... making a difference

by Vonette Zachary BrightA Heart of Thanks

Just two words: thank you. It’s one of the first things we teach our children to say because it’s something they’ll express throughout their lifetime.

We love to hear children spontaneously say, “Thank you.” It is refreshing to be around people who demonstrate an attitude of gratefulness.

The opposite is true, as well. It’s difficult to be around someone who is ungrateful. It is a rude person who takes advantage of another’s generosity.

It is difficult to comprehend how anyone could be ungrateful for the touch of Jesus. In Luke 17, Jesus was on His way to Galilee when He passed through a village. Ten men had leprosy and knew of His reputation to heal, so they began to cry out, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” (verse 13).

These men were being devastated by one of the most unbearable, incurable diseases. No one dared to come near a leper.

Jesus took compassion on these men, and they were instantly healed. Completely renewed! No process! No waiting period! No performance necessary. No payment. Just complete restoration! They were 100 percent healed.

Then the passage describes how all the men left, but only one returned to thank Jesus. This man fell on his face at our Lord’s feet—glorifying God and giving thanks.

This is what Jesus said at that moment, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” (verse 17).

Dear friend, if you’re like I am, you feel a bit embarrassed for those men. We can’t believe they had the audacity to flee the scene without a simple word of gratitude.

Then I realize that I often make the same mistake. I don’t always go running back to glorify the Lord and give Him thanks for His blessings. But we can change that. Give glory and thanks to God for all that He does for you and all that He is.

Before I knew the Lord personally, my life and future held no more hope than those ten lepers’ lives did. My sin-sick heart looked just like theirs. Each time I read this passage, I’m reminded of how important it is to be grateful. Pray with me, “Thank You, Lord, for all You’ve done for me.”

This article was used by permission from Autumn: I Delight Greatly in His Hands (My Heart in His Hands devotional series) by Vonette Bright, ©September 2001

Issue 8 www.MagdalenaToday.com

www.MagdalenaToday.com

We’re All AglowMore than 2,200 DVDs of Magdalena...that’s how many copies of this amazing movie we distributed during September’s 2013 Aglow International Global Conference in Orlando! We can only imagine how God will use this tool in the hands of these energized Aglow women (who represented more than 100 countries). Pray with us that this beautiful video story of God’s love for women will be used in mighty ways as Aglow women incorporate Magdalena into their personal ministries.

A New Way to Share MagdalenaThere is a new way to share Magdalena with your friends, family, neighbors and others who need to hear its life-affirming message through using the free Jesus Film Media™ app for smartphones and tablets. We couldn’t be more excited about how the gospel is being sown in North America and around the world!

Recently, Mike was on a brief flight and struck up a conversation with a flight attendant. She expressed great interest when he told her about Magdalena being available in the language of her home country in Asia. Mike emailed her the link to watch Magdalena on the Jesus Film Media app.

After the flight, Mike received her reply: “I can’t wait to finish it and tell you about what I think.”

Please pray for this flight attendant and other people who have the opportunity to watch Magdalena via technological advances like the Jesus Film Media app. Also, please take a few minutes, download the app on your phone or tablet, and watch the short intro video on some practical ways you can share this incredibly powerful tool with those you encounter as you shop, travel, work or play.

Jacqueline shows the Jesus Film Media app to women at the

Aglow conference.

Nancy (right) gives a DVD to a conference attendee.

To download the free Jesus Film Media app, visit www.jesusfilmmedia.org

MAgdAlenA in Action

A local church responded to the growing Bhutanese refugee community in their city. Here is the exciting letter, which explains the life-changing results:

Thanks so much for allowing us to show the Magdalena fil in the Nepali language to a group of Bhutanese refugees who live in our area here in Pittsburgh. These are Hindu people who started arriving in our area about three years ago. There are now about 6,000 in Pittsburgh, and more arrive each week.

We planned a special dinner around Thanksgiving time for the Bhutanese community, and it was wonderful. Around 120 people came. We explained how at the first Thanksgiving the people already in the land sat down and ate with the new people whom they were helping learn to live in the land, and together they gave thanks to God. After dinner, we invited them to watch Magdalena, which was available in the Nepali language. About 30 people came to watch. I believe that for many it was the first actual explanation of Christian beliefs they had ever heard. At the end, they applauded for a while. An older woman just kept shaking my hand saying, “Thank you” repeatedly. After watching Magdalena, one of the men said, “Teach us everything. Start from the beginning, because we do not know anything.” So that is what we will attempt to do, by the Grace of God.

Thanks so much for making such an excellent presentation of the gospel and Christian truth.

Blessings, Pastor Dan Cramer

www.MagdalenaToday.com

“Teach Us Everything! ”

Furniture is provided for Bhutanese families.

Since the time of Pastor Dan’s letter, the church has continued to reach out to the Bhutanese community, in both physical and spiritual ways. It has provided furniture, new school clothing for children, food to more than 40 families each month and basic job training. In addition, Bible studies have started in some of the refugees’ homes, and a weekly Bhutanese Bible class at the church.

Concludes Pastor Dan, “They are a community of wonderful people, whom we have come to love, and we are glad to be a major player on a local level in helping their adjustment to life in the United States.”

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www.MagdalenaToday.comThe JESUS Film Project®

A Ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ

The JourneyDoor of Hope MinistriesWomen saw the Bible “come to life” as they watched Magdalena: Through Her Eyes at a small showing earlier this year, recounted Door of Hope Ministries founder Rev. Nancy Tucker. They felt like “they were there,” and could see Jesus’ compassion and love as portrayed in the film. As a result of the showing, several women desired to learn more by participating in the Magdalena follow-up study, Reflections of Hope. In addition, $60 was raised to support teenagers going on a mission trip. “These events have been so powerful and I have seen the power of God manifested in each event we have hosted,” shared Rev. Tucker. She is planning another Magdalena event in the future.

Food for ThoughtInspired by a video clip on www.MagdalenaToday.com, I felt led to invite the women in our Bible study group at church to watch Magdalena: Through Her Eyes. As a result, we started two Reflections of Hope Bible study groups. One woman commented, “It is great to talk about God and share with women in all walks of life. I have grown in my faith and really enjoy everyone!” For our final session, we hosted a potluck dinner. A place card and a pocket mirror were set at each place to remind each woman she is a reflection of God—made in His image and deeply loved. It was a delight to lead this study and to see how God will continue to use it in the lives of the women, their families and friends.” ~Helen, MN

Linda’s StoryGreatly moved after watching Magdalena: Through Her Eyes, Linda felt God prompting her to share it with others. She loaned it to a “friend of a friend,” who was in the midst of planning a memorial service. This woman said that Magdalena was a “God send.” She showed the movie three times. Fifty-three people viewed it, and three trusted in Christ for their salvation. Through Linda’s small step of obedience, God’s family increased. Linda felt so blessed that He had used her in this way.