I have spent time in the past year sharing with our VMFA family the miracle of my youngest son, Matthew BEAR McAfee, because it was the celebration of his wedding. Bear and Clytee were married in September and they are just wonderful together.
CELEBRATING OUR SON Now I will take this article the opportunity to share with our VMFA and the V300 about Michael Shane McAfee, our oldest son. It's been said by many parents when they speak of the "first born", we have someone special. This is an understatement of how I feel about my oldest son. Since Michael was born, we felt God had something special for him to do. Watching him grow up, he had a maturity at a young age which seemed so very different than most children. His questions even in elementary were so precious, filled with wonder, but also an interest in the things of God. When he prayed to receive Jesus in his own heart, he would pray at night for God to give him wisdom. I had never prayed for God to give me wisdom, but I sure should have! Michael had a "dress up" day in his early childhood at James L. Dennis elementary school and he dressed up as a preacher. Never did any of us realize he would eventually go through being ordained at the Council Road Baptist church, but the Lord was working in his life at a young age. I am so thankful for what CRBC has meant in the life of our family. Serving eight years on staff under Norman Behymer and Dr. Wendell Estep brought our family to great blessings and teachings of faith. WHEN HE FELL IN LOVE Michael met a beautiful little girl in eighth grade at Oklahoma Baptist University and they were just friends. They talked about ministry, life and were attracted immediately. In this growing up together, he and Lauren grew from friendship into a deep relationship of love and God. Missions, the Bible and reaching people for the ministry of the gospel became Michael's calling as he and Lauren matured together. They were pure in their thoughts and were more than exceptional in their way of living. While in college, Michael knew Lauren was to be his wife and he had the courage to step out in faith. During his senior year at the University of Oklahoma he was called to First Baptist Purcell where he became the youth minister. Michael and Lauren began their ministry together humbly serving a wonderful church in central Oklahoma. Not long after, he was blessed to be called to serve at Council Road Baptist, his home church. MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE After a few years, Steve Green his father in law truly desired to have Michael and Lauren serving together at the Musuem of the Bible and they were blessed to make this transition. Lauren finished her masters at Liberty University and Michael elected to go for his Master's in Divinity, a 90 hour program at Southern Seminary. Last year, he finally graduated and guess who spoke at his graduation, Steve Green! Michael invited his closest family members with his in laws to attend the Seminary graduation and we heard it was a wonderful celebration. I do remember being so thankful he was finally seeing this hard work pay off in amazing ways. WORKING ON THEIR DOCTORATE However, he and Lauren both elected to continue their education and applied and were accepted in the ERLC in Washington DC through Southern Seminary in the doctoral program. Lauren and MIchael are now writing books and she has been promoted as the Corporate Ambassador for Hobby Lobby. I asked Michael how long did he think he would be to complete his doctorate and he estimated five years. My heart went out for he and Lauren as they both had just read over a dozen books just in their first semester. The study, the understanding and education they are receiving is truly a gift. WRITING BOOKS FOR THEIR LEGACY God is using this amazing couple in a wonderful way for His kingdom, for the purpose of sharing Christ and it is a great joy to see what the Lord will do next. Plus, we found out this week that Lauren and Jackie Green have just written their first book together which was published this year, Passing On A Biblical Legacy. The Lord has so blessed the family so much because of a faithful son who prayed for wisdom. Michael and Lauren are working on writing a book together about young marrieds and how the Bible is so relevant to people today, per our Christmas meal conversations which have become the most important meal all year with them. These are the many activities for this young man and woman who have surrendered themselves to the cause of Christ. We are praying God's blessings extend to their children and the protection and safety of His angels surround them each and every day. OUR PRAYER FOR MICHAEL AND LAUREN Thank you Lord for loading us our son Michael and thank you for sending us Lauren to join our family through marriage. We prayed for her and her precious family before we knew she would even be with us forever. We love them both so very much and we ask you Father to please station your angels about them every hour of every day. Protect them, protect their love, protect their families and future children and help them during times of trials and challenges. Bless them Lord with wisdom, with joy, laughter and heavenly things. While we all realize all of our children are on "loan" for such a short time, we are so thankful to have had a few moments in their lives. It's selfish to want more time, so forgive us for always wanting more. We know they are being used by you, so please take over Lord and use them only as YOU see fit. PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY NOW Are you praying for your children? What are you doing to intercede for them every single day? We have a vigil in our home to pray daily for our children every day. Do you know how precious it is to pray for your sons and daughters at night before you sleep and the first thing, when you wake up? The joy of having children is the greatest honor you will ever know. I love you all, Kevin
1 Comment
NEW FILMING BEGINS
SECRET KNOTS began a new film project in this past month creating a feature film documentary. This is a new ministry based in the Seattle Washington arena we have talked about here at VMFA. This is a story about Tom Stewart and his life which began in tragedy during his childhood. Tom was sexually abused by his scout master during his childhood years and was threatened at gunpoint to never reveal what was transpiring or his parents and family would be killed. With a gun pointed to his head, he was abused in every way as a young boy and his courage to come forward and share this story impacted all of us. VMFA was honored to join Cross Training in the filming at the home of Biblical Counselor Christi Craddock sharing this powerful story of truth. Rene' Stewart who authored the book was the foundation of the filmed interviews provided powerful testimonies growing up in her own childhood to the mix. We are honored to work with this new non profit ministry which is launching in 2018. VMFA encourages all of our V300 partners to go on secret knots.net and find out more about this opportunity. PRAYER PARTNERS We cannot exist without prayer. Each month when you take time to pray, doors begin to open for us. Do you realize how important you are in our foundations as a ministry? We need your prayer support more than ever. There are so many authors, stories and films which are circling and this is happening because people are praying. Our focus is not on economic rewards, but on social and spiritual outcomes, so we need prayer. Pam Campbell, Susie Burkett and many others dealing with health crisis, cancer, chemo and have been prayer requests continue to be the reason we came back on FB. Please share with family and friends what is most important, a dialogue with God and intercession for miracles. They happen when you pray. MINISTRY FOCUS VMFA in 2018 along with our family of companies are committing even more to ministry in the coming days. You will be hearing more about the ventures we are beginning in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. The older we become, the more we realize Christ alone is the only answer to every problem, every issue. We believe when the enemy attacks this is a sign we are doing something wonderful. It doesn't matter what your past or what your future is, you can change for today to focus on ministry and helping others. Will you be willing to join us? We hope you will because MINISTRY is becoming more important to us every single day and its for all the right reasons too. We are especially thankful for the miniistries who are coming alongside of us and ask for your prayers in this regard. HIS TRUTH TRANSFORMS Our ministry knows the importance of God's word, the Bible. We believe Biblical Counseling is not something that should be buried, but instead, illuminated! It's time to begin working together as a team and building toward a new tomorrow where Bible Counseling will change your life. Christi Craddock and Doris Craddock are founders of HIS TRUTH TRANSFORMS an they are the foundation of the Biblical Counseling era which was launched by their father and husband, pioneer Jim Craddock. Jim in 1973 began SCOPE MINISTRIES and HIS TRUTH TRANSFORMS INTERNATIONAL was the legacy organization that continues to this very day, 45 years later. Jim began with Campus Crusade for Christ working with Dr. Bill Bright. He left a legacy of counseling ministry tools and touched thousands of lives. His diagnostics have been used by ministries worldwide and Christi has become a very important support to VERITAS and is working with our organization to build a business and growth strategy. We are also working together to build resources helping others. BIBLE MUSEUM UPDATE In speaking with Michael and Lauren McAfee, my son and daughter in law over the holidays, they shared the enormous reception the MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE with us at the dinner table. We want to thank our son's in laws Steve and Jackie Green for their faith, vision and bold stand in bringing a museum to the world dedicated to God's Holy Word. We are so thankful for their hard work. Thank you all for your prayer and support. We love you and are honored to be in ministry together. Love, Kevin One of the most valuable treasures in life, are the relationships we have with each other. Very seldom do I take the opportunity to talk about one individual in a post or my blog, but allow me this time to share a huge prayer need we have in this hour.
For many months, a dear friend of mine who has meant the world to me, Darrel Campbell has requested prayer for his amazing wife, Pam Campbell. She has had a series of issues in her muscles and the medical doctors have been trying to put together a complex medical puzzle which has left them confused. However, on this week the diagnosis of Cancer has emerged and as I write this, they are in the hospital where we are asking publicly for your prayers for Pam. Their children have become such an integral part of our family and I know they are all in pain over this diagnosis and the fears of tomorrow and every day after are now with them. Therefore, I am calling on the V-300 and that means every single person who has agreed to pray for this ministry, we need you praying for Pam. She has been a wonderful source of joy and love to all who know her and continues to be a source of strength for us, even in this dark hour of "doubt". The details will naturally follow, but we know this. Jesus Christ of Nazareth has healed the sick and continues to make the impossible, possible. We are asking our Lord and Savior to miraculousy heal her body. Believing God has a plan in triumph and in tragedy, we continue to believe medical solutions and supernatural healing will be hers to this very hour. Our deepest love goes to the children and parents of this entire family, the in laws and especially to Darrel too. On behalf of the V300 we love you Pam and Darrel and we thank the Lord for your place in our hearts. Your amazing love sustains us all and we are praying for healing. Thank you for being such a great symbol of faith and of God for us and our entire team is with you in heart and spirit. Thank you V300, the churches who come around us and for our dear family in Missouri as you forge ahead in this hourly vigil trying to find solutions. We love you and are with you in spirit even now. All Our Love, Dr. Kevin McAfee Every year it is so easy to talk about NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS where we focus on moving our lives down a "new trail" with a personal covenant to overcome "barriers, issues and bad stuff". Some of the "stuff" can be when addictions arise which are so often punitive, weight loss which can be health wise, eating differently and in some ways changing our behaviors. Each one of us have a tendency to look at our own lives way too much. We think more about how we want to improve ourselves. Why not begin thinking differently?
What if instead, we stpped to consider WHAT WILL I DO TO HELP OTHERS MORE? At a certain point in all of our lives we must start focusing on "giving back" to others and when we do, can you imagine what we all could do together in a unified group? Feed the hungry, give clothes to those in need, provide shelter for the homeless and there is so much more. You have to purpose to do something with your life, if you have the heart to do so. So here is my question, "What am I doing to help?" Do you know the answer? HERE IS WHERE I HAVE BLOWN THE ANSWER TO THESE QUESTIONS... I have not done much at all because I have focused more on "myself" and I have been very wrong. MOMS AGAINST HUNGER - A LEADER IN GIVING In 2015 I had the honor to meet a "giving" family, Bishop Greg Holley and his wife Gayla from Houston. Amazingly, these courageous people had began an organization called, MOMS AGAINST HUNGER. The more I saw these people give and give, the more I fell in love with WHO they were. They truly care and are deeply committed to helping feed the hungry and they are pledging their lives accordingly. When we attended a church called SLOWBURN in Franklin, which was led by pastor Clint Thomas, we experienced another giving example. Inside this giving church, there was a young woman who had a real burden to help the homeless in downtown Nashville and decided to do something about this "cause" by recognizing their need. She formulated a group, got people at church to begin investing in people who could never do anything for her. However, if you stopped to speak with this amazing servant, she would say, "She is the richer for helping". A GIVING CHURCH - CROSS POINT Recently, the satellite church in Franklin under pastor Kevin Queens took our entire church into more purpose driven opportunities where we can help people in need. Do you know how wonderful it is when people stop, give and keep on giving? The more our church begins to give, the more blessed we are, but the goal is not to receive, but to give and it just keeps happening. Is your church giving? A GIVING PASTOR - JOHN DICKEY John Dickey has been helping in Stillwater Oklahoma giving his time to help be a chaplain for the Stillwater Police Force. Do you see what is happening? People are giving and congratulations John and HILLCREST BAPTIST CHURCH IN STILLWATER for having such an amazing pastor. A GIVING FRIEND - GARY OLSON Gary Olson a friend in Oklahoma City once told me, "You just need to give and give and give, until you can't give some more and then start giving some more". Many times I have talked about this, but never in the context of New Year's Resolutions. Would you join me in a new purpose? Let's figure out how we can ALL give more. Our time, our talents, our resources all count and I believe the more we can do to help others, the better. Don't do it for yourself, do it for someone else. Give to senior adults, give to the handicapped, give to ministries, give to your local church, give to other countries in need and keep on giving and see what can happen in your life! DR. WENDELL ESTEP - A HUGE MENTOR GIVER This year, one of the greatest mentors of my life will retire, Dr. Wendell Estep the pastor of FBC Columbia, South Carolina. He is a man who was giving as a young pastor back in Pawhuska Oklahoma when he began and he finished strong, giving away his whole life to serving others. I am especially thankful for this GIVING SERVANT who will always be one of my greatest heroes. So I challenge all of you of influence, of affluence and those who have very little, begin to give to others no matter where you are and celebrate those who have also given over and over. I am so proud of the GIVERS who have inspired all of us. Remember also, to remain faithful and still praying for the TAKERS in life, because they are the ones who are horribly compromised. What a sad way to live. BEGIN TO GIVE MORE Jesus said, "When you have done this to the least of these, you have done this unto Me.". You will never be able to outgive GOD and in this 2018, I am thankful for all He has done for us. We never deserved this kind of unconditional love, but it just keeps on coming. Give more in 2018 and let's see what happens. I love you all, Kevin Christmas morning always had special memories attached to our lives growing up. Whether we get lost in the Christmas Story dream of the ultimate toy, there is an expectation that comes with this holiday like no other. Last night we were talking about families all over the world, India, Turkey, Romania and every other corner of the globe where "even if they don't celebrate Christmas", they get the day off.
A DAY OFF Our world is so busy and so filled with the hurry up mentality of life, to actually stop and have businesses recognize that the time is Christmas and businessess should close, not just because of some "Scrooge Principal" but because this is the right thing to do, to rest, to cease activity and to reflect on a new kind of majesty. My father was a banker and lived a "George Bailey" kind of life. He worked for the Savings and Loan and helped people build houses, grow small business and financed deals on a handshake. This was a totally different kind of day back in the sixties and seventies, but the lessons still apply. He saw the good in people and endeared trust and did not have problems collecting, because people had a "base" of beliefs which led them to character. A DAY TO GIVE Christmas has also taught us character because the principals of giving, supporting and providing help to those in need, whether it is food or clothing is so important. Several years ago, I had the blesssing to meet a family who run a great feeding ministry and what a blessing they are to so many, not just at "Christmas time" but throughout the year as they pledge to feed and help others. A DAY TO GATHER The gatherings that take place on this day all over the world with friends, family and comrades bring a sense of purpose and joy too. Often these gatherings include the "Christmas movies" so well celebrated by all. The movies have always been a tradition of the holidays going back to ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE or WHITE CHRISTMAMS or the amazing miracles found in Charles Dickens, SCROOGE. Entertainment means to distract or divert one's attention in the Greek, so the distraction is always wonderful. While there are many "things and happenings" about this holiday, there is one belief our society has often become rather bankrupt in understanding and this is th reason for the season. While we all need to slow down, we all need more character, it's fun to give gifts and receive and who doesn'tlke a family reuninon anyway? There is something more than Tiny Tim saying, "God bless us everyone". THE DAY TO REMEMBER Jesus was born on a day, just like any other day. We do not know the exact day and we are not positive it was December, but to me...this was never the point. Christmas has always been the greatest symbol of the birth of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, Christmas does not symbolize the birth of any other great teacher and or mystical belief in a God because he was the "only self proclaimed God-man". Personally, the fulfillment of personally knowing a day is "chosen" by others to celebrate Christ is a reflection of the true joy Christ in Christ-mas makes this season more than magical for me. I am so very thankful all over the world in countries far and wide, there is a Christmas. Do you realize what a blessing this is? Are you truly taking advantage of the moments this represents? A DAY OF VACATION The concept of a Christmas vacation is something I never experienced, until this year. I will be sixty years old and actually for the first time in my life, have a family gathering not in a home, but in a place I would have never expected in the world. Entrenched and surrounded by Native American culture in the Southwest, we recognize this holiday with people who, just like us, stop, give and assemble in a midnight mass to celebrate Christmas. A DAY TO WORSHIP I was personally too tired to attend the midninght mass but walked into the six pm mass and saw the wonder of church and the celebration of his birth. Wow, this was an amazing thing to behold. Do you know what I saw in the streets? People singing Christmas Carols, musicians, carolers, fires burning and hot cider, nativity scenes and this unmistakeable joy being shared as the words, "Merry Christmas" were on the lips of all. People were dressed up and the almost freezing weather did not deter the streetwide celebration, the houses being liit up with candles, lights, beautiful decorations and a warmth which overcame the cold. This was a Christmas just like home, but with many people I will never know. Their smiles reminded me of why I love Christmas, because when I found Christ in my heart, I began to smile and live. A DAY TO WORRY What would my life be like without Christmas? Well, I would be worried about my past or not being perfect, looking over my shoulder and feeling like the bankruptcy of life was overwhelming. Instead, I see a new today and a better tomorrow because I have hope, I have dreams and I have Jesus in my life. Do you? I pray if you have not explored the tradition of Christmas to find the real "Christ", you will. There is nothing like Him. A DAY WITH A PROMISE One day, I will be with my mother again. She is with the Lord now. My Grandparents are with God too and so many people I love who have gone befor us. There is a promise we all have, who know this Christ. He said on the cross to one, "Today, you will be with me in paradise". I believe this was the most perfect statement of the promise of heaven I had ever heard and it's just one more reason why Jesus Christ is the answer to life's greatest questions. A DAY TO BE ALONE Some people are alone at Christmas and they feel isolated. Family members have gone and they have trouble making friends. Tragedies happen during a holiday when there is "no hope" and it can be abysmal if you are not careful. Depression can set in and the "expectation can be unmet" bringing peril and problems. Be sure to not isolate yourself this holiday, because all of us are meant to live in true community. A DAY OF FREEDOM My prayer is that you will be Merry this holiday season. This can be a holiday for true freedom in your life. This can make the difference forever. Every moment you have, know this. Whenever you may wonder if there is a power in Christmas, the answer is no. The power is in Jesus Christ of Nazareth and there are true miracles, not manufactured movie ones. There is a real Savior and we are all in desperate need of Him and when you find His love, it is my belief your life will change forever and you will never be alone again. May the Christ of "Christmas" touch you because in this hour, "He lives". Always, Kevin One of the most wonderful opportunities we have at VERITAS MISSION FILM ASSOCIATION is when we get to connect with content creators who have a story they believe can change the world. So many great books are being written and transition into film. They believe in using the visual language of film should be an integral part of their future and they connect with our non profit to partner. Personal biographies are always exciting when you see how powerful truth goes beyond imagination into a new realm.
Tom and Rene' Stewart have both been victims of abuse and to a large degree, they have been treated tragically in their past and much worse than the average person. When you meet them now, you find people who have gone through so much, to turn tragedy into triumph and they are now focusing on helping others. They needed VMFA to come alongside of their vision in helping people and now, secretknots.net is online. We are so thankful. MEETING IN DETROIT This past month, Tom flew to Detroit to be with our team as we shared one of our movies honoring American Veterans and what a wonderful experience it was. Thanks to Glenn Brown of Jackson, Michigan who is our newest Executive Producer, we all got in the same room. Tom's story is unique in that it is all true and this became part of a worldwide legal case which got international attention when he and his brother illuminated truths about a national organization who desperately needed to improve the qualifications in the role of helping supervise children. When you take a stand, this requires real courage. As a victim, who understands other people who have lived through tragedy on so many counts, I am always moved by stands of courage. In October 2017 the author and his wife who had tried to capture their story in a book, came to us with a dream. We believe this is a perfect venue to help share this story to the world. The couple was in between publishers and yet, still had a dream to create a new work, a new visual documentation of where they were going. A special thank you to all the great self publishing arms in the industry who are doing a great job of encouraging these authors. This is why writing a book is always such a great start when it comes to sharing a powerful story, just like Tom and Rene' Stewart. It didn't take long for us to realize this was a "Christmas gift" coming to VERITAS in a new fashion and we are so honored to be working with the Stewart family. You see they desire to start a worldwide organization with a big vision, to help those in need. They started a new website we helped them with, it's entitled secretknots.net and if you want to see how something can be birthed in a short order, established to help others, you have to check the site out today! Authors who realize their role in helping find investors, securing the seed capital needed and are willing to role up their sleeves like Tom and Rene', should be applauded. Not only are these wonderful people, they have a mission and a purpose in everything they are doing. They are looking for NON PROFIT DONORS who see their need in their website, so please go check it out and contact them today. Another side to the Stewart family, is their gentle approach in helping people who have gone through PTSD and other tragic forms of emotional challenges. Today, they are looking to network with some of the finest counselors in the world and beginning a new portal for people in trouble. This is the kind of "vision thinking" which really inspires us at the Roundtable. To summarize, never think of your story "inside the box", but think outside the realms of traditional thinking and you will be amazed at what can truly happen to change people and their lives for the better! We are honored to have secret knots.net as our new partner. Thanks again to the amazing work of Glenn Brown and so many who go behind the scenes to make dreams come true. Merry Christmas Friends, Love you all! Kevin In 1991 only seven days after Desert Storm broke out, I was flying to Bombay India with a group filming inside a soccer stadium. Wayne Bristow had brought myself and a group of men to the nation of India and my job, as always was filming. When I went into the nation, we were met with the United States representative sharing the nation of India had been closed while we were in flight. British Badgers had escorted us over Turkey, Afghanistan and into the country and this was my first part of seeing this side of the world.
What I found in India, were the kindest and most hospitality oriented people I had ever met. They would literally do anything for you and Krupananda, who was our host did everything imaginable for us. We were so fortunate to be staying in the Grand Kempinski Sahara Hotel, but my favorite part was leaving the hotel and being with the people, hearing their stories and being impacted by their spirits. GLENN BROWN - AIR FORCE VETERAN & PIONEER Fast forward to present day when I meet a United States Air Force veteran who shared with me about his story, not found in Bombay, but deep within the Republic of Turkey. The year was 1983 and an airman stationed in a new world began a love affair that has lasted until this very day. Growing up as an African American he signed up to enlist and join the Air Force with a love of sports, especially "ice hockey".Glenn Brown had played ice hockey growing up in Michigan and it was always a first love to him. When he looked for places to skate, equipment, teams, there was nothing. You have always heard the saying, "Bloom where you are planted" and this is exactly what he did. In fact, through the benevolence of an amazing friend in Turkey and the giving heart of his father, financing came through to pioneer the sport of ice hockey in the nation. His father was named George and he worked as an engineer at a machine company. In Turkey, there was a visionary Erol Alkus of Tarim Kredi who believed in children's future and what this sport could do, so he sacrificially invested in the future with Glenn. This one stone started a landslide which lasted until today. A WORLD LEADER - TURKEY Decades later, there are hundreds of ice hockey players, thousands of fans and millions of dollars invested in a sport which has brought Turkey into a worldwide sports position. There were an original "six" who took up the torch and began to share the benefits of ice hockey. Olympic teams in both men and women are now at the heart of the sports ministry of this great country. ELLENS LIGHT RELATIONSHIP Through the wonderful film ELLENS LIGHT, her brother Nicholas Karas introduced me to Glenn as they had become friends at a veterans meeting in Colorado. You have heard it said there are no accidents, well this was way more than any serendipitous moment, it literally was a divine appointment with a people group I had never personally had the good fortune to interact. REPUBLIC OF TURKEY My study of the Republic of Turkey began and do you know what I found? Sports has always been one of the greatest tools to reach across boundaries. Turkey was always the tip of the spear in NATO. There is al president serving for many years who is a forward thinking leader, Tayyip Erdogan. His administration has overseen social conservative and liberal economic policies which have accelerated the growth of the economy. SPORTS LEADER There are a group of sports professionals who truly care deeply about how the impact of sports is a great way to find diplomacy and good will. Former NBA star Hedo Turkoglu is one of the basketball leaders formerly from the Houston Rockets who is helping grow basketball in Turkey. The Turkish Open is the month of November each year where PGA golfers from around the world come together. National sports is part of the fabric of Turkey. There are economic development leaders who care about immigration for their nation and the beauty of the country is breathtaking. One could go on all day about the topography of the Republic, but the greatest asset of all, is the people who are so kind, friendly, supportive, giving and way more than I had imagined. Very seldom do you find a people group whose traditions are filled with the "golden rule", of honor and complete respect. The armed services in Turkey are among the worlds finest as they are always prepared and strong. CUNYET KOZAN - A SELFLESS LEADER We met a man named Cunyet Kozan whose gracious heart toward the sports community in Turkey continues to impress me. He and I have spoken about wrestling, basketball, golf, ice hockey and the roles they are playing in giving children opportunities to learn. Sports has always been one of the finest and most diplomatic forms of learning to work together, play together and live in harmony. From this series of important due diligence and discovery, we have launched a new film project entitled, BUZ HOKEYI - BREAKING THE ICE which is the story of how "ice hockey" gave children a new sport which carried the traditions of the golden rule, just as wrestling has for centuries in the Republic of Turkey. We are more than thrilled and honored to bring these amazing stories to the West. Look for more updates in the future and please remember to pray for all of these wonderful people. FESTIVAL OF THANKSGIVING The festival of the harvest which is part of the Jewish tradition the pilgrims adopted remind us all to be thankful during this time of the year. We believe in the future and in how we are reaching people of every tribe, every nation and every faith. So to our friends who are Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhists and beyond, we love you and we thank God for you. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for my family, for my friends, my new business partners and for the ways God has shown off in giving us these opportunities to impact culture. We are thankful for Hillcrest in Stillwater, for Village in OKC and for all the support and prayers of so many who believe in what we are doing. Bringing the family of man together, highlighting unity and being a symbol of the "golden rule" is a way of life for us. Have a great holiday and we love you, Kevin Legacy has always been so important to so many and when you stop to consider what you are doing with your life you have to ask yourself some pretty important questions. However, if you are not careful, it's easy to get swept away in thinking too much of yourself, Pride comes before the fall and in God's economy, there is not a lot of room for prideful people.
Each one of us has been given so much. We have real gifts, talents and blessings in our lives, but the sensational moments are to never "override" the ordinary moments in life. The life lessons is that we live each and every day putting on our socks and shoes the same as others. We are ALL equal in the eyes of our Creator and it's simply too easy to think too highly of ourselves. I heard this amazing message today from my home church located in Oklahoma where I can watch online wherever we are and this is so convenient. Today in Life Church when Jentezen Franklin was a guest speaker. He is truly one of the most humble and self effacing men I have ever heard or seen speak, because it is never about "him" but about something bigger. Jeff Audas introduced him to us last year and this was really a "special time" to hear what he shared today. He talked about Moses and in Exodus 2 how the story was all about the role of simply..."a stick". He shared how amazing it was when Moses was asked to throw the rod down and it became a snake and then, Moses ran from it! Then he told Moses to go to the tail and pick it up and it became a rod again. God has a way of reminding us that even when the miraculous happens, we have to ask....can we go back to just being a "stick again" ourselves? Being puffed up or full of pride is so wrong and yet, I can think of how many times I made the mistake of seeing a miracle happen and not realizing all along, "I was just a stick". We just can't think too highly of ourselves but yet, the "queen bee" in all of us can take over so easily. Each of us have to ask ourselves about how we are going to live our lives, just "in the meantime", absent of the sensational and supernatural, but in the every day. James Barnett a dear friend I have blogged about a lot, runs a greeting card company called Dayspring Greeting Cards. Its a wonderful job of position and power, but I can't tell you how many times "late night" we have talked together, prayed for our families and lives and realized, we are nothing more than just a "stick". James through his life has taught me more about "serving others" than any of my friends. He has modeled a life principle when he asked me the question, "What are you doing during the times when things are not sensational?" It seems we wait for the big moments, but we live our lives in the "meantime", don't we? The majority of life is simply "in the meantime". Do you get so excited when you are asked to sing a solo one special Sunday and have a hard time just singing in the background the following week? What Mr. Franklin asked today was this. You should get motivated to be an "usher", to get involved and give of yourself, not for what others see, but to serve. This is what living life in the world of service really is. Remember, it was two sticks that Christ gave his life for YOU and ME. This is the power of the gospel, which means the good news. I pray each and every day, we remind ourselves that we are to be focusing on SERVING. Legacy will take place in its time, but serve others and help those who can't help themselves. By doing this, God will bless you in every way possible. I am praying for you this month. Love, Dr. Kevin McAfee What does it mean to really be "under attack" by an enemy that is unknown? When you follow God's calling on your life, you work diligently to listen to His voice, to heed His warnings and be consistent in trying to seek wisdom. There are many sources for wisdom when you find your self being "hit by the attacks of the enemy". Hopefully, this blog will give you some insights of where to go, when it "comes your way".
SEEK GODS WORD There is not a greater book, than the book of the ages, the Bible. So many people today denounce the scripture and say it is "old words telling old stories", but I have personally found it to be the opposite. Jesus himself was the greatest advocate of Human Rights of any one who has ever walked this earth. He was a revolutionary but he did not change the world with violence, but instead with love. Inside the truths of God's word, you will find the best book of business, the ultimate book of romance and you will begin to understand the power of God's hope and belief in YOU. What we see are the enormous number of true promises to come when you are under attack, giving you a hope and a future. TALK TO GREAT COUNSELORS People have a way of being great instruments for truth and if you seek out great "counselors" you will find they are often a voice for righteousness. Counselors help you to not react to the enemy, but to learn to love them above all else. They also provide encouragement when you are discouraged. You can always know the difference between the counselors who are "Job's friends" verses those who truly love you through difficult times. Pastors, friends, family members, professionals, colleagues, psychologists and more can be in the "zone" of where you live to help you see from a "third party", a different perspective of every conflict, other than your own. PUT ON THE "OFFENSIVE" ARMOR Ephesians 6 is so key and when you put on the armor of God, remember you have TWO offensive weapons. There is the sword of the spirit which is God's word which is sharper than any two edged sword, but there is another offensive weapon which people forget about, it's prayer. When the arrows fly and they will come, remember to put on the offensive weapon of prayer and speak out loud against the enemy in your prayer closet. This is a radical teaching which carries great result if practiced with authenticity. DON'T FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE Counter to popular belief in politics and among highly skilled debaters, fighting "fire with fire" is akin to living a life an "eye for an eye" and this Old Testament theology is antiquated and extremely unflattering. Words mean things and if someone is wanting to "fight" with words against you, don't feel the need to react and respond in negativity. This requires great discipline. When I was a child, my fifth grade teacher Mrs. Leyerle had placed a construction paper cut out "frog" on the corner of our desks. It said, "Look before you leap". This simple elementary lesson about behavior is often forgotten in my own life and it's a shame. It's not right for me to blame it on my Scotch Irish ancestors, because I have to own my own shortcomings. CONSIDER THE WORLD FROM ANOTHER VIEW, THAN YOUR OWN Wow, I am so not good at this practice. When you have a "queen bee" syndrome that you developed after watching your mother specialize in this ritual, you might have a long way to go, just like me. This is a dangerous way to view the world, through your own myopia, but you can't allow the enemy to seduce you into a fire fight. Sometimes, our nature takes over, which is why we must think of how what we say impacts others and see the world outside of our skin. PRAYER REQUEST - V300 This week I am going to face an enormous enemy I have never met. In doing so, would you do me a favor and please pray for me that I am able to see past the "now" and realize I am not warring against flesh and blood. Help me to be the man of God I am called to be, in the face of an enemy. Help me pray for my enemy and love them even more. My war is against a principality that is so much bigger, it requires even heaven's court of grace. I am asking the V300 to step up and intercede for VERITAS and in doing so, I will give you all full report in next month's update. You have no idea how much you mean to our team when you pray. So many amazing stories are in the wings, from www.morethanchampions.net to ellenslight.com and more. We must never give up and keep believing and I know, God will help us see through every challenge ahead of us. I love you all, Dr. K ELLENS LIGHT is our newest film on the horizon for VERITAS MISSION FILM ASSOCIATION. The entire team is excited to begin producing this amazing journey with Nick Karas, Executive Producer. Our entire V300 is going to be key as we are calling on many to begin praying for one of the most groundbreaking documentaries of our time. We need your help today.
The explosive story will carry such a powerful impact to audiences due to the relevance within our global stage. On the international theatre quietly a storm was raging and just waiting to launch a darkness which prevails to this very hour. This epic start was the beginning of an awful litany of tragedies marked by revenge, bigotry, death and pride. Bombs were set as a villain loomed in the shadows and soon, in the aftermath of a horrible series of explosions, Ellen would be almost killed. In the building where she was on a thirty day assignment she would be blinded when the birth of the reign of terror literally began under an Egyptian Jihad led by Osama bin Laden. On August 7, 1998 two US Embassies were bombed in Kenya and in Tanzania. She survived miraculously when thousands were killed. Her story is the hub of this moving film franchise and one of the most inspirational stories in history. Laying under the concrete rubble covering over her body with shards of glass in her face, eyes and torso, she was barely breathing. Much of her hair was burned off from the heat, the survivors were dismembered and over 4000 Kenyans lost their lives in moments. Ellen waited hours before she was found laying unconscious, barely alive. What the rescuers saw was so completely damaged, it was horrible. In late Summer of 2018, the goal is to have a film created honoring the survivors of international terrorism where the reign of bombings and Al Queda's vengeance was beginning. Compassionate contributors being approached in this new film for the interviews include Ted Koppel from ABC NIGHTLINE who interviewed Ellen four times. His groundbreaking coverage with producer Richard Harris of NIGHTLINE brought attention to those who lost so much during this horrible beginning. Along with members of the journalistic teams, members of the Clinton Administration, medical professionals at Walter Reed and the Optometrists for trauma victims, the goal of the film is to help give Ellen the opportunity for a bionic eye prosthesis and begin a movement to help the visually impaired. Heroes of the forgotten were the legal teams who came alongside this famous story in Tom Faye, Ron Carp and Steve Perlis who continue to fight for the survivors and families of this horrible tragedy. Madeline Albright, the Secretary of State visited Ellen in the hospital again bringing international attention to one of the most powerful women near the Whitehouse. She extended a loving greeting of kindness and hope full of prayer to all of the bombing survivors sharing the compassion from the nation's capitol and administration. Because of the notoriety of this woman who had now been placed in the witness protection program, Ellen's light was burning filled with hope, even while in darkness. Ellen learned to live a life of blindness, but she brought more sight to people than ever imagined. The School for the Blind found a woman of great character, integrity and fortitude who never just thought of herself, but wanted to help others. Her legacy of bringing light to a dark world has continued for nineteen years and she is still hopeful for some measures of sight restoration. This effort is focused on making this dream a reality. Only months after leaving Walter Reed, she held in her arms the granddaughter she would raise at ten days old. This baby would be her eyes for the next twelve years and Ellen would learn to live with a hope and a future many of us would never believe possible. All people who meet her, see her spirit, connect with her belief in God and realize through it all, she has taken tragedy and turned her life into triumph. Under the shadow of the worst villain since Adoph Hitler, the time has come to create a FEATURE LENGTH DOCUMENTARY entitled ELLEN'S LIGHT and bring this to audiences everywhere. We plan to share her story with the International Film Festival community, with theater audiences and cable and television network partners. A new book is being created to accompany this exciting opportunity for real ministry. Nick Karas, Ellen's brother was waiting for her at Walter Reed Medical Center when three days later she was flown for emergency treatment after stops in Nairobi and Landstuhl Germany hospitals which could not work on her due to the complex injuries her face and eyes had sustained. He is championing the financial models for VMFA and seeking sponsors to help make this dream a reality. Thanks to Stephanie Musser and her following up on this amazing story, we had the honor to meet Ellen this August 2017 and were all impacted by her courage, her contagious spirit of joy and her desire to make everyone around her know how blessed she is. This landmark testimony will live forever and we honor her, we thank the Lord for her faith and believe ELLENS LIGHT will impact every heart. Her love of all people, including Muslims, the Arab world and Christians everywhere is just another example of purity and joy for "the family of man". While in Jetta, Saudi Arabia she met the bin Laden family and only had kind words to say for the family who was led by one of the worst villains who ever lived. This kind of "love" is rare in this world and after twenty years of darkness, her light continues to this very hour. GR PRODUCTIONS, will be the film production company for VMFA sharing ELLEN'S LIGHT for the non profit documentary production and the for profit feature. Whenever I think of people who are real heroes, I think of all those who have darkened the doors of Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington DC. I am thankful for Major Ed Pulido, who almost lost his life in Afghanistan and survived an IED bomb which took the lives of so many. Serving in the military, on foreign soil and providing security for our nation is one of the highest positions anywhere. Ellen thank you for changing my life. Thank you for believing enough and having the courage to share your story with the world. I am especially thankful for Ted Koppel, for ABC and for the amazing journalists whose bravery continues to move me personally. David Bloom was a dear friend of mine, the former NBC Morning Show host who lost his life in Afghanistan covering the Iraq war and I continue to desire to honor our brave press core for going beyond safety in helping us see the world as it truly is. Please be praying for this new project over the next five years. We plan on the documentary taking a year to create, hopefully finding a position for next year as a Holiday Special in 2018 to say to the survivors of International Terrorism, we do remember you and your life. A publisher will emerge who will partner with us, a distributor will come forward and a network to share the world Ellen's Light is real and we can all see differently, by her inspiration. God bless you Ellen and we love you, Kevin A new FEATURE DOCUMENTARY, a new book and a new FEATURE FILM are all in the works with this new inspiring VISION PARTNERSHIP you can help make possible. Would you help ELLEN see again, by being a part of an amazing movement for the VISUALLY IMPAIRED? This is our heart and passion and we need help today. Contact Nick Karas if you would like to be a part of this amazing story honoring the surviving victims of international terrorism at 303-887--2063. |
AuthorKevin McAfee is a filmmaker who writes for the purpose of inspiring others to make a difference in the world through faith in God and using the visual language of film. His blog shares the hopes of impacting culture, because his heart is in media missions and the church. Below Kevin is seen with Lynn McAfee and Corina Pataki. Below this is Christopher Atkins from BLUE LAGOON and Dr. McAfee. CategoriesZOOM SANTA |