CARLA BROWN: TEACHER (Continued from Page 3)
An “Unshackled” cast in performance at Pacific Garden Mission., Chicago.
WHEN THEIR MINDS ARE UNSHACKLED! For several years, Michael and Vikki have been ensemble cast members of the drama series, “Unshackled,” the longest running radio drama in history. “Unshackled” is a production of Pacific Garden Mission in downtown Chicago. The 30-minute program dramatizes true testimonies of individuals who gave their lives to Christ, many after seemingly devasting life circumstances: addictions, abuse, trafficking, suicide. Technological changes have allowed the “Unshackled” production team to expand how the program is recorded and distributed. Many classic radio programs are being reenvisioned as short YouTube videos to reach new generations and methods of communication. Nevertheless, the radio dramas — complete with live sound effects — continue to be produced each Saturday at the PGM, 1458 s. Canal Street, Chicago.
Michael & Vikki greet Flossie McNeil, recently retired “Unshackled” producer who hired them for the program in the early 90s.
The performances are free, open to the public, and can be packaged with a tour of the mission for a ministry or individual field trip. Tours begin at 3 PM, radio taping at 4:30. Michael is taping an “Unshackled” recording this month, Saturday, Oct. 13. An earlier program he recorded will air the week of December 9-15.
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Here are three ideas to acquaint yourself with this performance ministry:
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Take a look at what an “Unshackled” taping looks like here;
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Hear a radio sample, then view how that same story was adapted for video;
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Scan the “Unshackled” radio archives for an episode that might address an issue with which you or someone you know may be struggling;
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View the program guide to find when “Unshackled” is aired near you.
Well, as an adult and a Christian, I am fully aware and have a significant understanding of Halloween. I am not willing to allow Satan to use me as a tool to infiltrate the minds of any little person I interact with. However, there are so many demands on our elementary-aged children today: they have to analyze the main character in a story; they have to explain why 5 times 5 equals 25 in 3 different ways; they have to design science investigations about the relative density of several objects and justify their results, they have to plan, write, revise, edit, and publish an expository essay explaining who the most important person in their lives is and why. Can the kids just be kids for ONE DAY??? My answer...YES!!! So, Mrs. Brown’s class always receives a little goodie bag; complete with a fun “halloween” pencil, a few “halloween” stickers, and...SHHHHH...some FREE CANDY!!! We also learn using halloween-themed activities and HAVE FUN!!! My final thought, being a Christian mom and teacher does not demand that I eliminate EVERYTHING from my life; all those things that I enjoyed as a kid/teen and couldn’t wait to pass along to my children. What it does demand is that I am responsible with the approach, I educate the little ones around me on the history and the appropriate way we can enjoy the “good” parts without being submerged and controlled by the bad.
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