Youtube Bans Movie Chased

Chased is a 33 minute movie depicting Middle Eastern style persecution of believers here in America. It depicts the fictional character of Annalise and her involvement in an underground church. It is presumed that her involvement is in an underground church here in America.

The makers of the film wanted to bring the reality of persecution home to believers in America. The film asks the question how would American Believers react if they face persecution such as our brothers and sisters face in the Middle East.

The irony is. Shortly after the film was posted on YouTube. The film was taken down. Presumably due to something called shadow banning. YouTube has said the film violates their community guidelines. No other explanation has been given.

I am posting this in the hope that perhaps others might research and see where this film can be viewed. But also to see the irony that persecution is already here in our nation in the form of censorship.

If somebody knows where this film can be viewed then please post it in this thread. The film is called Chased.

My brothers and sisters. Persecution is already here on our shores.

Brother Blaine

Brothers and sisters this movie can be viewed at this website, chasedmovie.com. I just watched the film. It is powerful and gripping. Honestly I do not know why YouTube banned it. Can it be that the movie hits home to the truth.

The film is done in much the same way a Voice of the Martyrs film would be done depicting the underground Church in a restricted Nation. The only difference being is that the underground church is here in America. Though the film is fictional set in America. It does depict the reality of the persecuted Church in foreign lands. And it may very well depict the reality of the persecuted Church in America.

It is very well made. Very well-acted. The message is intense and gripping. There is no blood or Gore. This film is certainly worth viewing. I do not exaggerate when I say this. There's no telling how long this video will be available on this website. So if you can please view it and share it with your friends.

For Him who was slain.

Brother Blaine

Thanks brother, I will take time to watch it today, God willing.

I find the statement in the YouTube guidelines interesting....... but if the primary purpose is to attack a protected group the content crosses the line....... Since when are Christians a protected group here in America? That is the irony of this whole thing.

If a Christian said that Islam is a false religion and worship a false god. He can be prosecuted for a hate crime in this nation. If a Christian said that homosexuality is an abomination and a sin before God. He can be prosecuted for a hate crime in this nation.

However it is alright for power elites to make statements that all Christians should be eradicated. And this is perfectly accepted by our society.

Call me conspiratorial. But I'm inclined to believe that the video that was banned is really exposing the truth of what the government will be doing to believers here in America in the not-too-distant future. Also I believe the video depicts what are brothers and sisters are suffering in persecuted nations.

The irony is. A video which speaks of upcoming persecution. Or persecution of believers. This video is banned by YouTube.

My thoughts respectively posted.

Brother Blaine

I would imagine that if a video were produced that spoke of the persecution of Muslims in America in a fictional sense. YouTube would have been all too happy to have posted it. I am sure that such a video will be posted by YouTube.

But the reality is there is a hostility toward believers here in America. And the American church needs to wake up.

Respectfully posted.

Brother Blaine

Yuehan thank you for posting the link brother. Indeed I thought this video was very well done. Good script. Good acting. In particular the music was good too. And also a very good message.

I hope many of the forum will view this excellent video.

Brother Blaine

Tim I agree. Thought I would see more dialogue myself. But I think the intent of the video is to portray a child's involvement in an illegal underground church in America.. It's probably to depict what our brothers and sisters are going through in restricted nations. To bring home to us the reality of persecution as seen through the eyes of an innocent child.

I might add this young girl has a mature perspective on persecution.

Brother Blaine

Tony you are very welcome brother. Given the fact that YouTube has banned this movie. I don't know how much longer it will be up on Vinero. That is why I'm urging all to watch it as long as the movie is available.

As soon as I get home I intend to watch it again. I agree. It is very well made. I think the young man who made this movie is a breed of young videographers who are seeking to get the message of Christ out through video. I would liken this video in quality as Sheep Among Wolves. That documentary was very well made. And it too speaks of the persecuted church.

Blaine

Wow brother! That was powerful.

For those who may be inclined to pre-judge this short film, or think it plays into "sensationalism", "manipulation", "speculation", "fear-mongering", (I only use those terms because I have heard them before) etc., please hear me out: this was powerful. Not only powerful because it was good & exceptionally well done, but powerful because outside of geography & cultural differences, this has taken place for decades, even centuries in Rome, in ancient Roman Catholic controlled Europe, in historical Germany, Romania, USSR, etc. & in modern day Congo, Sudan, Eritrea, Philipines, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Burma/Myanmar, & almost all of the Middle East, etc.

This reminds me of some VOM, OpenDoors, etc. things I have seen before but put in modem Anerican terms. Please Don't let that cause the hearts of some to over analyze, criticize, fault find, etc. with it, but to open your heart to understand Hebrews 13:3 & more aptly put yourself in the shoes of so many who have gone before us & are still facing this type reality every day.

That was powerful. Vimeo is usually better than YouTube about allowing Free speech in these things. YouTube removing this is astounding to me.

May God use this to touch hearts for His persecuted church!
In Christ,
Jeff

Brothers and sisters I just watched this video again and tears sting my eyes. Probably the reason it hits me so is I pray for the persecuted church. I read the profiles of those who lay down their lives daiky for the Lord Jesus Christ in this day and age. This video so depicts the spirit of the persecuted church. The credits say that Chased was inspired by stories of the underground Church.

Dear saints if you have not seen this video please see it. For it may not remain on Vimero very long.

Brother Blaine

This is taken from the movie's website. It is entitled, Why Chased?
-------
In America, persecution, real persecution, is an afterthought. Under the guardianship of our freedom we have the right to practice religion we so choose. This is not the case for many around the world, who suffer daily, yet continue their relentless pursuit of Christ in the face of death.

The vision for "Chased" started with me, Josh Troaster. I was on a late-evening run in my neighborhood in the summer of 2014. When I was dreaming of what project I felt God wanted me to tackle in 2015. I felt a strong impression to produce a short film coupled with a dramatic story of the underground church.

I immediately began assembling the core team and researching the stories of those who meet in secret places to conduct worship services. We wrote the story and now we have embarked on the journey to capture it.

"Chased" is not a documentary. It is a fictional story that begs the question, "What if church was illegal here?" For those of us in the Western World, this will be a startling call to reality. A call to us to listen to the voices of those that struggle daily to live out the Christian faith.

My Hope is that "Chased" serves to educate us, and bring awareness to the challenges that our brothers and sisters in Christ are faced with in the underground church. What does it feel like to be constantly chased by your own government... The very government that is supposed to keep you safe? What does it feel like knowing that if you are caught your life is not in your own hands? What does it mean... really truly mean... To be chased?

--------

Dear saints I hope with his explanation above, you will be inspired to watch this marvelous video.

Brother Blaine

My brother Gary. Dear brother dare I ask which one you consider biblical? :-)

Bro Blaine

I would so agree my brother. I would so agree.

Bro Blaine

I will say I quite enjoyed both (not either or). One is how it is where we are in Erica (& God works in & uses that paradigm too) & one is where much of the church has been & is in other places in the world (& could be here one day). War Room is based on real events too. The real praying lady was a polish senior prayer warrior who prayed for revival in her secret place all her remaining days. Stephen Kendrick showed her the final editing draft first in her home. She wept. She died like 1-2 days later. This can be seen on the extra specia features if you bought the film.

So IMHO it's not about pitting "what is" & "what could be (or what is in other places)" against each other.

MY 2 CENTS ANYWAYS. 😊
God Bless,
Jeff

Jeff "War Room" was good. But I am always partial to movies that deal with the persecuted church. Probably because my prayer ministry focuses on the persecuted.

I have seen "Risen". Intend to see "The Young Messiah". Also "God is Not Dead Part 2". But for me my preference will always be with movies that deal with the persecuted church.

Just my thoughts bro.

Blaine

Brothers just to say I saw it. Not saying it's accurate. But just to see it and say I was entertained.

I still prefer movies which deal with the persecuted Church. But I like to watch faith-based movies and be entertained. And sometimes edified. Faith-based movies beat the other garbage that's found in the theaters these days.

Bro Blaine

This morning I reflected upon the message of the movie "Chased". This film was not made in a vacuum. But what occurs in this film occurs in reality in nation such as North Korea, Somalia, Eritrea, Iran, and countless other places in the restricted nations. To be completely honest living in America, I do not know what it is to relentlessly pursue Christ even in the face of death.

Tomorrow, many will wake up and go to their church services. They will not have to worry about taking alternative routes. They will not have to worry about having people watch for the secret police. They will not have to worry about singing the hymns in quietness. Actually they will have very little to worry about. Probably the main concern for Americans going to church is what shall I wear. Then when they get to the church service what type of latte shall I take into the service.

How very different from those brothers and sisters that meet in secret places to worship Christ. Do we really value Jesus that we would be willing to risk death to seek Him.

Bro Blaine

TMK,
Nobody is saying "feel guilty you aren't persecuted" (I know I never am anyways), but to REALLY look at these things & REALLY take them to heart. If your local body here is "feeling like their going through such a great trial" because they don't have Dunkin Donuts anymore after service (I say that with a taste of hyperbole only to say sometimes what we are "struggling with" can be petty if we don't have historical, Biblical & worldwide perspective - we are a little spoiled here in the West & I am not exempting myself from that observation whatsoever). Seeing what saints are really going through in life and death situations for their faith can have a "perspective gaining" effect on our trials (though certainly real to us, sometimes aren't as "big" as we feel they are). That's the point I'm sometimes trying to stress (& Blaine may be too? I don't know for sure?). There's a difference is "understanding something as a mental fact" (like Hebrews 11, Hebrews 13:3 & the realities of real brethren) & really opening our heart to "carry the Lord's Burden" in truth & intercession. I hope that makes sense.

Julius,
Watching these stories & reenactment a helps really "bring it home". To say something & actually really meditate on & consider it deeply & thoughtfully to a point where God can really move us to give/support, intercede, champion/promote, etc. are two different things. Me & another brother sat down yesterday & discussed this very thing. If we could sit & I could share face to face & heart to heart in real fellowship where I could bear the burden God has given me (& others) in this area beyond mere "mental assent" it might be better understood & received, but that's my best "attempt" on a separated forum thread with people I didn't even know (nor do you REALLY know me) in real fellowship/relationship. 😊

And that second part was supposed to be addressed to Jeremy221, not Julius21. Sorry

Brothers a lot of good posts here. Much food for thought. And hard to respond to each person. But I will try to just give my own general thoughts and Impressions regarding the movie, "Chased". Not that I haven't been doing so throughout this thread.:)

One of the inventions that changed modern history was the invention of the printing press. Whereas it would take decades to say get a copy of the Holy scriptures into existence. The invention of the printing press in movable type by Gutenberg could print a Bible in a matter of weeks. As such books became available. A literate society of emerged. The word of God went forth on the printed page. From this came forth the Reformation of the 1500's and the changes that went forth with the gospel.

Today we are living in a digital age. We are are a visual people. More people spend time in front of their smartphones scrolling down YouTube videos, then they do reading. This can be lamented. Or God can use this new digital means to bring forth His word. To bring forth what He is doing in his kingdom.

Young men such as Dalton Thomas saw this new platform of communication to reach masses of people. Particularly the young 20 and 30 year olds. This gave rise to his documentaries such as "Better Friends than Mountains" and "Sheep Among Wolves". And whereas this does not take the place of reading. It is communicating what God is doing in His kingdom.

Josh Troaster who made the movie "Chased" is seeking to communicate the truth of God's people being persecuted in the form of video truth. Yes, I read in the printed media about the persecution of brethren in places like North Korea and Eritra. I believe that what these reports convey are true. But videos such as "Chased" make the persecution of our brothers and sisters more real.

I do agree it is theatrical. But it is the also attemoting to convey the message of the realities of persecution of what our brothers and sisters undergo as they relentlessly pursue Christ in the face of death. By setting forth a premise that Christianity is illegal here in America. It makes the reality of persecution come home to us. And should awaken us to the reality of what are suffering brothers and sisters face in restricted nations.

If you go to the website and read the descriptions of what the movie is about. The brother clearly says it is to communicate the reality of persecution.

Could the video have been better made. I'm sure the brother would agree it could have. Perhaps there will be an attempt to produce a better video. But given the fact the video was made on probably a low budget. It communicates a powerful message.

Whatever the medium God may use. Whether it be either printed or the digital medium. It is the message that we must evaluate. And looking at this digital medium of this 30 minute movie. I cannot help but think that it is communicating a powerful message.

My brothers and sisters, simply my thoughts.

Respectfully posted.

Brother Blaine

Dolfan. It was a made up story based on the underground church true stories (in American geography & culture). It's not meant to be "an exact prophecy". Seriously, sometimes it seems to me that if people are "nit-picky" (or can border on "cynical", "fault-finding", "critical", etc.). This isn't specifically/entirely aimed at you brother, but I see it out there....a lot. For Some people here, the 2nd most read book of all time to the Bible, "doesn't approach things the way they think it should" (Pilgrims Progress, by John Bunyan).

Anyways, I digress. I thought it was well done. It was an allegorical "what could be" of sorts, but more clearly (read the authors original intent) it was to have us see through our lens of culture what it's like for people all around the world RIGHT now.

And it is meant to be theatrical. If the world/Hollywood does it, people ooh & aah & call it great. If a brother does it with intent of making a high quality production for God's glory, people pick it to death. Just being honest.

Jeff I agree. Josh Troaster was not attempting to prophesy about a future persecution of Believers in the US. Thiugh it could happen this way. He was seeking, rather, to bring home to us the reality of what our brothers and sisters are enduring in restricted nations. To use his words... the show the stories of those who relentlessly pursue Christ in the face of death. Maybe not his exact words. But he does state that the video was inspired by stories of the underground Church in persecuted nations.

Bro Blaine

Tim you can only do so much in a 30 minute movie. The brother is simply trying to bring the reality of persecution to Christians in America. He does this by asking the question, what would we do or how would we react if it were illegal to be a Christian here? He started with a premise and stayed within the parameters of that premise. As such he put forward a powerful message.

It was not this Brothers intent to create a five-part mini series on the history of persecution. Pardon me. I'm being a little facetious here. The brothers simply had a vision of what he thought God was calling him to do. And frankly. I think he honor the Lord in this 30-minute video.

For us to pick it apart period and they say he should have done more. I think it's reading too much into the video. Particularly when it may not have been the author's intent.

Respectfully posted my thoughts.

Bro Blaine

Todd, respectfully, I addressed your question several posts back. This is not a prophetic movie depicting what will happen to Christians in the future in America. No I'm of the mindset that this could very well happen in the not-too-distant future.

The intent of this 30-minute video is to bring the reality of what our brothers and sisters go through in foreign nations. It does this with the premise posed in a question. The question is what if it were illegal to be a Christian here in America? Brother that is the intent of this film. To try to read more into this is going beyond the bounds of what the brother who made the film was seeking to accomplish.

This was not meant to be a five-part miniseries on the history of persecution. It was simply to convey a message. Nothing more. But certainly nothing less.

My thoughts respectively posted.

Bro Blaine

Brothers and Sisters

If your intention is to watch this video and find fault with the medium or the messenger, then you are going to find fault and fail to heed the message.

I ask where is the message of this video not true? Josh Troastr has stated plainly that his intention was to bring forth the reality of the the persecuted church in the context of Anerican society. The brother started with the question, what would it be like for us in America if it were illegal to gather as Christians to worship Christ? What would it be like for us in America to be a Christian if being such was illegal?

Those that made this video said they were inspired by stories of the persecuted church. They researched the underground church to bring forth on a low budget the reality of what brothers and sisters go through in persecuted nations.

Respectfully, I challenge anyone in this forum to say that what this video is bringing forward is not true of what those who follow Christ go through in restricted nations.

I have prayed for the persecuted church for the last 5 1/2 years through the prayer ninistry that God has given me. I have read the reports of those who suffer in restricted nations. I have seen many videos and documentaries about the persecuted Church. We have had people from the front lines on our prayer call. As far as I can tell this video, "Chssed" accurately portrays what those in persecuted nations suffer. And the price they are prepared to oay as they gather together for their witness in Christ.

Now I invite you forum to prove me wrong. Please show where the message of this video is false.

Respectfully posted.

Brother Blaine

Bear,
Couldn't agree with you more on this one brother. "Testing all things" does not in the Greek mean, "Put it through a microscopic meat-grinder to see if any fault or weakness at all can be found in it." I liked it. But I too have read & studied much on the persecuted church historically & globally today. I know it fits well into truth of the reality of our brethren. But if someone has to be perfect & eveything they ever say/do has to be a literal "PERFECT", then no one/nothing stands a chance. Why don't the people who think it should be more perfect make such a promotion film production the way they want to for the cause of promoting awareness of our persecuted brethren so that Hebrews 13:3 was/is more than words on a Bible page in a more widespread way? If many did, They may be dismayed when others find faults with it to. Analysis, discernment, & testing things Biblically is one thing. Criticism & Fault-Finding are quite another. Not saying I have the market cornered on understanding this, but that we should all remember this & "give the benefit of the doubt" to others on things sometimes, etc. And even though everyone cautioned against "jumping to the banned narrative", it appears this video was in fact banned. And not for copyright infringement (why would YouTube ban this video for copyright infringement in another video altogether - that doesn't make sense?). Anyways, Bear I liked it. Thought it was good. Watched it with my family. Explained/contextualized it to them. May God use it.

In Christ,
Jeff

Jeff so agree brother. We must evaluate the message. We must test a message by the word of God. Is persecution a reality in the world today? Does this video accurately portray the reality of what our brothers and sisters suffer in places like Eritrea and North Korea? Is the reality of persecution taught in the word of God? Does this message square with the word of God? Does one suffer for their faith in Christ as they pursue Him? Is there a cost to gather together and worship Christ in restricted nations?

It is the message, it is the truth contained in this video, that should be evaluated and tested. If we look at the means, the mediun, the messenger, then we are missing what God is attempting to communicate to us.

So agree brother.

Brother Blaine

Read you Tim. Thanks bro for sharing. Really, only God will know if this movie will achieve it's intended result. And for that we pray that it will.

Brother Blaine

And for those trying to say this was not "banned". It has been confirmed that it has in fact been banned/removed by YouTube for "Inappropriate Content" - FYI

That to me is a strange statement considering its "Christian message" (analogous Smerican reenactment of what happens to believers the world around) is the only message it has/is about. That's what the whole film was about. What do you suppose it was banned for with the citation of "inappropriate content"? Of course worship songs and such are still on YouTube. But this isn't that. But it's message is still Christian & about the persecution saints endure the world around (it clearly says it's based on true stories of the persecuted underground church). What else in the film was deemed "inappropriate content"? There was nothing else in/to the film at all

It can't be banned for its antichristian message, or secular worldly message, or any other message, because it doesn't have one - that's my point

??? But that clearly wasn't what was going on. And since anyone who can read would know it's a possible reenactment for the sake of awareness of Christian persecution from real stories.

I listened to the maker of the film being interviewed. They did this on just $13,000 of donations. They brought in real anonymous persecuted believers too to confirm & verify the reality, but in a possible modern American (not futuristic, but NOW, if this happened in America TODAY, as an analogy). As one example, The scene where the parents were shot was from a true story in Eritrea.

These young people at an AOG church had NEVER BEFORE made a film (which is astounding based on how good the film production was). You hear the young man's heart & it was intended just as I took it. I am even more impressed now than I was when I watched it. His heart was to use a hypothetical analogy to bring awareness to the persecuted church world round & to make people consider Jesus' words to "Count the cost", "lay down your life", etc.

He said that YouTube flagged it & none of the film violates any of their community guidelines. There's no possible Copyright infringement issues. There's no gratuitous violence (only implied, the other worldly stuff on YouTube is WAY WAY worse). There's no nudity, profanity, etc. They have a list of community standards, but NOTHING in this film even comes close to an infraction of what is expressly stated whatsoever.

He went through the appeal process assuming some computer made the automatic decision, but that clearly was not the case. Film was re reviewed & they have upheld their ban! However, what the devil intends for bad, God means for good. The controversy around the ban actually caused them to get more looks than they would have otherwise. And they put it on Vimeo. The irony is that the film is an analogy about Christianity being outlawed in America, & it then it was, in reality, banned on YouTube in America. Wow. That feels like realtime prophetic irony to me. You may think that is "crying wolf" or "fear-mongering", or "sensationalism", but just tell me then WHY DID THEY BAN IT? Give me one real, other/different, reasonable, explainable & supportable by fact reason???? You can't, cause there isn't one & YouTube won't provide one & are doubling down.

Call that what you want. I like the movie & the maker even better now after hearing Josh Troaster interviewed. And he wasn't "wanting to jump to conclusions" or make declarative statements (he was VERY careful & unassuming), & he is just happy that the Lord is getting the message out through whatever means He deems fit & has allowed. God Bless him! He won't say it plainly (out of grace & humility), but I will: they banned a film about Christian persecution in a form of Christian persecution. May God raise more young men & women unashamed & with God's heart for the persecuted brethren world round, for the Body here in America & abroad, & for God's Name to be great & proclaimed in the earth!

The only POSSIBLE even thing they could have even been able to have been using in their standards was "hate speech", but the message tells what it's about: awareness & protection of the speech & practice of persecuted Christians.

The same YouTube that allows ISIS to show Christians being fully beheaded & let it fly/roll. What? The hypocrisy. But you think that's sensationalism? Really. Aren't you a lawyer? Doesnt the preponderance of evidence of pure facts over and over and over eventually convince of Jury of peers that guilty as charged is guilty as charged?

Just like how when Dallas Holms' classic song was played on Pandora called "I will rise again", it was prompted with a warning/disclaimer from Pandora saying "some people may find this song offensive...we do not necessarily agree with or promote the message of this song..."

Interesting to me that at the same time you're asking that question to post it (unbeknownst to me), I'm making the exact point. YouTube was ISIS' platform and those are REAL ACTUAL GRATUITIUS murders for the sake of actual, real hate. Not a reenactment/analogy CLEARLY for the purpose of awareness to it.

It's like saying the reenactment shows of child abduction/trafficking to bring awareness to stop it ARE WORSE than video/films of ACTUAL REAL
ANDUCTION/TRAFFICKING/CHILD SLAVERY? Say what?

Jeff where was the interview of Josh Troaster done. I would like to listen to it.

Bro Blaine

Ooohkaay. Talk about irony of ironies. Interview with Josh Troaster is done by Trunews. Trunews interview is posted on YouTube. Interview being done with the producer of "Chased" which is banned on YouTube.

Gooo figure.

Bro Blaine

Sure, but this touches on something specific. A lot of the "expression of Christianity" can be watered down or lacks/removes the offense of the cross in some way. The better question isn't "why wasn't other stuff removed?" But "Why WAS this removed?" And YouTube just sites inappropriate content. Trust me, there are ALOT more "Inappropriate content" things on YouTube than this video. I know in parts of Europe, Canada, etc. that the full unadulterated preaching of the full counsel of scripture can be "hate speech crimes" if it offends homosexuals, Muslims, etc. even if it's true

Jeff to put it simply brother. Satan did not want the truth of this video to get out. Thus it was banned on YouTube. But thankfully posted on Vimero.

Also as others have pointed out. The controversy surrounding the film is actually creating more viewing. Thus what the devil meant for evil. God is turning it for good.

Brother as usual, simply my thoughts.

Brother Blaine

Amen. Agreed

I listened to Rick Wiles interview Josh Troester on Trunews. The interview was good. Interview would have been much better if Rick Wiles stopped badgering Josh. Rick kept trying to pressure Josh into saying that YouTube was a hater of Christians.

No doubt YouTube is opposed to Christianity. But Rick Wiles getting his conspiracy message into the interview took away from the purpose of the movie "Chased". At least what Josh was attempting to communicate.

Anyway simply my thoughts.

Blaine

Because YouTube banned the movie. And Vimeo picked it up. In three weeks 14,000 people have viewed this film.

What the devil meant for evil. God means for good.

Brother Blaine

He probably will bro. Just give it time. Before long all Christian messages may be banned on all type of media. This may include Sermonindexnex.

I think brother Greg has some contingency plans on that matter.

Brother Blaine

Vimeo is much freer about content than YouTube. YouTube is owned by Google - FYI. Why don't you write & ask YouTube why? They won't give a real answer to Josh Troaster - FYI.

Found out that YouTube is at least showing trailers of the banned movie "Chased". Hmmm. Maybe they will allow the whole movie to be shown. Wonder if they are feeling the heat of the bad publicity. Does make one Wonder???

Hey Mr.Bill,

Noo it seems like he is more the drama King that ever. I felt he kept badgering his guest to get him to admit that the banning of his movie was a hatred of YouTube against Christianity. To his credit the guest did not get into that controversy.

Anyway just my thoughts bro.

As far as the personal opinions/titles given to Rick Wiles (like "Drama King"), I'll say this:

I have thought before Rick was being full of conjecture, overboard, etc. only to see later on down the road he was actually right/correct in what actually was (though not readily seen/known at the time) or what was in time & was revealed. Yes, he can be a little "heavy" on something at times, but at least he's being honest what he thinks he sees, believes, etc.

And I don't always agree with him on everything either. I disagree with he pretty vehemently on what is the Christians response to Islam (I personally have hope & am praying he may "evolve" some in this area), I disagree with him on Israel/Eschatology, etc. But, on other things I agree greatly & I have seen him share words, dreams, & visions the Lord has given him - & have watched & listened as they came to pass. And things others weren't just all tossing around, but things NOONE was saying when he shared it.

Like I said, I disagree with him & think he also really misses it at times. But he has some great interviews with top level people, & he has a great research & news staff. I believe him to be a man of God, though an imperfect one for sure, especially in certain areas. But I just "chew up the straw & spit out the sticks" as far as that goes.
Merely my 2 cent thoughts,
God Bless,
Jeff

Mr. Bill I relate to you. My grandfather was a Louisiana sharecropper who had two Jenny's. He ploughed with one and raised cotton. And he rented the other one out. He was actually the richest sharecropper in Winn Parish. Or so the story goes. :-)

Juat to say breaux I can appreciate being from the country. Half my family are Louisiana sharecroppers and the other half are Cajuns.

Your breaux here.

Josh greetings in Jesus.

Brother I would like to welcome you to Sermonindexnex. I hope you have opportunity to dialogue with our brother and the admistrator of this forum, Greg Gordon. I believe that Greg would love to speak with you regarding the matter of persecution. Particularly since it may come up on the church in North America.

My name is Blaine Scogin. Actually brother we are in the same area of the nation. I am about 200 miles south of you in Little Rock, Arkansas. I originated this thread. Your video was brought to my attention by a sister on my prayer call.

I facilitate a national prayer call where we pray for the persecuted church and the global Harvest of souls. So naturally the video spoke to our hearts. And as such I opened up this thread to speak to the matter of persecution.

I think I understand what you're seeking to do through the video. Your intention is to bring the message of the global persecuted Church to us in America. I think it is unique what you have done. In other words, how would we as American Believers live out the reality of Christ if Christianity were illegal here as it is in places like North Korea or Eritrea. Brother I believe you have done a marvelous job in conveying this message in a 33 minute video.

If I have not understood this message then please instruct me. My heart is for the persecuted church. Persecution Watch, the call I facilitate has prayed for the persecuted church for over five and a half years. As well as called out for the global harvest of souls.

Brother I would love to speak with you and dialogue with you on a more personal level. I would love to have you come on one of her prayer calls and share your heart. I'm enclosing my contact information at the bottom of this post.

Would it be possible to speak with you this coming week. If so please contact me at the information below. I believe if you come on one of our prayer calls you will find a very friendly audience. We are people who love the persecuted church and pray for them. We would love to hear your heart and your message.

Please feel free to contact me anytime. Also please forgive me if I have erred in understanding your message or your intent. I look forward to the dialogue you will have with the members of this forum.

Your brother in Christ,

Blaine Scogin
Moderator Host Persecution Watch
pwprayercall@gmail.com
501.256.6407

Brother Blaine,
its sat after our conference call church, I JUST watched "Chased", and oh my, a diamond bullet thru the forehead. Brother Frank MAYBE told you I was involved in that "world" professionally for most of my adult life, and I am OUT now, so I can say, that what Josh, (and Nathan and Emily and that whole LEAN crew) did with what they had, was the height of professionalism (anointed).

the reason I had waited so long, was when I heard BEFORE about "Christian" film making, the end result was always sub par, God love them , but minor league talent, actors ACTING, sub par film writing, and shot selection, lighting, scoring, etc....so naturally I was hesitant, but Josh and the whole gang at 7:13 productions are the real deal.

and Blaine, I mean, its SO OBVIOUS, why youtube "banned them....the film was done right, that's why it was banned, it becomes "dangerous"...and they can't have THAT!

God love you, my bro....

i'm going to write Josh next commending him.

Blaine, you wrote:

Tim I agree. Thought I would see more dialogue myself.

I understand what you both are saying, and I am no "spokesman" for Josh, or Emily Weaver, wrote the film, or any of the production team at "7:13", but let me tell why i9 think that Josh made this 'choice', and it was very very astute and powerful choice based on artistic, financial and technical concerns, the way I see it, because I "been there".

Having a film done solely in VO, (voice over) is a risky proposition, but in this case, it worked, it gave the film "gravitas"....but before that, lets just say, yeh, they made the decision to go with scripted scenes.

here would be the problem in their situation, limited resources, limited time and limited talent pool. i'll explain...first, the KEY to "acting" is NOT to "act", but to just "be", and forget the camera is there. it sounds easy, but its really hard for a lot of folks.....when that camera starts rolling, less is more....and they are in Springfield MO.

lets say, they wrote a 3 page scene with 4 people sitting at a dinner table INSIDE....and all 4 people have some dialogue. What the director and director of photography have to decide is something called "coverage", and this is what provides the film editor(which Josh the director also does, the film art form, we also have this meme, a director who can "cut(edit) on his feet") with "pieces" so he can cut the scene together later.

traditionally, they start with what is called "the master", which would be a wide shot of all 4 people at the table, and all 4 actors run the scene...."cut"...then they might need two more takes....THEN, you move into more coverage, lets say the man at the head of the table is the emotional center of the scene, you then do what's called a "single" on that actor, its really a form of close up, it can a medium close up, encompassing from his hands on the table to the just a little above his nead...OR come in CLOSER, just his face...OR do a medium single at a rake, from the side...and maybe several more takes...or you do a "two shot", which is two of those actors at the table both in frame.......or if the director is really ready to risk, he puts the camera handheld, or on a Steadicam, and revolves around the table, trying to catch each actor, when they speak.

my whole point is, a FILMED scripted scene is incredibly complex and time consuming , just by itself, let alone a whole film.....while using voice over narrative can allow you the freedom to operate with limited time and resource....and yet still make a PROFESSIONAL, impacting film with a limited budget and CREW.

too long, Christian films to me, have been know as "amateurish"....not this film, this is a 5 star film, and that's what threatens the likes of youtube.

Brother Neal thank you so much for your professional insights regarding this video. If Josh comes back and looks at this thread I'm sure he will be much to encouraged by what you had to say.

Brother again thank you.

Brother Blaine

hey beloved, as I just wrote Greg, I do believe i'm the only 25 year plus card holding SAG member on this forum, although I am retired from the whole "LA scene".....and Josh, you ever read this, and if you can use me, my email is on my profile, i'll tell you everything, coz I think you , Emily and Nathan are world class....and I have no need of "silver", nor "fame", hence i'm not tickling your ear my brother.

"Persecution?"....I was a nine year old Jewish boy in synagogue when I saw Renais's 28 minute holocaust doc, "Night and Fog"....wasn't scared, wasn't mad, just thought..."okay, its on, that's the way it gonna be"...which is the trouble with a lot of north Americans Christians, they're all "white market" with a misinterpreted Romans 13 pounded into their heads...in a "persecuted church" scenario in N. American, give me Blood washed, sanctified ex-drug dealers any day of the week, because they KNOW how to operate "black market coyote style".....LOVED the film! but us just cowering in a trio in a basement?

sorry, we wont even be near that basement, we will be watching them from afar, clocking them, and in OUR walk to Fear God, we will at His Will, put the fear of God in them, when they fall into our hands, these servants of satan, when their masters, find them in the morning, hung upside down nailed to a tree, such is what is what is meant, "shrewd as a snake, innocent as a dove", or as the Lord commanded, "in the last days, trade your cloak, buy a sword"...it is done Jesus, and is being done.

sell my life?...with pleasure, but it wont be easy and certainly wont be cheap to these servants of satan......write that script my dear brother...oh my, that'll stir all the denizens of hell, you put such to film.

in the last ..say 20 years, besides "Chased", I've seen two Faith based films which have made a tremendous impact on my soul, one of which was instrumental into bringing me to Messiah Jesus and that was Robert Duvalls "The Apostle"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQe1Kehx110

and Denzel Washington in "The Book of Eli", I know personally that Denzel is a follower of Jesus and loves Him, and that is the ONLY reason this film was "greenlighted"...I link the ending, it is beautiful and makes me cry (which is why I have stashed and hidden a case of hard backed Bibles)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSmFDn06rvs

much love, neil

Hey Josh!
Brother, I just wanted you to know I really appreciated the film & the heart to bring awareness to our persecuted brethren throughout the world using the medium of video & a modern day analogous American cultural setting. I thought it was very well done. I was impressed. And as one who has a heart for the persecuted church, I think you did it justice. May God bless you in your work. The guys with House of Grace Films (did The War Within) was also working on a full length feature one called "Disciples in the Moonlight" that has been postponed until funding has been accrued. It looked from the trailer like it would be Good also (I loved the War Within personally). Anyways, brother, keep it up! Use the talents God has clearly given you to love God with all your heart, mind, & soul & love your neighbor (like our persecuted brethren, the least of these) as yourself.
God Bless!
Jeff

Josh: I Was just curious - have you had a chance to view "Sheep Among Wolves, Chronicles of the Persecuted Church Volume 1" Free on Vimeo yet? Very well done IMHO. You should definitely check it out. I have a feeling you would connect/relate/appreciate it

Hi Josh:

Having prayed and mediated on the reality of the persecuted church since I first read "The Heavenly Man," in 2003: I want to say that I appreciate you bringing a VERY professional 'visual' of what the Holy Spirit has pressed upon my mind and heart for many years. I continually carry burdens for my dear brothers and sisters who are daily persecuted, tortured and martyred in the restricted nations and within the 10/40 Window. All the while learning from them that NOTHING in this world can compare with knowing Jesus as my Lord, Savior and God. Christ is my life! Jesus is Lord! How I have been faithless to Him, but He has ALWAYS been faithful. We love Him because He first loved us, Christ has bought us with a price: with His precious blood, and we are not our own. We have been bought with a price and we are bondslaves of Christ. Preach Christ and Him crucified.

Regarding our brothers and sisters in chains and being persecuted:

For momentary, light affliction is producing for them an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while they look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Cor. 4:17-18).

I have oftentimes in my mind's eye mediated on the principalities and powers who use men, who were created to glorify God, coming into my home and threaten to kill me and my believing wife if we do not deny Christ: my only response is: NO. Also, if allowed by the Holy Spirit to speak more: how could I deny the One and only true God and Jesus Christ who died for me and who has given me eternal life and restored fellowship with them? However, in seeing your film Josh, it brought up the question again in a VERY real way: How could I deny my Lord and God?

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 5:23).

I look forward to your future projects, Lord willing.

Sincerely thank you and all who served on this film project,

KM