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LIGHTS, CAMERA, FAITH: TELLING THE STORY OF CHRIST

By Rev. Gabriel Araba, Pastor United Baptist Church, Sault Ste. Marie

It felt like stepping into the story of the five loaves and two fish—facing a monumental task with only a handful of resources. Why us? That was my first thought—a blend of honor, excitement, and sheer wonder at how we’d pull it off. Yet, God had a plan, and we leaned on His inspiration.

With memories of my early crash course in TV production as a young actor and editor in Nollywood, we rallied a passionate team drawn from our diverse church family. The energy was electric. Liz Moran, our set designer and co-director, dived in with creativity and purpose. Should we aim for a cinematic masterpiece like The Chosen or keep it simple and authentic, letting the story speak for itself?

Roles fell into place like pieces of a divine puzzle. Jason Edgar brought the shepherds to life with a quiet confidence. Layo Olatunbosun, stepping into acting for the first time, became Mary with a grace that felt destined. Benjamin Polanco, despite English not being his first language, gave a heartfelt performance as Joseph. I stepped into the role of the Wise Men, interpreting them as truth-seekers outside Jewish tradition, captivated by the star’s wonder.

Every moment behind the scenes was a mix of laughter, problem-solving, and reverence. STO-Segun Timothy Odeyemi, our vibrant post-production editor, worked tirelessly to weave hours of footage into a seamless narrative. Production assistants Romi Araba and Adora-lee Nawagesic ensured no detail was overlooked.

The final product was more than a video—it was a testimony to God’s grace, a reminder to fan the flames of His gifts within us. This project not only challenged us but also united us, creating a ripple effect of creativity and faith that we believe is just the beginning.

We are deeply grateful to the CBOQ for this opportunity and to Cathy Millar for her unwavering support. The light of Christ shone on this project, and we are honoured to carry His love to all. Here’s to greater things to come!

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