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"Ezekiel 12 programs offer good training and God-centered focus."

Pomerado Newspaper Group
May 2, 2002 ed. B5
By Elaine Minton

It is time for Christians to hone their artistic skills, harness new technologies, and use both to herald the author of creativity, God Himself. This is the message of Pastor Bob Maddux, and this is what he and Pastor Mark Williams are committed to doing through Ezekiel 12 Ministries.

            Founded by these two men, the ministry is currently sponsoring a drama troupe, and this summer it will launch three short-term training programs for local students. The programs include a one-week Ezekiel 12 Movie Camp, a three-week Ezekiel 12 Arts and Media Institute and a three-week Ezekiel 12 Drama Institute. All programs will be held on the campus of Christian Life Assembley, 14047 Twin Peaks Road.

            The goal of Ezekiel 12 Ministries is to equip Christians to deliver a message of value and truth to a “sight-and-sound-sensitive” generation through the use of technology and dramatic arts. Achieving this goal has been facilitated by the availability of equipment that allows “high quality’ production and “wide range” distribution at “affordable prices.” But Maddux realizes that the growing opportunity to reach young people through compact discs, videos, movies and the Internet can only be met by Christians who are trained in both arts and technology.

            Maddux said, “the arts are having a big impact and there aren’t a lot of Christians involved.” This is regrettable, according to him, because the Bible is filled with examples of how God used dramatic illustrations to make His teachings clear.

            “Ezekiel 12,” the name of this ministry, was chosen because it refers to a Bible passage where God tells Ezekiel to act out his message. The focus of the three summer training programs is to train Christians in how to effectively do this.

            The Ezekiel 12 Arts and Media Institute, designed for students 18 years and older, will be held from Monday, July 8 to Friday, July 26 on the Poway campus of Christian Life Assembley, Pastor Maddux’s church. Described as an “intense three-week boot camp,” the institute will offer professional training and hands-on production experience as participants film the short feature “Spirit Kids.” The first week of the camp will focus on pre-production training. Students will receive instruction in acting, direction, lighting, sound and camera work. The second week will focus on filming, and the third will give attention to post-production work and editing. The institute will include daily devotions, times of prayer, and biblical instruction of the topic of media and ministry.

             The Ezekiel 12 Movie Camp, designed for students 8-years old to adult, will be held from Monday, July 15 to Saturday, July 20. Participants will train and then star in their own film “Spirit Kids,” about children in a secret mountain hideout who uncover spiritual truth and expose the plans of evil. Student attending the Ezekiel 12 Arts and Media institute will be filming this production, and Hollywood professionals will provide the instruction.

            The Ezekiel 12 Drama Institute will be held form Monday, July 29 to Sunday, Aug. 18. This institute will explore the power for street drama and mime. It will also train students in make-up artistry, set design, sound and special effects. Participants will practice their skills through performances at local churches.

            An Ezekiel 12 drama troupe, composed of college students who attend Christian Life Assembley, is currently on an April-to-June tour of Southern California cities. They are performing “Ark Quest,” a dramatic re-enactment of the Bible story about King David and the Children of Israel carrying the Ark into Jerusalem amid exuberant worship, dance, song and praise. Local residents can see this production when the troupe comes to the First Assembly of God Church in Vista at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 1.

            Ezekiel 12 summer training programs are now open for registration. The cost is $395 for the one-week Movie Camp, and $1150 for either of the three-week institutes. Scholarships are available.