“Instead of burning the books, use them as a bridge to lead children to Me.” Clear as day, if I have ever heard God speak to me, it was in that moment way back in 2002. The Harry Potter craze was coming into its own, sparking both controversy and cult. Children worldwide were diving into the books, fostering a love for reading and a fandom for all things Hogwarts. School teachers were thrilled that kids were actually picking up books again; parents were happy their children were safely occupied within the pages of the tomes. Simultaneously, some church leaders were forthright in proclaiming the evils therein, and thus the book burning began. As a young mother of three at the time and a pastor’s wife, I wasn’t at a place to argue or debate. However, I was at a place to hear the voice of my Lord God – – – and He wanted me to build a bridge, using something relevant in our society to reach into the next generation for Jesus.
With His clear call resonating in my mind and heart, I went to my pastor husband, and then to the elder board of our church here in Colorado Springs, Vanguard Church. I told them about what the Lord had spoken to me, and I cast for them a vision of how we could do it. I called the endeavor “The Potter Project,” and we looked at the possibilities from every angle. We knew it would be a huge risk; we knew it would be absolutely controversial in the church world. However, we also knew that Harry Potter was adored by countless children – – – children that we could take by the hand and lead from a great story to the Greatest Story Ever Told.
Building a Unique Bridge to Jesus
Finally, with the elders’ permission and blessing, I began to lead our church in this ministry outreach. What unfolded has since become a thing of legend in our church. We transformed our six-plex movie theater facility into Hogwarts. Our entryway became Diagon Alley. Our sanctuary became the Great Hall. Children were divided up into “Houses.” Moaning Myrtle echoed through the bathrooms. The familiar characters of Hogwarts roamed the hallways. My only begotten son Joshua, who was about nine months old at the time, became baby Harry, temporarily marked with the infamous lightning bolt.
We were all hands on deck, all in as a church as we used Harry Potter’s story to create this bridge leading to the Gospel story. Scores of children gave their lives to Christ.
Controversial? Absolutely. I got calls from other churches condemning me to hell. I also got calls from Hollywood, threatening legal action. All this raised so much attention that NBC news actually sent a news crew to interview me, filming B role of my young family to highlight what we were endeavoring. Unbelievable, all of it.
Eternity will reveal the ultimate results; God alone knows what we accomplished or didn’t accomplish. However, here I am two decades later, building on that long ago endeavor. Very very soon Vanguard Church begins another similar endeavor. We are building another bridge, using a very familiar theme and beloved movie to lead children to Christ.
Building Another Bridge
With over two decades of history under our belts now, we better know how to manage scores if not hundreds of children. We better walk the path of legalities and formalities. We better know how to run security and write scripts, create stations and manage movement. Praise God for the gift of experience.
Like in our original Potter Project, we have had youth and adults alike turn out in full force to reach the next generation through this’s endeavor. Last time I counted, over 120 people have invested countless hours in countless ways to build this bridge. What a beautiful thing.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and forbid them not” (Matthew 19:14). In our society, we tend to give children social media way more readily than we give them the knowledge of the Savior. Our culture gives the next generation pharmaceuticals and phones a 1000 times faster than we give them a place to walk toward Jesus.
And yet, there are still some who are compelled by the love of Christ to share the truth of His Story (2 Corinthians 5:14). This summer, I am privileged to stand side-by-side with these Christ followers, linking hands and arms, becoming the human bridge that leads the next generation to come know our Lord and Savior. These beautiful faces and willing hearts are sacrificing so that others can know Jesus better.
The Next Generation of Bridge Builders
I am hopeful, prayerful, anticipatory. Building this bridge is our stake in the ground, our investment into the future, our gift to the next generation, in Jesus name.
Someday, from the windows of eternity, I look forward to watching some of those who are children today become the leaders of tomorrow. They will be next generation of bridge builders, who take Jesus at His Word, preparing the way and building the bridges so that the next generation can do what He invited all the little ones to do: “Let the little children come to Me.”
By bridge, by boat, by car or by plane. By movie, by mundane. By moments, by ministry.
In Jesus’ Name, may such be so.
Be encouraged! Tosha ❤️
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