Reflections of a Hollywood Missionary

Why Water?
Now, walking on water is pretty amazing, but why is it particularly significant? Because the moment Jesus walked on water, he was demonstrating something profound. Prophets and people of God had performed plenty of miracles before, but none had ever walked on water. According to Job: “[GOD] alone treads on the waves of the sea” (Job 9:8). Jesus was telling the disciples he was more than a prophet, teacher and healer; he was telling him he was God.

We may understand now the reality of who Jesus is, but at 4 a.m. in the middle of a storm, on a lake, in a fishing boat, with a tired and panicked motley crew—I can understand why they might have been a little distracted at first. Give Peter credit for being the first to at least respond in the moment. He took the initiative asking Jesus to call him out onto the water. Can’t you just see Jesus at that moment, donning a big proud-Papa grin on his face?

So, Peter turns to get out of the boat. Now, I’ve been on a boat or two in my time, and even in calm waters getting over the side can take some doing. This was no Windjammer cruise; it was a first-century fishing boat—open aired, maybe a 20-footer. Cue the wind, cue the waves and perhaps a little rain starting to coat the pitch-sealed insides of the boat, and I think Peter had a little trouble getting out of the thing.

Slipping and sliding with the rocking of the boat, he manages one leg over the side, then another. Finally, he straddles the side of the boat, both legs dangling for a moment. What now? Does he just leap? Does he gingerly step out? If I know Peter, he took the plunge without thinking twice.

Taking the Plunge
In the spring of 2000 the Lord called me as a missionary to Hollywood. For a Bible-belt born and raised preacher’s kid, these waters were decidedly unknown. Nonetheless, full of faith I responded, not unlike Peter, without really thinking twice. I leapt full force into it. I began taking acting classes (three at a time!), I tracked down talent agents, managers, casting directors.

By trial and error I learned the game and pressed forward not just because the Lord called me to make a difference in the Entertainment Industry, but because He made me fall in love with it, and its people. This is why years later, as one actor in 45,000, I’m still here.

I am not alone. I have a large and growing family. In addition to the dedicated support of my loved ones at home, I have brothers and sisters here. Each one is bound to another through a sovereign work of God.

For some, such as myself, this is a time of giving birth. Business and marketing plans (as well as screenplays) are being written, rewritten and honed to perfection. Production companies are starting up. It is a work, caught in between two moments—the moment Peter’s heart responded in faith to get out of the boat, and the moment his feet actually walked on the water. We are a generation of sons and daughters who have responded in faith to God’s calling. Now we are in process of getting out of the boat. The question of the hour, I believe is this: is this really about walking on water, or, is this about something greater?