PictureThis! Ministries, 236 Castilian, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 (888) 499-9305 www.picturesmartbible.com MARCH / APRIL 2018 It s not an Easter story; it was the cataclysmic event that forever changed human history. The gospel accounts record many reactions to the crucifixion, but the Post Crucifixion Profiles booklet helps the inquirer read between the lines; maybe even identify with some of the characters discussed. As the author of the book, I would like to share a few personal insights about the Post Crucifixion Profiles. Afew years ago, I was awakened very early in the morning with thoughts about the crucifixion (a new experience for me). Grabbing a pen and paper, I moved to our family room and began to write. The thoughts began to take shape and I continued to write. The sun (and my wife) arose but I felt an urgency to keep writing until eventually, the book in it s present form was completed. As I read the words back to my wife, we could not hold back the tears and we both knew... this was not mine. I had never thought of most of the scenarios much less written about them. In honesty, I must give honor where honor is due. An important credit goes to Fred Peters my brother, who rendered the illustrations. The drawings are priceless to me for several reasons. First of all my brother who was employed by Walt Disney Studios for several years and retired from the Boston Globe as staff cartoonist, is now an accomplished, award-winning illustrator on the East coast. He is professional... but the value of these illustrations is beyond professionalism. Although we are both artists (he was my inspiration) this is the first time we have worked together on an artistic project. For me, this cooperative effort too, is the hand of a loving God. A friend of mine who is an accomplished drama instructor, read the text and asked to do a production for her church using actors and actresses whom she had trained. I agreed and a year later, Profiles became a powerful Easter production. (A production script, DVD and related notes are available by emailing: dpeters7@bibledraw.com). Because we believe that God s blessings are given to be shared, I dedicate this booklet to that end. As you read the narrative may the same Holy Spirit Whom I believe birthed the vision, allow you to be a face in the crowd, to behold afresh the incredible Son of Man, Son of God. If you would like a copy or copies please call (888) 499-9305 or email: dpeters7@bibledraw.com.
THE CONVENTION SEASON IS HERE!! For the past several months, we have been juggling tons (it feels like) of paperwork and making hundreds (it feels like) phone calls lining up events, booth space, motels and travel. It is a big deal but it is definitely worth the time; conventions are our opportunity to reach literally thousands of parents each year. We are currently signed up for 14 events, ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 in attendance. There are numerous associated challenges for which we could ask for prayer but the greatest need by far is for word-hungry parents. It is easy for parents, especially the new couples, to be totally bewildered by the 500 to 1,000 vendors hawking their curriculum in the most attention grabbing method possible! And for the most part, the materials being offered at homeschool conventions are legitimate, Christian oriented products. However very few vendors are MARCH/APRIL EVENTS 3/8-10: Teach Them Diligently, Nashville- Dan 3/15-17: Great Homeschool Conventions, Ft. Worth-Dan 3/22-24: Teach Them Diligently, Rogers, AR- Dan 4/6-7: Midwest Parent Educators, Kansas City, KS- Dan 4/12-14: Great HS Conventions, Cincinnati, OH- Suzanne/Heidi 4/12-14: Minn. Ass n- Christian Home Ed, Rochester, MN- Michele 4/26-28: Christian Heritage Home Educators, Redmond, WA- Dan offering just Bible, so parents can quickly expend their time and budget on other subjects. So how do we pray? Very simply- I want parents to enter the convention hall with a desire to find products to help them teach the Bible to their children. I want The Picture Smart Bible booth to be a beacon of light that shines all over the room. I want delegates to look for a curriculum that highlights Jesus cover to cover! FROM THE FIELD. A TESTIMONY OF A DIFFERENT KIND In August of last year, Hurricane Harvey became one of the costliest tropical cyclones on record, inflicting loss of lives and at least $125 billion in damage, primarily from catastrophic rainfall-triggered flooding in the Houston metropolitan area. Help came immediately from every direction offering food, clothing and temporary housing. We ALL wanted to help. Then the thought came us- there is a way that we can give Bible help. From our file we composed a list of Houston area purchases and sent them all an email offering a free replacement if they had lost The Picture Smart Bible in the flood. Here is an excerpt from just one of the responses: While our family didn t lose any curriculum, I wanted to say thank you for the offer. It brought tears to my eyes to know that your team took the time and energy to track us down and show the love of Christ. Thank you! In Christ, Jennifer. CREATIVE MOM & MUSLIM TEACHER First, I have recently discovered the picture smart Bible... And I just LOVE it. I purchased the material a couple months ago and the Old Testament 4th-Adult was included. As a mom I love that this is a great way for my kids to engage with the Bible in a way they enjoy. As a Bible teacher, working in a Muslim context, I love the Bible Story component. This is such a great way to teach the whole story of the Bible to those who have never heard it before. And lastly, as someone who identifies as a "creative, artist like, personality" I love the way this helps me personally engage with the Gods word... It's kind of like speaking the "heart language" of an artist... I am very grateful for this :-) Thanks for putting this together! Lauren