The room was filled with hundreds of people. Some tall and some short. Some male and some female. Some timid and some out going. This large group of people had little in common; however they all had the same goal in mind. They all wanted to act and were trying their best to get their next, or their first, part. Among the hopefuls, a young man named Noah was doing his best to get the acting job. His goal was two-fold. He wanted to get the job and he wanted to share his faith.

Noah played T-ball as a child. When the season ended he was looking for something to fill his time and asked his dad if he could audition for a musical at his church. After receiving permission, Noah auditioned for a role and got a main part. He loved acting and decided to continue pursuing parts in other productions. He did theater for a while and then hired an agent. One of his first acting jobs was in a movie called Road to Redemption. Noah is now 17 and believes God has put a calling on his life to act and share his faith in Hollywood.

Affirming His Faith

Noah grew up in a Christian home, went to church, and loved the Lord. At the age of 13 Noah became concerned that he did not have a very deep understanding of his beliefs. He thought he needed to "regroup" and reevaluate his faith. He studied other religions, including his own. Throughout this time Noah grew even closer to the Lord and developed a clearer understanding of the Christian faith.

Noah faces many challenges as a Christian in Hollywood. Many members of his family discouraged him and his parents from getting involved in the dark world of acting in Hollywood. However, Noah wants to follow Jesus' example of spending time with sinners and sharing the light of his love. While he knows he is among the minority in Hollywood because of his strong faith, Noah continues to be steadfast in his example and his witness.

At the age of 10 Noah was offered a part that would have brought him great financial rewards and advancement opportunities. He was offered a role on the hit series, "That '70s Show." Being a part of that show could have catapulted his career. When Noah received the script, his heart sank as he read about a character that delighted in smoking pot and performing lewd acts. In his heart Noah knew he could not take the part and be a good witness. He rejected the part. Many agencies stopped calling him.

Sharing His Faith

Noah forged ahead, however, and landed some solid roles in film and television. He has relished the opportunity to share his faith by example, regardless of the circumstances. While filming the motion picture "Holes," Noah had opportunity to share his faith by example in opposition to his peers' partying lifestyle. While Noah wanted to fit in, he also stated his opinion and would not participate in anything that did not glorify God. These actions caught his co-workers off-guard, yet it was clear that they were paying attention. On one occasion one of Noah's peers asked him to debate his tutor who was a devout Buddhist. Even though Noah was nervous at the prospect, he trusted in the Lord and accepted the challenge. To the surprise of both his peers and the tutor, Noah held his own and convincingly shared his faith. At the end of the debate the peer who had requested his participation acknowledged that Noah had won the debate.

Acting is a tough business, yet Noah is convinced God has called him to it so he can share his faith. "God knows the desires of my heart and I know I am in a great mission field." Actors face a lot of rejection when auditioning. One can go to hundreds of auditions and not land a single role. Noah knows that his identity is in Christ and not in the acceptance or rejection of casting agents.

One important lesson Noah has learned in life is to preach with his actions first, then with his words if necessary. While on the set he has had to say "No" to watching films and participating in activities that are not consistent with his faith. Noah tries with his whole heart to please God and looks to his dad for guidance and encouragement.

Gazing up at the Hollywood sign, one can see a light shining in the midst of darkness. The world of Hollywood is filled with darkness and despair. Noah's goal is to be bright light shining in a world that needs the love of God. Noah is committed to meet that need-as an actor and as a Christian.

Susanne Dacus graduated from Pacific Christian College with a degree in Christian Education. She and her husband Brad work with Pacific Justice Institute in Citrus Heights, California. Brad and Susanne reside in Sacramento, California with their two children.

OTHER COLUMNS:
June 15, 2008 - A time saver who knows the soul saver
May 18, 2008 - Working by faith 24/7
April 20, 2008 - Motown, music, and ministry
March 23, 2008 - Be One Sportswear
February 24, 2008 - Fighting for the faith
January 27, 2008 - Healing for the Healer
December 30, 2007 - Parenting faithfully
December 2, 2007 - Building physical and spiritual strength
November 4, 2007 - Taking Christ into the classroom
October 7, 2007 - Changing lives through music
August 12, 2007 - Strategies for business and life
June 17, 2007 - Finding fulfilling work
May 20, 2007 - Faithful to his calling
April 22, 2007 - An unstoppable witness
March 25, 2007 - The perfect plan
February 25, 2007 - Teaching with faith
January 28, 2007 - Changing a community—one event at a time
December 24, 2006 - Business by the book
November 26, 2006 - Growing through life’s storms
October 29, 2006 - Giving God his best