Sunday, September 23, 2007

First Day of Filming in London

Sun 9/23/2007 1:56 PM

On our first day of filming in London, we witnessed a miracle. The sun was out. Summer fell on a Wednesday last year and it looks like we struck it on just the right day this year. We had breakfast around 8:00 AM and then met with the local team for the day’s shoot in London. It was more like a “crowd” rather than a team. Between 50-60 helpers showed up! We then walked about quarter of a mile to Trafalgar Square and set up to shoot our first footage for the Fourth Season. How exciting.

Authorities shut us down before we even had a chance to turn the cameras on, because we didn’t have a filming permit. The reason we didn’t have one was because we had applied for one in Monaco. They had asked why we wanted to film, checked out the website and told us that there was no way that we could film in that country, anywhere. So we sent a scout to Europe a month before the trip and he was told that almost all the countries didn’t require a filming permit. Not so with London. However, the security officer kindly gave us permission to film in an area above Trafalgar Square.

We did so for about 15 minutes and then moved location. That’s when the police moved in on us, and shut us down completely. They informed us that we couldn’t film anywhere in London, and if we did, they would confiscate all our camera gear. Nice. The reason the police got to us so quickly was because we didn’t exactly enter Trafalgar Square subtly. We had a camera crew of about a dozen and an entourage of 60 people. Duh. We prayed and then told our helpers to meet us at noon for the planned open air, cut our camera crew to three and decided we would film on the top of a double-decker bus. Surely they would allow that. Nope. They wouldn’t even let us get onto the bus.

We then walked to a place called Covent Garden and found a stack of street performers and thousands of people. It was perfect for open air preaching. We drew a crowd with Mark Spence escaping from a straight jacket, and then from trivia and then to the gospel. After about 15 minutes we were told that we weren’t allowed to speak in that area, so we moved. As we were about to start, a gentleman told us to move again, even though we were on public property. We moved again and started preaching. The next time I was told to stop I had had enough. I became convinced that if we preached in the Sahara Desert we would be told to move on.

Suddenly a woman came behind me and tried to stop me speaking. By then I had had enough of being tossed about. I ignored her and she became extremely vocal and used words that would make your grandmother’s hair curl into tiny fuzz balls. The crowd thickened, the gospel was preached and our cameramen, who were striped to bare essentials (gear), captured some wonderful footage. Finally. Thank God and thank you for your prayers.

We took a fast train to Brussels in Belgium. If you want to make some quick money there is a huge market for deodorant on trains in Europe. We arrived at Brussels around 10:00 PM and were told by part of our team that thousands of people were gathered in the local square, not far from the hotel. It was an opportunity we dare not pass up. The hotel gave us some hot chocolate and a piece of chocolate and away we went. I had said that the key to doing 13 countries in 13 days was that we eat well and sleep well. We had been traveling for two nights. So far I had had seven hours sleep and we had filled up on burgers, fries, and hot chocolate (so much for good intentions). Mark did the light show, pulled in a crowd of about 100 people, and I preached open air until 2:00 AM. We got some wonderful footage of hecklers asking philosophical questions.

It’s now Sunday afternoon. Fortunately I was able to sleep right in to 6:30 AM. Joy. I had one verse in mind as my head hit the pillow last night: “I awaked, but the Lord sustained me.” I have a feeling I will have that verse in mind during this whole trip. We had a great breakfast, did some filming and then an open air. The Square in Brussels is amazing…absolutely breathtaking. It’s about 200 yards long by 75 yards wide with awesome-looking tall 300 year old Gothic building surrounding the entire square. This has resulted in an open air preacher’s paradise. Lots of people, incredible acoustics. I succumbed to the chocolate fountain. I’m typing this on a train heading for Luxemburg, looking forward to what’s ahead.

God bless,
Ray

26 comments:

Shawna Herring Photography said...

You and your team are amazing examples of 'pressing on toward the goad to win the prize for which God has called you heavenward in Christ Jesus' God Bless you!!

Unknown said...

Ray! My brother in Christ! I'm praying that you will be strengthened as you encounter such blatant opposition! I want to encourage you to continue to trust in God and share His truth just as you and Kirk have encouraged me! God Bless you!

Your brother in Christ,
John Doyle
John 3:30!!!

Unknown said...

Wow! What opposition from satan!! Praying your encouragement and for many victories to be won!

Unknown said...

Dude..I'm from Chicago and drove out to see you guys at the Tranformed conference in Plano TX. And to now hear that you are already in London seeking and saving the lost is so encouraging, thank you. Thank you for making the time to keep us posted. It is refreshing and encouraging to know that you all are staying the coarse.
Your Blood Bro,
rick

jonathan.zampatti said...

That's awesome Ray! Praise God. It just gives you another testimony on how great God is, and I don't have to say why all that persecution comes your way. The devil doesn't like it, but you guys keep taking it to him! Keep on glorify Him. God bless you guys, we'll be praying for you!

Jon Zampatti

Josh & Ruth Mitchell said...

Praise God, he truly does stretch us to the end of ourselves, and then HE delivers the results, for his own glory :D

I love him very much.

Very encouraging stuff, perfect inclination of heart, as we prepare for our Australian Holy Epidemic Conference in Brisbane.

God bless,

Josh and Ruth Mitchell
http://www.operation513.com
http://www.holyepidemic.com
http://www.hallelujah.com.au
http://www.xanga.com/Hallelujah_joshm

FourSeasonsFragrance.com said...

Wow...it gives me goosebumps

Hannah said...

Praise God for your willingness and faithfullness. God has you just where he wants you. He's gonna rock yo socks off in Europe. I pray for Gods will to be done in your efforts! My campus will pray for ya!
In christ
~Hannah
18What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.19For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,20According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.22But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:24Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.25And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;26That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

Hannah said...

Philipians by the way :D

FourSeasonsFragrance.com said...

oops.

try again.

It gives me goosebumps...I'm thankful for the courage the Lord gives you Ray. May many come to Jesus through the servanthood of you and your team. Praying for you.

June B. Anderson said...

All I can say is, "Wow!" You guys are certainly finding out right outta the gate that you must be doing something right 'cause you sure got Satan fired up! I'll pray for you and for Satan to leave you alone...people's eternities are at stake! You go! God bless you all in Jesus' mighty Name! June, Americus, GA

Unknown said...

Lord, I come to you in the precious name of your Son, Jesus Christ...thanking you for your love and the sacrifice you made in order to reconcile our relationship that we are so undeserving of. I pray that you would continue to protect and bless every individual involved with The Way of the Master team... that you would grant them wisdom where wisdom is needed & strength when they tire... that you will continue to work in the hearts of men & women before Mr. Comfort & his team arrive. Lord, I pray that you would continue to show up and show out... saving lost souls that others, because of their lack of faith, said would never be saved. Father, thank you for placing the knowledge of such servants and the example they set in the path of my life. I ask these things in your Son's Precious Name, Amen.

Sankofa said...

you guys truly embolden me as I watch you unashamedly proclaim the Good News, the way Jesus did it! I'm keeping you in my prayers and I pray continual blessings as y'all travel to through europe. God bless!!!

Richard W. said...

Wonderful Ray that you met opposition during this trip. It shows that your still on the right track and winning battles against satan's forces while they are trying so hard to ruin your witness. I am glad satan has a short time because what we are doing today will I pray last forever for those who are called according to HIS purpose by your ministry.
Isaiah 54:17
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord.
AMEN
Love ya MAN
and Mike Seaver , i mean Kirk LOL, todd, EZ ETC.

Richard White lionsroarreport,blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/romansroadproject

Kevin Williams said...

It was a pleasure to spend the day in London with Todd Friel and his team filming on the reformation. He's not as tall as he looks on the radio though :0)

Praying for the rest of the trip.
Kevin www.PuritanFellowship.com

Nigel_Williams said...

well, what can i say guys.. i am bowled over by so many things. I think the first thing that hit my heart was that you guys did'nt stop after London, you did'nt give into the flesh as soon as you landed at your second location.. i mean preaching till 2am.. got to thank God for you guys. Its great that you got such an interesting taste of London. I am sure God was a strength despite what you went through.. if anything it speaks loudly to me (i live in central England). I wanted to come but had priorities as a parent. I just want to take this opportunity to pray for you guys.
Lord, I praise You, You are sucha wonderful God, that the testimonies of these guys can reach us and just fuel the flames in our hearts. With tha Lord i pray that you would fuel the flames in Rays heart and the many others who will take part in this amazing trip. But Lord, most of all, I pray your name will be glorified wherever they go, that hearts would be captured for You and that Your name will be magnified across Europe. I thank you for Ray and his steadfastness to Your Word. i pray You would use him boldly and comfort him in the needed times, refresh his body, and turn up his flame to Glorify You, and You alone, in Jesus name.
Amen

ITGFY!

Unknown said...

Hi Ray & Team,

Well done for your outreach in Central London. The people of London need to hear your message as most are dead to the gospel and hostile to the messenger.
I have been a friend of yours for quite a while and i too am an evangalist working mainly in Trafagar Square, Leicester Square and Covent Gardens, with basically the same opposition. We therefore go underground and move from place to place.
I use the "Good person" approach especially with the proud and have had good experiences of people being convicted of their need to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus.
I enjoyed your T.V discussion and believe that it was helpful and finally i want to encourage you in your mission which is the greatest cause of all. Well done , keep it up and please come back to London soon.
Chris Jesus People UK.

robert mccomb said...

Hi Ray and the team,
I,ve been reading and hearing about your opposition in London.The closer we walk the more we are persecuted.PRAISE GOD.Remember 1st Peter c 4 v 12 and James c 1 v 2,3,4.And stand on GODs promise in Isaiah c 54 v 17 and and then laugh in the face of the enemy by claiming Romans 8 v 28 and 31.I am truely inspired by THE WAY OF THE MASTER through the ministery THE MASTER has given you.I and a team of faithful prayer partners are praying without ceasing in northern ireland for you.Keep up the great work.GODBLESS

LisaB said...

Hi Ray,
WOW! I can't wait to see the new season~ the good Lord really is using you in a mighty way but where is Kirk? I wish I could be there with you guys but I'm praying for all of you that you will bring lots of people into the Kingdom for the glory of God Almighty!!!

Dennis said...

I was just in Amsterdam a week ago. Tried handing out Million Euro notes and no one would take them. I walked around a couple of the large open palces with restaurants and bars and started leaving them on ATM's, tables and benches.
Spoke to a local collegge student on the flight home who said whe is a Christian. When I spoke abut Hell she got very upset and told me you cannot tell the unsaved that they will go to Hell unless they repent and accept Jesus. I asked what she told her unsaved family and friends and got a "feel good" speech.
I go to Europe 4-6 times a year and it is depressing at times - But it is an open field for His Word. May God bless all you are doing.

Kevin D. Woodson said...

God bless you all Ray and Trish and the crew. May the safety of the Lord's right hand be upon you through the remainder of the trip until you all lay your heads down on your pillows in rest in your homes. From our family in Broken Arrow, Okla. to you all in Europe, we Love you and commend you for all you do, we will be thinking of you as you work the Lords Commission.
God Bless

Hannah Goldsmith said...

I have to say I rescued your update email from my Bulk file and I`m so glad I did!

Praise Jesus for His faithfulness to us all!

Lord we seek Your glory...come Holy Spirit and pour Yourself out on Your people for Jesus` sake.

"I can do all things thru Him who gives me strength....." Amen! whippettsway.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Ray & the whole team,

Praying for the favor of God to rest upon you all and that you all do not grow wearing in your well doing.

Shalom,
Jessica S.
Jax, FL

Robinson Blog said...

As some of the helpers in London, my wife and I had the pleasure of working with the crew. Praise God for His providing for our needs. When we left the crew, as they were boarding the train to Belgium, they looked exhausted. I know I was. Imagine our shock when we discovered that they continued working until 2am!!! May God be praised above all things. Continue to pray for the crew as they continue the trip and proclaim His Word to the Nations.

Robby and Sheryl Robinson

pastorsteve said...

Awesome!

Here's some strong advice:Watch your wallets!

;>)

Steve Sanchez

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