All right… time to let the cats out of the bag. I haven't been blogging a whole lot lately because #1 – I'm really not all that talkative in general, and #2 – we've been really busy with some fun stuff. What fun stuff, you ask? Let me tell you!
First, we have a new partner for JellyTelly. That partner is Focus on the Family, the giant Christian ministry that sort of started the whole Christian kids media movement with projects like McGee & Me and Adventures in Odyssey. They believe JellyTelly is a wonderful way to serve families in our web-savvy age.
So starting about a month ago, we've formed a partnership with Focus to build JellyTelly over the next 3 years, at least. Focus is taking on marketing and funding responsibilities, and Jellyfish Labs is overseeing the site and the programming. Yipee! We've got money to make new stuff!
Second big news – we're also launching the most ambitious educational project I've ever been involved in. I've always wanted to try to teach Christianity in the same way Walt Disney taught America about space travel and "Our Friend the Atom" on TV in the 50s and 60s, or the same way Carl Sagan taught America about "The Cosmos" on PBS in the 80s. But going bankrupt with VeggieTales and other things kept putting that goal off. But no more! (He says, rising from his desk and thrusting a finger up into the air.)
We have begun production on a 13-DVD series starring all the characters from JellyTelly that will walk kids all the way through the Bible – from Genesis to Revelation – and explain our faith and what it means to live it. The project is called "What's in the Bible?" and we will bring it to market with Tyndale House Publishers, the folks that brought us the Living Bible, as well as all those early Focus on the Family videos like McGee & Me and Last Chance Detectives.
I am monstrously excited about this project, because we're attempting to do something no one has really done before. We taught a lot of Bible stories over the years with VeggieTales, but we never really taught the Bible. I mean, the whole thing. Where did it come from? What does it mean? How does it affect our lives? And that's what we're going to do with "What's in the Bible?" – hosted by Buck Denver and friends, as well as, ahem, yours truly. (Yes, I'm going to be in it, too. It seemed like at certain points we need a real person talking about God.)
I've just finished writing the first two DVDs, which are now in production and will, God willing, be out in Christian bookstores next Spring, just before Easter. So mark your calendars! (In sort of a vague, "Spring-ish" way.)
This project really has the potential to change how we teach our faith to our kids. I can't believe I'm finally getting to do it. Tyndale is making this their major effort for kids over the next few years, and Christian retailers are starting to line up to get involved as well. I think everything recognizes how badly we need something like this to keep our kids engaged in our faith.
The cool thing is that Tyndale House and Focus on the Family have worked together extensively over the years (on McGee & Me, Adventures in Odyssey, etc.), so they're already coordinating their marketing efforts between "What's in the Bible?" and JellyTelly.
As for those of us at Jellyfish Labs, suddenly the next few years are looking VERY, VERY busy!
I'll give you more news – and hopefully some sneak previews – as it becomes available. Whee! What fun!
Wow, this is probably one of the biggest praise reports I have ever heard. When God moves He really moves!
Wow. Big move; definitely makes sense from a “lets get things done with partners that have the means” perspective. I’m personally not a big fan of Focus (especially because of their recent political underpinnings), but this partnership looks promising.
AWESOME!!!!! Go, Buck and crew!!!
Wow! This is absolutely fantabulous news! I’m so glad to hear that things are really starting to take off!!
Phil – that is AWESOME news! We have been praying so long for this! God is good!! Congratulations to you Phil, and to the whole Jellyfish team. Can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on.
Cool! Cool! Cool!
Are you going to appear on the Focus on The Family Radio Show?? Man, that’d be awesome!
So excited for this new DVD series!!!
Well, best wishes!
Awesome!!!! I’ll be first in line to buy the DVDs!!!
Yes! Very interested to see where this goes…
Imagine that, “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”. Must be “according to his power that is at work within” you.
(Eph 3:20, if you’re looking for the reference)
Couldn’t be more thrilled for you or for all the kids this will direct toward the Kingdom.
Is it silly that I’m a little verklempt and I don’t even know you? It’s just that you and your ministry really matter to me. I believe God has gifted you greatly and I want as many people who can to benefit from your talents. And the fact that Focus on the Family, a ministry I greatly admire, is on board? This is great news indeed. Go, God!!
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the “What’s in the Bible” series!!
I am seriously excited about your good news. We are tremendous fans of your product, and even more so of your vision for reaching kids.
I echo Whimzie – Go, God!
This is so awesome! Congratulations. I love what you guys are doing at JellyTelly. Can’t wait to see the DVD’s come out! I love the little songs and lessons summarizing each book of the Bible. Can’t wait till you’ve got them all finished and are all the way through to revelation.
Blow me down! I couldn’t think of a better partner. If I wasn’t sitting in bed right now eating a bowl of spaghetti, I’d be on the floor! Thank goodness for spaghetti! And thank God for continuing your ministry!
congratulations. I’ve been praying for you and your ministry and this really seems like an answer to prayer. can’t wait for the dvds!
Phil,
God has certainly paved the way for this! May He continue to bless your efforts!
Praise God! Mr. Vischer, Focus, and Tyndale, together! Mr. Vischer, you’re hilarity and morality is exactly what “mainstream” Christian media NEEDS!
Hi,
I also tried to add to the latest blogs & got the semi-error message even though I do have JS & cookies enabled… thought I’d mention that.
In addition to the blog entry
{{Way Cool, Congratulations, & Praise God….
And hmmmm….
God takes us through dry spells for awhile (read as … Training Exercises….. )
And then Ka-whoooommmmm…… things happen.
So,
“Happy Ka-whooming Day to You”
Sounds like one of my email signature blocks…..
Sincerely,
VMV
“…But also plan to be Wildly Successful…..”
i.e. Be Ready, in case they decide to actually grant you everything on your “wish list”…….}}
I also wanted to ask again about JT DVD material availability. I’d like to see what it would take to have local movie night/film festival & use material such at the Gideon Production Group “Jericho, The Promise Fulfilled” LEGO movie as well as your JT material. Might not be a lot of money generated, but perhaps some good advertising & more word of mouth help.
Please let me know if there is some way to work this out. I’m almost afraid with this new announcement that you folks will get all busy again, but thought I’d ask again anyway.
Either way, as long as we’re all in prayer about these things & do as the Lord will, no problem.
Thanks!
VMV
Blow me down! I couldn’t think of a better partner. If I wasn’t sitting in bed right now eating a bowl of spaghetti, I’d be on the floor! Thank goodness for spaghetti! And thank God for blessing your ministry!
Yay! That’s awesome!
Beautiful! God is good. Now Buck can afford a new hair piece!
Thatr is fantastic news. I will be looking forward to buying these for friends who have kids- and of course for myself (don’t have kids myself). this is truly exciting and I will be praying for your organisation, planning and creativity. Thanks you God!
Jonathan
Congrats Phil!
I know that this is an answer to many prayers.
– T
I guess in that early stage of the project, there are no plans to get it translated into other languages?
I seen JellyTelly in Clubhouse by Focus on The Family
That is awesome news, Phil. I’m so thankful to hear that once again God is providing and doing great things. I can’t wait to see where God leads you and the rest of the crew in this. 🙂
This is awesome. I am always looking for ways to show and teach kids the entire bible. I can’t wait for these DVD’s. I pray that God will continue to give you wisdom, creativity and direction in this project.
Congratulations, Phil! I’m so incredibly excited for you guys- I’m glad that new generations of kids will get to experience your creative ideas and characters and continue to learn about faith in a fun way! =)
God bless!
That’s amazing news! And partnering with Focus on the Family which has provided some of your movies of the week? That is definitely NOT seredipity. I will be on the look out for these DVDs. They will be exillent for my church’s youth ministry.
WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! (Jumping up and down!!!) Praise God for His amazing faithfulness and His plans for you and Jelly Telly!
Oh…and just wanted to share with you:
Last night, I was teaching the grade school kids at our church. We are going through a book called “13 Really Bad Days” (or something close to that). Anyhow, we were learning about Moses’ Really Bad Day, as he stood between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army. The point was that even though Moses did not know God’s plan for the Red Sea that day, God did. I think VeggieTales going bankrupt all those years ago was your “Really Bad Day” when you stood between a rock and a hard place, so to speak. How wonderful that even in your most sad and hurtful moments that God could see this day coming ahead.
God bless you, Phil and your crew!
Great news! I’m interested in getting involved if you need the help. I’ll be keeping these things in prayer.
Wow! I mean, I have been praying about it, but who would have thought it!!! FOCUS ON THE FAMILY!!!! Just another reminder, that our God is a great, big GOD!!! I am totally blown away. Hurrah!! More Jelly Telly on the way!!!
Oops, just one teeny tiney baby question….. will Jelly Telly still be online?? That is my favorite part of it; a random collection of segments everyday. So, will JT still be online?? I must know!!
Go phil!!!
Wow! That’s incredible news! I can’t wait to see all the cool stuff that’s going to result from this!
This is great! Ahem, how soon can we expect new fancy-pants camera JT content? My daughter is chomping at the bit to know!!
Praise the Lord…our children have a new chance.
Blessings,
Ted
This all sounds really exciting, but I have been very concerned of late about Focus’ shift in terms of its emphasis on its political machinizations; in fact, I used to contribute to them regularly, but stopped when they seemed to be more worried about how much clout they had in Washington than in the spiritual state of the nation’s families. Do you feel that has truly changed with their new leadership? I feel pretty certain that you wouldn’t affiliate yourself with them otherwise, but I also know business sometimes requires us to overlook the smaller issues in order to achieve our larger goals. In any case, God bless you and JellyTelly – congrats!
O.k. that rocks beyond belief. You can totally hear the walls falling… walk on man!
SQUEAL…..giddy with excitement over here! It seemed like the answer took “too long” (as God’s answers usually do feel that way) only to have God come through in a big way! I’m so glad you were faithful to your call and held in there through the “what if”s to see what God had in store!!
That’s awesome, Phil! I’m glad you’re getting funding now and can embark on some big endeavors. I just noticed an advertisement for JellyTelly in my younger brother’s Clubhouse magazine, so your blog just explained everything.
As a childern’s pastor I always tell my kids that the Bible fits together into one story of God’s love for us! Thanks for this new tool to help me in my ministry! Also picked up “Saint Nicholas”; glad to see you as a writer! Gags are great but don’t override the message. Thanks for bringing back my second favorite Veggie quote “you roll your dice, you move your mice, no one gets hurt”! (favorite is “move you transitorized tormentor”!) And, Mr. Lunt as Wonder Woman and Robin – priceless! (althugh you are “going to get letters about this”!)
Hey, Diane – I think it’s “BOOT, you transistorized tormentor…BOOOOOOT!” Having a four-year-old boy, I’ve seen “Fib From Outer Space” once or twice. 🙂
Stoked! I watch Jelly Telly almost daily with my 4 year old over in Okinawa. Love your creativity and humor. May God bless this project and all who are working to get it out.
I’m so incredibly excited!!! As I first read our JellyTelly newsletter that comes to our email, I actually cheered when I read that you were partnering with Focus on the Family. JellyTelly is a huge blessing in our lives, so first of all I’m incredibly excited to know that you have a partner who has a huge audience and the financial backing to be able to make sure that JellyTelly doesn’t just fade away.
SECOND– “What’s in the Bible?” sounds fantastic!! What a huge undertaking! I have no doubt that God is blessing you, Phil, for your obedience to him. OK, I didn’t mean to get all “preachy” sounding, but I think it about you all of the time.
THANK YOU for being willing to pour out your life in your heart’s desire to see our kids come to know our God better! THANK YOU for wanting to battle the culture which has seemed to gobble up so many of our kids! And THANK YOU for being so ridiculously fun to watch that I love JellyTelly just as much as my kids do. 😀
Praying continual blessings,
Danielle
Phil-
As amazed as I am at this exhilerating news, I’m realizing it sort of feels almost inevitable to me, too. Why *wouldn’t* they want to back you up and participate in the great things God is using you to do? It all seems “prophesied” somehow.
Happy “Ka-whooming” Day indeed!
(Incidentally, you-know-who: I don’t think it’s appropriate to out Buck as a hairpiece-wearer on a public forum like this.)
This is great news!
I found your blog after reading your biography. Both have inspired me to try some new things.
Thanks!
Brian Mays
Whahooooo! I’m thrilled to hear this! The idea behind JellyTelly really excites me, and it’s even more exciting to see an idea this good thrive!
And on a personal level, the testimony of God revealing big plans that are invisible through most of the process of just being faithful to His calling, and then getting to see them after long years with plenty of doubts inbetween is very encouraging. Reminds me of Bible story actually (most of them maybe?).
Thanks for sharing the process! (And the visuals; I loved that “thrusting a finger into the air” moment!) =)
Congratulations on coming out the other side! I agree with all the giddy excitement expressed here about the Ka-whoomin’ news and about your character…actually about all your characters (moral, Bob, French pea, etc.) You, Mike, all the Vegetables, the JT gang and everyone who contributes are close to the hearts of my family because you keep going and keep giving, which results in fruit for my children. The Veggies and Jelly Telly have been there during seasons when Sunday School couldn’t be. Thanks.
Ka-whooming….an adjective, an adverb…so many possibilities! Yes, I must incorporate this…
A Phriend and Phan of Phil
Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him!!!!
I hadn’t checked this site in a while, and I’m super excited to hear about your big news, Mr. Vischer. God is always faithful! Look forward to learning more in the coming months.
P.S. Can I get a little woohoo??!!!!!
Thanks for the correction, Roger! As you being a dad who watches VeggiesTales with his kids – I wish evey church had more dads like you! Keep up the great work of being the primary spiritual growth giver to your son!
operationworship.comI’ll see it, when I believe it!! (hee-hee)
You, GO, Brother!
Focus + Tyndale – whatever your thoughts on the corporations, these are two well-founded organizations that are peopled by steadfast, effective Believers, who will not fail.
This is a good alignment; a welcome development.
Hopefully Buck will support Tyndale’s Operation Worship by encouraging children to sign and ship those camoflauge Bibles to Afghanistan for our troops! (My kids do!)
http://www.operationworship.com/
God Bless!
This is incredible and shows that God is in control and wants our kids to learn about HIM! What a great fit–can’t wait to see all the new stuff.
I’m excited for you and for the videos that this will produce. By the way – my family loved the historical segments on Jelly Telly. Are they going to be available anywhere?
Thanks for the kind words, Diane. Trust me, watching VeggieTales with my son is not a difficult thing to do; half the time, I think I’m enjoying them more than he is! (And the folks at church love it when we show up in our matching LarryBoy t-shirts…) But my wife and I take our responsibilty seriously when it comes to trying to raise our children in a house where God is lifted up; my prayer is always that our kids will grow to love and trust the Lord. I pray and hope all Christian homes have that same goal. We’re awfully glad to have great resources like the Veggies and JellyTelly to help make our job easier!
Love your work Phil! Look forward to the new stuff. I need to introduce my kids to Jelly Telly, my 5 yr old has turned into quite the on-line gamer. (kids stuff of course). Great to hear! [p.s. I know that I am a late comer, but I have enjoyed reading your blogs on this site, I have refrained from commenting on the ones from 2008 but know that I had a hardy laugh!)
Our family is so excited that God has not taken you out of the picture in teaching His children about…well, Him! You are an amazing creative guy, and when you continue to seek His Will, that talent the He blessed you with will shine brighter than any other moment in your life!
great news and what a great partnership for both you and focus on the family. our family loves veggie tales. in some ways it is sad to hear that you know longer own veggie tales we were just really getting in to the whole veggie tale scene but Lord willing you will continue to do great things with your new big ideas Gods best to you and all you do and o yeah i think your message about putting God first and your dreams dying was what i needed to hear for my own life thanks for sharing it with us love in Christ and God’s blessings and favor to you
What a partnership for both you and Focus On The Family. I was sad when i heard you no longer own Veggie Tales. We enjoy Veggie Tales so much. Lord willing you will continue to do great things with the latest new big ideas you are getting. God’s best to you
Do you think Jelly Telly would exist and take the direction it is going if you had not gone through the mess with Big Idea? Just a thought after I finished reading “What Happened to Big Idea?” Deus Vult!
I just heard the last 15 minutes of the “Focus on the Family” broadcast. I was very inspired by your account of the “end” of your association with “Veggie Tales”. I cannot imagine what the experience must have been like for you, but I am excited that, in His mercy, God has given you a new “vision” for the future. May God receive all the honour and glory in Christ Jesus.
Hey Phil! Just heard your message on “Death of a Dream” on the Focus on the Family radio show. Wonderful announcement about Jelly Telly! I did a little jig in the living room with our dogs looking on…their eyebrows slightly raised. My son, Isaac wants to grow up to be like you and make Christian videos. This terrific news will boost his spirits. Looks like the Lord has ressurected the new dream. Hallelulujah! Thanks for sharing your brokeness and in humility too. May your kingdom come Lord in this new venture!
My husband and I thank you for being such a part of our courtship. We went to a New Years Party 11 years ago that was based on Veggie Tales. How memorable!
We just celebrated our 10th anniversary. When our son, Isaac was born in 2000, we naturally introduced him to Bob and Larry and the gang. He is 9 years old now and constantly introduces his pals and pals moms and dads to Bob and Larry. You continue to touch generations with your creativity. Thank you Also my son prayed to receive Jesus this year and he was baptized on Mothers day. My heart overflows with gratitude and praise to our God for using you in our lives in the past and in the future. !Muchos gracias!
Hello – I was headed to work a bit later than I normally do, so I turned on the radio and listened to your sermon. I was astounded at what you said, so much so until I sat in the parking lot and just listened. Although I don’t think I’ve ever watched VeggieTales, I know who they are and what they represent. I was so amazed by what you said regarding your work for God becoming something of an idol. I can identify. No, I haven’t accomplished anything on your level, still, I went through it too. I didn’t think I would ever get it right again, and maybe never write another story nor be appreciated for the effort, until that still voice gave me such a sweet and simple idea, and it took only days to write. My mother laughed the entire time I read it to her and her constant comments were, “you wrote that?” Thank God for his forgiveness and grace. I just wanted you to know that I appreciate your transparency. Best wishes to your new company and original dream!
Denise – Glass Tree Books
Phil, just heard the news on Focus on the Family radio broadcast. That is great news! We subscribed when Jelly Telly first came out and my kids loved it. We sort of dropped out for the last several months. They complained that there was nothing new and we just got busy doing other things. We are the family who contributed one of the winning names for name the ninja. I think it was JellyMoto? It was the word that the ninja was going to yell when he did his thing anyway! I wish you all the best. My kids are growing up on your stuff and I grew up with Focus on the Family, so you guys will make a great team of walking hand in hand with all of us kids!!
So happy for you, Mr. Vischer! I was very excited to hear the good news–clapped and squealed, the whole bit!!
Hey Mr. V
my fam and I were on a trip earlier today and the radio was on. I felt like listening to music so I stuck in my i-ears. I don’t normally listen to my music really loudly so my ears perked up when I heard a very familiar voice through Matthew West (who I was listening to lol)
I was like “PHIL! Turn it up!”
🙂
that was a very moving talk Phil. Thanks so much.
Phil, and all at JellyTelly, Praise God, and congratulations to all of you.
One question though: Does this mean you’ve found your “Roy”?
Keep doing His work, preaching and teaching the Word and the stories of God’s love for us. He has anointed you with such a gift that’s already touched millions of lives, including mine and my children’s. Continued blessings and prayers for you and the team.
are you willing to give up this new dream for God?
Hi,
Where did this JellyTelly idea come from? Have you forgotten about Veggie Tales? I just recently viewed your new JellyTelly show that you were showing free today and to be honest with you I was greatly disapointed. You know Phil you are one of Christians film makers models we look up to. You did a lot of successful work in this field. I do admire your work, you have no idea what your work has done in people’s lifes including my austic little brother’s life. You inspired me to create my own media to use to teach my brother how to read, do math, christian teachings and other education purposes. Your characters have helped him greatly and taught him a lot. But however this new show that you have dedicated all your time is what I fear to say a waste of great time. How do I say this in a polite tone with a productive credictism. This show is just to be straight out awfully done. The story line is bad, the acting is cheesy and bad, and so is the art and models of the puppets. Why then did you decide to use a pirate as a christian teacher? Pirates are horribly evil and should not be used to disaplay christian messages. They are known to be thieves, murders and the rest does not needed to be mention. And your not really betraying to children that Jesus is God and not a man, this part needs to be more dramatised to children, more needs to be said in what you do and say in your media. Kids are not really listening or even being excited by this new show you’ve created, it’s not funny or that creative. Also your show is not very educational either. There was not much learning or teaching going on in the show. You need to be teaching a lot more lessons if you want kids to learn anything. If there’s one thing I learned in making films or whatever media you decide to use for kids it needs to funny but more on the educational side. I have been noticing today that there is a great need for educational kid shows. I can’t take pbs anymore! They have come up with the most redicouls shows I have ever seen in my life, they have destroyed Seme Street. The entire show just plays around and teaches the kids absolutly nothing! Today it has become a new trend to create kid shows that teaches how to play around the whole time yet but not teach them anything of real importance. That’s why I got fed up and created my own media to help my brother out how to read, do math or whatever else. The supposeive computer games or videe games that are suppose to teach children how to learn are nothing but scams and do nothing but fun and games and do nothing but play around. Again that’s why I made my own computer games for him so he could both have fun and mainly to learn, which worked out greatly actually to my surprise. Your Veggie Tale characters are a great method in teaching children, it even is a great way to teach austic children also. This Jelly Telly show was very weird and not in a good way. I do not mean to be rude in anyway but I’m saying this as a reality check. If your shows looks like anything like the one that you let see for free then your show is going to tank. I couldn’t bear to see the episode twice, it was even hard to even follow, it was confusing as ever. What was the matter with Veggie Tales? This is what your fans are craving for, not this Jelly Telly. In fact your fans are getting upset because you are not supplying enough for demand. Only two movies a year is not anywhere near enough! Everyone wants more! My brothers absolutely adores your Veggie Tales, in fact we’ve almost just catched up to the whole collection. My brother was upset because now he has no more new Veggie Tales to watch. This Jelly Telly show is redicoules and nowhere near can fill in the foot steps of Veggie Tales. So I plead with you forget about this new show and focus on what God sent you out to do in first place, VEGGIE TALES. The whole world needs this, and especially now with all these fake children redicoules show. Just to name a few on pbs- the dinosaur train, sid the science kid, the fairy thing on seme street, super readers and so on. Never in my life have I seen such awful shows useless non needed shows. Oh and one more thing what ever happened to the Larry Boy cartoon series? My brother especially loved this and was disapointed to find out that there was only like 4 or 5 episodes? You really should do a whole series seasonal series on tv, everyone would love this. I guess you could keep this new Jelly Telly show, it was a great concept but didn’t turn out so great. You’ve got the right idea. If you want to keep this new show then you’ve got to completely fix and redesign the show. Completly new look and feel. Completley different looking puppets, character, story lines, and one other thing you copied a lot of other shows. You could be sued for copyright if your not careful. Regadless however, I hope that you return to Veggie Tales and do a lot more work with it. I could give a million ideas of what to do with it if your running out? Oh also you know it’s not very fair that you don’t have a big idea down on the other side of America. The west could use Veggie Tales also. Why don’t you build it in California, Arizona or my favorite Astoria Oregon. The children can’t really get connected to Veggie Tales because it’s not in their area. You should also build that Veggie Tales amuesment park you dreamed of doing. That is exactly what children need, there just isn’t anything for children to do anymore. To end my comment I just wanted to say that I wish and hope that you would not focus on Jelly Telly and do more work on Veggie Tales. Or if you still want to create Jelly Telly you going to have to reconstuct it in a much better way. Until then I guess we’ll keep watching Veggie Tales. I hope you take my words to heart and heed my cautions. With my best regards.
Sincerly, -JJR
JJR…I want to throw up. You must be the devil in disguise, trying to discourage Mr. Vischer.
Everyone wants more Veggietales. Yeah right. Just you. You obviously are very narrow-minded and arrogant. I think those two words sum you up nicely. I don’t see how you are in position to tell Mr. Vischer what to do.
The world is not your servant. You can’t expect Mr. Vischer to move Veggietales to California or wherever just or you. In fact, if you haven’t noticed, Phil Vischer is no longer affiliated with Veggietales.
To finish, you speak/type without knowledge.
Who in the world are you? And how dare you call me such things! How dare you insult me in such disgusting ways! I have plenty of right to say such things. I’m am speaking out of the sole opinions of children. No child would sit there and want to watch this, this Jelly does not compare to Veggietales, it is his masterpiece and a gift from God, and he should not abandoned it. It did not hold the childs attention what so ever. My little brother didn’t even want to watch it for five minutes. This show is hardly educational nor stimulating along with great confusion. It had violent characters to represent God like the pirate plus what was going on with the Ninja segment? Do you have any idea what a ninja is? A ninja is a trained assassin who killed many people many of them being Christians and Christian families who went to asia to preach about God, mostly though went after emporers. I’m not trying to discourage Phil in fact I’m trying to do the opposite, I’m trying to advice Phil and give him inspiration along with keeping him from destoying big idea with this desperate attempt to start a new set of Christian shows. He has the right idea but he just has to remake the puppets and redo the story lines. I’m saying this as a friend, sometimes the truth hurts, like God said the truth is like a sword, but this will help him in the end. Good friends give good criticism to help each other out before they make a horrible mistake/decision. It would be arrogant to ignore my warnings. THis Jelly Telly is going to tank if he doesn’t change something fast. I do not know where you come from or why you are speaking out of your own opinion. And by the way I wan not asking phil to move big idea I was merely asking him to build another studio across america in the west so children on the other side of america can be apart of veggietales too. What children in the west side of america don’t deserve to be apart of veggietales? Maybe if you were paying attention to what I was saying maybe you wouldn’t be ignorant of this. ANd who said that I was expecting him to be my servant? Where in the world are you getting this from? Isn’t Phil God’s servant and isn’t he suppose to be doing his work? This Jelly Telly is not God’s work. God sent Phil out to do Veggietales not this Jelly Telly. What do you mean that Phil is not associated with Veggietales anymore. By the way everyone will always loves veggietales not this Jelly stuff. If Phil has no rights to Veggietales then he needs to fight for it back and figure out a way to get it back to do what God sent him out to do in the first place. Phil has no idea what kind of miracles and inspirations veggietales has done in people’s lives here and across the world. Words cannot describe the incredible works it has done. It has done wonders for Autism and children with disabilites not this Jelly stuff, it does nothing. And if Phil doesn’t care for veggietales anymore then that’s just selfish and does not care for God’s true work. He is turning his back on his fans and most importantly God. My little brother waits anxiously for the next veggietales. VEggietales is the only non violent and funny christian show that isn’t unentertaining that he can actually enjoy and I don’t have to be worried about what he’s watching. Furthermore the only one who is speaking out of ignorance is you. You paid no attention to what I was saying and insulted me for no reason. This was rude and not needed. I am saying all these thing in the best interest of the children unlike you. I am truly sorry that Phil is going through a rough time with big idea but he can’t stop with veggietales now, there is still a lot more work to do. He’s need to stop spending all his time on Jelly and start concentrating on what’s effiecent christian films, VEGGIETAlES!!!!!
Have a merry day Josh.
p.s. Jelly does not hold a candle to Veggietales. Veggietales was his best masterpiece. I think Phil is arrogant, just because he can’t do anymore he wants to stop veggietales! Jelly telly is a joke, and children can’t stand this. He is doing a discredit to the children. Veggietales is a gift from God to Phil, he went to a good amount of hard work to create it. It is a insult to God to forgot about it and abonened it. Veggietales is needed more than ever, even more than before. There are no more childrens cartoons anymore. What don’t you go to ebay and put in Veggietales. People will put hundred of dollars just buy veggietales and for it’s market especially for the movies. Tell these comments to the children. YOu ask the children whether they want to watch Jelly or Veggietales you’ll get a obvious answer, it ain’t Jelly. Phil could of come up with a new modern great treatment for autism. It has dramatically improved my little brother’s autism and helped him learned better. He really has no idea what Veggietales is doing for the children. Phil is wasting his time with this and not concentrating on what God had assigned him to in the first place, VEGGIETALES!!! By the way are you really Phil and pretending to be someone else? If this is then please heed what I’m saying and come back to Veggietales where you belong. This is exactly what the devil wanted to take you away from what was really important. Oh another thing Disney is horrible! Veggietales is beyond better, and I wished that Phil would of had the same resources that Walt had. Pixar doesn’t even compared to Veggietales either. As much as phil wants to run away from Veggietales he can’t, even this Jelly is trying to copy it. Once again a very VeggieMerry Christmas!!
Hey JJR… Phil here. I’m sorry you didn’t like the JellyTelly episode you watched. Not sure which episode it was, but it may or may not have been something I wrote. You may find other episodes more agreeable and more educational. I’m glad you’re a big fan of what we did with VeggieTales – I wish I could bring veggies along in this new direction, but for now that isn’t a part of God’s plan. In the future – who knows?
Anyway, thanks for sharing your opinion. I’m not offended at all. (Though your posts could perhaps be a wee bit shorter.)
Phil
Hey JJR, this is Josh. Sorry about my post before…if I could delete it I would. “looks pleadingly at Phil” Anyway, this is not to justify my rash words before, but I really think that you are wrong. I said/typed what I had said/typed before because I am a really big fan of Phil Vischer. I completely believe he could change the world, and to hear someone say otherwise is to me, hurtful.
I can see how Veggietales has changed your life. But just because JellyTelly isn’t Veggietales doesn’t mean it can’t change lives as well. Maybe not yours but you gotta think about others.
annnnyways, i’m again really sorry for what I said before. I mean, c’mon, we’re all arrogant and narrow-minded sometimes but that doesn’t mean I should say it as so. And I am not Phil in disguise, though I took that as a compliment. In, uh, a bad way, of course.
So can you please just give JellyTelly a chance? There’s even some Veggietales references in there if you watch closely.
And, um, there were pirates in Veggietales too.
HI Phil
this is once again JJR. Thanks for repleying to my email. I am honored that you even answered it personally yourself. I’m very ecstatic that you answered me back. We pray that veggietales will be apart of your life again. Veggietales is a huge part of our family. You should consider veggietales and similar work as a austic treatment for austic children and other disabilites. The morals and lessons influences not only regular children but children with disabilities as well. It is very hard for a austic child to understand and learn about God and Christian concepts but veggietales seems to be breaking that barrier as well teaching human proper social behavior. I guess you don’t realize how miraculously it has changed lives. I am too a big fan of your work in veggietales. My family and I would love to meet you! But the problem though is that you are all the way across to the other side of america, I can’t possibly afford to take a trip all the way down there. It is too bad that there is no Veggietales tour that goes all over america to make it more personal/direct level for children. Do you ever have any public signings were you meet the fans and give autographs, my little brother would be so siked to actually hear bob in person! Veggietales, Jelly Telly and whatever other projects your doing needs to be exposed to the public more. We wish you the best and we pray for blessing for you and your family and to exceed in all that you do. Your in our hearts and prayers always.
Have a very VeggieMerry Christmas.
P.s. Sorry for writing really long blogs. I guess I’m a very long blogger. I just have so much to say and not enough time or room for it. I promised I’m finally done. And remember God made you special and he loves you very much!!!Good BYE!!!
Hay Josh
Remove all the earwaxs out of your ears and listen very carefully. I was not saying that Phil is not going to change the world. He is and was with Veggietales. I am a very open-minded person and if your going to insult me arrogant would not be the correct word, I am no where near arrogant! You couldn’t be more wrong! And when I was writing my blog I was really (if you were paying attention to what I was saying) representing everyone else’s opinion, especially children’s, not my own. I was merely saying that Phil should not abandon Veggietales and completely throw it out for jelly. If he wants to do Jelly alright but don’t throw veggietales. Oh by the way I am too a huge gigantic fan of Phil’s films, I even read his book. He’s given me inspiration to make my own films for my little brother to help him learn with his learning disabilities which has worked greatly. That’s why I was disapointed that he left Veggietales. I pray that he gets Veggietales back. Yes I know about the pirates, it was okay in the way that he displayed it. But however I did not agree with the pirates movie that they made, it was very violent and I could not let my little brother see it. That is one complaint I have with Phil about Veggietales. I hope he never makes something like that again. It traumatized him very much. It was funny in the songs and in Jonah but in that movie it was violent in 2007. Anyways, here’s my advice to you actually pay attention to what someone is saying.
Have a VeggieMerry Christmas Josh!
And: “Remember God made you special and he loves you very much, Good ByE!”
Maybe men are, but all posts are not created equal.
Hey Phil –
Don’t let the turkeys get you down. Gird up your loins and press on!
I was just reading a review of the new “What’s in the Bible” series and it sounds really good. Obviously there are a lot of strong emotions surrounding VeggieTales and new directions that are being taken, but as a longtime fan of VeggieTales, I’m glad to see new variations coming out, even if it means Phil Vischer isn’t with with veggies anymore, just because I take the optimistic approach that God is clearly doing things through his work so as the venue changes, it just means the previous work is getting a chance to grow under newly trained leaders while new ground is being tilled by the old pro that made it all possible.
Our family loves WITB!!!! In fact, we love it so much we transcribed the show and retooled the notes for a small adult bible study group. When I started a new discipleship group I was desperate for direction. I don’t have a theology degree but I was faced with several new Christians looking to me for answers I did not have. Using the WITB transcription as a basis for my outline, I re-worked the notes for adults and secretly taught the same materials to them. It worked! I am still in the middle and eventually will make the big reveal that the basic structure of our group is from WITB. Most of them have children and I hope I can then encourage them to disciple their own families this way. I know this is an old post I accidentally stumbled on, but we do love WITB and are deeply grateful. Just saw Buck at a SEEDS Family Worship concert with Jason Houser in Dallas! Love it! Could not be a better pairing. Our family loves you Phil. I met you once and stumbled over my words. You were kind enough not to laugh.