Dear Friends and Partners,

Many of you have asked about the safety and ministry of the JESUS Film Team members in the 11 countries which were hit by the Tsunami Disaster. Not only do the people need physical help but also spiritual hope. We are pleased to inform you that we are working side-by-side with NCM and other relief organizations. The families and friends of those who died need hope more than ever during this time of grieving and rebuilding of their lives.

As far as we know at this time, all the JESUS Film Team members are safe. Here are the 11 countries hit and the number of JESUS Film Teams providing hope in each country:

• India: 48 teams with 4 sponsored
• Creative Access: (Country Name withheld) - we have work here but it is considered creative access and is done underground. No teams
• Sri Lanka: 3 teams with 2 sponsored
• Indonesia: 4 teams with 0 sponsored
• Malaysia: No teams
• Myanmar: 2 teams with 1 sponsored
• Bangladesh: 16 teams with 4 sponsored
• Maldives: No teams
• Creative Access: 2 teams with 0 sponsored
• Tanzania: 9 teams with 1 sponsored
• Seychelles: No teams

Many charities are working to ensure food, water and housing needs are met. It appears to me that when we both provide for physical needs and spiritual hope, we are working together to meet the emotional needs. The church is doing both through compassion ministries and the JESUS Film Harvest Partners. We are ministering to the whole person.

Last week I received this encouraging email from two of the JESUS Film Harvest Partner board members, Wayne and Nancy Frankhauser, entitled "What if we did nothing?" I asked them if I could share it with you because it shows that God knows what is ahead even when we don't see it or get it!

Wayne & Nancy Frankhauser JESUS Film Board Members

Subject: "What If We Did Nothing?"

Good morning Pastor Dan and Pastor Jeff,

I cannot wrap my mind around the events surrounding the tragedy of the Tsunami in Southeast Asia. But one fact comes to mind over and over. What if College Church had not decided to sponsor first one JESUS Film Team, then another, to Sri Lanka. We think of missions, and its efforts, as long term eternal results that converts will reap some day.

Oh, there will be life-changing results as they learn more about Jesus, but so often we think about the longer term. We lay plans about what to do this coming year, this millennium etc. But, sometimes we don't have time. How many of the 12,000 people who are estimated lost in Sri Lanka were our converts or their families and loved ones? What if no JESUS Film Team came, what if no converts were made, what if no churches were established, what if we just sat in our pews and did nothing?

Praise the Lord College Church did do something! While we were active in raising money for a new building, raising money to further the ministry in Kankakee county, and struggling with our own needs, we saw the need to support missions in a great way.

Thank you Pastor Dan and Pastor Jeff for your support. Thank you for continuing to support the missions of our church. We think of you folks often and reflect on our short time in Bourbonnais.

In His service,

Wayne and Nance

As Wayne and Nancy said, "What if we did nothing?" Thank you, Friends and Partners, for supporting the JESUS Film Teams around the world but at this moment in time, those that sponsor teams in these 11 countries may have changed their eternity. If you would like to sponsor another team or part of a team, please see the options and opportunities below.

Your gift of $50, $100 or any amount will help us provide spiritual hope to the people who remain in the tsunami disaster area.

Just indicate in which country you would like to sponsor a JESUS Film Team when making your donation.

On Friday, January 7, President Bush signed a bill that allows you to deduct donations for the tsunami disaster relief made through January 31, 2005 on your 2004 return! So please, even if you've already given, consider another generous gift today to help tell the people about Jesus an d give them hope in the tsunami-stricken countries. If you want tax receipt credit for 2004 for the tsunami disaster, please contact your own tax expert for advice.

We appreciate your prayers and support in bringing spiritual hope to the families and friends of the Tsunami disaster. We will continue to work side-by-side with those who give physical hope in order that we may give the spiritual hope of eternal life, peace and joy.

Blessings in Hope,

Chuck Watson
817-864-9003
chuckwatsonusa@yahoo.com