You don’t expect holy ground to show up inside a movie screening room an hour outside Cairo—especially in a country where public faith carries real risk. But that’s exactly where it happened.
In Egypt, during a gathering of thousands, God used a moment, a story, and a simple yes to open hearts in ways none of us could manufacture. What unfolded there wasn’t strategy or spectacle—it was obedience, courage, and the quiet power of the gospel crossing language, culture, and law. And this was just the beginning, a test regional activation that would continue to ripple around the world.
Stan Jantz later put words to that moment far better than I ever could, and his reflection still stops me in my tracks.
| “Larry didn’t hesitate. With creative boldness and deep humility, he stepped forward—and God moved powerfully through his words.” — Stan Jantz In the early stages of a start-up, relationships among the leadership play a major role in the success of the organization. As the founding CEO of Come and See, I was blessed with a stellar leadership team, one that enabled our nonprofit to move quickly in pursuit of its vision to help a billion people experience the authentic Jesus through The Chosen. Read the full article and encouragement from Stan. Soon after we began, Larry Lundstrom was recruited to be our Director of Distribution, a key role responsible for building a network of global ministries who would use The Chosen as an innovative and effective discipleship catalyst. I immediately appreciated Larry’s experience in both business and ministry, but it was at the Count It Right conference in Egypt where I would see Larry’s gifts on full display.Count It Right is an annual gathering at a world-class conference complex an hour outside of Cairo, where 10,000 people are bussed in everyday from neighboring cities and towns to participate in activities, seminars, and worship services. The organizing church, Kasr El Dobara, the largest evangelical church in the Middle East, provided a screening room so 500 people at a time could watch episodes of The Chosen dubbed in Egyptian Arabic.On the first day at the first screening of The Chosen, one of the leaders of the conference asked if we would give an invitation at the end of the episode. Frankly, I was a bit taken back, partly because I had learned earlier in the week that proselytizing is illegal in Egypt. No matter. If the conference wanted us to invite people to start a relationship with Jesus, we would do just that.As I was still thinking about it, Larry didn’t hesitate to say, “I’ll take the first one.” And indeed, he did. At the conclusion of the episode in Season 4 where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, Larry gave the most beautiful, heartfelt gospel-based invitation I have ever heard.Like the episode, Larry’s invitation was translated into Arabic for the audience, and as the words fell on their ears and penetrated their hearts, I could see by the expressions on their faces that Larry’s words had touched them deeply. Many came forward, and I stood amazed at God’s work and Larry’s creative boldness. This was the first of many times when I saw Larry’s words and heart combine to touch others. Although both of our roles have changed—I am now the Global Ambassador for Come and See and Larry is a key consultant for our ministry—I continue to admire the way he brings people together and attracts them to the person of Jesus. And in the end, that’s what counts. “He has a heart for Jesus, a brilliant mind for engagement, and tenacity to finish the task. I am grateful to serve together for this mission of sharing the authentic Jesus.” — Stan Jantz READ THE LETTER OF ENCOURAGEMENT & EGYPT HIGHLIGHTS |
YES, It has been an honor to work alongside leaders like Stan Jantz with The Chosen TV series. And yes, I am grateful to have AI tools to help crack the code for the 194 country strategy for The Chosen. Just as meaningful to me, though, is the privilege of serving churches and ministries as they engage their congregations and communities—locally and globally—through clear messaging and engaging media.
And, I’d also love to hear how God is at work in your ministry. If you have a few minutes and want to see where engagement could grow in your marketing and communications, you can take our new engagement assessment here.
Working to share the life-changing reality of Jesus Christ. In the local church and around the world.
Larry Lundstrom
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The Collective Agency : : Marketing, Creative & Innovation for Faith-Based Impact 