Focus on the Family with Jim Daly

Jimmy Barclay: But everyone knows it’s all in fun.

John Avery Whittaker: Fun?

Jimmy: Yeah, I mean, this isn’t hurting anybody.

Whit: Not hurting anyone?

Jimmy: No. People have to learn to laugh at themselves, and if they can’t take a joke? Well, forget them.

Whit: I can’t believe my ears.

John Fuller: Hmm. Well, sometimes the joke goes too far, doesn’t it? And it hurts more than it helps.

Today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we’re featuring another episode of our super popular Adventures in Odyssey radio drama, which offers life lessons, and faith insights, for children and many adult listeners as well. Thanks for joining us. I’m John Fuller.

Jim Daly: I love Adventures in Odyssey. It’s one of the best programs we do here at Focus on the Family, and it’s having a huge impact on families. In fact, our research shows that an average of 9,000 children make a salvation decision for Christ every year because of Odyssey. And I can’t think of a better endorsement than that.

And one reason why we’re talking about Adventures in Odyssey right now is because we have a new animated film in the works called Journey into the Impossible. This fall, we plan to introduce millions of new families to the world of Odyssey, and ultimately, share the good news message of the Gospel through the movie.

John: And we need your help, frankly. Yeah, we want you to help us spread the word on this project, both in the funding and promotion of it. So, we invite you to learn more about how you can do that, and how you can support Journey into the Impossible and Adventures in Odyssey at focusonthefamily.com/broadcast.

Jim: But, right now, we want you to experience an Adventures in Odyssey episode for yourself with today’s episode called “A Tongue of Fire.”

Jimmy Barclay: Hello, Odyssey. This is Jimmy Barclay and the Jimmy Barclay Show on KYDS Kids’ Radio. You’re at Whit’s End asking the question, if a duck flies, why is it chicken?

Caller 1: Hello, Jimmy?

Jimmy: Yes? You’re on the air.

Caller 1: I just wanted to say that I think your show is great.

Jimmy: Is that G-R-A-T-E grate, or G-R-E-A-T great?

Caller 1: Well, well, uh, huh?

Jimmy: Let me guess. You’re an English teacher, right?

I know what kind of people listen to this show, the kind who are a couple of tacos short of a fiesta platter.

What does your father do?

Caller 2: He’s a door-to-door salesman.

Jimmy: Really? Does he sell like doors?

Caller 2: No, he-

Jimmy: ‘Cause that would make him a door-to-door door salesman.

Caller 2: But-

Jimmy: And getting customers would be real easy because all he has to do is walk up to a house, knock, and if he doesn’t hear anything, then he knows he’s made a sale.

You all have a couple of hens left out in the yard.

Caller 3: We went to Washington.

Jimmy: Really? Why?

Caller 3: For a vacation. We were tourists.

Jimmy: Tourists, ha. You mean people who traveled thousands of miles to take pictures of themselves standing beside their cars?

You’re the kind of people who take an IQ test and forget to write your names. And you’re my type of people. Join the ranks of Jimmy-ites. Listen to the Jimmy Barclay Show on KYDS Kids’ Radio.

Well, that’s my demonstration, tape. What’d you think, guys?

Eugene Meltsner: I feel the technical quality is superb.

Jimmy: You ought to, Eugene. You produced it.

Whit: Really? Whoa, that was a very nice job, Eugene.

Eugene: Thank you, Mr. Whittaker. But as I’ve mentioned before, there is an aspect that still mystifies me.

Whit: And what’s that, Eugene?

Eugene: Why do people want to call in just to be teased?

Jimmy: Because it’s entertaining. They’re being noticed. All those callers can now say they were teased on my show. It’s a sign of popularity, a status symbol.

Eugene: Ah.

Whit: You understand now, Eugene?

Eugene: Not at all.

Whit: (laughs)

Jimmy: W- what’d you think, Mr. Whittaker?

Whit: Well, I thought the tape was very amusing, Jimmy.

Jimmy: Amusing?

Whit: Well, pretty funny.

Jimmy: Mm, that’s better.

Whit: I do have a bit of concern, though.

Jimmy: What do you mean concern?

Whit: Well, I think sometimes you get a little close to the edge. Your banter comes awfully close to being insults. You gotta be careful what you say, Jimmy. You could hurt somebody’s feelings. You understand?

Jimmy: Sure, Mr. Whittaker. I understand. Well, I better go.

Whit: Well, where are you going?

Jimmy: Oh, didn’t I tell you? The reason I had the tape made is because I’ve got an appointment with Cryin’ Bryan Dern.

Whit: Who?

Jimmy: The most popular talk-jock at Odyssey 105 Radio. He’s gonna give me an evaluation of my program.

Whit: Oh, well, that sounds exciting. Uh, let us know how it turns out.

Jimmy: I will. See you later.

Whit: Bye, Jimmy.

Eugene: Goodbye.

Very enterprising young man.

Whit: He certainly is. Oh, speaking of enterprising, Eugene, I have an errand I need you to run for me.

Eugene: My bicycle and myself are at your disposal.

Whit: Well, you won’t be able to use your bike for this one. Uh, I need you to go to the Riley farm.

Eugene: Oh, the Riley farm?

Whit: Yep. Tom has some watermelons for us. You can’t carry ’em on your bike. You’ll have to drive.

Eugene: Uh, drive?

Whit: Uh-huh. You know how to get out there, don’t you?

Eugene: Oh, yes sir.

Whit: Good. Well, here are the keys to the truck. Tom’s expecting you. Well, what’s the matter?

Eugene: Mr. Whittaker, I’m afraid I cannot comply with your request.

Whit: You mean you won’t do it?

Eugene: No, sir. I mean, I can’t do it, at least not legally.

Whit: Lega- Eugene, what are you talking about?

Eugene: Well, this is rather embarrassing to admit, Mr. Whittaker, but I don’t have a driver’s license.

Whit: You don’t have a driver’s license.

Eugene: Please, Mr. Whittaker, lower your vocal amplification. This is not information I wish to share with the world at large.

Whit: Oh, well, well, I’m sorry, Eugene. But you know, this is quite a surprise. I mean, you are in college after all.

Eugene: Which is one of the reasons why I lack a license. My studies have always been so demanding, I simply haven’t had the time to pursue many of the areas of daily convenience. Bicycling is also far more environmentally and physically advantageous, you know.

Whit: Cars may cause a lot of pollution, but they’re also something of a necessity these days.

Eugene: Evidently.

Whit: Well, you should consider getting your license. It doesn’t take long and you’d be helping me out.

Eugene: Well, um, what’s involved?

Whit: There’s a brief written exam and a road test. There’s really nothing to it. It should be a breeze for you.

Eugene: Very well then, I shall pursue it. May I take the rest of the afternoon to do so?

Whit: Oh, uh, well, I guess I can send Connie out to Tom’s when she comes in. Sure, Eugene, go get ‘em.

Eugene: Thank you, Mr. Whittaker.

Jimmy: Take an IQ test and forget to write your names. And you’re my type of people. Join the ranks of Jimmy-ites. Listen to the Jimmy Barclay Show on KYDS Kids’ Radio.

Uh, that’s it, Mr. Dern. Uh, what do you think?

Cryin’ Bryan Dern: Well …

Jimmy: Uh, it’s all right. You should be brutal with me. Don’t spare me ’cause I’m young. I can take it.

Dern: Oh, I don’t think you’re gonna have to take anything. I liked it.

Jimmy: You did?

Dern: Yeah. Uh, on the whole, I thought it was pretty good, but, uh-

Jimmy: But, but what?

Dern: Well, there are a few technical problems. You know, the mic placement. You should try to put it so you’re sort of talking past it instead of right into it.

Jimmy: Uh, past it. Okay. What else?

Dern: Well, you might also wanna take it easy on the effects. People wanna hear you. Not a bunch of crazy sounds.

Jimmy: Take it easy on crazy sounds.

Dern: Yeah. And-

Jimmy: And what?

Dern:  Well in my opinion, your main problem is you’re a little too conservative in places, you know?

Jimmy: Yeah, conservative?

Dern: Yeah. I mean, you’re funny, but, well, you don’t move in for the kill often enough.

Jimmy: “Move in for the kill.” What do you mean?

Dern: Well, for instance, that spelling thing you did with grate and great. Uh, did you do anything more after that?

Jimmy: Well, no, that was pretty much the end.

Dern: Well, see, you should have kept going. Start ranting and raving about the lack of quality education and teachers in the public schools. And that thing about Washington, a perfect opportunity to rip those bozos apart. People love it when you go crazy. What you got here are great beginnings, but you gotta follow through.

Jimmy: Oh, what else?

Dern: I can’t give away all my secrets.

Jimmy: Oh, please. I wanna learn. Just- just one more. Please.

Dern: Well, all right. I’ll give you a sure-fire laugh-getter. Whenever you can, record people without them knowing it.

Jimmy: I tried that, but I really didn’t get anything all that good.

Dern: No, no, no. You don’t stop there. After you record them, you cut the tape into clips like you did on your demo. Now, that way by asking the right questions, you can make ’em say whatever you want ’em to say.

Jimmy: Oh.

Dern: Uh, what’s the matter?

Jimmy: Well, I was just thinking that when you do that, won’t people be insulted?

Dern: (laughs) “Insulted.” You see those bags over in the corner?

Jimmy: Yeah.

Dern: That’s mail from listeners I’ve insulted. They love it. That’s why we’re on the air.

Jimmy: Wow, but don’t you get any bad mail?

Dern: Yeah, from one or two people who are really uptight or who have no sense of humor, but I never worry about them. For one thing, there aren’t many of ’em, thank goodness. And for another thing, well, we’re only kidding around, right?

Jimmy: Yeah. Yeah, right.

Dern: Yeah, sure we are. This is all in fun, you know? (laughs) I mean, if they can’t take a joke, forget ’em.

Jimmy: Yeah, forget ’em. That’s great, Mr. Dern. Thanks.

Dern: Glad to be of service, Jimmy. I think you’ve got the makings of a first-rate broadcaster if you keep practicing.

Jimmy: Really? Wow. Would it be okay if I played you my new and improved demo? Uh, once I make it, that is.

Dern: Absolutely. You come in anytime.

Jimmy: Great. Well, I guess I better go. Thanks again.

Dern: You’re welcome. And hey, keep those ears tuned.

Jimmy: Right. Bye.

Dern: Bye.

(laughs) So much for public relations.

Whit: Well, hi there, Jimmy.

Jimmy: Hi, Mr. Whittaker.

Whit: See you got your tape deck with you again.

Jimmy: Yep.

Whit: Uh, you do realize it’s running, don’t you?

Jimmy: Oh, yeah. You never can tell when a good sound bite will come up.

Whit: Well, that’s true, but you may spend a fortune in batteries waiting for one.

Jimmy: Hmm. I never thought of that. Maybe I better turn it off.

Whit: Good idea. So, how’d your meeting go yesterday?

Jimmy: Fantastic. Mr. Dern liked my tape. He said I have the makings of a first-rate broadcaster. I just gotta keep on practicing.

Whit: Well, that’s wonderful, Jimmy. Congratulations.

Jimmy: He even gave me some ideas on how to make my show better and funnier.

Whit: Well, did one of them include running your tape player all the time?

Jimmy: No, that was my own innovation. I’m gonna use his ideas though.

Whit: Well, I can’t wait to hear ’em.

Jimmy: You will. He also gave me some suggestions on how to improve the technical quality of the recording.

Whit: Oh, that was nice of him.

Jimmy: Yeah. So, I need to talk to Eugene. Do you know where he is?

Whit: Well …

Eugene: Mr. Whittaker.

Whit: Uh, I think-

Eugene: Mr. Whittaker.

Whit: … that’s him now.

Eugene: Mr. Whittaker? Mr. Whittaker.

Jimmy: Hi Eugene.

Eugene: Oh, hello.

Jimmy: I need to talk to you about-

Eugene: Oh, would you pardon me for just one moment please?

Mr. Whittaker, might I have a moment or two of your time?

Whit: Eugene, I think Jimmy has something he wants to talk to you about.

Eugene: Huh? Oh, I- I’m sorry, young Barclay. Could it wait until I’ve talked with Mr. Whittaker? I have something rather, rather, uh, urgent to discuss with him.

Whit: Urgent?

Jimmy: Urgent?

Eugene: Urgent.

Jimmy: Urgent. Uh, sure Eugene. Go right ahead.

Eugene: Mr. Whittaker?

Whit: All right. Come on in the kitchen, Eugene.

Eugene: Thank you. If you’ll excuse us, Jimmy?

Jimmy: Uh, no, no problem. (laughs)

Uh, looks like a good opportunity to use the sure-fire laugh-getter. Well, little tape deck, it’s time to go to work.

Eugene: It’s absolutely incredible, Mr. Whittaker. Unbelievable. I cannot believe that this thing occurred.

Whit: Just calm down and tell me what the problem is.

Eugene: I- I have no driver’s license.

Whit: Well, didn’t you take the test?

Eugene: Of course I took the test.

Whit: So, what happened?

Eugene: I- I failed it. I flunked it.

John: Today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we’re reviewing one of the many Adventures in Odyssey radio dramas that we have for children and, uh, we’re learning about secrets and how dangerous gossip can be.

Visit our website to learn more about this wonderful radio drama, the Adventures in Odyssey Club, where you can access all of the episodes and our new Odyssey film project coming out this fall. The details are at focusonthefamily.com/broadcast.

And now the conclusion of our children’s radio drama on today’s Focus on the Family with Jim Daly.

Jimmy: You know what else I don’t understand? Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway? Huh? Huh?

Audience: (laughing)

Jimmy: And another thing, why do they call it a boxing ring when it’s square? Huh? Huh?

Audience: (laughing)

Jimmy: Questions for you to ponder while we take a break. This is the Jimmy Barclay Show here on KYDS Kids’ Radio.

Whit: Well, Jimmy certainly sounds like he’s in top form today.

Eugene: Indeed, Mr. Whittaker. Everyone appears to be enjoying him greatly.

Whit: Yes, I have to admit I was kind of concerned when he went to see that Dern fellow.

Eugene: I beg your pardon?

Whit: You know, Cryin’ Bryan Dern. Remember?

Eugene: Oh, oh, yes, yes. (laughs) Well, uh, understandable. From what I gather, he doesn’t exactly have a pristine reputation.

Whit: No, but it seems he’s helped Jimmy. Just goes to show you that you shouldn’t judge people, huh?

Eugene: No, sir. Um, speaking of rendering assistance to those in need, I’d like to thank you for supporting me yesterday during my crisis.

Whit: Well, you’re welcome, Eugene. Like I said, I really don’t think it’s anything to get upset about. It’s, uh, well, it’s happened to a lot of people.

Eugene: But not to me. Not ever. That’s why it was such a shock. Anyway, I want you to know that I, uh, appreciate your confidentiality.

Whit: Think nothing of it.

Eugene: Ah, well, it seems we are in need of some fresh glasses. I shall retrieve them posthaste.

Whit: Thank you, Eugene. Oh, and you better bring some spoons out while you’re at it.

Eugene: As you wish.

Jimmy: We’re back. This is Jimmy Barclay and the Jimmy Barclay Show here on KYDS Kids’ Radio. And today, I’m starting a brand-new feature. It’s called “Secret, Secret, I’ve Got a Secret.” (laughs)

Whit: I wonder what this is all about.

Jimmy: And to kick off our first edition, our microphones caught up with one of the most popular persons here at Whit’s End, that main tower of brain power, Eugene Meltsner.

Whit: Eugene?

Jimmy: So, so tell us, Eugene, what is your secret?

Eugene: I- I have no driver’s license.

What?

Whit: Oh, no.

Jimmy: Eugene, you have no license and you’re in college. I’m sure we’re all wondering the same thing as Mr. Whittaker.

Whit: Didn’t you take the test?

Jimmy: Well, Eugene, how about it?

Eugene: Of course I took the test.

Whit: So, what happened?

Jimmy: Yeah?

Eugene: I- I flunked it.

Mr. Whittaker, what is going on?

Jimmy: Oh, Eugene, Eugene, Eugene. You mean to say that you, Mr. Science-

Whit: I don’t know. But I can tell you what’s going off, and right now. Excuse me.

Jimmy: …a man with multiple degrees and encyclopedic knowledge, (laughs) the keeper of facts and figures, in short, the smartest guy in Odyssey flunked your driver’s test?

Eugene: I flunked it.

Jimmy: Shocking, shocking, shocking. Absolutely shocking. You know, it’s amazing the things you hear when you … Oh, uh, hey, it looks like we have a guest. Mr. John Avery … Uh, hey.

Whit: Due to circumstances beyond his control, the rest of the Jimmy Barclay Show will not be heard today.

Jimmy: Not be heard? You’re turning me off? But Mr. Whitta-

Whit: I can’t believe it. I just can’t believe it.

Jimmy: But, but Mr. Whittaker-

Whit: I can’t believe that you would do such a thing, especially after I expressly told you to be careful about what you say. Do you remember me telling you that? Do you?

Jimmy: Yes.

Whit: Then why’d you go ahead with this?

Jimmy: I’m trying to entertain people.

Whit: What you were doing is not entertainment.

Jimmy: Sure it is. People were laughing, weren’t they? Well, that’s all I’m trying to do is make people laugh.

Whit: Just because people laugh at something doesn’t automatically make it entertaining. Besides that kind of laughter isn’t desired at Whit’s End.

Jimmy: But everyone knows it’s all in fun.

Whit: Fun?

Jimmy: Yeah, I mean, this isn’t hurting anybody.

Whit: Not hurting anyone?

Jimmy: No. People have to learn to laugh at themselves and if they can’t take a joke? Well, forget ’em.

Whit: I can’t believe my ears. Did you learn this nonsense from Bryan Dern?

Jimmy: Well, yeah.

Whit: Figures. Let me tell you something, Jimmy. Dern is 100% dead wrong. Flippant remarks and jokes of this sort do hurt people badly. Eugene was very upset about what you did.

Jimmy: But I’m just fooling around.

Whit: Not on this station you’re not. As of now, you are off the air.

Jimmy: But Mr. Whittaker.

Whit: I’m sorry, Jimmy, but you’ve proven you can’t be trusted. This radio station is here to build people up, not tear them down. Until you can learn to do that, you’re off.

Jimmy: I’m off. I’ve got the most popular show on the station and I’m off. People really can’t take a joke.

Charlie: Hey, Jimmy.

Jimmy: Oh, hi Charlie.

Charlie: Hey man, listen. You’re on the radio.

Jimmy: You mean I was on the radio? My show just got canceled.

Charlie: I’m not talking about your show. I’m talking about the Cryin’ Bryan Dern Show.

Jimmy: What?

Dern: Oh, yeah. So anyway, this local kid, Jimmy Barclay is his name. He comes into my office with his so-called demo tape.

Co-Host: Oh.

Jimmy: So-called?

Dern: And he says he wants me to evaluate it for him. Well, I thought it would be a good idea to record this whole conversation.

Co-Host: Oh, man.

Jimmy: What?

Dern: So, I say, “Are you sure you want me to do this?” And this is what he says,

Jimmy: “Oh, please. Don’t spare me because I’m young. I can take it, please.”

But I didn’t say that.

Dern: Right now, I’m beginning to think this kid is a couple of tacos short of a fiesta platter, you know?

Co-Host: (laughs)

Jimmy: Hey, that’s my line.

Dern: So, I tell him, “Okay, this tape is a joke, right?”

Co-Host: Oh (laughs).

Jimmy: A joke?

Dern: A complete and total joke.

Jimmy: But he said he liked it.

Dern: Then I say, “You want me to go on?” And he says …

Jimmy: “It’s all right. You should be brutal with me.”

Dern: So now I’m thinking-

Co-Host: Wow.

Dern: … that this kid really does have a few hens left out in the yard, you know what I’m saying? I mean, he’s the type of guy who takes an IQ test and forgets to write his name.

Co-Host: (laughs)

Dern: But I tell him, “All right. You really shouldn’t give up your paper route.”

Co-Host: Oh.

Dern: No, well, he looked at me for a second and I say, “You want more?” And I kid you not, this is what he says.

Jimmy: “Just one more. Move in for the kill.”

Dern: Can you believe that? (laughs) So I told him flat out, “You just don’t have what it takes, kid. Your voice isn’t very good. Your jokes are stale and you have no timing.”

Co-Host: (laughs) Brutal.

Dern: So Jimmy, pal (laughs), if you’re listening, I’m doing you a favor.

Co-Host: (laughs)

Dern: I mean, it’s better that you find out now from me that you have no talent than for you to keep trying year after year and never make it, you know?

Co-Host: (laughs)

Dern: I mean, sure, you may be humiliated now, but trust me, one of these days you’ll thank me.

Co-Host: (laughs)

Dern: All right, we gotta go to a sponsor. This is Cryin’ Bryan Dern on Odyssey 105.

Charlie: (laughs) Wow. Did you really say all those things, Jimmy? Jimmy?

Jimmy: No talent. Great. Just great.

Eugene: Ahem. Ahem. Oh, salutations, Master Barclay.

Jimmy: Eugene.

Eugene: Partaking of the park’s, uh, natural beauty?

Jimmy: Mm, something like that.

Eugene: Uh, young Charles came into Whit’s End and told us of your experience. Uh, Mr. Whittaker suggested that I find you to, uh, talk.

Jimmy: Look, if you wanna yell at me, Eugene, go ahead. I- I deserve it.

Eugene: Actually, Mr. Whittaker had something different in mind. He felt that I would be uniquely qualified to comfort you, seeing as how I recently suffered through a similar experience.

Jimmy: Yeah, but I caused your similar experience.

Eugene: Indeed, you did. And it gave me no small amount of embarrassment I might add.

Jimmy: I didn’t mean for it to, Eugene. I’m … Well, I’m sorry. I just, I just wanted to make ’em laugh, that’s all. I guess there’s a fat chance of that now.

Eugene: Why?

Jimmy: Didn’t Charlie tell you what Dern said? I have no talent. Besides, I’ve been pulled off the air.

Eugene: Well, I believe that if you show Mr. Whittaker you can be responsible, he’ll put you back on the air. And for what it’s worth, I think Mr. Dern is wrong.

Jimmy: You do?

Eugene: Yes. You have talent, Jimmy. It’s raw, rather immature, certainly untamed, occasionally unprincipled, but definitely there.

Jimmy: Uh, thanks, Eugene, I guess. But do you really think Mr. Whittaker will give me another chance?

Eugene: Well, we could make another demo tape and find out.

Jimmy: Could we? I mean, you’d do that for me?

Eugene: On one condition.

Jimmy: What?

Eugene: This time keep me behind the microphone.

Jimmy: You got it, Eugene.

And so, he turns to me and says, “Never wrassle with the pig. You both just get dirty and the pig likes it.”

Whit: (laughs)

Jimmy: Well, this is Jimmy Barclay on Kids’ Radio here at Whit’s End.

Dern: I’ll be back. I just gotta go get some lunch.

Whit: Well, it’s about time you came out.

Mr. Dern?

Dern: Ah. Oh, yeah? What can I do for you, old timer?

Whit: My name is John Whittaker. I’m a friend of Jimmy Barclay.

Dern: Who?

Whit: The youngster you made fun of on your program a couple of days ago.

Dern: Oh, oh yeah, that kid. Well, look, if you wanna rake me over the coals or scream at me, let’s get it over with. I got a lot of things to do.

Whit: I didn’t come here to scream or rake you over the coals. I came to thank you.

Dern: Well, you- you came to thank me? For what?

Whit: For teaching a young man a very important lesson.

Dern: Uh, what do you mean? Jimmy?

Whit: That’s right. You see, a couple of days ago he really wanted to be like you, Mr. Dern. But by doing no more than being yourself, you made him realize what a horrible prospect that really is. And for that, you have my undying gratitude.

Dern: Oh. Well, uh, uh, well, you’re welcome.

Whit: Uh, good day, Mr. Dern.

Dern: Yeah. Uh, right. Uh, glad I was able to be of service. Uh, I think.

John: Well, it sounds like Cryin’ Bryan Dern has nothing to say for once. And in case you’re wondering, today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, we’ve presented an episode of Adventures in Odyssey. It’s our very popular radio drama for kids and families.

Jim: Odyssey is such a wonderful program, so well produced. I think you can hear that. And it’s fun and creative and thought-provoking, all at the same time, which is our aim.

And the faith application in today’s program, I hope, is obvious. In the Book of James Chapter 3, there are warnings about the tongue. How it’s like a fire that runs out of control, burning everything in its path. Or the tongue is like a rudder of a ship, very small but powerful. And if you steer it in the wrong direction, you’re gonna crash.

Our words matter. That’s the point. God wants us to speak with kindness and encouragement to one another rather than insults. Those are the kind of faith lessons you can find in each episode of Adventures in Odyssey. We want to help supplement what you’re already doing to teach and disciple your children as followers of Jesus.

John: And we have more than a thousand episodes of Adventures in Odyssey, and that library grows all the time. So, you and your children can listen to these dramas on the radio or purchase them from our website. Or sign up for the Adventures in Odyssey Club, where for a small monthly fee, you can access the entire library of episodes and special members-only content.

Jim: Man, that’s a lot of hours of listening. And the really big news is our new animated movie coming out this fall called Journey into the Impossible. This is a prequel or origin story about the young Mr. Whittaker, or Whit as we call him, that features lots of action and mystery and fun for the whole family. You can get a sneak peek by going to the website.

But the most important goal, of course, is spreading the Gospel. We’re hoping this movie will help us reach seven million children and their families with the good news of Jesus Christ. That is a huge goal, and bold, but we’re inviting you to step in and help us reach it.

John: Yeah, consider a generous donation to Focus on the Family today to help us get this film out. Make a monthly pledge if you can, or a one-time gift, whatever you can afford.

Jim: And John, here’s the impact Adventures in Odyssey is having on families.

Our target audience is children, of course, but many adults love it as well. Like Hallie, who said this, “I faithfully listen to and thoroughly enjoy all the Odyssey episodes. I may be a woman in my mid-50s, but these stories are as meaningful and spiritually enriching as any that I listen to while giving some wonderful lightheartedness to an otherwise challenging and wearying world.”

Wow, I mean, that is a great note from Hallie. And I hope this inspires you to donate and help us share these wonderful faith stories and lessons with millions of more people.

John: Yeah, call today. Our number is 800, the letter A and the word FAMILY, 800-232-6459. Or donate and get all the details about Adventures in Odyssey and watch that sneak peek of the new movie Journey into the Impossible at focusonthefamily.com/broadcast.

Well, thanks for listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. I’m John Fuller inviting you back next time as we once again help you and your family thrive in Christ.