The most intense two hours of my life have just concluded. Muffled weeping can be heard all around me. Tears fill my eyes; I am deeply moved and shaken.

Soon the lights come on. It is clear people need time to recover.

About 80 of us are gathered in the Hilton Hotel, Burbank, California. Academy award-winning actor/director Mel Gibson has just given us a front row seat in history, the final hours of Christ’s life. It was all there: the garden, Satan, the betrayal, the arrest, the mock trial, the scourging, the Villa Dolorosa, a mother’s pain and horror, the Crucifixion, the thieves, the Roman soldiers, the agony of death, Jesus’ unconditional love, and the victory of resurrection.

To be released in theatres nationwide on Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2004, many in the Church believe The Passion of the Christ may be the best opportunity for evangelism and outreach in 2,000 years! That is why I went.

Already surrounded by controversy and greater-than-normal media coverage, Director Mel Gibson is unswerving in his commitment to bring the message of God’s redeeming love to the nations of the earth. (It will be released in scores of languages.)

Mr. Gibson, a devout Roman Catholic, answered our questions, solicited our input, and shared his motivation for this project. “It is like the labor pains just before birth. You know when it is time for delivery, and it is time (my emphasis). I have other projects in mind, but this is the right time for The Passion.”

Acting out of obedience to the Lord, this rather humble Hollywood star recognized the sacrifice he would have to make to bring this film to a reality. “But that is what the cross is about,” he declared. “I want to influence others in their belief and acceptance of Christ. I want them to go home after the movie and read The Book.”

Unusual events have accompanied the making of The Passion (filmed in Italy). Notwithstanding the “bullets flying from negative press” and “false claims of anti-Semitism,” on three separate occasions lightning has struck the set and hit some of the actors, including Jim Caviezel (The Count of Monte Cristo), who plays the lead role of Jesus Christ. Satanic attacks such as these have been costly, but they pale beside the glorious miracles on the set also. One child had both hearing and sight restored, and an eight-year-old boy who had suffered from numerous grand mal seizures daily (and has for his lifetime) has been healed. Mr. Gibson hired staff and crew for the movie that included “agnostics, Jews, Muslims, etc.” Some have converted to Christianity.

When we asked Mr. Gibson how we could help his instant response was, “Pray!”

I will! I hope you will also. Again, This is perhaps the best outreach opportunity in 2000 years! Invite an unsaved friend to attend with you. You don’t have to do anything else. Encourage your Christian friends to do the same.

Churches can purchase ticket vouchers in advance, or book entire theatres (1.877.777.6171). Order both free and fee-based materials at Outreach, Inc. (1.800.991.6011, or www.thepassionoutreach.com). Go to the coffee shop afterwards to discuss the film.

Wouldn’t it be just like God to use a Hollywood actor to spark the national revival for which we have all been praying? Don’t miss this opportunity. And don’t be surprised if attendance in churches across America swells this Easter because of The Passion.
Easter because of The Passion.