Over 15 years ago, Savio attended an Influence Lab media training seminar. Today, as a media professional, he’s using media to help reach millions across India with the good news of Jesus Christ. If you’re an Influence Lab partner, you have a part in Savio’s story.
Why Media Training is Critical: Savio Shares His Story from India
Years ago, when Savio heard that Phil and Kathleen Cooke were conducting a media seminar in India for The Influence Lab, he knew right away, “I just didn’t want to miss that opportunity!”
Now, Savio is the media director at a major ministry in Hyderabad, India. His vision is to see more media professionals trained to produce quality media – and he stresses the importance of The Influence Lab conducting more training opportunities in India.
With the changing cultural climate towards Christianity in India, there are growing concerns and challenges for Indian Christians.
Phil and Kathleen Cooke and Savio re-united while filming in India.
Savio shares, “In the present situation, we cannot simply go and do street evangelism. People cannot just go out, take a microphone, talk about Christ, and share the gospel. Media gives us another way… Everyone carries a screen in their pocket.”
He explains, “India is like a continent. There are so many states, so many different languages, so many different cultures… We need a lot of media people who can communicate well through films, short films, and documentaries and reach out to the millions of people out there. That’s very important.”
That’s where we can help. Together, we can meet the need!
What you can do:
➡️ Pray for Savio and other Christian media professionals in India.
➡️ Become an Influence Lab partner!
Your support helps us “say yes” to the invitations we receive. Your gifts send us to train and equip media professionals in places where media can reach into people’s lives and homes with life-giving truth.
Since 2014, The Influence Lab has been training pastors and Christian communicators around the world in media strategies. Our focus? Going to places where strategic training is not readily available or accessible.
Thank you, Influence Lab partners!
Your generosity helps make stories like Savio’s happen! Let’s keep the momentum going. Give your best gift here.
READ MORE!
Kathleen Cooke shares a report on the state of India.
Read more about the state of India and why media has such an important role in reaching the nation for Christ here.
“India is closing down Christian work — schools, hospitals, churches, and ministry organizations — as never before. The current Indian president is pushing to make Hinduism the national religion.” —Kathleen Cooke, Co-Founder, The Influence Lab/Influence Women
How do we overcome governmental restrictions to sharing the good news of Jesus? While in India this summer, Phil and Kathleen Cooke noted a shift in the cultural climate towards Christianity. The changes raise growing concerns for Indian Christians.
In this news brief, Kathleen reports on the state of India and shares a story of incredible impact from an Influence Lab media training conference many years ago.
India Report – The State of India and Savio’s Story
Kathleen reports: India is always intense. This was our 9th time in India, and we were there to document Good Shepherd India’s (GSI) work and share it with a wider audience in the Western world. GSI works to help young girls who have been given as sexual slaves to chiefs of outlying villages as a gift to the local temple and its priest. Parents consider it an honor to give their daughter and are glorified for doing so.
Indian women learn skills to become self-sustaining.
The girls must do whatever they are asked to survive, and are at the mercy of the village people to provide for them. Good Shepherd India rescues them from abject poverty, educates them, and helps them develop microbusinesses to become self-sustaining.
However, India is closing down Christian work — schools, hospitals, churches, and ministry organizations — as never before. The current Indian president is pushing to make Hinduism the national religion. Pastors are being imprisoned for sharing their faith, and Christian organizations that have helped educate, provide medical care, and share the redemptive story of Jesus are being shuttered.
We know media will play an even bigger role in reaching and sharing the redemptive story of Jesus in the future, and we must keep training and encouraging the boots (or, in India’s case, the sandals) on the ground.
Savio’s Testimony — It All Began at an Influence Lab Media Training
Savio’s media training began when Phil and Kathleen visited India in 2014.
We captured many incredible stories of transformed lives in India, but one of the most significant stories for us came unexpectedly when we met Savio Rodrigues. Influence Lab partners will appreciate the significance of this encounter!
Savio is an Indian media producer and media director for Good Shepherd India (GSI) and leads a large media team in Hyderabad. Savio’s story began when he attended a media training conference that Phil and I spoke at in India in 2014. The conference totally changed his life’s path. He had been studying to be an engineer, a high-paying job in India, but God spoke to him during the conference, urging him to change direction and go into media instead.
After the conference, he attended film school and earned his degree in media production and film. He secured his position with Good Shepherd India as a media producer and director, and now Savio’s work as a media professional plays a major role in sharing GSI’s work in rescuing young girls from the sex trade.
Savio’s media team tells the girls’ stories of hope and rescue.
Savio’s media team tells the girls’ stories so that needed change can happen. And it all began with the media training he received through The Influence Lab.
I sat listening to him, tears in my eyes, as he told Phil and me how much it meant to him years ago when we first came to India to conduct media training. Now he follows us on social media and reads our Influence Lab Journal to learn and be encouraged. He was excited and honored to work with us while we were there.
We are often given many gifts when we visit India and other countries. But this gift of Savio’s story and what he is doing today in media is one of the most cherished we could ever receive.
It revealed that our efforts to teach and encourage media leaders in their own country are making a difference in the Kingdom of God. The lives they touch through media with the redemptive story of Jesus has an eternal impact. —Kathleen Cooke
Thank you, Influence Lab partners!
The media training we offer helps ministries continue to share God’s love in their countries.
Your generosity helps make stories like Savio’s happen! The media training we offer is increasingly important as nations like India face challenges in sharing God’s love.
Media transcends boundaries. Your partnership trains “boots on the ground” with updated media strategies. Give your best gift here.
“The conference sparked new ideas and renewed my passion for ministry. It helped me see new possibilities for using media and technology to serve the Gospel.” —Middle East Conference Attendee
“The conference challenged me to think differently… I left with practical ideas that I can immediately apply.” —Middle East Conference Attendee (Names withheld for security reasons.)
Where the gospel is restricted, media opens the door.
The Middle East conference changed the lives of 184 pastors, ministry leaders, church media professionals, and Middle Eastern Christians working in secular media forever.
For those who gave and those who prayed:
Relational as well as educational, Phil talks with an attendee during a break.
What happened in this training event is already impacting nations. Thank you, Influence Lab Partners. Phil and Kathleen Cooke share their reports below…
Phil reports:
Participants came from across the Middle East, including Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco. True to The Influence Lab’s philosophy, the training was led by local Christian media professionals. Kathleen and I joined Ron Harris and Kyle Gilbert of Media Alliance International in teaching alongside these local leaders.
Some of the attendees had to memorize their notes from the sessions because they couldn’t risk being caught with them as they returned to their countries.
“The conference transformed my understanding of media ministry… I left with practical tools, a clearer strategy, and a renewed vision for using media to serve God’s Kingdom.” —Middle East Conference Attendee
This event inspired Kathleen and me as much as it taught the attendees. It made me realize how much more I need to do with the media resources, equipment and freedoms we have in the U.S. If you saw what these guys are doing with what they have, you’d step it up as well.
Thank you, Influence Lab partners. Your generosity helped make this outreach possible. We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve our Middle Eastern brothers and sisters as they share the gospel through media, despite the challenges or restrictions. —Phil Cooke
Keep reading for Kathleen’s report…
“I left motivated not only to apply what I learned, but also to share it with others and contribute more actively to God’s work.” —Middle East Conference Attendee
The Muslim minaret sounds out the call to prayer in Jordan five times every day. For me, it was a constant reminder of the need for Christians to pray and create effective media to reach the nation with the good news of Jesus Christ. As it woke me up nightly, I prayed for Christians to wake up globally to the challenges that those living in predominantly Muslim countries face in sharing the redemptive story of Jesus.
In this heavily Muslim-based country where the light of Jesus is dim, Christian believers are fervently sharing Jesus and learning to do it with the use of effective media. Even while the Muslim Minarets were blaring and calling people to pray to an idol God, Christians were gathered with us to learn and grow their media skills to communicate.
“The conference helped me shift my perspective from seeking likes, views, and numbers to pursuing genuine influence and life transformation.” —Middle East Conference Attendee
The determination, faith, and joy of the Christians Phil and I connected with at this Middle Eastern media conference inspired us. Those who attended were hungry to learn and excited to connect with other Christians from across Jordan and the Middle East.
God’s remnant, living in a war zone on many levels, reminded me of the early Church and how they sacrificed so much so that Jesus might be seen and heard. This was the first media conference ever held for Christians in the region, and the almost 200 attendees couldn’t seem to get enough, wanting more from each session.
I had the opportunity to speak with Phil on a panel on how media and entertainment influence our culture, the effects it has on Gen Z, and why Christian artists need to be bold and create content that disrupts and penetrates our screens with imaginative artistic projects. I also shared the importance of creatives staying personally and actively engaged with the Bible in order to present God’s wisdom and share His redemptive story effectively through media, entertainment, music and the arts.
Kathleen shares the importance of creatives staying engaged with the Bible to effectively share the gospel through media.
During breaks and mealtimes, I connected with the women attending and encouraged them to join Influence Women and engage with our Online Chapter gatherings, webinars and other online content to continue to be emboldened as leaders and creative artists. I can’t wait to see what God will do now that they have connected and will collaborate to create change in the culture of the Middle East for the Kingdom of Christ.
Pray for them!By using effective media infused by God’s creative spirit rather than minarets, they will change the mindsets of the Middle East’s culture. —Kathleen Cooke
“I appreciated the balance between spiritual encouragement and practical training. The content was highly relevant, and the speakers brought both wisdom and experience.” —Middle East Conference Attendee
Kathleen with Anoud Goussous, ATHAR conference organizer.
“We are especially thankful for the contribution of Influence Women and Influence Lab… we believe the relationships formed and seeds planted during these days will continue to bear fruit throughout the Middle East and North Africa as attendees return to their ministries with renewed vision and commitment to Christ’s mission.” —ATHAR Conference Organizers, Farah Abbassi, Anoud Goussous
“It felt like a glimpse of heaven—a gathering of believers from different nations, backgrounds, and ministries united by one purpose: making Christ known.”
—Middle East Conference Attendee
Phil and Kathleen Cooke joined Ron Harris and Kyle Gilbert of Media Alliance International to teach alongside local Christian media professionals.
Middle East Conference attendees share more testimonies:
“I have already started applying what I learned by using more intentional visual content and focusing on meaningful impact…” —Middle East Conference Attendee
“Meeting leaders from different countries was one of the greatest blessings. We realized that many of us face similar challenges, and the relationships built here will continue long after the conference.” —Middle East Conference Attendee
“The AI workshop completely changed my perspective. Instead of fearing technology, I learned how to engage it wisely and use it as a tool to support ministry.” —Middle East Conference Attendee
Can you help? Our next outreach is coming up fast as we travel to Australia this summer. Your gift impacts nations, training pastors and communicators in digital and media strategies to share the gospel.
Become an Influence Lab Partner today and start impacting nations! Give here.
“The sessions on AI and digital tools opened my eyes to the opportunities available for ministry today. I learned how technology can be used responsibly and strategically to reach people with the Gospel…” —Middle East Conference Attendee
“What impacted me most was the reminder that technology is a tool, not the mission. Our mission remains making Christ known.” —Middle East Conference Attendee
“The conference expanded my vision for ministry… I left feeling inspired, better equipped, and more committed to using every available opportunity to share the Gospel and build God’s Kingdom.” —Middle East Conference Attendee
(Names withheld for security reasons.)
THANK YOU, INFLUENCE LAB PARTNERS. TOGETHER – WE’RE IMPACTING THE NATIONS.
This summer, The Influence Lab is equipping 120 pastors and Christian leaders from one of the most restricted regions on earth. Will you make it possible?
In parts of the Middle East and North Africa, sharing your Christian faith can mean imprisonment. For a Muslim who converts to Christianity, it can mean death. Can you imagine the challenges of pastoring where Christianity is, at the least, tolerated and at the worst—persecuted?1
Persecution is on the rise in the Middle East and North Africa, and Christian leaders are creatively seeking solutions to reach their nation for Christ in a region that represents the largest concentration of Muslims in the world. 2 But in a media-saturated world where culture is shaped by screens, smartphones, and social platforms, many of these leaders are working with outdated skills.
That’s about to change.
THE OPPORTUNITY IN FRONT OF US
This summer, Phil and Kathleen Cooke will travel to an undisclosed location in Jordan, joining Ron Harris of Media Alliance International for an invitation-only media training seminar — one of the most strategic gatherings of its kind.
120 high-level pastors and Christian leaders from across the Middle East and North Africa have been selected to attend — chosen for theirleadership, experience and influence within their nations.
The MENA region is home to 440 million people. 94% are Muslim. 3% are Christian. 2 These 120 leaders represent strategic voices reaching into that 94%.
WHY MEDIA. WHY NOW.
“Phil Cooke opened our eyes to the power of media and communication.” — Pastor Peter Tan-Chi, Christ’s Commission Fellowship, Manila
Media is a powerful force in the digital age, shaping hearts and culture in societies worldwide. In nations where open evangelism is monitored, restricted or dangerous, media becomes a critical tool to meet people where they are, transcending boundaries and impacting lives.
“Many of these Christian leaders don’t fully understand why media matters in ministry today,” Phil explains. “I’ve been invited to give them the bigger picture — and the tools to act on it.”
The upcoming media training in the Middle East will focus on:
Developing media strategies that rise above competing narratives
Navigating cultural complexities within MENA nations
Reaching younger generations whose faith and identities are shaped by what they consume online
YOUR GIFT + THEIR REACH = IMPACT
Immediate impact: 120 MENA leaders equipped with media skills to communicate the gospel in a digital world.
Long-term impact: Every strategy they learn travels home with them — into their churches, their networks, their nations. The attendees were intentionally chosen for their leadership, experience, and influence within their nations.
Our goal: $20,000 to cover all travel and program expenses.
Your gift of $50, $100, or $1,000 directly funds training that equips leaders reaching into one of the most spiritually unreached regions on earth.
Will you partner with us in this opportunity?
The Influence Lab has trained ministry leaders alongside Media Alliance International in Thailand, India, Spain, and Cyprus. Ron Harris, President of Media Alliance International, reflects on the partnership:
“It has been exciting to see hearts and minds open as Dr. Phil Cooke shares new ways to present God’s Truth. Phil’s experience, wisdom, and media expertise form a powerful combination — strengthening leaders to serve the Lord at the highest level.”
THIS IS YOUR MOMENT TO BE PART OF SOMETHING HISTORIC.
These leaders are risking much to show up. Phil and Kathleen are giving their time and expertise. The only missing piece is the funding to make it happen.
Your gift of $50, $100 or $1,000 will train120 Middle Eastern leaders to reach their nations with updated media strategies. Plus, the impact of your gift continues as they implement what they learn as they return to their nations.
Announcing a new way to fuel the mission of The Influence Lab and Influence Women! We recently set up an online shopping experience with +ShopWithPurpose. Built to benefit nonprofit organizations, up to 40% of every purchase on the platform is donated to the causes you care about, with the opportunity to choose The Influence Lab as your favorite nonprofit to benefit.
+ShopWithPurpose was created with a vision that enables people to give back to their communities when they shop. Founder and CEO Steve Dueckshares, “Retail has traditionally been understood to be based on selection, price, and convenience. +Shop introduces a fourth consideration: Who benefits?” Nonprofits are guaranteed a minimum 5% commission for all purchases made in their +Shop.
Dueck adds, “We want to create an environment where shoppers give schools and nonprofits a brighter and more sustainable future that will in turn make our communities stronger and healthier.”
What Kind of Products Can I Shop For?
Next time you’re thinking of shopping on Amazon, check out +ShopWithPurpose first. Shoppers will find favorite brands like Ninja, Shark, Apple, DeWalt, Garmin, Audubon, and more. Plus, the amount that will be donated to your chosen nonprofit is displayed clearly so you can shop… with purpose! This is a great place to find gifts for the home, baby showers and weddings, toys, pet items, outdoor gardening supplies, and so much more!
You can also add a donation to your shopping cart that will go directly to The Influence Lab/Influence Women (less payment processing fees.) As a 501(c)3, your gifts are tax-deductible and are the fuel that keeps us moving forward in the mission!*
Who will benefit from your shopping in 2026?
Visit +ShopWithPurpose and choose the Influence Lab/Women as your benefiting nonprofit. It’s easy!
➡️ Sign up now and designate Influence Lab/Women as your benefiting nonprofit of choice.
Just want to give a gift?
Your partnership impacts nations! We’re gearing up for trips to Jordan and Australia in 2026, and we need your support! These upcoming trips are tremendous opportunities to train the pastors, ministry leaders and Christian communication professionals in these nations.
➡️ Add your financial support here and help us empower the Church to transform culture through media.
* Your charitable giving to The Influence Lab is tax-deductible. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit and a recipient of the 2026 Candid Silver Transparency Award, a recognition that translates into trust and confidence for partners who support our work.Considered the most widely adopted symbol of transparency for nonprofit organizations in the U.S., GuideStar’s Candid has promoted nonprofit transparency since 1994 through a searchable online database of nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, allowing potential donors to verify an organization before donating. Millions use GuideStar data to make decisions about nonprofits and their work. Find The Influence Lab on Candid here.
Artificial intelligence is quickly reshaping the landscape of film, television and the arts. With over 100 women in attendance from across the nation, the Influence Women event at the 2026 NRB International Christian Media Convention was a powerful time of equipping members to navigate AI with confidence—and biblical truth.
Here’s the recap report from Kathleen Cooke, founder and global director of Influence Women:
Influence Women had an incredible gathering at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center during the National Religious Broadcasters 2026 Convention in Nashville! We are so grateful for our dynamic presenters:
Emma Sharma shared AI strategies for women in media, entertainment and the arts.
Each woman shared practical insights, creative production and AI strategies, along with encouragement for building a life and career anchored in Biblical truth.
My message to those gathered included a powerful reminder from the city of Ai mentioned in Joshua 6–7, that we cannot steal from God. We are to honor Him with our first fruits; to not take shortcuts or presume; and to not move forward without His guidance.
A special thank-you to our Influence Women Chapter Directors who attended: DeAnna Kane (Hollywood), Brandi McDaniel (Houston), Sue Detweiler (Dallas), and Cyndi Galley (Nashville) who encouraged and reminded us that Influence Women gatherings are essential. We are never alone in our artistic endeavors.
If you missed the NRB gathering, watch for the event recap coming soon on our IW YouTube channel! Stay connected by tuning in to the Influence Women Podcast and join a local or Online Chapter for more interaction with Influence Women
Brand New Opportunity with +ShopWithPurpose!
You can also help fuel the mission of Influence Women by shopping through +ShopWithPurpose and designating Influence Lab/Women as your nonprofit recipient when you register.
As an alternative to Amazon, every purchase supports artists who are changing the culture for Christ through the creation of effective media, entertainment, music, art, and leadership. Sign up here and designate Influence Lab/Women as your benefiting nonprofit.
Let’s continue to Connect. Collaborate. Create for Christ! —Kathleen Cooke
A mission of The Influence Lab, Influence Women creates a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more and become a member at InfluenceWomen.org
Shop with purpose! Support The Influence Lab and Influence Women As an online shop, every purchase on +ShopWithPurpose benefits the mission of The Influence Lab and Influence Women. Plus, it’s easy to sign up! Find out more here. *Designate Influence Lab/Women as your benefiting nonprofit of choice.
* Your charitable giving to The Influence Lab is tax-deductible. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit and a recipient of the 
