PRAYING FOR A.C. GREEN—From left:
Joseph Tkach, Eric Shaw, Paul Sniffen,
Curtis May and Richard Parker.
[Photo by Thomas C. Hanson]
PASADENA—A.C. Green, former Los Angeles Laker forward, spoke to 25 Office of Reconciliation Ministries (ORM) chapter leaders, ministers and wives Aug. 13 in the Hall of Administration.
Curtis May, ORM director, introduced Green, who said: “I can’t speak out enough on this important message of reconciliation.”
Reconciliation film
The animated 6 foot 9 inch Green passionately described a full-length feature film that he and work associate Gary Wheeler had produced and released for television in 2002. The film, Final Solution, is a true story set in the time of racial apartheid in South Africa. It has already aired on 45 Public Broadcasting System (PBS) stations around the country, and in June 2003, it was released for the home video market.
The story follows a white South African man’s pursuit of racial dominance. The indoctrination of Gerrit Wolfaardt through his family traditions, history, culture—even his church—led him to believe that black South Africans were a cancer in the land.
Under the eyes of prominent members of the government and military, Wolfaardt developed a plan to rid South Africa of its “black danger.” Before his plans were fully carried out, he met two people who put him on a collision course with his Creator. The movie then documents Wolfaardt’s personal journey from extreme racist to reconciler and peacemaker.
“It’s an honor to help bring this message of reconciliation to hearts that desperately need to hear it,” Green said. “Our goal is to find solutions to this problem.” He also told those of us in attendance that restoration is part of the reconciliation process. Even though Wolfaardt couldn’t restore the lives of those killed or restore their possessions that were destroyed, he could, however, restore to them their dignity through respect and love.
Green said he has come to realize that the churches are the first ones that need to hear and act on the healing message of reconciliation. “We’ve got some major problems within the body of Christ,” he commented.
In showing Final Solution around the country he was shocked to find out how many members from one denomination would not go to a church of another denomination, even to hear this message of reconciliation. Mr. May said that ORM would be honored to work with Green and his ministry of reconciliation.
Sexual purity
Because of his love for young people, he established the A.C. Green Youth Foundation in 1989, with the main focus on sexual abstinence education. Through his “I’ve Got the Power” abstinence curriculum, Green’s mission is to help young people build self-esteem and character, and learn moral and ethical principles, which will help them make responsible decisions. In media interviews, Green openly acknowledged that he was a virgin before he got married.
Green also visits various teen clubs and summer camps where he shows his film, It Ain’t Worth It, which reveals the truth about sex and explains how young people can make a difference in lives—starting with their own. More information concerning Green’s Youth Foundation or the reconciliation movie can be found on his web site at www.acgreen.com. VHS or DVD copies of Final Solution are also available for purchase at Family Christian Stores or from Crown Video (1-800-661-9467).
“Reconciliation must begin in the house of the Lord,” Mr. May concluded. “We’re happy to have people such as A.C. Green stand with us in this effort.”
PRAYING FOR A.C.
GREEN—From left:
Joseph Tkach, Eric Shaw, Paul Sniffen,
Curtis May and Richard Parker.
[Photo by Thomas C. Hanson]
Copyright © Grace Communion International, 2003