stevievan.com

Happy July 4th everyone. I’m enjoying a day at home, maybe some pool time later, a good old fashioned cookout, and some fireworks. Just a good day of rest.

I grew up in a very conservative (politically) family, and learned about God and country. It was a good thing to be educated on the history and wonder of what God has done for the USA. So, I still weep when I hear the Star Spangled Banner, the Pledge of Allegiance, America the Beautiful, and so on.

Derek Webb sings about his allegiance being not being to a country or flag, but to “a King and His Kingdom.” Great thought to think about; however, we do live in the USA. Can’t be passive about your location, or maybe you can. I guess what I’m trying to say is that is my allegiance to the USA based upon childhood training, or heart conviction. For me, it’s a little bit of both.

When I was freelancing and self employed about 15 years ago, I ran into an old friend from college, Vijay, who is from India. When we talked about careers and work, he kept on telling me, “Steve, you are so fortunate; only in America can you do what you want to do (self employed, business owner).” Whether Vijay knew what I did or not, I don’t know. But his words have stuck w/ me for many years.

Politics and the nastiness of them all make me tired of the US Government. And yet, we see the same crud in the church, as people on both sides posture and play politics. Lying, deceit, and shading the truth go on all around us. This is not a symptom of a corrupt political system; it’s a symptom of sin in this broken world.

So Derek Webb is right… the only hope we have is for Christ to return, and set up His Kingdom. Ephesians tells us that He (Christ) will make all things right someday. Question is: do I get on board now, or wait? I’d rather get on board now…

As many of you know, I work for the evangelist Billy Graham, and his son, Franklin. On May 31st, three former presidents came to honor Mr. G by attending the opening of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC. I was privileged to direct the pool coverage of this event, and was so honored to be a part of this historic day.

Even Joel Osteen, my long lost twin, attended the festivities. Was a good day overall.

Off to Binghamton, NY next. More to come on these stations. Thanks to you all for your prayers for me and my family.

Today, I am saddened by the loss of Dr. Jerry Falwell. Why do I call him my friend? Why would this controversial person be so special to me? In my travels around the world, I’ve met many people who did not like Doc because of his politics. Here’s what I tell them:

“you can disagree with Dr. Falwell all you want to about your political or theological differences; but do not trash his character. He is a man who loves people, and genuinely cares about them. I know; because I have personally experienced it.”

In the early 1970′s, when my family lived in California, my mom watched Jerry Falwell on television. She told me, even back then, that she would like for me to attend college at Liberty someday.

In 1980, when the Moral Majority was beginning, my fundamentalist Baptist church was very involved in that movement. Jerry Falwell came to Anchorage to tour several cities, encouraging evangelicals to get out and vote. I ran the soundboard for these events, which had music and other entertainment elements. As a 14 year old, I was pretty small, and looked more like I was in elementary school. Dr. Falwell leaned over to my pastor and asked him, “Who is operating the sound board? That young man is awfully small to be back there.” My pastor said, “That’s Steve VanDusen; you don’t have to worry about a thing….”

Fast forward more than four years later, in the fall of 1983. I was a new freshman at Liberty Baptist College from Alaska, walking across the courtyard on Liberty Mountain. Doc was always walking around campus, always talking with students; even threatening to run us over with his black suburban, or sucker punch us without warning! He was coming toward me across the courtyard, so I dutifully straightened my back, waiting to meet “Dr. Falwell”. As we got closer, he said, “Hello young man,” then stopped, paused, looked closely at me, pointed and said, “Anchorage, Alaska; Jerry Prevo’s church; you ran the sound there, what’s your name son?” And to his credit, he never forgot it. Not even as late as last month, when I was in Lynchburg with my family at a friend’s wedding.

Yes, Dr. Falwell had a photographic memory. And he remembered the most obscure things. In 1987, during the height of the PTL scandal, we were taping a television show at the Liberty studios. I heard someone ask him how to get a hold of one of the older church members at Thomas Road Baptist Church; Doc said, “Yes, Mr. s0 and so, try him at AC4-2486… no wait, that’s his old number…” The man remembered one of his members phone number with an old, outdated prefix.

During my time in the TV department at Thomas Road, around 1989, I had some political difficulties with some new management. One day, as Doc was leaving the studios in his suburban, he rolled down the window and motioned me over. When I walked up, he asked me specific details about the situation I was in, and then concluded by saying, “Steve, if you ever need anything, don’t you hesitate to call my office. You are one of our boys….” I was just an audio mixer, not a high powered manager or preacher.

I am happily married to my wife because of Dr. Falwell. Amy and I met at Liberty University.

I learned about television production while working for Dr. Falwell from 1984 to 1990.

My job at BGEA is an indirect result of my working with Dr. Falwell. During my time in Lynchburg, I met many television professionals that worked with associates at BGEA. When I began freelancing there, the BGEA staff welcomed me because of my common relationships.

I had the privilege of working at ABC News in Washington, DC from 1994 thru 1997, mainly because of mutual friends who I met at Liberty while working w/ Doc. Also, during the PTL Scandal, we were connecting live feeds to Nightline and Larry King Live on a regular basis, and I learned the basics of news communication.

My career as a freelance audio engineer with Fox Sports, ESPN, and other regional television networks came because of working on sporting broadcasts for Liberty University, requested by Jerry Falwell.

My introduction into the Christian music industry came as a result of working and hanging out with dcTalk, Bill Gaither, John Mark Painter, and others while at Liberty and Thomas Road.

So many things… I learned about tolerance from Doc. Yes, you might be surprised at that. In 1983, I heard Ted Kennedy speak at Liberty University in our main chapel area. The Reverend Jesse Jackson spoke in the pulpit at Thomas Road Baptist Church in 1989, after being invited by Doc. Even Mel White, the ghost writing author for Doc and many others, convinced Doc to put together a forum to discuss the rift b/w homosexuals and evangelicals. All done by Jerry Falwell.

Unfortunately, most will remember the comments after 9/11. Or tinky winky. Or something else obscure. I’m not saying Doc was perfect; I’m not even saying I totally agree with all of his stances on issues.

But I can say, with certainty, that he is being welcomed into the presence of Jesus, and is being told, “Welcome, good and faithful servant.” For my more liberal minded friends, that may be hard to swallow.

But, for my conservative friends, you might be surprised who makes it in as well. “For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance w/ the measure of faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3.

good bye Doc. You meant the world to me…

Ok, so it’s been a while since I’ve posted. I’m still here and alive.

Like you care.

more later.

Today, I am in Richmond, VA working for a cable TV network on a college basketball game. My job function is an “A1″, which means that I operate the audio console in a TV truck for the telecast of this game.

This day has been fun, as the person assisting me went to my alma mater, Liberty University.. Eddie is a great guy, and better yet, he really loves God w/ his heart. We have lots of mutual friends, so it’s been cool to travel down memory lane.

When is it ok to leave your home church, and begin attending another one? What are the “things” that give one freedom to move on?

This is a question that I have been struggling with for almost two years. Our church has been thru some major changes and strife. It’s reformed and confessional in nature, and would be considered “traditional” in it’s worship style. We recently called a new senior pastor after being without one for three years. He’s nice enough, but I’m just not gelling with his messages.

Now, here comes the hard part. I know that my new pastor is not on a popularity contest; he is called by God and by our church to preach the Gospel. I know he doesn’t give a rip about what I think about him; that’s cool. Please hear me; I love this guy, and have been praying for him and our church. I’ve been praying for me that God would change my heart; that I would begin to love and enjoy being a part of corporate worship at our church once again. But right now, the feelings aren’t getting those answered prayers.

So, do we leave? I know many people that have. Many have gone to a new church start in our same town, that is contemporary, rocking, and seems to be “spirit filled”. “I like the new church”, says my kids. (we visited two or three times this summer. I guess I’m just bad).

Right now, I have no biblical reasons to stay at our current church, but then again, I have no biblical reason to leave. Our church preaches the Gospel! It’s just boring! My wife and I teach Sunday School for middle schoolers, so we want to stay involved in these kids lives.

There will be more on these stations. But for now, we are staying, and praying for our obedience to be turned into joyful worship.

If anyone from our church reads this, I’m more than happy to discuss. But, overall, I want you to know that I’m praying for our pastor, our church, and our lives; that God would break us (mainly me) and help us to be more like Christ.

Well, the work keeps coming, and we keep on plugging away. In my new job as a video production manager, I get to try and keep producers, editors, camera people, and crew moving forward toward production targets to complete video projects for my employer. The challenge is when the target keeps moving.

Everyone wants to get their project done first, on time, and on budget. Then, leadership and management get involved to add their editorial comments, and it goes back to the editing suite. We try to set some “false” deadlines for ourselves to allow for changes, but it never seems to be enough. You allow two days for changes; it takes three. You try to give four days for a project to edit; it takes six. You give two days for reviewal, someone takes three, and then wants the whole video fixed.

I know the bosses will want to make changes; I’m ok with that. Just give us time to complete the changes in an orderly fashion, and then leave it alone. Or, if it’s still not right, give time for more changes.

Truth is, my bosses do give alot of time for changes. I just hate change. So I get yet another chance to exercise my reliance on God Almighty.

Hey, it beats wandering around in the wilderness.