Lord God Barrier-Buster!
The Star's team of distribution professionals continues pressing into new markets worldwide. The Star Project is now 10 years old! So, it's a long march, but eventually, I believe God will make the Star DVD available throughout the world. My weekly prayer team routinely prays that He will take the message of Messiah's Star worldwide, by live presentation, DVD, every means that pleases Him. It's labor and time intensive work, sometimes discouraging. But all of us know this is His work, done for His glory.
Some weeks ago, I asked that the team try to get the DVD on iTunes for digital download. They came back that they were already at work on it. Sent me the contract, which was unacceptable. Soon made progress finding the right aggregator (a necessary middleman to get on iTunes). Made the application, and Apple declined the DVD for inadequate duration. Twice.
I asked that they go back one more time to see if we could impress Apple with sales figures for the DVD. God was with us! Apple has made an exception for the Star DVD, which will soon be on iTunes! Think what this might mean, people. The Star on your iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, your laptop. You can take it with you and enjoy sharing God's celestial handiwork anywhere!
If you have time, please pray with me:
"Amazed, Father. Amazed. Thank you for opening door after door to the message of Messiah's Star. Most of us are involved in ministry, and many of us are working on projects that require years of dedication to produce fruit. Give us stamina. Help us always to work in your strength. Help us to be steadfast in prayer. And thank you for the rush of encouragement we feel when we see you break through barriers! We all so love being involved in your work! Grow your kingdom, Great Lord! We pray in the name of Jesus, amen!"
Rick
Frederick A. Larson
The Star Project
Friday, June 18, 2010
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Mysteries in the Far East
Greetings from East Asia! I will be here for a week or so presenting at universities, some with astronomy departments. I will also meet with people connected with the local art and cinema communities about the possibility of bringing artists here to share the motivations behind their work. I know several accomplished artists whose beliefs shape and guide their art. We'll explore if there is something in this that dad can use.
The Star will be presented through translators. I have done this multiple times. It can be tricky -- but there is a mystery in it that dad can use. I am sure you are familiar with it. Often the words a person speaks to a group are heard in a different way by each listener. It is the mysterious translation between mouth and ear, between speaker and listener, transmitter and receiver. We hear according to the circumstances of our lives.
You probably know of many instances where this has deeply affected people. Someone might say, "I felt he was speaking directly to me." Someone else might hear something the speaker did not know he or she was saying. I learned of a case where the speaker used only English, but a listener heard flawless Spanish! That is amazing, but the translation of words into arrows to the heart is at least as wonderful.
So, communication is mysterious, even when everyone speaks the same language. It is even more so when there are profound differences in language and culture. We know from experience that while our words float through this mysterious gap, dad can prepare them into meals for each person’s special hunger.
If you have time to think of me in the next few days:
Hope that the mystery between mouth and ear will accomplish much. Hope that all who attend will hear what they need to hear in their circumstances and that it will shock them to their toes. Hope listeners will find places to plug in to expand their understanding and find answers to many new questions. Hope that I will have stamina to complete my talks, as they grow lengthy in translation. We need to stay healthy. Don’t forget the translators, whose job can be even more draining than mine -- mental gymnastics! We should all be constantly grateful for opportunities to serve and also remember those serving all over the world. Thank you! And let it be.
Rick
The Star will be presented through translators. I have done this multiple times. It can be tricky -- but there is a mystery in it that dad can use. I am sure you are familiar with it. Often the words a person speaks to a group are heard in a different way by each listener. It is the mysterious translation between mouth and ear, between speaker and listener, transmitter and receiver. We hear according to the circumstances of our lives.
You probably know of many instances where this has deeply affected people. Someone might say, "I felt he was speaking directly to me." Someone else might hear something the speaker did not know he or she was saying. I learned of a case where the speaker used only English, but a listener heard flawless Spanish! That is amazing, but the translation of words into arrows to the heart is at least as wonderful.
So, communication is mysterious, even when everyone speaks the same language. It is even more so when there are profound differences in language and culture. We know from experience that while our words float through this mysterious gap, dad can prepare them into meals for each person’s special hunger.
If you have time to think of me in the next few days:
Hope that the mystery between mouth and ear will accomplish much. Hope that all who attend will hear what they need to hear in their circumstances and that it will shock them to their toes. Hope listeners will find places to plug in to expand their understanding and find answers to many new questions. Hope that I will have stamina to complete my talks, as they grow lengthy in translation. We need to stay healthy. Don’t forget the translators, whose job can be even more draining than mine -- mental gymnastics! We should all be constantly grateful for opportunities to serve and also remember those serving all over the world. Thank you! And let it be.
Rick
Monday, July 27, 2009
Washington DC
As an example of the kingdom work your donations support, the Star Project is helping a few REMARKABLE volunteers who have undertaken to provide a copy of the Star DVD to every federal legislator! If you’d like to pray for them, please lift up Gene and Millie. Gene was part of the first Hubble Space Telescope team at NASA, and now he’s a giant Star booster. We are providing some of the funding for this effort. If you would like to be part of this effort, please send your donations to Frederick A. Larson at the address below, and I will take care of the rest. To give you an idea of the scale of the project, we will be contributing $1,000. If you feel led, jump in! The judiciary is next...
If you have time, please pray with me:
“Lord, sometimes we wonder how long you can bless our nation when so much that you disdain is done in Washington. But we ask you, Lord, do not turn away from us. We ask instead for revival. Empower Gene and Millie physically and spiritually as they labor in this monumental task. Already, hundreds of DVDs are in legislators hands, and we ask that they not land on shelves, but instead are widely circulated. We pray that they convict all who watch that You exist, that You are the sovereign God of the Universe, and that they need to deal with You. We ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
Rick
If you have time, please pray with me:
“Lord, sometimes we wonder how long you can bless our nation when so much that you disdain is done in Washington. But we ask you, Lord, do not turn away from us. We ask instead for revival. Empower Gene and Millie physically and spiritually as they labor in this monumental task. Already, hundreds of DVDs are in legislators hands, and we ask that they not land on shelves, but instead are widely circulated. We pray that they convict all who watch that You exist, that You are the sovereign God of the Universe, and that they need to deal with You. We ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
Rick
Milestones
To my cherished donors: with recent changes in IRS regulations, maintaining the nonprofit entity has become unreasonably costly for a very small operation. This decision has weighed heavily on me—I’ve been praying about it for months—and driving my Friday morning prayer partners crazy. I’ve concluded that given our size, it’s simply not good stewardship to spend thousands on accountants. So, I have located another Christian educational entity that is just beginning the process of obtaining nonprofit status, and I will transfer our entity to them, saving them much time, money and aggravation. I’m delighted that I can move our entity to a new home! Your future Star donations will be used for exactly the same thing—spreading word about the Star, maintaining the website, et al, (except your dollars won’t go to accountants!) All future donations should be made to Frederick A. Larson. That’s milestone one.
The Denver meetings were wonderfully productive, and I am pleased to tell you that I am coauthoring a book about the Star for small children, and contributing to another book about the Star for ages 8-12! That’s milestone two! I have so wanted to share the Star with kids, and the Lord has now enabled just that! I will be writing with Jenny Cote. You can read about Jenny and her books at maxandliz.com. And here’s extra good news: we already have our publisher, and the first book should be available before Christmas this year! If you have young kids or grandkids, I can almost guarantee that you will love this book—it’s really much more than a book, but I’ll share those secrets later.
If you have time, join me in prayer:
“Father we called out to you for children only a few weeks ago, and look what You did! It seems like things happened in a wink, so we know that Our Master is a foot! We praise You and ask again, please draw the children into your kingdom, Lord! Fill them with awe at your beauty and love! We rejoice knowing that your starry poetry will bless and inspire many little ones! We thank you and pray in the name of Jesus, amen!”
Rick
The Denver meetings were wonderfully productive, and I am pleased to tell you that I am coauthoring a book about the Star for small children, and contributing to another book about the Star for ages 8-12! That’s milestone two! I have so wanted to share the Star with kids, and the Lord has now enabled just that! I will be writing with Jenny Cote. You can read about Jenny and her books at maxandliz.com. And here’s extra good news: we already have our publisher, and the first book should be available before Christmas this year! If you have young kids or grandkids, I can almost guarantee that you will love this book—it’s really much more than a book, but I’ll share those secrets later.
If you have time, join me in prayer:
“Father we called out to you for children only a few weeks ago, and look what You did! It seems like things happened in a wink, so we know that Our Master is a foot! We praise You and ask again, please draw the children into your kingdom, Lord! Fill them with awe at your beauty and love! We rejoice knowing that your starry poetry will bless and inspire many little ones! We thank you and pray in the name of Jesus, amen!”
Rick
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Let the Children Come
I’m in Denver for the next couple of days exploring ways to make the story of the Star more accessible to children. We know Christ’s heart for kids, and so we join with Him. The problem is that the Star DVD is too technical for some grade schoolers and third world countries. So, I’ll be talking with authors, publishers, our new distributor, etc. about a wide-range of possibilities. When He shows Himself to me in a new way, I name Him, as did the Hebrews. I know Him as Lord God Networker.
If you have time, please pray with me:
“Father, we share your burden for the young. We know that even the very young can respond to You, but they must hear your story. Today TV and games speak louder than You in many homes. Lord, help us find a means to make Your voice the loudest, even in homes where entertainment and diversion are always at hand, filling hours. We ask that you network and connect the people meeting in Denver to grow your kingdom among the little ones. We come in the name of Jesus, lover of children, amen.”
Rick
PS: the Star DVD should soon be back on Amazon (where it has sold used for up to $175).
If you have time, please pray with me:
“Father, we share your burden for the young. We know that even the very young can respond to You, but they must hear your story. Today TV and games speak louder than You in many homes. Lord, help us find a means to make Your voice the loudest, even in homes where entertainment and diversion are always at hand, filling hours. We ask that you network and connect the people meeting in Denver to grow your kingdom among the little ones. We come in the name of Jesus, lover of children, amen.”
Rick
PS: the Star DVD should soon be back on Amazon (where it has sold used for up to $175).
Sunday, April 19, 2009
What's Next for the Star?
I’m often asked what is next for the Star Project. Countless emails have inquired about astral signs of future events, perhaps even the Second Coming. Unfortunately, while I know a few things, I have not been released to talk about the future. Perhaps someday that will change, but as long as I hear a check in my spirit, I’m not going there. The Lord will choose when and if that will ever happen. I want no part of it, if it’s not from Him.
But I do think there is more to the Star Project. I have not finished doing the job I’ve been given, to spread word of Messiah’s Star worldwide. It’s true that the Star DVD has been offered by broadcast to around a billion people in more than 250 countries. But, of course, only a few percent of those people were tuned in. So, much more is needed in the way of physical and broadcast distribution in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Tomorrow (Monday, 20 April) I fly in to meet with a team of godly creative types in Nashville. We’ll spend the day praying and planning concerning how to launch the message of the Star to it’s fullest expression. We will discuss potential books, additional movies targeted toward different audiences, whatever comes up. It will be blue sky brainstorming. And there is one mind everyone present will seek. The Lord God’s mind.
If you have time, join me in prayer:
“Father, each of us has received tasks from you, both large and small. And we want to fulfill our assignments. But sometimes we become distracted by the tyranny of the urgent. The most important things we must do often do not have deadlines like tax returns. Lord, we ask that you help us focus on and freshly address the things we know that you have asked of us. Help us know clearly what you consider most important for the next few weeks. We ask that you will descend in power on the little meeting in Nashville where the team will seek you earnestly. All of us at the meeting and on this prayer team want to magnify your name, make you known and loved among all peoples. Help us, Lord! Please fill all of our minds with your thoughts. Give us new insights, draw connections for us, get us to where you are, so that our planning is simply yours. Each of us wants to serve you well! Will you help us? We ask these things in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.”
Rick
But I do think there is more to the Star Project. I have not finished doing the job I’ve been given, to spread word of Messiah’s Star worldwide. It’s true that the Star DVD has been offered by broadcast to around a billion people in more than 250 countries. But, of course, only a few percent of those people were tuned in. So, much more is needed in the way of physical and broadcast distribution in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
Tomorrow (Monday, 20 April) I fly in to meet with a team of godly creative types in Nashville. We’ll spend the day praying and planning concerning how to launch the message of the Star to it’s fullest expression. We will discuss potential books, additional movies targeted toward different audiences, whatever comes up. It will be blue sky brainstorming. And there is one mind everyone present will seek. The Lord God’s mind.
If you have time, join me in prayer:
“Father, each of us has received tasks from you, both large and small. And we want to fulfill our assignments. But sometimes we become distracted by the tyranny of the urgent. The most important things we must do often do not have deadlines like tax returns. Lord, we ask that you help us focus on and freshly address the things we know that you have asked of us. Help us know clearly what you consider most important for the next few weeks. We ask that you will descend in power on the little meeting in Nashville where the team will seek you earnestly. All of us at the meeting and on this prayer team want to magnify your name, make you known and loved among all peoples. Help us, Lord! Please fill all of our minds with your thoughts. Give us new insights, draw connections for us, get us to where you are, so that our planning is simply yours. Each of us wants to serve you well! Will you help us? We ask these things in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.”
Rick
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Some Global Warming is Good
When I wrote of presenting in New York, many of you responded from the States and overseas. The tenor of your emails was similar. Many said you would pray with special concentration. Some of you committed to pray throughout last night's presentation. I particularly needed your prayers, as I was coughing and hoarse, and the presentation is arduous. I set up at the venue wondering if we would finally get traction in the icy cold.
The Lord's timing cannot be predicted, but I'm starting to wonder if His time for the North East might be approaching. My strength and voice both held, but that's small. The big is that you would have *rejoiced* had you witnessed what He did. I'll try to give you a taste. Consider this digest of comments from the pastors of the venue. "For an nearly unknown speaker to come to the North East and produce overflow crowds, packing the house, is unprecedented. A miracle! We had better attendance for the Star than for the joint appearance by Rick Warren and Sean Hannity. Truly amazing! Knocked it out of the park! If other pastors want to check out the Star, have them call us! The presentation was the perfect blend of serious content, respect for the audience, challenge, humility, humor, sensitivity to seekers, spiritual impact. All we hoped for and more. You have the gift of evangelism. It is on you."
The head pastor was expecting 400-500. Prayer partners, the Lord produced THREE TIMES that, completely filling the main hall. Hundreds watched by video in a separate overflow hall readied 'just in case.' (Praise Him!) The pastors and staff were delighted, even amazed at what God chose to do Friday night.
Audience response was all you might hope. From school-age to seniors, they concentrated intently, laughed readily, pondered deeply. Afterward, they were invited to come forward for prayer. Many dozens did so, forming lines, many in tears. I spoke with countless dear people (and my voice largely held). I heard tearful comments like "you have changed my life forever". Not me! That's HIM. "Since seeing your DVD, my prayer life has gone so much deeper." What a joy it is to bring blessing to this difficult mission field! This cold place of economic and political power. Thank YOU guys for praying and helping to bring this result! He listens to us when we pray as one.
So, if you have time, pray with me now. Let's egg Him on!
"Father, we thank you for the beautiful laborers you have placed in this field full of stones and ice. We praise you for their diligence, and ask that you increase their love and heat as they they work to melt the difficult field. We thank you for the stunning response last night! Please guard the freshly planted seed. Don't let the evil one snatch it. Grow your kingdom! Lord, we pray for the political and economic leaders who live in this icy field. If asked, 'Do you love God?,' we hope many would respond 'Yes!'. But we know many would not even understand the question. Some would resent it and hope to punish the asking. Father we ask that you warm these fields. Bring revival to this place. Guide leaders to yourself, and change them. As you told us to do, we pray they make decisions that allow us to worship you in peace. We thank you for a thaw. And unabashed, we ask for MORE HEAT! In the name of King Jesus, amen!"
Rick
The Lord's timing cannot be predicted, but I'm starting to wonder if His time for the North East might be approaching. My strength and voice both held, but that's small. The big is that you would have *rejoiced* had you witnessed what He did. I'll try to give you a taste. Consider this digest of comments from the pastors of the venue. "For an nearly unknown speaker to come to the North East and produce overflow crowds, packing the house, is unprecedented. A miracle! We had better attendance for the Star than for the joint appearance by Rick Warren and Sean Hannity. Truly amazing! Knocked it out of the park! If other pastors want to check out the Star, have them call us! The presentation was the perfect blend of serious content, respect for the audience, challenge, humility, humor, sensitivity to seekers, spiritual impact. All we hoped for and more. You have the gift of evangelism. It is on you."
The head pastor was expecting 400-500. Prayer partners, the Lord produced THREE TIMES that, completely filling the main hall. Hundreds watched by video in a separate overflow hall readied 'just in case.' (Praise Him!) The pastors and staff were delighted, even amazed at what God chose to do Friday night.
Audience response was all you might hope. From school-age to seniors, they concentrated intently, laughed readily, pondered deeply. Afterward, they were invited to come forward for prayer. Many dozens did so, forming lines, many in tears. I spoke with countless dear people (and my voice largely held). I heard tearful comments like "you have changed my life forever". Not me! That's HIM. "Since seeing your DVD, my prayer life has gone so much deeper." What a joy it is to bring blessing to this difficult mission field! This cold place of economic and political power. Thank YOU guys for praying and helping to bring this result! He listens to us when we pray as one.
So, if you have time, pray with me now. Let's egg Him on!
"Father, we thank you for the beautiful laborers you have placed in this field full of stones and ice. We praise you for their diligence, and ask that you increase their love and heat as they they work to melt the difficult field. We thank you for the stunning response last night! Please guard the freshly planted seed. Don't let the evil one snatch it. Grow your kingdom! Lord, we pray for the political and economic leaders who live in this icy field. If asked, 'Do you love God?,' we hope many would respond 'Yes!'. But we know many would not even understand the question. Some would resent it and hope to punish the asking. Father we ask that you warm these fields. Bring revival to this place. Guide leaders to yourself, and change them. As you told us to do, we pray they make decisions that allow us to worship you in peace. We thank you for a thaw. And unabashed, we ask for MORE HEAT! In the name of King Jesus, amen!"
Rick
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