Monday, December 01, 2008

last updated: February 09, 2008 04:00:50 AM

The creators of the wildly popular "Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames" have written a new drama.

"Last Chance" will be staged at Calvary Temple Worship Center at 7 p.m. Feb.10-12 and Feb. 17-20. Doors will open at 6 p.m. each night.

The show by Reality Outreach, based in Niagara Falls, N.Y., tells the story of one family that encounters God. Its choices and words determine whether the family will spend eternity in heaven or hell, said Debbie Johnson, Calvary's women's ministry and events director.

"The 1995 showing (of 'Heaven's Gates') had a huge impact on the community. We are expecting something even greater with 'Last Chance,' " she said.

The "Heaven's Gates" production was extended to 28 performances over seven weekends that first year, when it was seen by more than 80,000 people. According to news reports, more than 20,000 people responded to the nightly altar calls.

While "Heaven's Gates" was well-scripted, "Last Chance" is meant to capture more of an improv feeling.

"We cast one day; we rehearse the second day; we go live the next day. That's part of the dynamics," Johnson said.

One caution: "Heaven's Gates" had scenes about demons and hell that were scary for youngsters. Johnson said "Last Chance" also could be inappropriate for children younger than sixth grade. Child care is provided for children through age 4.

The event is free; an offering will be taken. The church is at 1601 coffee Road. Call 529-7346 for more information.

Adultery ministry on Focus broadcast

Denair residents Gary and Mona Shriver, co-founders of Hope & Healing, a ministry to couples who have experienced adultery, will be featured on James Dobson's "Focus on the Family" radio show Feb. 12-13. The show is titled "Hope for Your Marriage After Infidelity."

The couple, who also wrote "Unfaithful: Rebuilding Trust After Infidelity," will talk about their own experiences, the process of healing and their ministry. The show was recorded at Focus' headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., late last year.

The broadcasts can be heard at noon and 8:30 p.m. on KAMB 101.5 FM and at 7 a.m. and 4:30 and 10 p.m. on KCIV 99.9 FM, as well as online at www.family.org.

Focus also will hold a live interactive Web forum on those two days at www.family.org/ marriageforum. The Shrivers and Focus staff members will answer questions posted each day.

For past stories on the Shrivers and Hope & Healing, click the links with this story at www.modbee.com/life/faithvalues.

New pastor at Emanuel Lutheran

The Rev. Jo Ann Neal began her work at Modesto's Emanuel Lutheran Church on Monday. She succeeds the Rev. Paul Bodin, who left about two years ago to accept a call closer to his parents in Washington.

Neal was ordained in 1998 and has served at Berea Lutheran in Hilmar and Mount Calvary Lutheran in Mi-Wuk Village. She earned her master of divinity degree from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.

The native Modestan has a husband, Tim, three adult children and two grandchildren.

The church, at 324 College Ave., holds Sunday worship services at 8:20 and 11 a.m. A midweek Lenten service is held Wednesday at 7 p.m. For more information, call 523-4531 or visit http://emanuellutheran.org.

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