Forty years after the release of the original JESUS film, Jesus Film Project® is releasing an updated edition of founder Paul Eshleman’s book, I Just Saw Jesus. The new edition features a heartfelt foreword written by Eshleman’s daughter, Jenn Huff, as well as refreshed cover art. The book was officially released in October 2024.
Originally published in 1985, I Just Saw Jesus chronicles Eshleman’s journey to create the JESUS film, the most translated and viewed film in history. Translated into more than 2,100 languages and counting, the film has been a significant resource in spreading the gospel to millions across the globe.
The release of this updated edition comes at a critical juncture as Jesus Film Project reimagines the 1979 film for today’s generation.
In her foreword to the new edition of I Just Saw Jesus, Huff reflects on her father’s vision and passion for the project. She writes, ”The JESUS film, meticulously crafted to depict the life of Jesus with unprecedented accuracy, stood as a beacon of attention to detail. Behind the scenes, my father’s equally meticulous storytelling mirrored the attention that was paid to every aspect of the film’s creation.” She added, “I Just Saw Jesus is not just a book; it is a testament to the miraculous change Jesus makes in people’s lives.”
Paul Eshleman’s work on the JESUS film was inspired by the mission to share the gospel message in every corner of the world. I Just Saw Jesus tells the stories of the faithful volunteer film teams, missionaries and pastors who ventured into remote tribes to show the JESUS film. They carried generators and projectors across jungles, stood before influential leaders, and overcame threats, curses and deadly diseases – all to share the story of Jesus in the heart language of those who might not otherwise hear the gospel.
This new edition of I Just Saw Jesus is a tribute to Paul Eshleman’s legacy. It marks a new chapter in the ongoing mission to innovate and reach people with today’s tools, ensuring that the gospel remains accessible to new generations.
About Jesus Film ProjectⓇ
Jesus Film Project is passionate about sharing Jesus with the world because they believe everyone, everywhere should have access to His life-changing love and forgiveness. That’s why, by God’s grace and through the help of their partners, their Christian films are available in over 2,000 different languages. They are designed to break language and literacy barriers so anyone can watch—no matter where they are in the world.
They have placed their sights on reaching everyone, everywhere, with a special focus on the areas of the world that have the least access to the Gospel. And as the world changes, they innovate, adapt, and use new technologies to reach it with the story of Jesus.
About the JESUS film
JESUS is a new, animated family film about the life of Jesus designed to reach families, new generations, and people of all ages with the story of Jesus. Anchored in the Christian Gospels, the film re-imagines the 1979 JESUS film, using much of its dialogue in a refreshed script. The new film is will eventually be in 2,000+ heart languages!
JESUS builds on the global impact of the original JESUS film and more than 40 years of Bible translation work, language production, and strong relationships with ministry partners – helping to reach everyone, everywhere.
