'Bruce Almighty' Sequel Inspires ArkALMIGHTY
Inspired by the upcoming major motion picture Evan Almighty, ArkALMIGHTY has been launched to urge churches to become "outward."
"In my many years of doing projects to creatively urge the Church to become outward, ArkALMIGHTY stands in a class by itself," said Pastor Steve Sjogren, author of Conspiracy of Kindness: A Refreshing New Approach to Sharing the Love of Jesus with Others.
ArkALMIGHTY is a nationwide good deeds program that runs like Craigslist. Harnessing the power of the Internet, ArkALMIGHTY.com matches needs with the skill sets of everyday people. Churchgoers with needs post their requests on a website administered by the individual church and then other members in the congregation search through and find ways to help. Deeds include anything from an elderly person needing a ride to the doctor to a young couple asking for advice on saving for a home to a recently laid-off worker asking for help in polishing up his resume.
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"Ultimately, effectiveness and results needs to be measured – changed lives," said Sjogren. "With ArkALMIGHTY, change is happening already!"
The program is inspired by Universal Pictures' Evan Almighty. The upcoming film is a sequel to Bruce Almighty and stars Steve Carell as Evan Baxter, who leaves his old career as a news anchor and is newly elected to Congress. But soon after he moves to suburban Virginia to pursue his life as a congressman, he is appointed by God (portrayed by Morgan Freeman) to build an ark that will save mankind from a flood, or what can be viewed as the ultimate act of random kindness.
Unassuming acts of kindness convince people of God's love more persuasively than words, Sjogren's ground-breaking book revealed. The book, which also inspired ArkALMIGHTY, has helped thousands of Christians win others to Jesus Christ by performing simple services.
Overall, the new program encourages Christians to always do good. Meeting the needs within the church is expected to easily expand outreach into communities.
Over 400 churches and organizations have already signed up for ArkALMIGHTY.com.
"The idea of doing acts of random kindness and expecting nothing in return was an idea that was close to the very heart of Christ (Matt. 6:4)," said Paul Braoudakis, communications director of the Willow Creek Association (WCA), one of the partnering groups for the project. "I'm thrilled that churches all over the U.S. will be participating in the ArkALMIGHTY campaign this summer. I can think of no greater way that the church can BE the hands and feet of Christ than by doing selfless acts for others that reflect His love."
Partnering with Grace Hill Media on ArkALMIGHTY are WCA, Youth Specialties, Outreach, Inc., and the International Bible Society.
