Blast from the past ... Ethiopian style

From Jan '06 until March '08, I had the amazing privilege to work as an audio recording technician with the Jesus Film Project. The Jesus Film, which is the most widely translated film in history at over 1,000 languages and counting, is still being used today to tell people about Jesus in their "heart language"—even in some of the most remote places on earth.

The following story is one that I wrote after my first recording trip, in southern Ethiopia, and it remains etched in my memory as one of the most significant and rewarding experiences that I have ever had. It was in this moment that I began to really, experientially understand what it means to be a part of God's mission. I thought you might enjoy reliving it with me ...


It was a chilly, overcast evening. The rains had come a few hours before ... leaving the dirt roads slippery and muddy, and the potholes filled with water. As we followed the Jesus film workers’ truck up and down the town road in our van, Ethiopian children began to chase us. Their faces filled with joy every time the camera flashed—yeah! Again! Again!

After announcing the film in the streets, we reached the field that would be our theater for the next two hours. We set up the screen and projector, the crowd gathered, and we waited.

As the darkness fell over us, the unmistakable sound of the reel to reel projector began, and the still growing crowd settled in to watch. Not understanding the dialogue on the screen (it was all in Sidamo), I sat facing the crowd—more interested in their reactions to the film than in the film itself.

As Jesus’ life was played out on screen, responses in the crowd suggested that they were amazed by his miracles, his healing touch and his teaching. When it came time for Jesus’ betrayal, trial and ultimately his crucifixion, people groaned, some cried, and most stared up at the screen with looks of disbelief on their faces.

The film worker stopped the projector and picked up the microphone ... the image of Jesus on the cross was still on the big double-sided screen as he explained to them in Sidamo why this righteous man chose to die for them. Then, he asked them to make a decision—would they accept Jesus’ gift of salvation and begin a relationship with Him?


At his invitation, people began to move out of the crowd to the other side of the screen—they knelt down and raised their hands in the air ... many bowed down laying their faces on the wet grass.

I witnessed it all through tears—a prayer of salvation over the loud-speaker, postures of complete submission and prayers of acceptance, and 100
new followers of Jesus Christ were born in that moment!

After a few quiet moments, the film began again and continued to Jesus’ resurrection—seeing Him alive again, they cheered, clapped, and danced with praise and thanks to God, and so did we!

Let's continue to build the kingdom of God together ...