2010. It's a new year. I can't help noticing the evenness and symmetry of the number. Is it a good thing to make New Year resolutions? Is it biblical?

I was recently reading an article that compared and contrasted Judaism and Christianity with other forms of religion. Our God may not live in time, but He is fundamentally interested in time. Ours is not a belief in an ever-recycling universe, but one that came into existence at a Word -- and one that moves toward a definite end. We are not accidents, but beings with a God, a purpose, and an expiration date-at least for this body.

So both personally, and as a ministry, Blessed Earth has set goals for the New Year. To reach our goals we will need more prayer and resources, and more help from God, than ever before.

Personally I want to be a better father, husband, and servant of Christ. I want to read the Bible aloud every day with Nancy. I want to grow up spiritually. Pray for this.

Blessed Earth has goals, too. We are no longer a "mom and pop" ministry; God has opened doors we never imagined. One of our boldest goals for 2010 is a nationwide simulcast premiere of the Blessed Earth film series.  The event will take place on Wednesday, April 21, the evening before the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, when many churches are already gathered for small group studies. One event. One night. One movie. THE Christian answer to caring for God's creation.

Our goals? To have at least 100 universities, 1,000 churches, and 1,000,000 on-line viewers participate in the event.  

How will we reach these goals? Only with God's help, and yours. Different Drummer -- the promoters of such films as Disney's Earth, Amazing Grace, and Hillsong United's simulcast -- has agreed to coordinate the Wednesday, April 21, event. Asbury Theological Seminary is providing logistical, financial, and manpower support. Churches in three major cities have agreed to serve as "anchor" sites for the event. We have at least four denominations supporting the event from the highest levels down (and up!), and many more will be added. Zondervan Publishing (publishers of The Purpose Driven Life) Dot&Cross (the makers of Rob Bell's popular Nooma series), and HarperOne are serving as financial and work partners. And we are beginning talks for a possible simulcast television viewing.

But most of all, we need your help. How? Volunteer to serve as the April 21 point person for your church or college. Invite your small groups, youth groups, and bible study groups to attend. If you want to widen the circle, invite other churches...and neighbors who may love creation, but don't know the Creator. We will give you everything you need to make the April 21 event a success -- flyers, bulletin announcements, a trailer, the DVD, and hands-on help. All you need to do to get started is email simulcast@blessedearth.org -- we'll have a "plan in a can" ready soon!

These are lofty goals and resolutions, but already we have overwhelming evidence of God's faithfulness. This is the year for the Church to awaken to our Genesis 2:15 calling -- to protect and serve God's planet as his obedient hands and feet on the planet-the stewards of creation.  

As Caleb and his companions said, There are giants in the land -- BUT, the grapes are really big. It is time to go forth boldly in the secure knowledge of our loving God.

I pray God's grace upon you as you approach the New Year -- and invite you in the name of Jesus to help Blessed Earth meet the goals we have been called to in 2010.

Dr. Matthew Sleeth is the Executive Director of Blessed Earth. He and his wife Nancy reside in Wilmore, KY, and have two children, Clark and Emma.