Description

News time on the Jordan TV network as reports of Gideon’s army and some strange recruitment practices baffle observers.
Newsdesk anchor Deborah is skeptical about reports, but is confident in one fact: the happenings have nothing to do with God, since network executives disavow anything regarding God. And in the process all get a lesson on relying on God.

Cast: 8 m or f

• Deborah – reporter
• Jeremiah
• Ruth – weather
• Makir – sports reporter
• Announcer (off stage)
• Director
• Cameramen
• Makeup Person

Bible Reference: Judges 7

Set:

• meant to be a newsroom with desk, reporters, cameras, lights, can be as simple as posters

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song: none

Lighting: standard

SFX: none

Props: none

Costumes: standard

Special Instructions: none

Time: 12

Sample of script:

Makeup person attending to Jeremiah behind desk. Director is giving final instructions.

Deborah: It is me and not Jeremiah who will look good! Don’t forget who signs your paycheck! And Jeremiah, you stick to the script, do you read me? No editing or editorializing!

Jeremiah: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of Jordan. Welcome to the Channel 27 evening news report. I’m Jeremiah and here with me is my boss and co-anchor. . . .Deborah.

Deborah: Good to be with you again this evening, welcome to all our viewers. This is Deborah and today we have been covering some news stories which we think you will want to be brought up to date on. Remember that if it’s Jordan TV Network happening in the Jordan, it’s reported first here on Action News, Channel 27.

Jeremiah: Good having you back with us Deborah after your foreign assignment in Egypt. I caught your Documentary here on Channel 27 last night. Good stuff, Deborah, well done! Of course, as always, with us in the studio tonight, our sports specialist, Makir. I expect that things are slow on the sports front tonight, Makir.

Makir: True, Jeremiah. The hostilities in the region have taken their toll on the sports scene. However we do have a number of events still going on and we will be bringing the good folks at home up to date, right after the news.

Jeremiah: Back with us, our gal with the weather, Ruth. What about all this rain, Ruth, when do we get a break?

Ruth: Looks like something better just around the corner, Jeremiah.

Jeremiah: All this and more, when we return, right after this.

Announcer: Tomorrow’s the day, ladies, the day all Jordan has been waiting for! Gort’s Discount Market is closed today, marking down the prices on a wide selection of furniture, appliances and housewares. We suggest that you be in line for 9 a.m. tomorrow morning when Gort’s open the doors on the greatest sale in the 64 year history of Gort’s Discount Market. Remember, Gort’s buys best, and they pass the savings on to you!

Deborah: The undeclared war in the valley near the hill of Moreh took a strange twist last night. Jeremiah, you were at the scene earlier today, tell us what you learned.

Jeremiah: Strange twist, indeed, Deborah. Earlier today we interviewed Purah, servant of Jerub-Baal. Purah related to us that Jerub-Baal, who also goes by the name of Gideon, was dissatisfied with the size of his army.

Deborah: I can understand Gideon’s feelings. Informed sources indicate that Gideon’s army numbers less than 35,000 men. It is up against a Midianite army estimated by some to be 10 to 30 times this number.

Jeremiah: That’s just the point, Deborah. Purah told us that Gideon believes that his 32,000 man army is too large.

Deborah, laughs: Too large, Jeremiah?

Jeremiah: That’s right Deborah! Apparently Gideon has confidence that a much smaller army is all that he requires to crush the huge, well armed Midianite contingent!

Deborah: Just exactly who is the tactical advisor to Gideon, and, if I may ask, when will this advisor be replaced?

Jeremiah: Well, the information given to us by Purah is that Gideon’s instruction has come from, well from, his, his God, if you will believe it Deborah!

Deborah, laughs, looks around sheepishly: God! You have got to be kidding! And exactly what size of a special tactical squad does Gideon plan to utilize in this, this suicide mission?

Jeremiah: Well, actually Gideon announced to his army yesterday that all those who
were fearful about the upcoming battle with the Midianites were free to go home.

Deborah: Fearful? I would hope that every man in his right mind would be fearful, going up against an army for whom victory is virtually assured!

Jeremiah: Well, I was rather surprised to hear that only approximately 22,000 men left for home.

Deborah: You mean 10,000 men chose to lose their lives in a war which can not be won?

Jeremiah: Actually, Deborah, the story doesn’t end there. Gideon was told by his, his God, that he still had too many men in his army.

Deborah: Now, Jeremiah, surely you are putting us on. This is not April 1st, what are you trying to do to us.

Jeremiah: Believe me, this is exactly as the story was related to me! God apparently told Gideon that he should reduce the numbers very substantially!

Deborah: OK, last time those who would be a part of the army were chosen by selecting those who were too foolish to leave! What method was used this time?

Jeremiah: Well, it gets a little more difficult to believe from this point on, Deborah?

Deborah: More difficult? As if it hasn’t been up to now? Go ahead, Jeremiah, I can’t wait!