So, you want to do Something for god? - RECORD.net.au

NEWSFirst steps: AUC to producepioneer DVD seriesRingwood, VictoriaA dramatised DVD series is being developed to bring to life the colourfulcharacters, significant events and momentous challenges that faced thesmall group of believers who began the Seventh-day Adventist Church.The Australian Union Conference (AUC) is currently developing the seriesthat describes the background, birth and growth of the early Church.“This will be the first time the Church has used historical drama and reenactmentto tell our story,” AUC president, Pastor Chester Stanley, said.“The story of the early pioneers will come alive. We will watch as theywrestle to understand Scripture, hotly debate theology and overcome bitterdisappointment. We will get to know pioneers such as Joseph Bates,James White and Uriah Smith. We will be reminded again of how God calleda young lady, Ellen Harmon, to do a special work in leading the fledglingChurch. It is an exciting story full of pathos, drama, joy and sadness and,consequently, needs to be told in this medium.”The South Pacific Division is partnering with the AUC to develop the series,which will be produced by the Adventist Media Network.“Everyone I talk to thinks that this is a series that must be developed,”Pastor Stanley said. “The General Conference leaders are enthusiastic aboutthe project and recently committed funds to assist with its development.”Pastor Stanley said a clear understanding of our identity as Seventh-dayAdventists is fundamental to the ongoinghealth, growth and dynamism ofthe Church worldwide. “We must neverforget our beginnings and our reasonfor being,” he said. “Our past givesus our vision for the present and thefuture. Identity and mission are inextricablylinked. In the thrilling story of thebackground to and the beginnings ofGod’s end time prophetic movement,is profound evidence of God’s callingand providential leading of His people.”Pastor Stanley sees the series beingboth evangelistic and nurturing. “It willbe a wonderful evangelistic resourcethat can be used by ministry and laityto pass to friends, neighbours or Biblestudy contacts so they can see God’sleading in the establishment of ourChurch and understand our commitmentto our biblical teachings,” hesaid. “I also see it as a useful nurturingtool. We must not forget our story. Ifwe do forget, we do it at our peril. Ouryoung people also need to get to knowthis story. They need to see how Godled. What better way for them to bereminded than to bring our story to lifeon the screen.”—RECORD staff/ChesterStanleyIN STEP WITHJESUSIn Step With Jesus, a series offour Bible study guides for newmembers of the Adventist family.Prepared by the GeneralConference Sabbath School andPersonal Ministries Department.For more information contactyour Conference Sabbath SchoolDirector or the AUC SabbathSchool Department