10 February 2017 | St Albans, UK [Kirsty Watkins / tedNEWS] With the UK and Ireland being among the last countries in Europe to release the Mel Gibson blockbuster Hacksaw Ridge, Adventist communities, and especially youth, have been taking advantage of every opportunity to share their faith.
The youth spoke to many members of the public about their perceptions of the film and of Christianity. This opened the door to conversations about Adventism, Newbold’s activities in the local community, and the value Adventists place on peace and freedom.
Organised by Newbold Chaplain, Pastor Alastair Agbaje, he said, “Our pitch was quite simple. We asked them why they might want to see Hacksaw Ridge. For some, Gibson’s directorship was the draw, others had been attracted by a trailer they’d seen. Those who had seen the film found it to be real and authentic, and had genuine respect for Doss, the unlikely hero. He added, “Almost everyone we spoke to was curious and grateful to receive the flyer, and many were interested to hear that Doss was a Christian and to find out more about his background.”
Pastor Agbaje, who is also TED Community Services and Teens Director, said that “it was moving to speak to people about Christianity and my faith, and to share aspects of it with them.”
“The opportunities for witnessing are ripe,” emphasises British Union Conference Communication director, Richard Daly in his weekly newsletter. “At a time when the Seventh-day Adventist Church is featured in a positive way within the eyes of the entertainment and media world, now is the time to capitalise and use this as a unique opportunity to share the faith of one our Adventist stalwarts who stood for his faith in the face of ridicule and imprisonment.”
Witnessing not only makes a difference to the recipients. Newbold students and church youth also found it a positive experience. “I was reluctant at first, but in the end I found it fulfilling,” said postgraduate Theology student, Johnny Miguel. “It was a creative way to make friendly, intentional contact with people and also provided the opportunity to get to know new students at the College, by working together.”
“Once we overcame the initial awkwardness people responded well to the message of Desmond Doss and his willingness to put his life on the line for his faith and belief in Jesus,” said Newbold Church member Eric Pilmoor. “People felt moved by the story and I’m hopeful we might even have a few visitors join us at church or watch our service online.” [tedNEWS]
SEE ALSO:
Desmond Doss still saving lives in Europe
Hacksaw Ridge opens unprecedented witnessing opportunities in Central Europe
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, editor; Esti Pujic, associate editor
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