Models For Christ
Models for Christ is a global community of professionals seeking to honor God as they navigate through the fashion industry. MFC is a non-profit organization made up of models, photographers, designers, make-up artists, stylists, agents, executives, and other professionals in this industry. Founded in 1984 by Jeff Calenberg and his wife Laura, MFC helps connect fashion professionals with opportunities to grow spiritually and to share God’s love with those in need in New York, L.A., Paris, Miami, Tokyo, Milan and other major fashion capitals around the world.
Gary Scarano: Jeff, how did Models for Christ get started?
Jeff Calenberg: We were both in the Modeling industry with a top agency and it was difficult to find people with the same faith and standards as us. People who were willing to stand up for what they believed in. We knew there must be others in the industry so we opened our doors to our apartment for fellowship and outreach.
GS: When did you decide to formalize it?
JC: After 100 people who were attending we found we needed leaders and larger space. We grew and eventually became part of Campus Crusade for Christ. We now have chapters in NY, LA and Miami and have people traveling the entire world sharing the Gospel. For example, we just had two female models travel to China for 3 months to work there and to witness to others on their spare time. We also had a girl model in Saudi Arabia. We use the name Paradox MFC as our outreach name.
GS: How do you help Christians and others in the industry?
JC: We grow together and help each other not to fall victim to the temptation and challenges of the industry. As a young person, most between 19-23 and may be in a situation where they will be in a modeling shoot for hours, sometimes with limited amount of clothes on, it certainly causes an amount of stress in a person, especially if they are trying to live by God’s Standard. So we encourage people toward faithfulness in that area. In addition, the industry is full of drugs and self centered life style.
GS: How?
JC: We encourage our members to be involved in outreaches, perhaps soup kitchens and other opportunities. We also encourage people to recognize and be able to back out of opportunities for when it may be too late to back out of. They may lose a job, but they will not lose their faith.
GS: Do you advice people in these situations?
JC: We have a community that helps to encourage and counsel each other. Sometimes they may be in a difficult situation and be very well known. We also help others who may be interested in becoming part of the modeling industry by providing certain services. People can visit www.ChristianTalentNetwork.com for more information. We continue to see lives change through the power of God’s love and invite you to join us.
Jeff & Laura Calenberg www.ModelsforChrist.com & www.ChristianTalentNetwork.com
Powerful stuff for people in a popular industry
Gary Scarano, founder of www.ReachOUT.tv, a Christian TV show & Founder and President of ROCC (www.ReachOutCom.com). ROCC is helping clients such as Fox News Commentator Dr. Gerry Curatola (www.DrGerry.net); and the popular NJ Christian Concert series www.RevGen.org with their Social Networking needs. www.ReachOUT.tv. Broadcast via cable into 3.7 million homes in the NY Metro area. www.ReachOut.org/loveexpressarticles.
