April 2008 Newsletter
Dear
HPN members,Happy April. What beautiful weather in Southern California. A great season for prayer walks! Thank you for praying with us for Hollywood.
SUMMARY:
- IDOL GIVES BACK TV Special ended in a passionate version of "Shout To the Lord"
- Praise God for what He’s doing in Ted Turner’s heart
- Praise God for a great 168 film festival year
- A Praise for this note (excerpt) from a local Bible study leader in Minnesota
- Continue to pray for professionals in the Film industry in Bollywood, India
- Continue to ask God to bring financial partners to join with HPN laborers
- Join us in praying for Oprah and her new interest in The Course of Miracles
- Our entire globe is impacted by Hollywood thru the Assoc. of Film Commissioners
- Pray for the annual NAB (National Assoc. of Broadcasters) convention this week
- Request from Texas HPN Member for their first organized Missio Dei event
- Remember to pray on May 1st! The National Day of Prayer at Bel Air Pres.
- Check out the other upcoming events in Hollywood…
PRAISES:
• IDOL GIVES BACK TV Special on Wednesday, April 9th ended in a beautiful and passionate version of "Shout to the Lord." The name of Jesus, our Saviour and Lord, was sung and broadcast around the world by all the Idol candidates and it was wonderful. Praise God that He can show up anywhere and be celebrated! And even though two of the words were changed for the on-air taping, the original song is now a top download on iTunes, and the AI contestants all sang the original lyrics the following night on the AI telecast (due to many callers who complained that the lyrics were changed). This beautiful song certainly gave God the glory and started great spiritual conversations around the globe.
• Praise God for what He’s doing in Ted Turner’s heart. Two weeks ago the AP Wire gave an update on Ted’s decision to partner with Christians to help fight malaria in Africa. And he apologized for past negative remarks about Christianity. An answer to prayer! Here is an excerpt from Delaware On-line: NEW YORK (AP) – “Ted Turner, who once called Christianity a "religion for losers," launched a $200 million partnership Tuesday with Lutherans and Methodists to fight malaria in Africa, apologizing for his past criticism of religion and calling faith a "bright spot" in the world… Turner, 69, said he had only made a few disparaging comments a long time ago and that he is "always developing" his thinking as he grows older…"I regret anything I said about religion that was negative," he told The Associated Press ahead of a news conference announcing the anti-malaria program… In the 1980s, the CNN founder criticized Christianity, wrote his own version of the Ten Commandments and in 2001 asked employees who commemorated Ash Wednesday whether they were Jesus freaks, "saying they should work for Fox.” He apologized at the time… He said he considered becoming a missionary as a boy and has read the Bible "cover to cover twice" even though some of it is "pretty tedious". But he rejected religion after his younger sister died from a form of lupus when they were both young… Turner still has not completely embraced religion… He said he continues to subscribe to his alternative commandments, which he called the "Ten Voluntary Initiatives." They include caring for people and the earth, promising not to have more than two children and contributing to the less fortunate. Pray for Ted.
• The 168 film festiful this year was a huge success with 75 short films produced! A huge thank you for all of the intercessors who prayed for each team!
• A Praise from our Twin Cities LCD, Heidi, who received this note (excerpt) from a local Bible study leader: “Heidi, thank you for the updates that Fran has passed on to our group. I should have realized that your group would of course be praying also. We keep your HPN group in prayer. You are involved in such an important cause. I'm very grateful that Fran awakened our group to our responsibility to do more than complain about the state of Hollywood. What a great God we serve. Again thank you.” Prayerfully Gale
UPDATES:
• Continue to pray for the cultural influencers and decision-makers in the Film industry in India. To order a copy of the Bollywood Media Prayer Calendar, click on this link. You may order as many calendars as you would like from the above link. I know they are very encouraged by the requests.
• Continue asking the Lord to bring financial partners to join with the HPN laborers here in Hollywood. He is miraculously building up an incredible community of committed Christians working as tent-makers in the entertainment industry, but, the hearts of the financial partners need to be touched in a greater way so that the necessary resources can be unleashed. We are SO grateful for those who do support us for we wouldn’t be here without you, but we know God has more for us to complete our year of ministry!!!
REQUESTS:
• Join us in praying for Oprah - She grew up in the Baptist church but, has strayed from her roots in a spiritual search spanning years. She is now supporting A Course of Miracles on her website and the influence she has is phenomenal. Please pray for the Lord to confirm to Oprah that His truth and unconditional love are the only ways for her to find perfect peace, joy and rest.
• Our entire globe is impacted by Hollywood. Film incentives dominated talks at the 23rd annual AFCI (The Assoc. of Film Commissioners International) Locations Trade Show last week in Santa Monica, CA. New York and Illinois announced new tax incentive packages and financial benefits for having films shoot in these Commissioners’ cities, states and/or countries. These discussions made for a competitive environment of one-upmanship as they each proposed the “best deals” and tax breaks for local film shoots. Pray for the businessmen involved in Hollywood films – that they would be people of integrity, and fair in their dealings. May more solid Christians be a part of the big picture in the multi billion dollar business of filmmaking.
• Pray for the annual NAB (National Assoc. of Broadcasters) convention running this April 11 – 17th. NAB exists to “proactively and vigilantly advance the rights and interests of free, local radio and television broadcasters”. Let’s pray that as decisions are made for local TV programming, the broadcasters will use wisdom and discernment in determining what gets on the air.
• Request from Texas HPN Member: Last month they had their first organized Missio Dei event – a prayer meeting, along with sharing ideas for launching the media prayer group. They will be praying through the HPN Kids Prayer Calendar and for its creator, San Jose HPN LCD, Terri Renfro, along with professionals both in Texas and Hollywood. Let’s pray for Elizabeth and the group as they ask God for what’s ahead for them and as He deepens their desire to pray for Hollywood.
UPCOMING
EVENTS:
• Remember to pray on May 1st! The NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER is celebrated in America annually on the first Thurs. in May. This year, Hollywood will be gathering for it’s 15th annual National Day of Prayer event – this time in the beautiful sanctuary of Bel Air Presbyterian Church (7:30pm–9:30pm). Please pray with us and for us as we gather as a faith community that evening, lifting up our city, our industry, our state and our nation. It’s a joyful evening of celebration for all that the Lord has given us, hosted by HPN, The Beacon and HC. Please join us if you’re in the LA area. For details visit: www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org
• The 13th Annual BIOLA MEDIA CONFERENCE Meets for the first time on CBS Studio Center Lot on Saturday, May 3rd from 8am – 6:00pm. It’s theme this year is “Blue Print Hollywood – Designing for the Digital Age.” It is packed with incredible speakers, panel discussions, screenings and seminars. Biola is the leading Christian University to embrace Hollywood as a place to embrace through training solid young Christians. They will develop into leaders in their faithwalk expressed through their craft as they join the artistic media community. This annual conference allows both students, the audience, and other media professionals, to gather together to sharpen their craft, challenge one another artistically and vocationally, and discuss some of the tough questions of how to motivate and keep Christians on the cutting edge of our entertainment driven culture. Please pray for this event – or better yet COME: For the most up to date information, list of speakers, or to register online, visit www.biolamedia.com, call 1-866-334-2266, or e-mail bmc@biola.edu.
• Hollywood Connect (HC), a non-profit organization that equips, empowers and unifies Christians working in the Arts and Entertainment Industry, is now accepting applications for the 2008 “360° Training Program: Comprehensive Training For Success In Hollywood,” which will take place May 30th to August 9th, 2008. Applications can be obtained at www.HollywoodConnect.com and are due by April 23rd, 2008.
• Come to One Accord, the prayer gathering on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. at New Hope Church at 5853 Laurel Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91607. It’s a weekly HOUR OF PRAYER for anyone in the entertainment industry. Pray that the night will be filled each week with people seeking God, praying for one another, and interceding for our Hollywood community. For details email: Shun Lee Fong contactshunlee@gmail.com.
Thank you for praying with us this month. Let’s expect MIRACLES!
Prayerfully,
Karen, Caren and Gloria
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
"Most of the trouble in the world is caused by people wanting to be important."
~ T.S. Eliot
VERSE OF THE MONTH:
• IDOL GIVES BACK TV Special on Wednesday, April 9th ended in a beautiful and passionate version of "Shout to the Lord." The name of Jesus, our Saviour and Lord, was sung and broadcast around the world by all the Idol candidates and it was wonderful. Praise God that He can show up anywhere and be celebrated! And even though two of the words were changed for the on-air taping, the original song is now a top download on iTunes, and the AI contestants all sang the original lyrics the following night on the AI telecast (due to many callers who complained that the lyrics were changed). This beautiful song certainly gave God the glory and started great spiritual conversations around the globe.
• Praise God for what He’s doing in Ted Turner’s heart. Two weeks ago the AP Wire gave an update on Ted’s decision to partner with Christians to help fight malaria in Africa. And he apologized for past negative remarks about Christianity. An answer to prayer! Here is an excerpt from Delaware On-line: NEW YORK (AP) – “Ted Turner, who once called Christianity a "religion for losers," launched a $200 million partnership Tuesday with Lutherans and Methodists to fight malaria in Africa, apologizing for his past criticism of religion and calling faith a "bright spot" in the world… Turner, 69, said he had only made a few disparaging comments a long time ago and that he is "always developing" his thinking as he grows older…"I regret anything I said about religion that was negative," he told The Associated Press ahead of a news conference announcing the anti-malaria program… In the 1980s, the CNN founder criticized Christianity, wrote his own version of the Ten Commandments and in 2001 asked employees who commemorated Ash Wednesday whether they were Jesus freaks, "saying they should work for Fox.” He apologized at the time… He said he considered becoming a missionary as a boy and has read the Bible "cover to cover twice" even though some of it is "pretty tedious". But he rejected religion after his younger sister died from a form of lupus when they were both young… Turner still has not completely embraced religion… He said he continues to subscribe to his alternative commandments, which he called the "Ten Voluntary Initiatives." They include caring for people and the earth, promising not to have more than two children and contributing to the less fortunate. Pray for Ted.
• The 168 film festiful this year was a huge success with 75 short films produced! A huge thank you for all of the intercessors who prayed for each team!
• A Praise from our Twin Cities LCD, Heidi, who received this note (excerpt) from a local Bible study leader: “Heidi, thank you for the updates that Fran has passed on to our group. I should have realized that your group would of course be praying also. We keep your HPN group in prayer. You are involved in such an important cause. I'm very grateful that Fran awakened our group to our responsibility to do more than complain about the state of Hollywood. What a great God we serve. Again thank you.” Prayerfully Gale
UPDATES:
• Continue to pray for the cultural influencers and decision-makers in the Film industry in India. To order a copy of the Bollywood Media Prayer Calendar, click on this link. You may order as many calendars as you would like from the above link. I know they are very encouraged by the requests.
• Continue asking the Lord to bring financial partners to join with the HPN laborers here in Hollywood. He is miraculously building up an incredible community of committed Christians working as tent-makers in the entertainment industry, but, the hearts of the financial partners need to be touched in a greater way so that the necessary resources can be unleashed. We are SO grateful for those who do support us for we wouldn’t be here without you, but we know God has more for us to complete our year of ministry!!!
REQUESTS:
• Join us in praying for Oprah - She grew up in the Baptist church but, has strayed from her roots in a spiritual search spanning years. She is now supporting A Course of Miracles on her website and the influence she has is phenomenal. Please pray for the Lord to confirm to Oprah that His truth and unconditional love are the only ways for her to find perfect peace, joy and rest.
• Our entire globe is impacted by Hollywood. Film incentives dominated talks at the 23rd annual AFCI (The Assoc. of Film Commissioners International) Locations Trade Show last week in Santa Monica, CA. New York and Illinois announced new tax incentive packages and financial benefits for having films shoot in these Commissioners’ cities, states and/or countries. These discussions made for a competitive environment of one-upmanship as they each proposed the “best deals” and tax breaks for local film shoots. Pray for the businessmen involved in Hollywood films – that they would be people of integrity, and fair in their dealings. May more solid Christians be a part of the big picture in the multi billion dollar business of filmmaking.
• Pray for the annual NAB (National Assoc. of Broadcasters) convention running this April 11 – 17th. NAB exists to “proactively and vigilantly advance the rights and interests of free, local radio and television broadcasters”. Let’s pray that as decisions are made for local TV programming, the broadcasters will use wisdom and discernment in determining what gets on the air.
• Request from Texas HPN Member: Last month they had their first organized Missio Dei event – a prayer meeting, along with sharing ideas for launching the media prayer group. They will be praying through the HPN Kids Prayer Calendar and for its creator, San Jose HPN LCD, Terri Renfro, along with professionals both in Texas and Hollywood. Let’s pray for Elizabeth and the group as they ask God for what’s ahead for them and as He deepens their desire to pray for Hollywood.
UPCOMING
EVENTS:• Remember to pray on May 1st! The NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER is celebrated in America annually on the first Thurs. in May. This year, Hollywood will be gathering for it’s 15th annual National Day of Prayer event – this time in the beautiful sanctuary of Bel Air Presbyterian Church (7:30pm–9:30pm). Please pray with us and for us as we gather as a faith community that evening, lifting up our city, our industry, our state and our nation. It’s a joyful evening of celebration for all that the Lord has given us, hosted by HPN, The Beacon and HC. Please join us if you’re in the LA area. For details visit: www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org
• The 13th Annual BIOLA MEDIA CONFERENCE Meets for the first time on CBS Studio Center Lot on Saturday, May 3rd from 8am – 6:00pm. It’s theme this year is “Blue Print Hollywood – Designing for the Digital Age.” It is packed with incredible speakers, panel discussions, screenings and seminars. Biola is the leading Christian University to embrace Hollywood as a place to embrace through training solid young Christians. They will develop into leaders in their faithwalk expressed through their craft as they join the artistic media community. This annual conference allows both students, the audience, and other media professionals, to gather together to sharpen their craft, challenge one another artistically and vocationally, and discuss some of the tough questions of how to motivate and keep Christians on the cutting edge of our entertainment driven culture. Please pray for this event – or better yet COME: For the most up to date information, list of speakers, or to register online, visit www.biolamedia.com, call 1-866-334-2266, or e-mail bmc@biola.edu.
• Hollywood Connect (HC), a non-profit organization that equips, empowers and unifies Christians working in the Arts and Entertainment Industry, is now accepting applications for the 2008 “360° Training Program: Comprehensive Training For Success In Hollywood,” which will take place May 30th to August 9th, 2008. Applications can be obtained at www.HollywoodConnect.com and are due by April 23rd, 2008.
• Come to One Accord, the prayer gathering on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. at New Hope Church at 5853 Laurel Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91607. It’s a weekly HOUR OF PRAYER for anyone in the entertainment industry. Pray that the night will be filled each week with people seeking God, praying for one another, and interceding for our Hollywood community. For details email: Shun Lee Fong contactshunlee@gmail.com.
Thank you for praying with us this month. Let’s expect MIRACLES!
Prayerfully,
Karen, Caren and Gloria
------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
"Most of the trouble in the world is caused by people wanting to be important."
~ T.S. Eliot
VERSE OF THE MONTH:
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.” I Corinthians 1:27-29