DVD
Last week I (finally) finished the DVD I have been working on about our trip to Israel in January. By “finished” I mean it is now available to go into the hands of the group that traveled with us (and looks like Independence Day will keep them from it at least one more day).
The DVD is a nice memento and may be particularly meaningful to those who were there. I had hoped that this edition would be different than my previous works by providing explanation of the places we visited (more like a documentary), so that it would be more useful to those who could not travel with us—and I would still like to do that, someday. Had I continued in the documentary mode, I wouldn’t have finished until January of next year.
Special Features
There are three very nice features that make this DVD exceptional, and they are worth mentioning. I incorporated photos from the class members (and a few from our Israel professor and guide, Todd Bolen). The photos loosely follow our itinerary and are merged with the testimonies of the students who spoke at the Talbot Bible Lands chapel at Biola. It is difficult to condense all you could say after a trip like this into a minute or less. However, several did and the thought each one shares is encouraging and inspirational.
The other notable features concern music. It is not easy to find appropriate music for the kind of DVD we have produced. It is even more difficult to find music that can be used with proper permission.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered “Pure Piano Music” by Jeffrey Bjorck. I utilized two of Jeff’s recordings as background along with the testimonies by the students. Together, they made a nice combination for the DVD. On their own, Jeff’s CDs are filled with melodious, soul-soothing tunes. Some are original compositions and others are fresh arrangements of hymns. Jeff has a website that provides listening samples as well as information on obtaining his CDs. The website is www.PurePiano.com. I am delighted to recommend and promote the wonderful work he has done. I encourage you to visit his website and consider purchasing his CDs.
The theme of the DVD is “Remember.” RememberÉthe family. RememberÉthe land. Rachelle Willis complements and crowns the DVD with a song based on Ecclesiastes 12. Even while in an awful spiritual condition (“all is vanity,” [according to Pastor Rigsby that Hebrew word should be translated "pffffft]), after having sought for meaning in life without God (“under the sun”), Solomon concludes, even commands: “remember your Creator.” The final chapter of the DVD is a challenge to “RememberÉthe Lord” and is choreographed with Rachelle’s song “Ecclesiastes 12: Remember Now Your Creator.” Rachelle is the daughter of my friends Roger and Kathy Willis. Along with her friends, who add the instrumentation, Rachelle has also done some recording. You will not be disappointed in listening to more of Rachelle’s music. She can be contacted by email at rachelle.willis@gmail.com.
Shameless Plug
If you would be interested in viewing the DVD, I have a copy that can be borrowed. I understand that the Post Office conveniently provides mail service in both directions so you who might be interested, yet are more remotely located, can participate as well, if you are so inclined!
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