Zerubbabel Focus: Zerubbabel Tape Ministry
by Pat Mace

Me? Run a tape ministry? You’ve got to be kidding! I’m not the least bit interested. That was my attitude back in 1988 when I was approached about taking over the responsibility for the Zerubbabel Tape Ministry. But interestingly enough, at the same time, I was reading a book by Norman Grubb about the life of the missionary Edith Moines, who questioned her specific call to the lepers. Her attitude did not change until she told the Lord that she was willing to do what He wanted from her. So, you can guess the next part. God used that example to change my heart about the tape ministry. And here we are, 11 years later, and I wouldn’t change a thing about my involvement.

Actually, the forerunner to the Zerubbabel Tape Ministry started back in the seventies with Laurie Hills having the foresight to tape Norman Grubb. He grumbled (didn’t like the fanfare!), she persisted and followed him around from city to city and house to house with a tape recorder. Today we are extremely grateful for her tenacity.

By the time the Zerubbabel Tape Ministry formally began, we had a background and pattern to follow. We learned the mechanics of how to make it all work. There was equipment to buy and learn how to use (many times by trial and error), conferences to attend, and speakers to tape. Of course, back then there was no central place to head-quarter our equipment; we each lived in different areas of the country. The tape equipment was housed in closets in my home, and I duplicated tapes on the dining room table. Now we are grateful to be in a central location here in Blowing Rock with the books, tapes, taping equipment, and computers in one office.

Over time, we’ve adjusted to fit the tape ministry’s changing needs. Earlier conferences were more formal with teaching sessions and special speakers, and some of the tapes reflect this. At many of our conferences in recent years, the teaching is geared more toward personal help in applying the truths to daily living.

A highlight for us every summer is the Zerubbabel Summer Camp, and many of the tapes we have listed in The Intercessor are teaching sessions and testimonies recorded in Blowing Rock during various camps. This past summer we taped Page Prewitt on several occasions. This month’s "Tape Talk" reviews these sessions and the tapes are edited and ready to order.

We’ve seen a huge change in the youth program at summer camp and have purchased additional taping equipment for the recording of their sessions. The excellent teaching and workshops that the youth enjoy will soon be available to everyone. This exciting addition to our offerings will carry the hallmark of the Zerubbabel youth ministry-"by youth for youth"-as they assume full responsibility for taping their sessions.

Of course, the main vehicle of the Zerubbabel Tape Ministry’s outreach is The Intercessor magazine. It is such a joy to receive a note from those who write to say how much a tape has meant to them. Occasionally this correspondence even becomes a channel of blessing for a larger audience, as did Laura Hawley’s letter to Page Prewitt and Page’s response which became an article, ‘The Christ Life…In Everyday Living," in the Fall, 1998 issue.

Overall, our main objective has not changed: how can we best present the truth of our Colossians 1:28 calling? This is the challange we received from Norman as he labored tirelessly to make the truth known. I am grateful for the legacy that we received in the form of his messages on tape, expressed both in his own words and through others who continue this legacy.