You Can Still Make a Difference On February 12, 2023, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel advisory for Russia: Do not travel.1 They’ve also told U.S. citizens to leave Russia immediately. “U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Russia should depart immediately,” the U.S. embassy in Moscow said, and also warned, “Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions.”2
Russian pastors gather. They’re working hard to bring the gospel truth to their country.
These travel restrictions place an increasing importance on The Influence Lab’s Russian Translation Project. At this point, over 7,000 evangelical pastors are waiting for printed and digital copies of Phil Cooke’s “Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry and You.” Already translated into Russian, we have not yet met the need for these books to go to print.
And, because of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the travel restrictions, we must be extremely careful in getting the funds into the hands of our inside people for this project to continue. In the interest of protecting our inside sources from possible persecution, we cannot share names, but these are trusted people who—if we can get the funds physically into their hands—will oversee the printing and distribution of this much-needed book.
“We can’t release names or photos,” said Phil Cooke, “but this is our chance to help make things happen from the inside. These pastors desperately need the tools that will help them share the gospel in today’s digital age and counteract propaganda with truth.”
“Maximize Your Influence” will equip Russian pastors with digital strategies to share the gospel.
Endorsed by YouVersion’s founder Bobby Gruenewald, OneHope president Rob Hoskins and Avail leadership consultant Sam Chand, “Maximize Your Influence” helps pastors navigate the digital age. The book equips ministry leaders in the mindset and messaging that will engage audiences in today’s digital generation. In countries like Russia where access to training in digital media strategies is limited, it’s a critical resource.
Because of the political climate and the challenge of going under the radar, the total needed for this project is now estimated at $25,000.
Can you help? We’re seeking partners to consider generous gifts of $10,000, $5,000 $500 or even $50.
You can still make a difference. Let’s support these Russian pastors and help them know they are not alone. Give here.
The Influence Lab is a Guidestar participant, demonstrating its commitment to transparency. View our 2023 2023 Candid Seal of Transparency on Guidestar here.
Thank you, Influence Lab Partners! Phil and Kathleen’s trip to Bangkok was an important training opportunity to help Asian pastors optimize their media projects and digital media strategies. Here’s a special report from Phil on this outreach:
We were asked by Ron Harris at MediAlliance International to teach and train 20 Christian media leaders from across Asia in this invitation-only event. Participants included leaders from the Christian TV station in Seoul, South Korea; a Christian television network in India, independent producers from across Thailand; and pastors and church media leaders from churches throughout Asia.
I spoke on topics highlighted in my book “Ideas on a Deadline” such as designing a creative culture, storytelling across platforms, and engaging today’s culture. Nearly half the participants in the media forum were women, and Kathleen connected with them one on one, encouraging them in the essential role they play as communication leaders and voices to inspire other women. With the recently launched Influence Women website and online offerings, she was able to invite them to participate in the Influence Women’s online global Bible study, monthly webinars and mentorship series.
Kathleen Cooke encouraged Asian women in their work as Christian communicators.
More than anything, it was a time to help these media leaders connect with others throughout Asia and develop like-minded relationships for the future. Our hope is that they begin to develop their own conferences, teaching experiences, and opportunities to collaborate.
It’s always humbling and honoring to serve the pastors and ministry leaders we meet at these global training sessions. We’ve worked in numerous Asian countries like China, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea before, but this was our first trip to Thailand. We discovered a very vibrant creative culture in Bangkok, and look forward to continuing a teaching and mentoring relationship with creative media leaders in a country that is less than 2% Christian. – Phil Cooke
International trips like these are supported by Influence Lab Partners who catch the vision to transform culture through media. Can you help? Give here.
(Check out the special offer for your generous give of $35.00 or more!)
Although not commonly known or discussed, millions inside Russia don’t agree with Putin’s policies. Many Russian pastors are trying to change things from the inside, but without ready access to updated digital media strategies, it’s like they’re fighting on foot against an airborne army. Until now.
Phil Cooke’s “Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, and You” has been translated into Russian by Russian nationals. And, through a trusted inside source, we have a tremendous opportunity to get this media resource into the hands of 7,000 pastors across Russia.
Some funds have already come in, but we’re not yet there. The cost of printing and distribution is estimated at $18,900. The book, once printed, will go to pastors in these regions:
Moscow—2,000 pastors St. Petersburg—1000 pastors Siberia—500 pastors Udmurtia region—500 pastors North of Russia—300 pastors Perm region—1000 pastors Bashkiria region—300 pastors Ural region—400 pastors Far East—500 pastors Former Soviet Union—500 pastors
The timing is critical. These Russian pastors need our help to counter Putin’s propaganda with the true gospel. The equipping they gain through “Maximize Your Influence” will make a tremendous difference in how they can impact their nation.
Will you partner with us in this work? The book is ready to print as soon as the financing need is met.
What can you give? Your gift of $10,000, $1,000, $500 or $50 will go a long way to meet the need and get this resource into the hands of these Russian pastors.
We sincerely thank you for your prayerful and financial support. As a special “thank you” for partnering with The Influence Lab, you’ll receive your choice of four books (including Maximize Your Influence). Don’t wait – give your gift today.
I have so much exciting news to share with you this month! We promised that we would be working hard to give you opportunities to build your community and network and here were some of the ways we did that in October:
Influence Women has relaunched and now has a new, interactive website! InfluenceWomen.org has been built with community in mind and will be the hub for all Influence Women information, events and mentorship programs! This new member platform is the perfect place to engage with other industry creatives and includes access to job postings and a roster of fellow professionals.
The Influence Women Membership Program was officially announced with three empowering levels of engagement: Partner, Professional, and Executive (by application only).
Influence Women had an incredibly successful in-person event at Castaway in Burbank. The event was sold-out with over 100 women gathered together to be inspired and encouraged by Netflix Executive Christina Lee Storm and Influence Lab Co-Founder, Kathleen Cooke. The event marked the official relaunch of Influence Women, the membership program and the new website!
Upcoming Influence Women Events! Check out, and check often, our INW Calendar, get plugged in, and grow with us!
VIRTUAL
Be a Star on Zoom featuring television actress Renee Lawless – November 1st from 5:30pm – 7pm (PST)
Our FREE 6-week Bible study on the Book of Nehemiah started on Oct 4th, but it’s not too late to email us at info@influencewomen.org to sign up! Show business is a demanding pursuit. Feed your spirit and your mind while developing a community of sisters who can support you as work to support and influence others.
IN-PERSON
Nashville Chapter Launch! November 9th from 7pm – 9pm at the Homestead Manor Barn. If you’re in the Nashville area, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to get plugged in at the ground level. Become a member and register for the event on our website.
Hollywood INspire Event! November 12th from 1pm – 4pm in Tarzana, CA. INspire events are small, informal gatherings designed for fun and fellowship. It’s our hope that you will take advantage of these local events to make new friends and grow your community. Visit the website for details.
Orange County Chapter Launch! Brunch on Saturday, November 19th at 11am. Join the movement in OC, featuring gifted writer, producer, and actress, Alexandra Boylan!
That’s it for now, but stay connected with us as there is always something new!
Jean Christen Chief Operating Officer Influence Women
Last week was a stunning example of the overall vision of The Influence Lab in action! Invited to speak at the Pentecostal World Conference held in Seoul, Korea, Phil Cooke shared during a Marketplace Ministry session, empowering pastors from multiple nations gathered for the event.
Hosted by the Yoido Full Gospel Church pioneered by Rev. Yonggi Cho, the setting was both historic and forward-looking as 20,000 pentecostal leaders gathered to “prepare for a fresh wave of revival in the next generation.” Korea is the world’s second-largest missionary-producing country in the world, which made it a prime location for this global conference.
Phil’s session, titled “Leaders: In a Post-COVID World, Where Do We Go From Here?” was geared to help leaders emerge from the pandemic positioned for a new and stronger future.
“The conference was a remarkable platform for me to be able to engage with media leaders from across Asia,” Phil states. “Korea has always been very open to using television, video, social media and other digital tools for evangelism, because they understand the importance of reaching the next generation.”
Cooke joined a lineup of speakers which included Dr. Younghoon Lee, general Superintendent of the Assemblies of God of Korea and Sr. Pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, Rob Hoskins of OneHope Ministry, Christine Caine of A21 Ministries, Dr. Billy Wilson, president of ORU, Goodwill Shana, and many other influential international leaders.
Anticipation for the conference ran high, with a concluding global prayer meeting held at Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea.
“The impact of this conference will be far-reaching as pastors travel back to their congregations, better equipped for the challenges of the changing digital landscape,” shares Phil.
During the conference, he received invitations to conduct media training in Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania and India. The need is great and The Influence Lab is looking for patrons who recognize that need and want to support the effort.
Can you help? When you partner with The Influence Lab, you support the mission which helps make media training accessible to leaders in other countries. Give your generous gift today and receive a special gift as our “thank you.”
Give today and choose your thank you gift! Give here.
Chosen as one of 10 Christian women of distinction, Kathleen Cooke received the She Leads America Award and a Certificate of Congressional Record for her outstanding work in the media and entertainment industry at a ceremony in Washington, DC.
Los Angeles, CA (October 5, 2022) – In an official ceremony in the nation’s capital this September 30, 2022, Kathleen Cooke, co-founder of Cooke Media Group and the nonprofit The Influence Lab, was awarded the prestigious She Leads America Award. One of 10 Christian women of distinction chosen for the 2022 award, Cooke was recognized for her work in the media and entertainment industry, blazing the trail for Christian women in Hollywood.
“Your outstanding leadership has been an inspiration to many across this country and the globe,” cites Liz Doyle, founder and executive director of She Leads America. “It is only proper that She Leads America gives tribute to you.”
With the recognition, Cooke joins the ranks of other women honored by this award including Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King and founder of Speak for Life; Shirley Dobson, chair of the National Day of Prayer Task Force and director emeritus of Focus on the Family; Bible teacher Marilyn Hickey, and world-renowned author Bodie Thoene.
Under the nonprofit The Influence Lab, Kathleen leads Influence Women with branches in Hollywood, Nashville and Atlanta, inspiring and empowering Christian women to excel in their careers in the film and television industry. “We are all women of influence,” shares Kathleen, “and I am honored to lead women working in media, entertainment, arts and leadership who intertwine their faith in their lives and careers.”
Cooke received a Certificate of Congressional Record for her award, and her name and accomplishments in the field of media and entertainment have been entered into the Congressional Record at the U.S. Capital. To find out more about She Leads America, visit https://sheleadsamerica.com
To find out more about Kathleen Cooke and Influence Women, visit https://kathleencooke.com To schedule an interview or to book Kathleen Cooke as a speaker at your event, contact her at info@influencelab.com.
About Kathleen Cooke Kathleen Cooke is an award-winning producer, actor, speaker and writer, and co-founder of Cooke Media Group and the nonprofit The Influence Lab and Influence Women. Kathleen is the author of the devotional Hope 4 Today: Stay Connected to God in a Distracted Culture, now in its 2nd edition, and posts the weekly online Influence Lab Journal and a weekly blog mentoring women in media, entertainment and leadership. She has been interviewed on top national and international radio shows and podcasts as well as Christian TV networks such as CBN, TBN and The Hillsong Channel. Find out more at https://kathleencooke.com
CONTACT: Laura Woodworth Cooke Media Group O: (818) 303-2424 M: (310) 993-8828 laura@cookemediagroup.com
