April 2, 2001
Bell County churches join forces to distribute 'Jesus' video
___By George Henson
___Staff Writer
___Bell Association almost was a day late on getting started on the Jesus Video Project, but the didn't come up a dollar short.
___The association hadn't really considered the project until an early December meeting of its evangelism team.
___"We had heard about the project, of course, but really hadn't gotten involved in any way. It was decided that night that it was something we ought to pursue, so I called the people at the Jesus Video Project office the next day," Director of Missions Richard Mangum recalled. "They said, 'We're glad you called because we were going to mark you off the list tomorrow. We didn't think you were interested.'"
___In less than two months, the effort had grown across denominational lines, with 65 churches combining to raise $129,000, surpassing the initial goal of $100,000.
___That money was used to purchase video copies of the "Jesus" film for distribution to every home in Bell County. As of late last week, the videos had been mailed to about 85 percent of the county's households.
___Mangum said the group initially thought there were about 87,500 homes in the county. But the list grew until about 97,000 homes were discovered. As the list grew, however, so did the giving of the Christians of Bell County.
___"You have to remember that the majority of the money came in during December and early January, right in the middle of folks giving to Lottie Moon," Mangum pointed out. "This was simply an act of God. It got so far above what we could handle, we just had to ride the crest."
___Mangum gives much of the credit for the success of the effort to Pastor Andy Davis of First Baptist Church in Belton and Pastor Jerry Carlisle of First Baptist Church in Temple.
___"They went out on the limb and said, 'We're going to get this done.' When men with their reputations are willing to be bold like that, people take notice," Mangum said.
___The pastors, however, are quick to give credit elsewhere.
___"First, I think it was apparent from the beginning that the Lord was in this," Davis said. "Also, a number of the churches showed the video to their people and when the man in pew saw the power of the film, they were quick to get behind it financially and in every other way."
___One of the ways the people are showing their support is by being involved in the follow-up. Davis said more than 500 people have been trained to help those who see the video and need counseling to nail down their decisions.
___"Really, it's simply a matter of asking four questions: Did you get thevideo? Did you watch it? Did you understand it? Would you like to know more?" Davis said.
___Carlisle believes the cross-denominational participation has been a good thing.
___"Really, I didn't want them to be left out of a thing God was so obviously a part of," he said. "Also, I think it's been good because it has given us more of a kingdom perspective."
___The effort in part paved the way for Wednesdays on the Way. That effort is one among the churches of downtown Temple in which pastors of various churches are sharing the pulpits of other churches for the five Wednesdays leading up to Easter.
___Carlisle points out, though, that denominational distinctives remain important.
___"I'm more than a little suspicious of folks who want to blur the denominational lines and the denominational distinctives, because I hold mine pretty dear and I know a lot of other folks do too," he said.
___That wasn't a problem with the Jesus Video Project, however, because the nature of the film culled out certain denominations on its own.
___"In people's response to the film, you got a pretty clear picture of if they're a gospel church that emphasizes the crucifixion and resurrection or not. If they are that type of church, then we've got something we can build on. If they are not, we really don't have a lot to talk about," Carlisle said.
___Mangum said the experience has been one to remember.
___"We've had a significant experience in this county like I've never experienced before, but one I hope to experience again."
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