Last year, I was an extra for the movie ‘Whip It’, directed by Drew Barrymore. It was filmed in parts of Michigan, and I had applied for an extra role when I first heard about the opportunity. At the time, I was working two full time jobs. You might be wondering, why I chose to take on another job.

This is where the real story begins.

About ten years ago, while I was working at a public library, I had someone tell me I looked a bit like Ms. Barrymore. This was a flattering comment and from then on, I started noticing her more. She is a person, with a soul that has a final destination. I became very burdened for her and started praying that God would bring people into her life to tell her about Him. So, when the movie came to town. I felt like it was a miracle, that God had brought her thousands of miles, so that I might meet her.

A friend of mine gave me a book to share with Ms. Barrymore. It is the entire book of Ecclesiastes, with a foreword and simple gospel message written by an older famous actor who is a Christian. It was perfect. God had used Ecclesiastes greatly in my life in the past year. My friend only had one copy left, and he gave it to me.I made friends with an older guy, Chris, in line who had been there the day before. Chris had been there a few other days and showed me the ropes. He even helped me move my car to a lot that was closer.

During the day, I was in some shots with Juliette Lewis, and Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development). I was several feet from Ellen Page during her Roller Derby scene (she did her own skating!). Did I mention Jimmy Fallon said ‘Hi’ to me?

Not only that, but during filming, in between breaks, I was able to talk to a deaf man, who my sister knew years ago. I got to talk to him about his purpose in life. What he thought about eternity. God had brought me to that set for a reason.

I had the book with me all day, and had written a short note in the flyleaf for Drew. But she is not only directing the movie, she’s acting in it, and doing her own stunts! She was on roller-skates, behind the camera, running off and on set. There was no way I could talk to her. At one point I was standing next to the staging and I noticed a box with her name on it filled with wardrobe, and I thought I could just flip it in there. But did God bring me all the way here to just slip something in a box secretively? The Holy Spirit seemed to say “I didn’t bring her all the way down here so you could throw this book in a box she might never see. Have more faith.” So, I held on to the book, and for the rest of the day I regretted it. But I was under contract to not approach her. We were extras, movable backgrounds.

Then at 7pm, six hours before we were supposed to be finished filming, the lights went out. The entire building was black. We were all ushered out of the set area and into the ‘extra holding’ area. At this time I am thinking, “We are going to be sent home”. Thirty minutes later, that’s just what happened.

We were told the power had shut down, but only in the block of buildings we were in. This struck me as odd, and I started to doubt God. My time had been cut short. I was being sent home, having not met Drew.

I was among the first to be released. As I was walking down the hallway to my car, I am thinking, “Wow, its over. There is no way I can meet her. I am only scheduled this one day. And I have only 30 seconds left on the lot. What now, God?” Just as the thought left my mind, I saw Drew, standing talking to a family about their dog being in the movie. As I neared the group, Drew was finishing the conversation. It was now, or never.

I called out her name and she turned at me with a big smile on her face. I simply told her that I wanted her to have this book that meant a great deal to me and I hoped that she would read it. It was a mere two sentences. Drew was extremely gracious and so appreciative. She took the book and said she appreciated all our hard work on the set and said she would read it.

God loves the individual. He is an amazing miracle worker. I am in awe and disbelief at all he did to arrange this happening. Just to answer my prayer and to put the gospel into one more persons hand. Drew Barrymore is a real person. She has a soul and final destination, a place her soul will spend an eternity. Please pray for her.

**end note** The movie does contain swear words. However, it has a strong message to communicate with your parents; to stand up for yourself; to be your own hero. Let me know what you think of ‘Whip it’

Objects Needed:
a mini fridge with a light if you have one, a picture of one or a cardboard one will work

Summary:
This object lesson helps teach the importance of our example and of “opening our doors” so that others can see the light of the gospel in us and will be drawn to us. Good attention getter for missionary lesson.

Set Up
Display your refrigerator with the door closed.

What you could say:
Please listen as I describe some of the characteristics of my refrigerator. Inside my fridge I keep the foods I like most of all – fresh vegetables, cheesecakes, oranges, bacon, milk, orange juice, cheese, steaks. The refrigerator keeps everything inside of it fresh. It preserves it. I never put anything in the fridge that I don’t want to preserve. In other words, everything inside my fridge has some value. But when the door is closed, nothing that is inside can be shared with others. The door must be opened in order to share the good food that is inside.

When I open my refrigerator door, what happens? – the light comes on! I especially find that light useful if it’s the middle of the night and I’m hungry for some ice cream or some ice cold water. The light shows me the way to the sustenance I need.

How is my fridge like the gospel?

• It contains a thing of value
• The things inside are useless unless I open the door (my mouth/life)
• The light comes on in darkness showing me the way to what I need
• Opening the door gives me access to the nourishment found inside

What are some ways I can open my refrigerator door, or share the gospel?

• Visiting others
• Being friendly or kind
• By Example – Where? Everywhere: home, school, work, tax commission, school board meeting, DMV, church, bishops office, neighborhood, everywhere
• Go on a missions trip (short or long term)
• Ask the missionaries for ideas