Indiana—A true American war hero passed to his rest on Mar. 23, 2006. Desmond Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist conscientious objector/Army medic during World War II, was persecuted for his convictions. Some of the very soldiers who ridiculed Desmond later saw him awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military honor the United States bestows, for his extraordinary battlefield courage.
On the very day Desmond died, filmmaker Terry Benedict accepted the Bridge Award for sharing the Adventist church's message of hope. He was recognized for "The Conscientious Objector," a documentary which tells Desmond's amazing story, portrays his beliefs about not using a gun or killing because of the sixth commandment, and beautifully showcases the seventh-day Sabbath.
Because of the compelling look the film takes on Desmond's conviction, integrity, and respect for human life, the Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis Peace House, and several church groups of various denominations brought Benedict and the documentary to Indianapolis for a public screening. Seventh-day Adventist churches were invited to participate. I was asked to attend and encouraged to bring materials from my church—Desmond's church—to distribute.
Former Indiana first lady, Judy O'Bannon, opened the evening by stating we were in for a treat! She passionately introduced Benedict, shared his Seventh-day Adventist heritage, emphasized his family's priorities were not in awards or material things, and explained that they didn't even own a TV until he was ten.
"I felt like it was an honor to serve God and Country," Desmond said in 1998. As I mingled with the nearly 300 attendees in Indianapolis, I felt honored to serve my God and my church as I distributed materials and answered questions. This special screening was a wonderful witnessing opportunity handed to us on a "silver platter." During the question and answer session with Benedict, I felt proud to be an Adventist as many expressed admiration of the manner in which Desmond portrayed his faith in the face of intolerance.
When accepting the Bridge Award, Benedict said, "Making this documentary was not just about reporting facts, it is about getting to the heart of the matter, touching and influencing people with our message. Evangelism is not just about preaching from a podium in a sanctuary. It is about going out and reaching people, which this story gave me an opportunity to do."
I thrilled as many non-Adventists purchased "The Conscientious Objector" DVDs! Afterward, I reflected on some thoughts by Ellen White about new methods of spreading the truth springing forth before the Second Coming of Jesus. She said there are many who have never had an opportunity to hear the special truths. The obligation of the fourth commandment has never been set before them in its true light, and ways would be devised to reach their hearts. She also said some methods used would be different from those used in the past. I truly believe Benedict's film partially fulfills this prophecy.
Desmond was a very humble man who was not proud of himself for what he did. He was proud God used him to save so many lives. I witnessed how the film of his life is touching many from all walks of humanity, and I am thankful God was able to use me that evening, too. Even though my part was small, seeds of truth were sown.
Judith Yeoman, Indiana Conference correspondent
