May 2008 Newsletter
Dear
HPN members,HAPPY MAY! We hope that you are experiencing Spring in both the weather and in your lives as we pray together for Hollywood. We ask that the Lord bloom in people’s hearts here as the flowers also spring up! Here are this month’s request, praises and updates:
SUMMARY:
- The National Day of Prayer Hollywood gathering was a success
- Praises for an email from a Christian who understands Hollywood
- A prayer for Patrick Swayze was printed in The Globe
- The Biola Media Conference was a great success
- Pray for Miley Cyrus after her apology to People magazine
- Pray for The 61st Annual Cannes International Film Festival in May
- Pray for The 43rd Academy of Country Music Awards on 5/18
- Pray for us as the 2008 summer blockbuster films open
- Pray for today’s leading comedians as they made us laugh
- Pray for Derrick who’s at the Cannes Film Festival
- Pray for ex-scientologist, actor Jason Beghe
- Pray for Liv Tyler and her separation
- Friday, May 16th is when Prince Caspian opens in theatres
- Check the two upcoming events in our Christian community
PRAISES:
•
The National Day of Prayer Hollywood gathering, on Thurs., May 1st, was
a wonderful night of prayer. We thank God that the National Day of
Prayer Task Force allowed us to be satellited into their other prayer
gatherings around the country so that we could all be praying together
for our nation, our state and our industry. Thank you for praying with
us and for us on that day!• We want to start with an email we just received from someone across the country who just heard of HPN. We are getting more and more of these and we believe they are all answered prayers. Let’s praise God that He’s opening up Christians’ eyes and hearts all over the world as you read….
“I am so thankful for the work you are doing! The more I pray for those in Hollywood, the more I realize how needy they are! So many of those people, who many in our nation have made their idol or "god", are some of the most needy people in our country! Though they have everything materially, many are so lacking in the most important area...that of spiritual health. So, as I have been praying for them, it's like the Holy Spirit is opening my eyes more and more to the needs there. Those in Hollywood are probably the most influential people in our country...more than politicians or church leaders...and yet we as believers often have written them off as "reprobates or lost causes." Shame on us. (Just sharing what the Lord has been speaking to me about.) I have had to repent of my attitude towards them (meaning those unbelievers in the business) and I am discovering that the Lord has not given up on them and indeed, has a heart of love for them. So, I am finding more and more, that it is a privilege to pray for them and intercede for their souls. And I am thankful for you and all others working towards this goal.”
Blessings to you. In Christ,
Dyann
• God allowed a prayer for Patrick Swayze, written by Karen Covell, to be printed in the April edition of The Globe! May that readership see the importance of praying for Patrick, and other people going through difficult times, and be moved to intercede for those struggling during their own personal prayer times.
UPDATES:
• The Biola Media Conference was a great success two weeks ago. It was an encouraging and informative annual gathering of Christians, who are professionals in film, television and new media who sacrificed their time to pour into the attendees. Those attending ranged from lay people, to professionals wanting a fresh perspective on life here in the entertainment world. Pray for the Lord to continue to use that time as people reflect by hearts, building new friendships and renewing our commitment to Him as we work and live here.
REQUESTS:
• Miley Cyrus issued a statement exclusively to People magazine last month apologizing for a series of playfully provocative photos that are circulating on the internet as well as those from a racy, as-yet unreleased Annie Liebowitz Vanity Fair photo shoot in which she is wrapped in silk and backless. "Most of all", Miley says, "I have let myself down. I will learn from my mistakes and trust my support team. My family and my faith will guide me through life's journey." Please thank the Lord that 15 year old Miley and her parents love Jesus, and join us in lifting up Miley, praying that she will not be exploited by the industry, magazines, etc., and for wisdom and discernment for Miley and her parents. She is so young with so many opportunities and incredible money handed to her at such a young age. We don’t want to be a part of the gossip, but leaders in prayer!
• The 61st Annual
Cannes International Film Festival runs from May 14 – 25th. It one of
the few annual festivals that attracts top film professionals from all
over the world. They screen and promote new films, make deals for
future films, and hob knob with Hollywood celebrities and
decision-makers. Please pray that the Lord will be present in the
conversations, parties and decisions taking place during those 10
days. What happens there impacts the entire globe. For more details
on how to pray and who to pray for, click on: http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en.html• The 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards is happening on Sunday, May 18th. Many of the people involved go to church and some have a powerful relationship with Jesus. Pray with us that those who know him are bold and relevant with their faith, and that those who don’t know Jesus would become hungry for Him and be attracted to Him during the event. For more details click on: http://www.acmcountry.com/content/index_vote.php
• The 2008 summer blockbuster films are starting to come out in theatres. Remember that your vote counts. Choose what movies you want to see on opening week-end (or the 2nd week-end) in particular, knowing that buying your ticket then tells the studios and producers that that particular film is what you want to see more of. Take personal responsibility by prayerfully deciding what films to see and when to see them. Don’t boycott films you disagree with, but know that you are sending a message with your box office dollars. Rally ‘round those you are excited to support and don’t jump in those you aren’t sure of. Also, pray for the audience across the country – may God give us all wisdom and discernment in choosing our summer entertainment.
• Pray for today’s leading comedians and the impact they have on people around the world. Humor is the most powerful way to deliver a message and the world is hungry to laugh. So, may we ask the Lord to guide the comedians’ subject matter, that they be touched by His truth, and that more comedians will rise who have uplifting jokes to entertain the masses. Some comedians to pray for are: Ben Stiller, Rainn Wilson, David Spade, Robin Williams, Jay Leno, Whoopie Goldberg, Steve Carrell and David Letterman.
REQUESTS FROM HPN MEMBERS:
• "I'm at the Cannes Film Festival right now. Please pray for us that God will open doors for distribution to not only help me get my investment back, but also to get the message in the film out. Competition this year is especially tough for low budget independents in the foreign market, and as you know the spiritual content may be a negative for some buyers in some secular or radical states. Thanks!" Derrick
• “Please add Jason Beghe to the HPN prayer list. This star of One Missed Call and G.I. Jane was, until recently, a high-ranking member in the church of scientology. He is now out and speaking against this cult. Pray that he would speak boldly, pray for his physical safety, and pray that he would move into the knowledge of Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Thank you.”
• “Pray for Liv Tyler and her husband Royston who have decided to separate. They remain good friends and devoted parents to their son Milo.”
UPCOMING
EVENTS:• Friday, May 16th is when Prince Caspian opens in theatres. Don’t miss this second film in the Chronicles of Narnia series, produced by Walden Media (a company founded by a Christian) and Walt Disney Pictures. Remember, your vote counts.
• The Next AEM Artist Forum is May 18th in Santa Monica. It will focus on the Bible: The Holy Grail of Humor. Does God have a sense of humor? Is there humor in the Bible? What kind of comedy is permissible and how far is too far? They’ll discuss these provocative ideas and explore a biblical perspective on humor. For more info, call the AEM office, (310) 474-7671.
• Open Call, in collaboration with Act One, offers The Spirituality of Writing: Our Contemporary Challenge on Thurs, June 19th at the Pauline Center for Media Studies, 3908 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City. For info, call: 310-904-4699.
Tell others to visit HPN at www.HollywoodPrayerNetwork.org to download our KIDS Prayer Calendar, for posting prayer requests, getting an “I to I” Prayer Partner, and for getting more involved in HPN. Or contact us at info@hpnemail.org with any questions.
Thanks for praying,
Karen, Caren and Gloria
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
“Prayer pulls the rope down below and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly; others give only an occasional jerk at the rope. But he who communicates with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously with all his might.” — C.H. Spurgeon
VERSE OF THE MONTH:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
TIP OF THE MONTH:
Don't be late! http://www.philcooke.com/running_late