Behind the scenes at mission-net

On New Years eve I was delighted to get an invitation from Phil Burt at OmiVision to get a look back stage. Going behind the large black curtain it took a while for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. Then I could see the 12 translator cubicles and the large lorry that is used for the video editing.

After a few minutes of explanation, he asked, "Are you ready to go inside?" Such was my excitement, I felt like an astronaut about to enter the space shuttle. Inside Ian Curry was sitting at the flight controls and editing a live feed coming from six cameras (4 stationary, 1 handheld on the stage and a boom) which went out unto the large screens above the stage. The atmosphere in the air conditioned lorry was one of concentration and discipline but also extremely relaxed. It was clear they were all enjoying themselves – using their God given gifts in this unique ministry. I was impressed with the way Ian communicated by headset with his camera men. Telling them in advance that their camera was going live any second and what angle he wanted. "here we go guys... now feel the music", "6 - get me some drums", "2 – go wide, then push unto lead singers face.. push, push, push", "it's too dark.. tell the guys we need some light - I can't get any shots of the crowd". He was always one or two steps ahead and even would drop in the occasional piece of English humour. Behind Ian were two women who were ensuring that the right song lyrics and graphics were coming onto the screen at the right time. In the next room, two technicians adjusted the picture quality.  
This OM team does an excellent and very professional job and they are evidence once again that you don't need to be a preacher to use your gifts for God. (Incidentally Phil provided the technical services for the interpreters at our last CEF European Conference and we hope to have him again at our next event in 2013.)
Here is an example of their work on another evening when the "World News Band" were leading a time of worship: