vanessa

The video was very good ,an good tool for souls. Thank You very much God Bless You !!! Faye I am a Seventh Day Adventist and I LOVE JESUS. I have been saved and so has my 5-and-a-half year old son Dupriz. We are both on fire for Jesus. What you are doing with the Jesus Video Project is truly a blessing. I have so many friends and family members who need to receive your video and the message at the end of it. Please, at your earliest convenience, PLEASE tell me how I can have this video sent to them. It's a matter of saving their souls! God Bless you all. Thank you for sending me your message and Gods. Thank you JESUS. I love you Jesus over all others. All praise is do to our precious lord. Latoya

I've watched the movie a few times and cried at the end. It touched my heart. Thank you for the video. It came to me at a time that I needed it. Jackie

I would like to request a prayer for me. I don't go to church, haven't been in a very long time to be honest. I pray and talk to Jesus. I have a emptiness in my heart since my divorce. I only would like for Jesus to bring love to my life with a man that would love me for me. I don't know a lot of people around here, work all the time, don't really go out, pretty much keep to myself, I've been hurt by someone I love with all my heart and he is gone now across the country. I met another man that I know I could really care for and I pray maybe this one is the one. He has told me that he's not looking for a relationship and may be leaving the area within the next couple of months he doesn't know for sure though. I can't take another heart break. Pray for me to find what I've been searching for, unconditional love.

although we consider ourselves Christians, the movie is uplifting. Thank you.

Faithful to the Word and extremely well done. I am recommending that our Methodist Men's group contribute to this effort.  Carl

Thank you it was a wonderful video.  Nancy

I am a Christian, but wanted to express to you how much I enjoyed this video. I pray unsaved people who watch it will be saved. It was well made. God Bless you. Patsey

Hillsboro

Had been praying for the opportunity to get my hands on a copy of the Jesus video and i thank God for your ministry. May God bless each and everyone involved in the distribution of this product. am already saved but still hungered for an opportunity to view this much anticipated story of Gods love for mankind. Again thanks  Phillip

Nolanville

IT A GOOD MOVIE. THE MOVIE CAME AT A GOOD TIMING IT MUST BY A SIGN FROM GOD THAT I NEED TO GO BACK TO THE LIFE THAT I WAS TAUGHT AS A YOUNG CHILD I HOPE THAT THE MOVIE MOVE'S OTHERS IN THE WAY THAT IT HAS ME . THE VIDEO SHOULD BY IN EVER HOME ON EARTH. PLEASE KEEP SENDING THE WORD OF GOD TO EVER MAN AND WOMAN& CHILD GOD BLESS. Scott

Odessa

I LOVE IT AND RECOMMEND IT TO OTHER KIDS. THE MOVIE IS WONDERFUL!! I WILL WATCH IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, THOUGH IT IS HEARTBREAKING AT THE END. Rachel

I would like to that the people or person responsible for beginning this program. I felt a great sense of joy to find the video in my mail box. It was a great surprise that was very unexpected, even though others in my family had heard of it on the local news. Watching the video for the first time made a longing that had been in the back of my mind even stronger. I had often thought that once my husband got to come home (he is living in Mexico) we would become closer to God and to the church that I had grown up in but now I feel and understand that there is now need to wait. The time is now. Thank you once again for helping me down the right path that will in turn help me and my family as a whole. Odessa

I HAVE A CHURCH HOME! I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO. THANK YOU FOR REACHING OUT AND TOUCHING LIVES. Joe

I am here today to ask for a prayer request for my family. We have experienced the most awful thing, well I think .please pray for my family. The movie was beautiful It made me and my children cry. I have come from a long ways and i am trying to change my life. pls.help thank u very much! Michelle

I am a Christian. I will enjoy watching, because I am a Christian for long time. Just wanted to let you know how good the movie is. Ruby

I just want to thank you for the tape. Pray the Prayer: Yes - Annie

I have been saved from the curse of alcohol. My desire is finally gone after nearly 20 years of drinking and ruining jobs, relationships, opportunities, etc. The woman I wanted to marry has recently left me... she got tired of my lifestyle. I am now praying for God's will in my life... whether it is with her or not. I deeply regret the past, but now I have the blessed hope and am very hungry to serve the Lord in any way he directs me. Thank You for confirming this with this wonderful video. Maranatha!!! Michael

I am now a Christian Biker. God Bless you, your gift, the video of Jesus, has not been wasted. I have watched it in it's complete program & as for the prayer at the end I not only said it & repeated it once or twice. I'll say it many times & again. I plan on showing this video to all my friends & when I'm ever lacking in faith I'll not hesitate to look at it again myself. I'll treasure this small tape as the most important tape of my collection. Thank you sincerely. Don

 

Georgetown

EXTREMELY WELL DONE VIDEO. WE HAVE HAD GREAT RESPONSES FROM OUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS. Bill

Austin

I soooo like the way this was made. Not embellishing the story, or facts, but making it simple and easy o understand. A non Hollywood production, that touches the heart. Well done, Thanks for sending me this. I will treasure it always, as I watch it many more times to come. Sincerely Leland -Austin

unsure about recommitment I cried. Thank you. Christopher

The best portray of Jesus' life I have ever seen! Definitely an awesome educational tool for new Christians who don't know much about Jesus. Sandra

We felt that this effort is by far the most accurate and enlightening portrayal to date. We were deeply moved. I felt the Holy Spirit move as I viewed. It is truly Awesome. thank you for all your efforts. Our prayers are with all of you. Mark and Ruth

I think the video was an awesome way to reach people. God bless. Thomas

Just would like to say that this video is an excellent tool to ministering to others...I have always had a hard time finding a way to open up and give my testimony, this gives me the perfect opportunity to find out if the person I am trying to share with is saved...thank you!! Lana

I have been on a spiritual journey to find the 'higher power' in this world for several years. For the past few years I've lived as though Jesus is not a factor in my life, in fact, on many occasions denying that he existed. However, deep in my soul, I have never been able to deny his existence and feel comforted by his presence. I could never understand why whether it was something good or something bad, I thanked Jesus or prayed for his help. I would get angry inside of my heart because I wanted to believe that my journey would take me to something else. I didn't want to believe that Jesus was the guiding power in my life. I wanted to be in control of all the answers and I wanted to decide what I believed in but as I watched the video I see I cannot deny that Jesus is a part of my life. As much as I've tried to denounce Jesus and begged him to let me find my own answers, to leave me alone, he has never left my side. As much as I've shouted and screamed for him to leave my life, he has remained. I am a 25 year old lesbian and over the years I have been told time and time again that Jesus will denounce me on Judgment Day and for that reason I wanted to hate him. I wanted to hate him with everything in me because I didn't want him to hate me for loving someone of my own gender. I know that as you may read this, you may be thinking that I will change and that I will not be a lesbian after my encounter with Jesus but you are wrong. I am a lesbian and I believe I was born this way for a reason, I was made this way and if you choose to believe that loving someone is wrong then perhaps you need to watch the video again also. Jesus loves us all and I refuse to believe that he would turn his back on me because I chose to love someone. This has been the main reason behind me not accepting Jesus but he has never left my side, even through all of my questions and doubts, I refuse to believe he will leave now. Ironically, I have been searching for answers about Jesus and the other day as I checked my mail, the Jesus video was in my box, whether it was fate, luck or a sign I don't know but I'm thankful either way. All these years I have spent running from Jesus have finally been put to a halt. I've stopped running. I was raised Catholic and was even a catechism teacher for several years but my fear that Jesus would hate me for being a lesbian made me run from him but I don't want to run anymore. He is part of my life and I accept him. Thank You, C

Want to add that I was at the ATT store yesterday with my JVP shirt on. The gal waiting on me told me how upset she was that her mom had gotten a video and she hadn't. The other sales person said she'd received one but had told her husband not to open it for fear someone would come to the door wanting $20. And then two more gals came in and joined right in the conversation, praising God for the mailing. I ended up praying for my salesgirl and promising her a video. Everyone in the town is talking about JESUS.

Balmorhea

This was a very nice of the persons who did this I hope and pray that all people who received this video enjoy all of it like I did thank you! Monse

Venus

I liked the video a lot. I learned some things I didn't know about Jesus. I recognized some parts of myself that I need to change and it moved me to tears when I prayed at the end. Thank you for sharing this video with us. I hope that others recipients watch it and feel the same way. Lesli

Kerrville

This video was a very excellent thing and the project is so worthwhile. Many people can benefit, but I should think it would be an especially good way for the children to know about God. Janie

Thank you so much for the excellent video. May God be praised. Adams

Copperas Cove

the video was outstanding. thank you and may the Lord continue to bless you in all that you do. Johnnie and Mary