Faith, Film and the Power of Creative Ministry
By Neat Randriamialison
On Saturday, June 7, Riverview church in Reno, Nevada, hosted a special screening of For His Name’s Sake, a feature film by director Kevin Cameron. The event, sponsored by the Nevada-Utah Conference in collaboration with the Regional Ministries Department, brought together church members who were in town for this year’s Regional Convocation.
The film is an intense family drama that follows a young couple in a desperate struggle to save their newborn’s life. The father must confront his past and seek out his own estranged father, the only person who might be able to help. Inspired by Psalm 23:3, For His Name’s Sake explores themes of faith, courage, and the power of reconciliation.
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3, KJV).
The story goes beyond surface drama. It reflects the emotional reality of healing from family trauma, navigating broken relationships, and rediscovering faith in God. Drawing inspiration from films like John Q and The Shack, the director aimed to portray raw human vulnerability without sensationalism. Just real people, deep emotion, and redemptive hope.
“We want to tell stories that reflect the life of the average person,” Kevin said. “Stories that speak to faith, family, and the resilience of the human spirit.”
During the Q&A after the screening, Kevin described one of the production’s biggest challenges. During a key shoot in a motel, the team was suddenly asked to leave with just one hour to wrap up.
“We had to beg for that extra hour,” Kevin recalled. “I told Romaine, our lead actor, ‘You’ve got to shoot this scene by yourself.’ Then I ran to the car, called motels, and tried to book a new location. That scene was actually filmed across two different motels. But that’s the power of filmmaking.”
Despite obstacles, the film was completed with excellence. More importantly, it was created with purpose and mission in mind.
Kevin also shared a glimpse into his next project, centered on generational differences around mental health, specifically anxiety and depression. The goal is to bridge understanding between parents and their children in today’s emotionally complex world.
“God gave me this story,” he said. “Young people are dealing with real anxiety, and sometimes their parents don’t understand why. This film is about listening, healing, and creating space for empathy.”
Creative storytelling like For His Name’s Sake is not a side ministry. It’s a powerful, yet less talked about, way to connect, convict, and call people to Christ. This film and others like it point to the vital role creatives play in building the kingdom. It reminds us that the gospel belongs not only in pulpits but in every medium God has gifted us to use, especially the ones that meet people where they are.
Serving, Worshiping, Growing: Students Step Into Mission in Kayenta
By Heidi Jorgenson
Above: Nancy Crosby, the Nevada-Utah Conference Native American Ministry director, leads the missionary students in collecting trash as part of the community clean-up project in Kayenta, AZ.
Ten students from grades 7 and 8, along with their chaperones, spent several days serving at the Navajo Mission in Kayenta, Arizona, an experience that combined hands-on ministry, community impact, and spiritual growth.
Students from Vegas Valley Adventist Academy and Riverview Christian Academy worked side by side on service projects that supported the mission’s ongoing work. Their tasks included spreading mulch, preparing soil for blueberry planting, repainting signs, and participating in campus cleanup.
“It felt good to work hard and know it was helping someone else,” said Ruben, a student.
The group also led out in Friday night vespers and Sabbath morning worship, engaging the local church through music, prayer, and personal testimonies.
In between projects, the group explored the beauty of the surrounding area, connecting with God’s creation and each other.
From worship to work, this trip gave students a chance to live out their faith and experience the joy of service in a new setting, proving once again that mission is for anyone willing to go, grow, and give.
