Dear Friend & Partner,

Mark (a successful businessman from Lakeland, Florida), Kyle (his nine year old son) and I just returned from El Salvador last night.  We were part of a JESUS Film team. We were able to see some of the 810 people (585 children and 225 adults) who invited Jesus into their hearts during last week in just that one country. Mark told me that the experience changed his life forever.  Kyle, after learning how to use the EvangeCube one morning, led three boys to Jesus the very same day.  He also will never be the same.  Like father, like son.

During this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, I couldn’t resist telling you about the hundreds of folks who accepted Jesus where we were….knowing that this only represents a small number of people around the world who made a life changing decision because they were told about Jesus through the JESUS Film Ministry.  Thank you for your prayers and support of this ministry.

It is my prayer that you will experience the same kind of "forever change" by allowing our heavenly Father to minister to your spirit as you celebrate the birthday of Jesus. As we come to an end of year and start another, I challenge you to revisit your priorities by following the leading of the Holy Spirit.

After Mark shared his experience and testimony on Sunday morning at a church in Santa Tecia, a suburb of San Salvador, 26 people prayed to surrender total control of their life to Jesus (Sanctification). These people will celebrate the birthday of Jesus from a different perspective this year.

May you experience a “forever change” as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Merry Christmas,

   

Chuck Watson
chuckwatsonusa@yahoo.com
817-427-4900

P.S.  If you have not heard of the KETRA Act which Congress passed this year which impacts the possibilities of your giving, please see the special note below.
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New Tax Law Creates Unique Giving Opportunity

We wanted to make you aware of some exciting news we have received recently. Please read the information below and please consider taking advantage of the wonderful opportunity that our government has provided. Even though the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act (KETRA) was implemented due to the catastrophic event from Hurricane Katrina, you are able to give to JESUS Film Harvest Partners and receive the benefits from this Act! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at (913) 768-6500. Thank you for all that you are doing to further God’s Kingdom through this ministry!

The Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act (KETRA*) enables you to claim federal income tax deductions up to 100% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for gifts to charitable organizations like JESUS Film Harvest Partners. Ordinarily the charitable deduction limit is 50% of AGI. This act was passed specifically to encourage charitable giving in 2005 to all charities.

Specifics:

• Individual gifts do not have to be for Katrina relief. Gifts to JESUS Film Harvest Partners qualify. (Corporate gifts must be for Katrina relief)
• Only gifts of cash qualify. Appreciated property gifts do not qualify.
  
• The gift must be completed by December 31, 2005.
  
• Gifts to private foundations, donor-advised funds, and supporting organizations do not qualify. Your check should be payable to JESUS Film Harvest Partners.
  
• The impact on state income taxes will vary by state. In most cases there will be no negative impact.

Tax-free retirement plan withdrawals: Many Americans with IRAs or other retirement plan accounts withdraw as little as possible to avoid paying income taxes on the withdrawal. You can donate 100% of an IRA withdrawal by instructing the IRA custodian to make no withholding for federal or state income taxes. The withdrawal will have little or no negative tax impact when offset by a charitable contribution equal to the withdrawal. See attached examples.

*Consult your tax advisor to determine how KETRA impacts your donation opportunities in 2005.