Days Of Future Past

30th Sept 2004. CTVN. Signal Hill, Pennsylvania.

Internship at CTVN. The aim is to learn everything about television, know enough not to be conned by the experts, and to complement my TV experience with my foundations on Media and Communication Management. In other words, “Lookout Ron, I’ve got my eyes on your seat.” HAHA!! Nah…I’m kidding... Ron Hembree is CTVN’s President, and nope, his seat for myself isn’t the plan. Heh! Anyway, Ron was really nice. He extended his grace and welcome by introducing me to the entire crew, top management, guests and even the talents alike just before our LIVE telecast. He brought me up on stage together with the wife of the founder of CTVN, Norma Bixler, and my mentor, Steve Johnson, who is in top management. Well, they thanked me for coming, which was a pleasant surprise, as I should be thanking them for having me. Then Ron and Norma led the entire station in prayer, for me. Wow. Such warm and gracious people. I thank God for the open doors and for people He has called to serve and be a blessing to others. I was indeed blessed by them.

Now, not all Christians are such nice people. But, all of THESE nice people ARE Christians. That is a very valuable lesson to learn for all of us. Afterall, weren’t we called by Jesus to be the salt and light of the earth?

Carl is this huge guy, and a Vietnam war veteran. He was shot in the chest, had watched his best friend blow up and die from a landmine in his face, and had his right leg blown by a landmine as well. He’s fine now, loves the Lord and does not walk with a limp. And I thought this only happens in movies. Anyway, the first thought in my mind when I first was introduced to him was, “WHOA, NELLY!” Yeah, this guy is HUGE. But here’s the twist. Ha, I bet you all are already expecting a twist huh? Carl struck me as having one of the more tender hearts a big, burly guy could have. He’s always warm, and funny (though he does make real sense only sometimes…ha), and sincere. Offered to send me home whenever I do not have a ride (all I had to do was ask), and brought me out to eat (just once…but hey, it was nice enough), of all things, Chinese. Haha! I truly appreciate this gesture, but nope, the Chinese buffet we had wasn’t really Chinese food we have in Singapore. How about that! The studio crew of Carl, Andy, Mike, Vinnie and Brad…They’ve all been the most warm and gracious people to me. I’m having a good time in their company. In fact, almost everyone that I’ve met (about 30 already…out of about 50, I guess…), only 1 seems a little aloof. He’s not as warm, but reason is that he came over from Hollywood, and he’s a director. A born again follower of Christ, he decided to serve the Lord in this ministry. So, naturally he’s brought along his work ethics and all his Hollywood experience...and BLAH BLAH BLAH~. All that ‘get what he wants and when he wants it’ attitude. But off the set, he’s just as nice. They are all genuinely gracious people.

Everybody in CTVN either has heard of, or knew Pastor Mark personally, and I’m not exaggerating. Tim Burgan (communicated with him to secure my internship), CTVN’s Vice President, was one of Pastor Mark’s first people to have had travelled with on Mission trips to China. They made illegal videos of underground churches in China, brought them back to CTVN, and broadcast them over the channel. Pastor Mark pays me through SEAPC, an allowance. So…technically he’s my boss. Ha! By this, I have the privilege of some slack, as I’m not treated on the same level as an employee of CTVN. Heee!

Norma’s vision was to have worldwide Christian TV, and by God’s grace, her late husband founded, and was able to set up the whole network over the years from a satellite dish on top of a trailer. They have never had an Asian, or even a foreign talent as an intern before, and now, here I am, learning and hoping to bring the experience back to Southeast Asia. Hmmm…interesting. There’s a possibility of having that vision being slowly fulfilled. It’s not my desire to be in the technical side of TV. I see myself as the link. If God opens the doors to Christian broadcast in Asia, I see myself as one who plans, strategises, and helps in collaboration with anyone who has the resources to start a network. Maybe be like Ron Hembree, but only outside America. Otherwise, I can work as an International Correspondent to SEAPC with strong links to CTVN.

Those are plans, yet I still have no idea what the specifics are, or if God has an entire different direction for me. I’m just focused now on learning to the best of my ability, and continue to wait upon the Lord. Very much like what had just passed 9 months ago. I want to return. However, Psalms 118:1, Eph 2:10, Ecc 3:1 is helping with my focus. Thank God for His word.

posted by HanQiang @ 1:35 am