Oxford Shoot
My new motto might be “have camera, will travel.” A good chunk of August was occupied with planning and then making a trip to Oxford, England. My mission was to record a video series of concise summaries covering each book of the Bible that will used for online discipleship.
A couple of years ago, the Lord gave Dorman (who is both a businessman and former pastor) and his wife, Blythe, the idea of creating these one- to two- minute Bible summaries. After Dorman’s company moved him from California to Europe, God brought together the necessary pieces. I was blessed to have a role in helping bring this vision into reality.
God was supernaturally present throughout the whole process. There were the “normal” unexpected hassles — a delayed bag of equipment, and a mixup with our rented lighting gear that forced a last-minute scramble (the Friday before a holiday weekend, no less!) We also had trouble deciding on a place to shoot, until the rector of a nearby church enthusiastically offered to let us use the building. Founded in the 11th century, parts of the current structure date from the 12th and 13th centuries.
The end result was some great content presented in a unique and beautiful setting. As we worked — modern technology set amidst ancient pews — I imagined that the generations of Believers who had worshiped there would have been surprised, and proud, of what we were doing in their humble sanctuary.
Oxford has been home to many great men of the faith, and I was humbled to realize how our work was connected in both spirit and purpose with theirs. Listening to Dorman present each summary, I was reminded anew of how the Bible reveals a single theme: God’s plan to redeem His beloved race of man. I’m excited that millions of people around the world will soon have access to this content and, as a result, be captivated and transformed by God’s living word.
This was my first international ministry trip, first shoot overseas — and first time to the United Kingdom! I enjoyed exploring Oxford — a place where you literally trip over history at every turn. I even got to have lunch in the pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien met with their fellow “Inklings.” I was also able to spend two days on my own doing the tourist thing in London before heading home. I’ve posted additional photos of the shoot and my tour of Oxford and days London.
