The Latest Prayer Items

As people watch the JESUS Film in their own language, they at last hear, understand and often receive the gospel. Sometimes they are stunned that Jesus speaks their language and without an accent. The JESUS Film Project has produced another film called "Magdalena: Through Her Eyes". Magdalena reveals what can happen when women discover their real value. It is the true story of Jesus seen through the eyes of Mary Magdalene. The producers write, "Pray that many hearts will become like our Lord's as He loved women and saw them as first-class citizens."

Step five is producing the master copy of the JESUS Film and carrying out initial distribution. When the final soundtrack is approved by the in-country committee, a digital video master is produced. And if needed, a 16mm film master is created and then copies are made. DVDs or film prints are then packaged with projectors, portable generators, screens and speakers for distribution to waiting film teams and partners throughout the world. A digital video master may also be made for television broadcasts. Praise God for all those who give so these things can be accomplished.

JESUS Film Step four, editing the voices and soundtrack mixing takes place at the Master Studio in Orlando, Florida, USA or sometimes on location. Each phrase is scrutinized, edited, and then matched by shifting it either backward or forward until it fits the original picture. This gives the appearance that each character is speaking the recorded language. The final edited dialogue is then mixed with music and sound effects. A DVD is made and sent back to the in-country approval committee for their final review. Pray for God to continue to call capable technical people to participate in this work. 

Once the JESUS Film script is approved, Step three, the actual recording process begins. About 20 voice actors work during a two-week period. They watch the screen and listen to the dialogue. They pay careful attention to matching the tone and inflection with the situation on the screen, even to the facial expressions of the characters. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work godly sensitivity in the actors. After a number of takes, the final recording is then reviewed and stored on a computer in a digital format, using equipment and software built or modified by The JESUS Film Master Studio. 

JESUS Film writes about Step two: "The lines of text are tested by first recording and carefully matching the timing and tone with the original. If the translated line is too long or too short for a perfect match, new lines are translated until the fit is correct. A committee of native speakers and language experts will then review the translation to ensure its accuracy and faithfulness in conveying the original meaning of the Scriptures." Pray for perseverance for workers involved with this step.

JESUS Film states: "Step one begins by seeking out a trained Bible translator from one of our partners (Wycliffe Bible Translators, SIL International, Pioneer Bible Translators, Lutheran Bible Translators, etc.) who is working with the language—or a partner who can train a primary-language speaker in the translation process. Working with exactly timed phrases, a careful, line-by-line translation is done, matching the new language as closely as possible to the exact syllable count of the original English version. This process often takes several months or more." Pray for stamina for the level of concentration that is required.

This classic film portrays three and one-half years of Jesus' ministry as told in the Gospel of Luke from the Good News and King James translations of the Bible. The producer, John Heyman, wanted to create a true-to-life film to help people feel like they are in first-century Palestine. Everything from clothing, to customs, to food of the country during that time period was studied to ensure authenticity. With a cast of more than 5,000 Israelis and Arabs, "JESUS" was filmed on location in Israel. Praise God for calling and providing for staff to continue to produce the film in more languages.

*Click here to watch the film.

Pray that paper for printing of translated Scripture may be available when the camera-ready copy arrives. Pray for the mailing and shipping, that there will be no damage or loss in transit, or unreasonable delays in customs. Pray for the safety of manuscripts. One translator lost the only copy of Mark's Gospel in the baggage system of JFK Airport in New York City. People prayed, and it was recovered. 

*some of these ideas originated with Wycliffe USA Prayer Ministries personnel www.wycliffe.org

Pray for proofreaders, that they will catch and correct errors so that translated Scripture is easy to understand. Typesetters sometimes work with languages that they do not speak. Pray for accuracy in their work. Pray that all computers, copiers, printers, microphones and sound equipment for audio-visual production, storage disks, and any other needed equipment will function without fail. For Scripture being printed, pray for the binding, inking and pagination processes; and for printers to operate smoothly. Pray that the results will be clear, useable, durable books.

*some of these ideas originated with Wycliffe USA Prayer Ministries personnel www.wycliffe.org

Pray for sufficient trained consultants so that translated Scripture will not be delayed because of waiting for final approval.* A consultant thoroughly goes over the translation with the team, checking for accuracy, clarity and naturalness, and looking for omissions, extraneous thoughts or possible misconceptions.

*some of these ideas originated with Wycliffe USA Prayer Ministries personnel www.wycliffe.org