Synopsis "Raising Jesus: The Story of the Maranatha House"
Raising Jesus chronicles the events surrounding one of the most recognizable campus Christian ministries of the late 20th century. This historical narrative, by the author of Miracle at Exit Number 3, reveals informative, hard fast facts, and brings to life the details of what one observer described as the "hardest core" campus ministry of this generation. In a time of cultural upheaval, the evangelical ministry would emphasize purity and holiness for its participants as well as a one hundred percent commitment to Jesus Christ. The ministry would receive acclaim for its innovative training programs, intense and heartfelt worship services, and the quality of character of its members. A long list of distinguished and diverse Christian teachers and musicians would highlight meetings and international conferences. Maranatha would forge its own path through the challenging and often brutal scene of major university campus ministry. The organization would grow rapidly throughout the country, and the large international ministry would expand its reach around the globe. Its ultimate fate would depend partly on whether the leadership of the ministry could keep from becoming that which they had so fiercely opposed. The student participants would learn to minister boldly and to speak the truth with the love of Christ as they "Raise Jesus" on campus and in cities large and small. Jesus said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." John 12:32 (KJV). "Maranatha Christian Center represents one of the most dynamic young ministries in mid-America today. Under the leadership of the Spirit, Bob Weiner has put together an extremely effective discipleship training program. The young people he has discipled are, in turn, discipling others in true New Testament fashion. From these roots, strong Christian centers of worship and outreach on University campuses are continuously expanding." Dr. Charles Farah, Jr., Ph.D. and Professor of Theological and Historical Studies at Oral Roberts University God's not Dead: Evidence for God in an Age of Uncertainty is a book authored by Rice Broocks, who joined Maranatha while a student at Mississippi State University. He would rise through the ranks and become one of the prominent young evangelists for the organization. The hit movie, "God's Not Dead", used a story in his book in research for the movie. Quite a few other prominent men and women emerged from the organization. The young student leaders of the Maranatha House would, in due course, receive an invitation to the White House. They assured President and Mrs. Reagan that all over America, men and women in Maranatha Campus Ministries were standing with him and praying for him as he worked to see America once again become "one nation under God." The President and Mrs. Reagan received this news with ready ears and were delighted to hear that there were young people who were behind them with action. Adversity would eventually challenge the organization with concerns about tactics at some locations. Accusations of heavy handed practices by some of its young leaders would test loyalties. The ministry would confront persistent questions about its policies on dating and the shepherding model utilized for its young members. Discussions regarding much needed changes to governance and organizational structure would further stress relationships. How the leadership responded to the adversity would help to determine the future of the organization. This compelling story demonstrates what can happen when men and women are totally dedicated to Jesus and to preaching the Gospel to all the world.
