Since graduating from Heartland in 2006, Michael Folkerts has already had a variety of life experiences.
Right after graduation from high school, he joined the National Guard where he served for six years. During this time, he also attended college at both UNK and UNL. Folkerts graduated from UNL in December of 2010 with a degree in Ag Economics and Political Science.
While in college, Michael was actively involved in Campus Crusade for Christ, a Christian ministry organization for college students. Folkerts had always wanted to be involved in missions, and it was at a Cru Conference where he learned about opportunities with Crusade. This encouraged him to intern with them after graduating.
For his internship, he did campus ministry at both UNL and UNK. During the summer months of 2012, he led a mission trip to India where his team also did campus ministry. After that, he interned with the Jesus Film, a division of Cru.
The Jesus Film was created in 1979 to portray the life of Jesus and have an evangelistic tool to take across the world. To date, it has been translated into 1,188 different languages, and that number is always increasing. When Folkerts heard of the film and stories of entire villages coming to know Jesus through it, he knew he wanted to be involved. During his time with the Jesus Film, he led two-week mission trips to unreached people groups in Africa and East Asia.
In our technological society, however, the Jesus Film Division of Cru has evolved into more than just a film. Now there is a Jesus Film Media App featuring the actual Jesus Film along with other short films.
Users can download the app, select a film, and then search to watch it in a number of different languages. Â The short films serve as great conversation starters and ways to get people interested in hearing more about Jesus. Many people have never heard the gospel in their own language, so when missionaries are able to easily select the individual’s native language on a phone or tablet, it creates a powerful experience for the viewer.
Through a review he submitted after using the technology, Michael suggested ideas for the app and short films. Workers at the headquarters in Orlando were intrigued by Michael’s suggestions and asked him to join them as they continue to develop the app. In fact, because of increased popularity, Michael will be helping to develop an app exclusively for short films.
Michael said this is exciting to him because, “Places we can’t physically go [because of laws/restrictions], digital media can.â€
In fact, Cru workers can trace the Jesus Film being watched online all over the world at any given time. This includes “closed†countries or cities where Christians are not allowed.
Currently, Michael is back in the area raising support to officially join staff with Cru. Â He will leave for Orlando sometime in the next few weeks.
Folkerts said he is very grateful for the support that has been shown to him from many different people in the community. He commented how unique it is that the area is full of so many mission-minded people.
If you are interested in learning more about Michael, you can visit his website at https://give.cru.org/0641255Â or email him at michaelfolkerts@jesusfilm.org. Â You can also learn more about Jesus Film Media at http://jesusfilmmedia.org/.
