| OPERATION:
COME-PASSION is really something
of a miracle. Taylore Fox, a Christian businesswoman from Surrey,
B.C., was profoundly moved by THE
PASSION movie and sensed
God was calling her to respond in some way, though she really didn't
know how. She felt led by the Holy Spirit to host a dinner for a small
group of Christian friends who had also previewed the movie to talk
about the movie and then, as she said, "just see what might happen."
The small group included Laura Block, Susan Fox, Paul and Tamara Witzel,
and Dr. Charles Laird.
From the beginning there was a recognition God was both forming
these people into a group, utilizing their respective interests
and abilities, to respond in their own way. Paul and Tamara Witzel
have a strong interest in ministry to homeless persons. Henry and
Laura Block have for many years been supported outreach ministries
associated with Campus Crusade for Christ, Canada. Susan Fox, president
of Online Film Services, Inc., understands Hollywood and the film
industry. Dr. Laird, executive director of Mission: North America,
specializes in postmodern mission and evangelism. OPERATION:
COME-PASSION serendipitously emerged simply as a hybrid expression
of the group's individual skills and interests.
Taylore proposed contributing to purchase tickets to THE
PASSION OF THE CHRIST and giving them to homeless persons
who might want to go see the movie but couldn't afford it (and even
if they could would spend the money elsewhere). She committed funds
which others of the group quickly matched and instantly almost $2,400
was generated. The Witzels suggested the practical (and compassionate)
need to also offer some kind of meal. Laura Block then offered to
contribute up to one-thousand $5 McDonald's meal coupons to give
to each homeless person when they came out of the theater. She also
suggested a "Four Spiritual Laws" tract could be stapled
to each coupon.
Susan Fox said the number of people attending the movie, especially
in the first week, would be essential to how Hollywood determines
the box office success of this movie. This, in turn, will affect
the kinds of films that come out of Hollywood hereafter. If Hollywood
were to see Christian films as highly marketable and profitable,and
if the box office receipts reveal a huge market for Christian films,
Susan suggested there would be a mad rush and scramble for more
of these kinds of films. She said this has the potential to profoundly
change the very character of Hollywood movies. It was decided, therefore,
to put priority on getting homeless people to view the movie Sunday
afternoon of opening week.
Mission: North America
will work on training people for post-viewing discussion and follow-up
to effectively minister God's love and cultivate Christ among our
homeless brothers and sisters.
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