“Our stories are EVERYTHING!” are the words of Kristin Weber, Director of Partnerships and Distribution at MovingWorks. MovingWorks is an organization that produces video media with the mission to encourage believers to gather together and watch films. They intentionally create moments of slowing down between their meaningful films to point viewers to Jesus and highlight how He works in our lives. On October 20, MovingWorks brought three short films to the Moody Bible Institute campus for students to enjoy, with guided meditation between each film.
MovingWorks shares culturally diverse stories to highlight how God is working everywhere and to expand the perspective of their audience beyond their own personal experience. MovingWorks travels to countries and continents around the world to pursue this mission and love neighbors from all nations. Prior to launching MovingWorks, its founder, Peter Craig, worked in Hollywood until he felt called to tell a different kind of story—stories that specifically highlight Jesus and shine a light on Christianity. Today, the organization continues this mission through personal filmmaking, while ensuring that they do so as an act of worship. As Kristin shared, their goal is not just to create thought-provoking films, but to direct people to the Lord and to one another with the stories they tell.
The Film Fest
The MovingWorks Film Fest experience was about more than just watching three beautiful films. Between each showing, students were given five minutes of quiet music and stillness to reflect on what they had just watched, to commune with each other and with the Lord. In a world where life is hurried and distractions are plentiful, MovingWorks created an opportunity for students to intentionally slow down and absorb the stories they had experienced and their message.
When asked what she wanted students to take away from the evening, Kristin emphasized how she hoped—above all—that they would walk away from the experiment with a deeper connection with the Lord and a desire to tell His stories.
Why Stories?
Why are stories so important? To Kristin, storytelling is one of the greatest tools we have for sharing the gospel. She explained how God ultimately calls us to share the Good News with others, and when we share our stories and experiences of Jesus from a place of vulnerability and authenticity, we are allowing people to see the light of Christ working within us.
This is meaningful for students pursuing creative fields like filmmaking, photography, graphic design, and storytelling within our Communications program. Sometimes, we might forget the ministry opportunities that these skills can offer, and we might feel uncertain about how we can use our gifts and passions for the Lord. But MovingWorks encourages creatives to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, and He will give us the stories to tell. He will place on our hearts the desire to tell them. Our creative abilities are not separate from our worship.
Kristin also offered a bit of advice for Moody students today. She encourages them to spend quiet time with the Lord away from the distraction of devices or external stimulators. She urges students to ask Him for guidance and empowerment. Then, listen in return. She recommends quiet breaks like taking walks, noticing the trees, and expressing gratitude. By learning how to slow down and search for God’s presence in everyday life, we can become more aware of the stories unfolding around us, the stories He is calling us to tell.
What Can You Do?
Whether your interests are in filmmaking, photography, music, or writing, consider how the Lord might use your abilities for His glory. Start by spending time with Him, looking for the stories happening all around you, and being obedient to His call.
To explore more of MovingWorks and its projects, consider visiting their website, following the organization on Instagram, and joining their email newsletter. For any students who attended the film festival, they’d love to hear your reflections and learn what you’d like to see next time!