FROM CINDY LOU GIESCHEN AND FRIENDS
When I heard about the negative feedback Mr. Gibson was receiving regarding his movie 'The Passion of The Christ,' I was not surprised. I wrote a letter of encouragement to Mr. Gibson and several of my friends/coworkers signed the letter. I tried mailing the letter to an Icon address I found on the internet but the letter returned to me 'Attempted Unknown.' Will Mr. Gibson receive the letter if I send it to Icon Productions, 808 Wilshire Blvd 4th floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401? I am typing the letter to you now in case he can not receive it by mail. It would however be nice for him to see the signatures of his movie's supporters. The letter reads:
Dear Mr. Gibson,
The other day I was listening to our local radio station, 'The Way fm.' The DJ shared a piece of information with the listeners of how you invited members of the clergy to attend a preview of your movie 'The Passion of The Christ.' The DJ was pleased to announce he had heard that many of the clergy praised your movie and were proud of you for giving Christ the glory he deserves as our Lord and Savior. Later I was talking with a friend who said she heard you were getting alot of negative comments from people. Perhaps these are people in the movie industry or perhaps they are people in the general public. I can't comment on how well your movie is produced or if it is historically and scripturally sound, but if your goal is to present Christ as our God and Savior then it doesn't matter what people think. I understand this is small consolation coming from someone you don't know but keep in mind Christians of all ages, of every generation, and in every nation have in the past, are in the present, and will in the future be persecuted for standing up for Christ.
We are so very fortunated to live in a land where we, in most case can confess our faith in Christ without fear of death. I say 'most cases' because we can't forget stories like that of Cassie Barnall, the young girl killed at Columbine High simply for acknowleging her faith in Christ while knowing her answer could mean her death. Consider Christians living in present day predominantly Islamic lands. They are continually at risk yet missionaries and their families boldly spread the Gospel of Christ.
When I was a young girl my mother wrote letters to her Congressmen and Senators. She said polititions seriously considered the opinions of each constituant who wrote a letter to them because each letter represented the opinions of a thousand voters who didn't take the time to write. I don't know what that ratio is today but considering the average American can whip out a letter via the internet without a thought, I can imagine a carefully thought out, handwritten letter represents the thoughts of far more than a thousand average Americans. This is why I am writing you.
I once read a comment made by someone I consider a brilliant debator. He wrote that when he debates on scriptural or moral issues he tries not to use phrases like "I think" or "my opinion is." Rather, he says "My 'opinion' doesn't matter and your 'opinion' doesn't matter only God's opinion matters. Let's see what he has to say in his word." This debator also said that if a person doesn't accept God's word as infallible and that God says what he means, then there is not foundation in which to reason whigh such person. My point is this: If your movie does indeed portray Christ as the sinless Son of God and our only means of salvation then it doesn't matter what anybody thinks. Only God's opinion matters.
I hope my letter gives you some encouragement. Don't lose heart but hold your course. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.
Here are a few encouraging words from our Lord: Paul wrote, " Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." I Cor 9:24-25 Jesus said,"Remember the works I spoke to you. No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." Johns 15:20 James wrote, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, becuase you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2and 3 Most encouraging of all, read Romans 8.
Have a Great Day!
Love in Christ,
Cindy Lou Gieschen & Friends
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FROM VIGINIA ALVAREZ
Hello,
I´ve seen the posters of "The Passion of the Christ". I like them very much, but I dont´know where to buy them.
May anybody help me?
Thanks,
Virginia Alvarez
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FROM TONYA
Does anyone know if there is going to be an English version released of The Passion? I have a friend who is wondering because he doesn't want to see the film in Arabic. Please let me know any info. anyone has.
Thanks,
Mmonroefan
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FROM MEL MEGAFANS
INFORMATION.
Lots of people have been asking us about "Learning Aramaic in ten days", published by Educational Services Corporation in 1200 BC.
This book is currently out of print and can not be longer obtained from the publisher.
We´ve heard that Mr. Gibson bought the last copy.
Resignation, friends.
Mel Megafans Department of Foreign Languages.
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FROM LYN DELUTEE
YOUR QUESTIONNAIRE
I adore him. His absolute best works, in my humble opinion, are Braveheart, The Patriot and We Were Soldiers. I think the true essence of who Mr. Gibson is came through in these films like no other. They are a continuing source of inspiration amid dispair when viewed in the context of today's society. As a fifth generation Scots-Irish, he embodied all the values I hold dear and all those necessary to obtaining and retaining a nation's sovereignty and a peoples' liberty. We have much to thank God for...the sacrifice of His only Son and that of our ancestors, whose blood sacrifice made it possible for us to live their dream. From a standpoint of socially redeeming films, Mr. Gibson is like a phoenix rising above the ashes of Hollywood. It is high time indeed that we take pride in, and honor, those who gave so much and paid the highest price. May God Bless him for his endeavors.
Lyn
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fROM IRMA
feb/ 13/ 04
Mr. Gibson: I'am a lawyer in P.R. and I need to contact you. My interest in
meet you is only professional, but I'm interested in speak with you in a moment.
I send you my photos. I like very much that you interested in my person. I'm a
person normal and a great friend. Please contact me. My wish in this life is know
you in person, only is a dream. I bless you any time, I'm a Mormon member. My interest in your person is only sincerely. My tel. # in my office at this moment is
(787) 997-0275 and my celular # is 1 & (787) 458-9618. My adress is in my office of lawyer Progreso Street # 91, Hernández Lebrón Building, Aguadilla, P.R. 00605.
Thank you for you attention, and I wish congratulations in San Valentines Day.
Sincerely yours for ever, I'm expected you every moment,
Irma Casiano - Loalys3@aol.com I love you every much, you is my hero.
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FROM KAT HILDERBRANDT
HI Guys
hoping someone can help me with the full name of Mel's production company and where they are located.
Kat Hilderbrandt
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FROM HUGH WARNOCK
THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST
I think it is very important to remember that Jesus is God and no one could take His life unless He gave it! The Jews and Romans neither one had that power! To suggest that Mr. Gibson is anti-semetic is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Only some Jews as well as Pilate will have to answer to God for their actions as we all will. They could carry out a plan that God could have stopped at any time if that had been His plan. God cares deeply for the Jews and has plans still to fulfill through them. Caiphas the Sanhedrin, and Pilate will answer to God as we all will for acceptance or rejection of the Messiah. I think what Mr. Gibson has done is the most important work of our time.
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FROM SHELASH1
Hi,
Could you pass a message on to Mel? I have seen all his movies, but I am skipping the "Passion." He is entitled to artistic _expression, but I worry that he is using his fame to influence all the wrong people. I am not Jewish, nor Christian, just a freethinker. More crime has been committed in the name of Christ and there is really no independent contemporaneous
sources besides the New Testament to proof that he even existed or that he was a god. Whoever wrote the New Testament was not even an eyewitness to the crucifixion and yes it is a painful way to die, but that is the way they did it in those days. This movie will appeal to all the wrong people. I wish he would use his fame in a better way, instead of trying to stuff his religion down our throats.
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FROM JILL TILLY
Watched your interview on Prime Time with Diane Sawyer. I can't find words to express how wonderful it was. What an intensely powerful witness. I found it mesmerizing. Thank you for getting the Gospel out in such a modern way.
Jill
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FROM SYMM Jr. MAJ DAVID
Here is a cool website, fully supportive of the latest movie, "The
Passion"
www.catholicity.com
Great job, and looking forward to seeing the movie.
Dave
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FROM SANDI LAMASA
Thank you for your strength to make such a movie. Thank you for touching our hearts and renewing our faith, thank you for bringing Christ to life to so many people. Thank you for Listening to your Calling. You are in our prayers, and we will always be grateful to you. As this season approaches, it is good to know how dearly our Christ loves us, so that we my chose to not offend Him. to love Him, and then, let Him do unto us what He will. Thank you for following His way.
Your family in Christ,
Frank and Sandi
P.S. There is always an open invitation to share a meal!
Sandi LaMasa
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