Somehow this project found me, I did not get up one morning with an idea to make a movie with Angus Buchan. Let me explain...
God usually talks to me through that quiet little voice in my heart and it usually happens early in the morning as I wake up. In July 2010 I received a very clear desire in my heart that it was time for me to make Christian movies. I immediately shared this with my wife, Annie, and I told her that I believed God was telling me that it is time. I knew since I was a small boy that this moment would arrive and when it did, I was quite excited about it because I had no doubt that this was the moment. I feel that God has prepared me for this moment all my life. I shot my first feature film, called Sarah with Gordon Vorster and Trix Pienaar as a cameraman in 1975. This film launched my film career and for the last 36 years, I have been able to hone my craft as a filmmaker. In 1981 I had a Damascus road experience that dramatically changed my life and since committing my life to Jesus, I have been taught by the Holy Spirit for the last 30 years to prepare me for this film and other films to follow.
I decided to act on the calling in my heart and phoned my very good friend Lukie Carelse, owner of Maranatha Music. They are the distributors of Angus Buchan books. Lukie’s immediate response was to invite me to the launch of Angus Buchan’s new book ‘Coming of Age’ which was the next day. He felt that I should meet Angus and his lawyer Leon Vermeulen, who has walked a very long road with Angus and is presently responsible for Shalom Ministries monthly pare letter. Leon was instrumental in arranging a meeting for me with Angus on his farm Shalom on the 6
th of August 2010 as he sensed in his heart that Angus should hear my story.
Annie and I went to Shalom with no agenda nor plan of action except to share my dream and calling with him. Angus's humility made a very positive impression on Annie and I and God's presence was very evident for us in that meeting. Angus viewed some of my previous productions and told me that he was very impressed with the quality of my work. He then asked me what he could do for me and what I had in mind. I shared my testimony with him and told him that I believed God called me to do Christian films, especially movies that would reach out to unbelievers. I did not believe that the book ‘Come of Age ‘ could be a movie but if he felt that what I shared with him rang true to what he sensed in his own heart then I would take it as a confirmation to begin an action plan. All I needed was his blessing to go ahead and develop what ever I sensed the Holy Spirit wanted to do through me. I told Angus that I believe as I move forward by faith and put my feet into the shallow water that the river would open up in front of me. Angus had no hesitation to give me the green light and told me to go into action immediately because it is time.
Here we are seven months later and the movie is in production. That in itself is a miracle and I praise God that he chose me to make this film, it is almost as if he was just waiting for someone to put up their hand and say “Lord I'll do it!” The Lord has given me the most amazing team to work with me and I know there are more people out there that are called to collaborate on this film. So please put up you hand!
