***

     The TV-YouTube project has slightly changed form and, God willing, I believe we are now looking at the best option for reaching this people group.

     The show will now resemble a variety show of sorts, with segments, sketches and viewer interactions, as well as guest appearances. With this diversity of creative opportunity also comes opportunity to involve more people--the very people we are aiming to reach spiritually.

     Filming has just begun, but soon we will be hosting full teams of young creatives in our studio as we make episodes of The Brothers Baer. Those of us who are strong believers and disciples of Christ will walk alongside them, offering kindness and love, and the truth, as opportunities arise.

     Please pray with us that God would use this medium to heavily impact the hearts of its creators. Pray that He would show them His beauty, and that they would devote their lives to it!

Valley of Dry Bones: Digital Collectibles, Real Community

In all things, God's timing is paramount. That is why we are saying yes to a project that will likely take us several years to establish.

     Over a year ago, a friend offered GFM a generous gift: a full library of hand-made, digital collectibles. A graphic designer, this man created a vast collection of these tradeable tokens, with the intention of using them for the Kingdom. Since his first offer, I believe God has put the right people in the works with GFM to do this project justice.

     We are in talks to use this collection as a catalyst for community. What does it look like? Right now, the idea is to create an ARG ("alternate reality game;" interactive storytelling, often involving scavenger hunts, that uses both the digital and real worlds), which would bring people together to solve puzzles, crack codes, and go on adventures together. Ultimately, the subject material of this ARG would intentionally spark talks about higher truth, and ultimately God and Christ.

     I know the subject matter may seem a bit unusual. Skulls? But just think about the story in Ezekiel, the Valley of Dry Bones. To paraphrase, God tells Ezekiel to command dry bones to live, and by faith he does so. In moments, an army is brought up before his very eyes.

     I believe this is what God wants to do for my generation. We are lost, empty, as good as dead. But, through faith in God, we are raised to life again, given purpose, given hope. These are the truths we will address through this project, and I think God will use it to install into dry bones.

     Please pray with us that God will direct the vision for this project. We want it to be made well, and made with intention, as to show respect and honor to His commission. Pray that God will use this project to plant seeds and grow our faith!

     As we cover this new ground, we realize we are walking a narrow path. Pitfalls are on either side of us, and we must continue looking toward the prize: the calling of new disciples, the gift of truth and life more abundant, and the hope of Jesus Christ making all things new. We pursue Him first, and by faith we create.

     As it says in Ephesians 5, now is not the time for foolishness. No messin' around. Now is the time to be sober-minded and spiritually aware of the steps God would have us take. We put all our faith in Him; His will be done. When that is our motto, I see no limits to what He can do through this endeavor.

     As always, thank you so much for your prayers regarding these projects. In praying, you are paving the way for this to happen. May God bless this journey!