2016 Special Edition
His Message. Multiplied
Resourcing the CHURCH...
TO HELP
the Family
TO LOVE & TO CHERISH:
Reymie’s Story
ASIA PACIFIC MEDIA
MULTIPLYING
THE MESSAGE OF LIFE TO THE DIGITAL GENERATION
THE MESSENGER
SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES
Letter From The
Editor
BILL & KIM SNIDER ASIA PACIFIC MEDIA
Digital Loaves and Fish A few years back, I was talking with one of our China workers about a unique MP4 audio/video player. It was a small but useful tool that held the Bible and also several hours of video teaching and looked like a very small cellphone. My friend described it as “digital loaves and fish.” That expression has remained in my heart. It really describes what we do! As you browse our annual print issue of Mission, this is a great metaphor for what’s happening across Asia Pacific. Training a video producer, producing a women’s magazine, launching a new drama—all of these may seem like small efforts, but because of technology, this good seed has multiplied the reach of these biblically-based resources—beyond what we could have ever imagined. The little boy who gave his lunch to Jesus that day had no idea of the potential of the gift. Even though we are now in our 27th year of ministry, we have yet to see every way that God is using these messages, multiplied by digital technology to change lives today. Digital loaves and fish. It’s a good picture of what is happening as we partner to reach Asia Pacific with the gospel. Thank you for your prayers and your support of Asia Pacific Media!
HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED
SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE
Watch bit.ly/apmedia_bijay BIJAY TRAILER at: apmedia.org or TEXT APMEDIA to 95577 (U.S. ONLY)
The film Bijay, produced by APMedia and Sword Productions, tells the story of a young boy in a village in Nepal who dreams about playing soccer for the national soccer team. When a coach comes through the town looking for new talent, he stops at nothing to make his dream a reality. Because of tremendous response, APMedia will be dubbing Bijay in the year ahead to reach new audiences in Asia Pacific. [4.] APMedia MISSION / apmedia.org.
CHRISTINA LEE STORM HOLLYWOOD PRODUCER
Called to Carry
As an international producer, Christina Lee Storm, who has collaborated with filmmakers from around the world, has a passion to make films with profound themes that change lives. “While I was on a trip to China, I was inspired by the power that filmmaking could have in ministering to people,” she says. I’m excited to hear about Asia Pacific Media and what they are doing. Since visiting China, I’ve seen a need for organizations to utilize filmmaking and media so stories of truth and humanity can inspire and impact.” While living in Hong Kong, Christina headed the Creative Development team for a local and prolific production company. “I have always desired whatever I work on to parallel a message of truth, goodness, and beauty—it may not always be obvious, but I
HIS MESSAGE
hope that my stories get people thinking. That is the wonder of filmmaking, and it’s a unique way to introduce thought and encourage dialogue that may not be received in any other way,” Christina says. Christina was Production Supervisor for the 2012 Oscar-winning film The Artist. She was Manager of Digital Production at Rhythm & Hues Studios, which won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects on Life of Pi. While at Rhythm & Hues Studios, Christina worked on over a dozen films including The Hunger Games, Snow White and the Huntsman, Life of Pi and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. Some of Christina’s producing credits include The Least of These, To Save A Life, Flesh: Bought & Sold in the U.S., a documentary about human trafficking in the U.S. 2016 Special Edition [5.]
OUR VISION— Chang Our world today is fast changing. Technology, culture, peoples and beliefs are very much influenced by this change brought about by what we call Media. And yet, there’s still an emptiness that needs to be addressed. As a ministry of Assemblies of God World Missions—USA since 1989, APMedia advances the gospel in Asia Pacific by empowering Christ followers to utilize media and technology. Our vision is to see Christ-followers effectively utilizing media to reach every people group in Asia Pacific. APMedia produces family-focused video dramas, feature-length films, print publications and radio broadcasts in local languages. We also provide media workshops. God is changing lives today through stories that address relevant life issues that people struggle with on a daily basis. APMedia continues to build a legacy based on finding common ground with those who have yet to hear the message of Jesus Christ through the multiplication of His Message. Asia Pacific Media.
HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED [6.] APMedia MISSION / apmedia.org.
ging Lives One Story at a Time
Watch
bit.ly/apmedia_vision
APMEDIA VISION at: apmedia.org or TEXT APMEDIA to 95577 (U.S. ONLY)
For more information about APMedia visit www.apmedia.org 2016 Special Edition [7.]
HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED Through APMedia’s digital ministry tools and training, we are expanding our reach into Indonesia, Mongolia, China, Taiwan, Myanmar, Philippines and Nepal. Most of these resources can also be accessed by Filipinos living in many nations of the world including the Middle East and Europe.
Filmmaking
Web Networks
Print Publication
Radio Ministry
Video Production
Media Training
REACHING ASIA PACIFIC
HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED
RESTORING THE FAMILY The plight of the 10.5 million people serving as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) is one of the greatest crisis’ affecting families today. When a man accepts a job as an Overseas Foreign Worker, he becomes a “bachelor” along with millions of other men who work for months at a time in a foreign country to send his earnings home in support of his family—only seeing them once every two years . Many mothers also seek employment as OFWs in the hopes of providing their families a more stable financial future. Many OFWs return home with the hopes of investing their hard-earned money to give their families a good life and to secure their personal financial future. However, many find themselves struggling without help or guidance. APMedia is dedicated to helping the Church be the place of support for these families through resources like Usapang Pamilya (Family Talk). Watch the episode link on page 11 which focuses on a couple named Nestor and Dolly who face the consequences of overspending. Asia Pacific Media seeks to create more tools like Usapang Pamilya and Family Academy in a strategic effort to equip 10,000 churches to reach out to OFW’s.
[10.] APMedia MISSION / apmedia.org.
Watch bit.ly/apmedia_stories_nestor PROMO:UPEPISODE at apmedia.org or
TEXT APMEDIA to 95577 (U.S. ONLY)
Fall 2015 / Summer 2016 [11.]
HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED
GROWING RELATIONSHIPS
Watch
bit.ly/apmedia_stories_reymie
REYMIE’S STORY at: apmedia.org or TEXT APMEDIA to 95577 (U.S. ONLY) [12.] APMedia MISSION / apmedia.org.
Reymie Gardose I am Reymie Gardose from the province of Kalibo, Aklan. I have been attending the video Bible study program called Life Journey for more than a year now. This is where I encountered the Lord again and continue to grow in Him. We discuss the different topics from the Usapang Pamilya (Family Talk) video series that they show in church. I was able to relate to the videos and it changed my perspective in life. I realized what I was doing was wrong. I was living with my boyfriend. He was a troublemaker. It was through this program that our miserable life changed and had new meaning. One night after attending the Bible study, I told him about what I learned. Last year my Life Journey leader asked me if I wanted to get married and I said , “Yes.” My boyfriend and I went to counseling and then were married. I’m really thankful because I saw sudden change in my husband’s character. I can truly say that my relationship with the Lord has also become stronger and deeper.
2016 Special Edition [13.]
U-KIDS—
taking His Message to the School Yard ”Discipline is important for the children because many are watching a lot of TV and they need to be taught positive things. The U-Kids Series by APMedia has a different approach. As a principal, I find this very timely and the kids are very excited... They find a different approach and learn an important lesson. I can see their attitudes change. U-Kids is the best for our students.” —Nimfa Narcise, Principal of Bagong Silang Elementary School \
Through U-Kids, APMedia models life-changing values allowing the multiplication of His message to the next generation
Topics Include: Honesty, Forgiveness, Confidence, Helpfulness, Obedience, Generosity, Kindness and Self-Discipline. [12.] APMedia MISSION / apmedia.org. [16.] [14.]
HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR LIFE
Watch
bit.ly/apmedia_stories_nimfa
NIMFA’S STORY at: apmedia.org or TEXT APMEDIA to 95577 (U.S. ONLY)
HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED
GROWING RELATIONSHIPS
PROVIDING TOOLS to resource THE CHURCH with Pastor Rey Calusay
Pastor Rey Calusay and his family serve a growing church in Roxas City, Philippines. He also is General Superintendent of the Philippines Assemblies of God. He is seeing life -change in his ministry, which incorporates media and technology on every side—from outreach, to followup, to discipleship. He sees how APMedia has been an essential part of reaching a new generation with the gospel. APMedia Director Bill Snider sat down with Pastor Rey to get his insights on media in the 21st century Church.
Q. As a tech-savvy pastor/
leader, how did you begin to see the importance of using a variety of media in your outreach and in your discipleship?
A. We saw that all the students that we are trying to reach have cellphones and they are into social media. That’s their world.
We bought a cell phone in the church. It’s only used for being connected to a computer where we send hundreds of text messages to announce something to the students or new converts in the church. And so we had to change the way we
get information from our church members.
Q. What role does APMedia play in helping the church?
A. People see the products
and the tools being produced there, but that’s just the face. The programs and resources invite people to talk more about Jesus, about spiritual things. That’s the value of media, you ignite something in seekers and believers and then they start reflecting and they start talking about spiritual things.
Q. How have you seen
resources like APMedia’s Digitracts discussion starters benefit your church?
Q. Is there an APMedia tool that
you have used particularly where you’ve seen good results?
A. The movies, Rebound and
Ang Sugo are good especially with the culture in the Philippines. There’s so much superstition and sometimes that’s the block. You cannot penetrate the blocked superstitious beliefs until you show it’s a prison house and they can be set free.
Q. How do you encourage
pastors or church leaders to harness the potential of media in their ministry?
A. Digitracts are short and
good conversation starters. They are produced excellently and it communicates in a very short period of time a message that gets people thinking and talking. Starting conversations that point people to discussing essential issues that develop values and foundations for living is important for this generation.
A. You find people even in the
ricefields, or riding a carabao, that have cellphones—ordinary people. We help pastors understand that they don’t need to stand on the street and preach a 5-minute sermon. They can utilize media to bring scripture to them in a very simple way that is effectively received and remembered. 2016 Special Edition [17.]
HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED
REACHING THE UNREACHED
Watch
bit.ly/apmedia_rebound
REBOUND TRAILER at: apmedia.org or TEXT APMEDIA to 95577 (U.S. ONLY) [12.] [18.] APMedia APMedia MISSION MISSION // apmedia.org. apmedia.org.
REBOUND—
the Message Reaches The Muslim World “Because of its high quality—the filming, subject and scripting, I was very impressed with Rebound, (produced jointly by Sword Productions and Asia Pacific Media) and feel that it has the excellence of a cinematic production. We redubbed the film in the Urdu language, and have been able to distribute VHS and DVD copies throughout our region, especially to the young people. The message of Rebound offers a way for us to provide answers to their questions that we might not otherwise be able to give.” —a believer from a Muslim-dominated homeland
Pray for Our Efforts * In November, APMedia will voice dub our sports basketball movie, REBOUND into Bahasa for Indonesia. * In early 2016, we will dub one of our evangelistic movies for the Muslim world as well as for Thailand. * For the production of four new “Digitracts”, short video messages which will be used by students and young professionals to share the gospel. * For $50 an hour in APMedia foundational funding to cover needed expenses to help as many new ministry opportunities open in the coming year. Fall 2015 / Summer 2016 [13.]
HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED
REACHING THE UNREACHED
Watch
bit.ly/apmedia_stories_yiyihlaing
YI YI’S STORY at: apmedia.org or TEXT APMEDIA to 95577 (U.S. ONLY) [20.] APMedia MISSION / apmedia.org.
YiYi’s Story I was born into a Buddhist family. Since my childhood, my parents taught me the ways of Buddhism such as offering flowers and water as well as burning incense and lighting candles. , I used to go to Buddhist temples for 9-10 days meditation and I found a kind of peace. But that peace didn’t last long. In 1988, my mother got sick. During that time Christians neighbors told us about the living God who can heal diseases. They shared the gospel then prayed. What I learned is that people are sinners. There is only one, Jesus Christ, who can save us from sin. Before that time, all I knew about Christians was that they celebrate Christmas every year. Through them, I came to believe in Jesus Christ. I wanted to taste and experience the living God myself. I was not employed then. So, I asked God to give me a job. God answered my prayer and I was employed in a company as an accountant. While working at the company, God spoke to me through Luke 5 where it talks about being fishers of men. So by faith I resigned from my job and went to Antioch Bible School. I was worried about the support for my mother. As I went to bible school believing that God is alive, He provided me a part-time job. That’s how I was able to support my mother for a year. By the time God took my mother, she had experienced His salvation. 2016 Special Edition [21.]
HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED
SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE
Watch
bit.ly/apmedia_sugo_bts
ANG SUGO BTS at: apmedia.org or TEXT APMEDIA to 95577 (U.S. ONLY) [22.] APMedia MISSION / apmedia.org.
Pastor Menen’s Story
I pastor the Upper Room Social Brethren Church. We have seven churches throughout the Philippines. The furthest is at Benguet province. I used the film Ang Sugo (The Messenger) as a resource tool to preach God’s Word on cults and the occult to expose the lies of the enemy—the devil. After the showing and discussion, one member in our youth admitted to me that he is into witchcraft. I shared more to him God’s Word and he renounced the teaching about cults and occults. The next morning, he came back bringing all his materials, surrendering everything to the Lord. And praise God, he is delivered! We never knew the plans that God would have for our movie, The Messenger. We never imagined it could go viral. The movie, which deals with issues of spiritism and the occult, had over 300,000 views on YouTube this year. This film offers its audience a life changing truth: Jesus is more powerful than any spiritual force or fear in your life. And this Truth is actually attracting a new audience! The drama now has been translated into Mongolian and Bahasa for Indonesia. APMedia is pushing through the darkness to use media to multiply God’s message for everyday people like Pastor Menen Roque and his congregation, as well as reaching into countries that have never been open to the gospel before. 2016 Special Edition [23.]
HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED TRAINING MEDIA MISSIONARIES Time and time again we see how God uses the power of story to connect others with the gospel message. Training indigenous media missionaries to reach this part of the world with their stories is a key component of what we are called to do at Asia Pacific Media. Over the years we’ve assisted in training pastors and Christian leaders in many nations of the region to utilize media and available technology to help further the gospel in the 21st century. Many students from all over Asia Pacific have been impacted by the “Multiply” media training seminars developed by APMedia in the Philippines. Our 12-member Manila-based creative team is supporting training efforts all across Asia Pacific. We help local workers to see how video could be used for evangelism, small group discipleship, mobilization and vision casting and reaching out to a younger generation. It’s clear. Thanks to your prayer and partnership, APMedia continues to provide ministry leaders the media training they need to see His Message, Multiplied in greater Asia Pacific.
. [24.] APMedia MISSION / apmedia.org.
Watch bit.ly/promomultiplytraining Watch bit.ly/apmedia_impact_multiply
PROMO:MULTIPLYTRAINING IMPACT: MULTIPLY TRAINING at: at apmedia.org or apmedia.org TEXT APMEDIA to 95577 or TEXT to 95577 (U.S. ONLY) (U.S.APMEDIA ONLY)
APMedia behind THE SCENES HIS MESSAGE, MULTIPLIED
Thank You APMedia Partners for Your Investment! Very simply, it costs $50 an hour to support our main office— a 12-member, Manila-based creative team who are developing resources and supporting training efforts, all across Asia Pacific! Help us continue to see His Message, Multiplied! (See p. 30 for details.) [26.] APMedia MISSION / apmedia.org.
What’s Being Said
About Serving Asia Pacific “It’s always encouraging to hear a testimony of someone using a material produced by APMedia; either in print or one of the videos. It’s quite amazing to see that the media tools that we produced years ago still are ministering to people that we haven’t met personally.” —JayR Manalo, APMedia, Philippines “APMedia provides a place for me to express my passion in arts and mission. Whether in print, web, or film, APMedia allows me to use my talents for multiplying His message across the Asia Pacific region.” —Patrick Tan, APMedia, Philippines
“In distribution, I am amazed that the far south (Muslim) areas in the country, purchased videos from us!” —Johnson Li, APMedia, Philippines My work at APMedia allows me to use contemporary tools to inspire and train people. It also makes me feel energetic and young! .—Rhoda Chan, APMedia-China, Hong Kong “When I teach video production and edit videos for APMediaChina’s resource website, I also learn God’s truth and am inspired to serve God more.” — Alice Wang, APMedia-China, Taiwan
“I didn’t understand the impact of MOMS Magazine on our readers until one day at a mall, I was shopping with my sister and someone approached me and asked, “Oh, are you Evelyn Damian? I was surprised and reluctantly said, “Yes, I am.” Then she excitedly called her husband and said, “She’s the editor of MOMS! They are administrators of a Montessori school and they told me they use MOMS to reach out to non-Christian families of their school.” —Evelyn Damian, APMedia, Philippines “When I record the “Daily Bread” devotional program, I also benefit from its lively message and guidance. I pray that everyone who read or listen to the message is blessed. May we all walk on the path of our Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly.” —Carol Wang, APMedia-China, Taiwan
“Serving at Asia Pacific Media has stretched my faith in God. He is the one who opens doors of opportunity for us to train people in different parts of China. He is the one who connects us to people, particularly in remote places, that they may hear His Word and find hope.” —Josie Leung, APMedia-China, Philippines
Watch .
Take a BTS tour of APMedia— Philippines bit.ly/apmedia_tour
at: apmedia.org
or TEXT APMEDIA
IMPACT THAILAND Voice dubbing one of our movies for use in Southern Thailand.
NEPAL Ongoing mentoring and contact with a team that was formed as a result of a full-length movie for Nepal that premiered in 2014.
MYANMAR * Training and mentoring of a media team and video producer for the country as well as training local workers and pastors to utilize media in ministry. * Production of short documentaries, testimonies of Buddhists who have come to Christ.
VIETNAM Consultation with local group toward the production of APMedia movies for voicedubbing into Vietnamese.
INDONESIA Completed the voice dubbing of The Messenger, our full-length spiritual warfare movie into Bahasa for Indonesia, now being reviewed by a local cable TV network for broadcast and future voice dubbing of Rebound..
MONGOLIA * Voice-dubbing of The Messenger into Mongolian for use in outreach across the country among Buddhists.
YOUR Partnership IS MULTIPLYING
MAINLAND CHINA * Resource website, zgtai.com, providing audio, video and print content along with a search engine to help believers and seekers learn more about God.
God’s Work
* Using local social media, daily contact with believers and seekers who are looking for counsel and guidance for their lives.
in Asia Pacific! .
PHILIPPINES * Production of Youth Max, the first Filipino focused youth/church based outreach and U-Kids short children’s videos being used in schools and churches. * Quarterly print production of MOMS magazine with 50,000 subscribers and a digital version available online at apmedia.ph/momsmagazine * Overseas Filipino Workers stories. Documentaries about God’s work in the lives of Filipinos who work in the Middle East and elsewhere. A great tool for churches ministering to families. 2016 Special Edition [29.]
1,115 PEOPLE GROUPS in Asia Pacific have yet to hear the gospel. For $50 an hour you can help us change that.
APMEDIA PARTNER CHALLENGE In this annual issue of Mission, we’ve only had space to highlight a few of the APMedia projects impacting lives in Asia Pacific. You can see from our testimonies that people and families are being reached and restored! God is taking His Message through media and multiplying it beyond what we could imagine. Without your support this simply wouldn’t be possible! Very simply, it costs $50 an hour—$400 a day to support APMedia operations. That $50 an hour supports an incredibly creative Manilabased team reaching into many nations. God has multiplied that $400 a day to help reach and restore individuals, families and resource churches across Asia Pacific. But we urgently require your help during this critical moment in ministry as our operational needs, which are completely reliant on donor support, are surpassing monthly contributions. Every dollar you give this month— $100, $50, $25, $10 — will help us meet this foundational need so we can continue to develop resources to impact Asia Pacific with the gospel! Please review page 31 and prayerfully consider making a one-time or recurring gift to support our ministry. You can also make your donation securely today at apmedia.org/give or simply by texting APMEDIAGIVE to 95577 (U.S. only). It will be surprising what your gift will do as it is multiplied through digital media, into new nations, for new people—to grow the Kingdom. To connect with more updates and testimonies text APMEDIA to 95577 (U.S. only), visit apmedia.org and like Asia Pacific Media on Facebook. God is opening many doors to reach Asia Pacific with the gospel.Thank you for helping us walk through them with your generous support today. [30.] APMedia MISSION / apmedia.org.
JOIN ASIA PACIFIC MEDIA Mobile U.S. Connect —Text APMEDIA TO 95577