Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Macromedia's Flash Player. Click here to get the latest flash player.
Reciting the Oracle's Interests
General
Click to read the Verse of the Day
My interests include: This ministry; others that wax and wane depending on what kind of time I have on my hands.
Music
John Denver--Simply the best singer/songwriter I've ever heard: lyrics, instrumentation, his voice, style, you name it . . . his songs couldn't have been better written, mixed, or performed.
I have an interest in the plainsong psalters.
Movies
Finding Nemo: contains the best theological proclamation of the human heart outside the Bible. Just listen to the seagulls' one-word vocabulary.
Television
Much prefer radio any day.
Books
Christian works from various historical traditions; Mark Twain; The Chronicles of Narnia; some western and eastern philosophy. I enjoy reading books and viewing movies regarding slavery and postslavery periods in the U.S.; works by F. Douglass, B. T. Washington, Du Bois, Haley; movies like "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman"; and also quasi slavery conditions and the appropriate means of fighting them, such as in the storie of Ghandi, and in books such as those by Ben Carson, and in the authors afore mentioned.
Heroes
No valid heroes can exist. And Jesus ain't hero--He's Lord.
About me: Promotional Highlights .. Add to My Profile | More Videos
SEE MY BLOGS FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON PAST & UPCOMING RECITALS; TESTIMONIALS; DONATION INFORMATION; TRANSLATION USED; AND ANY CURRENT PRESS RELEASES.
Greetings, and welcome to Reciting the Oracle. It is my pleasure to share with you how this ministry began, is still evolving, and will continue to grow, the gracious Lord willing. More information on me and my ministry may be found in the blog section of this site.
"If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."--1 Peter 4:11.
In the autumn of 1975 or 1976, in the early spring of my Christian life, my sister challenged me to a friendly contest—memorize the epistle of 1 John. I don't know if she finished, but I met the challenge. This was an invigorating accomplishment which spurred me on to more memorization at the book level. I next set my sites on
2 Peter, then James. Over the years, I've memorized six additional books beyond these and major portions of several others which I did not complete. I have long forgotten them, but a couple I've rememorized from time to time (James and 1 John).
In 2004, my wife and I met for dinner with our good friend, Earl Ridgell (Cherub Ministries). It came to light that I had previously memorized the epistle of James. Earl discerned that this ability could obviously be developed into a ministry of dramatic recital of the Scriptures. After some discussion and planning, I made my first presentation of James in January, 2005, simultaneous with Earl providing a performance painting. This occurred at a Sr. High winter retreat at West River United Methodist Campground near Annapolis, MD. It was an immersion learning experience generating both positive and corrective criticism.
It was not until late 2006 that I decided to jump start this ministry with determination. The epistle of James was again debuted in March, 2007, at Washington Bible College for Earl's speech class students. The recital was dynamic and was followed by discussion regarding the logistics of memorization and dramatically presenting a memorized text. Some devotional thoughts from the book were also discussed. I personally found that the venue of a dramatic oral presentation introduced new and wonderful ministerial dynamics that do not readily occur in the reading and study methods.
Currently, the epistles of James and 1 John are available for dramatic recital in essentially any adult or high school-age venue (church, retreat, classroom, home, camp, etc.). Also, the storytelling genre has begun subsequently with Jonah and Job 1&2. Costumes range from that of a disciple, to a Franciscan tunic, to modern casual dress, or a suit.
In many of the discussions between Earl and me, I've come to understand how important the genre of storytelling is. Through Earl's thoughts on the topic, and the proven importance the practice of storytelling has always held in all human history and cultures, I've come to the conviction that storytelling should be as essential to the outreach of Reciting the Oracle as is the teaching ministry of the epistles. The book of Jonah and Job 1, 2 are now available.
In October, 2009, specifically Reformation Day (the 31st), I hope to debut a condensed recital of Romans 1 - 8 as an explicit Gospel presentation.
I hope you have an intrigue regarding this ministry and give it consideration for whatever ministry venue you direct. You can e-mail me for more information at recitingtheoracle@hotmail.com, and view the blogs on this site. It will be my pleasure to talk with you about this exciting ministry. And one thought more: At least 10% of requested offerings is donated to another Christian ministry. God bless!
Who I'd like to meet: Someone human, beyond the fact of it being their species.
