FRESNO — The 2008 California Mission Offering video “definitely takes a different approach than ever before” to missions in the Golden State, according to a Baptist communications leader.

To carry out the theme “Bright Hope for Dark Days” for this year’s offering, “we wanted to explore the dark days in which those who live around us find themselves,” said Daniel Rhoten, California Southern Baptist Convention media production specialist.

Rhoten, who wrote the script as well as directing and editing a short film promoting CMO, said it features four central characters, the dark days in which they live, and the bright hope ultimately found in Jesus.

Rhoten said the film is 17.5 minutes in length, but has been divided into four episodes for churches to use the four Sundays in September or whenever they choose to emphasize California missions. He noted each of the episodes “ends at a spot in the story leaving the viewer wondering what’s next. It’s kind of like a television series that leaves the viewer hanging.”

The motivation behind the video, according to Rhoten, “is to demonstrate to our churches the need for winning people to Jesus in California. Whether through Cooperative Program ministries or through the California Mission Offering our dollars support the evangelistic, missionary and ministry ventures in our state.

“We don’t encourage churches to support the prayer and offering emphasis just for the money, we want California Southern Baptists to have a heart for the lost in our state who don’t know Jesus. That’s the bottom line — reaching people for Jesus.”

Rhoten explained the short film episodes demonstrate the need to bring “bright hope” into the lives of people throughout California.

“We want the people in our churches to realize that California missions is about our neighbors who feel the pain of darkness without the bright hope that we as Christians enjoy. We want California Southern Baptists to truly develop a heart for those without Christ whom we have the opportunity to impact the most.”

The entire short film, the four episodes, a CMO music video, and two original songs written specifically for the film are on a DVD included in a missions resource packet sent to churches in July.

The video segments and music video also can be viewed at www.calmissions.com. Additionally, the site contains resources to help churches promote the season of prayer and the offering to members.

A poster, bulletin insert and prayer guide are available in English, Chinese, Korean and Spanish.

Several promotional materials — CMO Planning Guide, clipart, sermon outline and PowerPoint presentation, and learning sessions for preschoolers, children and adults — also are available only online.

The Website includes information concerning the date, theme and goal ($500,000) for CMO.

For more information visit www.calmissions.com or call 559-229-9533, ext. 225.