Evangelist Brings Ministry to Media Circus at MJ's Trial
by Allie Martin and Jenni Parker
February 1, 2005
(AgapePress) - Members of the press covering the Michael Jackson trial are getting an opportunity to encounter the gospel, as presented by California author-evangelist Ray Comfort. The minister plans to be in the midst of the media-feeding frenzy, serving up spiritual food for thought throughout. Hundreds of international media representatives converged in Santa Maria (Calif.) Monday on the Santa Barbara County Courthouse as jury selection began in the trial of pop music recording artist Michael Jackson on child molestation charges. Ray Comfort of Living Waters Ministries (LWM) was also on hand along with volunteers to give out to the media copies of his book, What Hollywood Believes: an Intimate Look at the Faith of the Famous (National Book Network, 2004).
Comfort says interest in spiritual matters is at an all time high right now. "Just recently on a lot of the major networks -- Fox News, CBS, ABC, CNN -- they've been talking about God and especially -- after the tsunami -- why would God allow such a thing," the ministry president says. "I've even interviewed a lot of different spiritual leaders just for their thoughts on why the tsunami happened."
The Christian author says the Southeast Asian tsunami, like the war on terror and other natural and man-made disasters in recent years, has contributed to "a real climate for spirituality in the air." He contends this climate presents believers with a God-given opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, "and we need to take advantage of it."
The book LWM is handing out to the media at the courthouse features the spiritual beliefs of more than 100 celebrities, including Michael Jackson. What Hollywood Believes also describes the biblical plan of salvation through Christ alone.
After 9/11 many people, including many celebrities, began to rethink their life's philosophies, Comfort says, adding that this "seems to have opened up a door of spirituality." He and his ministry staff are "very excited that a book like this contains so much truth," he says, because it is "more than just froth and bubble" and addresses questions that many people have.
Reportedly a multitude of around 1,000 journalists has invaded the small central California town of Santa Maria in hopes of catching any possible glimpse or sound bite from the beleaguered celebrity on trial there. Through LWM's presence and his book, Comfort hopes to capture some of that media attention and refocus it on spiritual matters of eternal significance.
