We, as a church, have had the opportunity to host three different movie/film companies the last month. My first thoughts when asked were, “how would our church family see this venture?” Those thoughts went away as soon as I recognized the opportunities to show outsiders our wonderful facilities. Then I realized the economic boost to our city. I knew it was a no-brainer.
Most of our interactions were with extras (they are used to make scenes in films and TV shows appear fuller, richer and natural), the caterers (my favorites), crew members and an occasional sub-star. I found out the stars sent runners to bring their food back to their comfortable trailers.
I sought out the caterers early. They are the ones that show up at 3-4:00 am to start preparing meals that they would serve anywhere from 8:00am till whenever. They would have to prepare lunch with a tentative schedule from anytime between 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Have you ever tried cooking and keeping food from being overcooked or dried out with those constraints! If filming, went well they would finish their day as early as 4:00 or even as late as 8:00. And their food was incredible! Yes, they offered. Yes, I accepted!
One group only used the parking lot. I took the opportunity to walk through their base camp (where everything is staged) and talk with those behind the scenes. Most were from out of town. I was asked, many times, where our church building was located. When I mentioned 5th & Market, many said, “Where the fountain in the middle of the road is?” After my response they would talk about how majestic that building looked. I invited all to visit us.
One of the actors had just finished getting make-up and wandered back towards the reception desk. I could not miss the opportunity to meet him half-way. He asked where our sanctuary was. I explained that this was our Activities Center and that the church was downtown. He was amazed that we had such a beautiful facility this large away from the church. I invited him to visit our church on Sunday. He mentioned that he was considering moving to the Wilmington area and would visit us with his family.
I pray daily that I can say or do something that may touch someone in a way that will challenge their faith. Every now and then you find another that has the same desire. November 8, I met one. I meet Sammy, who was the lead on the catering crew. He let me know up front that his father had been a minister for 30+ years and that he had to be the Christian influence for those he worked with. I spoke with him throughout the day. Towards the end of the day, he asked if I knew anyone that took food donations. Hello, Tuesday Night Feeding!! I texted Gary Harris immediately! Sammy left us enough for the second stop.
Blessings come in different forms!
Philippians 4:19. “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Luke 6:38 “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
By: Jerry Tyson Activities Center Coordinator