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The Prophet’s Son trilogy shines a powerful light on the evil that fills the world. It shows how purposeful evil, which lives in the person of Satan, finds its expression in Man’s fallen nature. Yet it also shows how faith in the God who loves us can defeat the devil, who seeks Man’s destruction. It reinforces the hope that if anyone will turn from his sin and seek forgiveness from his loving God, He will save him, as He ultimately saved the story’s protagonist, Phinehas.

Phinehas was the son of a great (fictional) Jewish prophet named Eli, who lived in Jerusalem during the early days of the Persian Empire (in the 6^th century B.C.). Eli called the Jews to repent of their sin or be destroyed. Like all the prophets before, Eli was murdered, as was the rest of Phinehas’ family. As a result, the prophet’s son harbored hatred and bitterness in his heart. As the story starts, Phinehas meets a man named Judas, Satan’s servant, who hated Eli, and who eventually goads Phinehas into making some choices which have tragic consequences for him and his wife and daughter. Prophet’s Son also shows how Phinehas’ evil choices affect not only him and his family, but also his friends and acquaintances; even people unknown to him who live hundreds of miles away in the wilderness east of Jerusalem.

My book is also intended to be searing commentary on our society. In this post-modern, quasi-delusional culture of ours, all types of vile and demented behavior tend to be excused away: she murdered her children because she was abused as a child, for example. And whenever something bad happens, it is always someone or something else’s fault; we have therefore become a society of “professional” victims who can never take responsibility for what happens to us. With this in mind, Phinehas only finds redemption when he takes personal responsibility for the evil things he has done and the tragedy that resulted.

Prophet’s Son was written with a poetic touch. The language is highly descriptive and metaphorical. It is work of art (modest to be sure); but one that requires the reader to invest his mind and soul in it, as does all art. No one who’s been moved by a work of art simply lets it go; rather they reflect on it as it changes them in a fundamental way. The trilogy is not a quick read; but the serious reader will not mind that, because the book will speak to his or her soul. For example, several of my readers have said that the first book, Descent to Darkness, made them uncomfortable because as Phinehas was falling into a deep pit of darkness, it reminded them of times in their own lives when they too stared down into that darkness. But they also found hope and joy as Phinehas comes to terms with the evil he as done (Sojourn in the Desert), repents of it, and then is redeemed (Return to Grace); all by the work of our loving God in his life. One reader said that after she got over her initial discomfort, she literally could not put the book down. She told me that it was one of the most important books she had ever read. My prayer is that this will be the case for many others.

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, attended college at the University of California at San Diego, where I earned a liberal arts degree, concentrating in mathematics and the humanities. I have been studying biblical history for many years. I am especially devoted to studying the people and events of Old Testament times. I began writing the Prophet’s Son trilogy in 1996. It was published in 2005. I am currently working on two more books, one an anthology of short stories based on Biblical themes; the other based on Revelation 12, the rebellion of the angels. Both should be available in 2008.

You can find the Prophet’s Son trilogy on line at http://www.ProphetsSon.com and at all the major on-line book sellers. (Search keyword “Kenneth John Marks”.)

   Click Here to View An Interview with the Author

 ProphetsSon@att.net

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NLE Media Productions is proud to be associated with The World Arts Foundation, Inc’s annual tribute to the legacy, memory and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Last year we had the honor of shooting some of the footage for this event.  We have recently compiled footage shot by the video team from last year’s production in preparation for the 2008 event.  We have linked a 5 minute version as well as a 22 minute version at the bottom of ths blog entry.  We have been fortunate to work with Mr. Ken Berry and Mr. Michael “Chappie” Grice of The World Arts Foundaton, Inc in preparing these videos.  Some of the philosophy and motivation for this special event is included in the following excerpts:

“Keep Living the Dream; The American Dream of Freedom” is an educational, cultural arts, and historical event designed to serve and inspire local, state, and regional communities through community participation in the 6-hour live program. Our live audience, media broadcasts, and print media coverage ensure maximum exposure.

Emphasis is placed on:

1. Illuminating the contributions of Dr. King through the arts.

2. Coordinating an artistic vision into a community event.

3. Showcasing local and regional talent by featuring civic and community leaders, educators, dramatic vignettes and performance pieces, music, dance, and authentic cultural presentations.

4. Creating positive opportunities for children, families, and volunteers to engage and work together.

5. Building community cohesiveness and pride.

6. Distributing bone marrow and other health information and collecting blood for/by The American Red Cross.

7. Donating canned food to the local food bank.

8. Providing an opportunity for local civic and social organizations to display products and information to improve the quality of life for all community members.

“Keep Living the Dream” is now recognized as the largest tribute in the State of Oregon and has official designation from the National Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission.

See the video:  http://nlemedia.com/MLKT.wmv    (22 minute version) or, http://nlemedia.com/MLKTmini.mov

View Tech Rehearsal 12/08/07:  http://nlemedia.com/MLKTech.wmv

At NLE Media Productions we offer many services including the editing that was done in the videos shown on this blog. For more details on what we can do for your business or organization:

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Ryo Noda is a musician we met as a result of a long term friendship with his bride, Tomoko.  We first met Tomoko as an exchange student when she was 19 years old.  We watched her grow into a young woman and eventually become the wife of this very talented young man, Ryo. 

A resident of Brooklyn, we consider his music as being very accessible locally thanks in large part to the Internet.  Ryo is listed as one of the partners on our website, and we consider his talent as an asset to our company.  He has provided a short bio:

Ryo Noda was born in Japan. He came to NYC in 1988, and has been fascinated by NYC culture ever since. It was in NYC that he was introduced and heavily influenced by the varied forms of the musical world. From 1988 to 1992, Ryo Noda formed and paid his dues in a band, called “Real”- the music was like late 70’s disco. He played guitar in this band. At the same time, he worked in a couple of different bands as a guitarist and he joined countless lives. In 1993, he met the reggae group, “Symbol of Unity Band” and he became a member. He was deeply influenced by West Indies Music.Since 1994, Ryo has been producing music and attended two years of audio engineering and synthesizer classes to enhance his production skills at a NYC college.Ryo began studying Afro Cuban rhythm theory such as Mambo, Cha-Cha, and Rumba in 1998 and received instruction from percussionist, Montego Joe who was one of the original members of Baba Olatunji Group in the 60’s. It was the catalyst needed to make his musical sensibilities grow.From 1996, Ryo Noda has been concentrating on composing his own music and also collaborating on music with various artists and producers. In 2002, he co-wrote the biggest hit single, “Always on Time” for Ja Rule. That was one of his remarkable career achievements.

I have know Sunshine Dixon for a little more than a year and a half now.  If anyone was ever gifted with a name that fit their personality, it is Sunshine.  When she enters a room, the light comes on and regardless of what the day has been - it is new and fresh and bright.  An artist of many talents, she dedicates herself to the task at hand.

From her biography we learn the following:  Sunshine Dixon is a community visionary gifted to find new ways to live outside of the box. She continually uses her creativity to help others move towards their dreams. As an author, spoken word and visual artist this native Oregonian sees herself as a agent of change. She named and co-directs the Art of Change Gallery which is housed downtown in the United Way building at 619 SW 11th.

As a visual artist her powerful works represent the places where she lived, worked, and played: the South; northwestern cities, principally Portland and Seattle; and the Bahamas. Religious subjects, jazz clubs and women are overlapping themes in her work. Sunshine also makes forays into abstraction, with dance associations, and themes of motherhood.

NLE Media Productions hosts a webpage on our site dedicated to “The Art of Change Gallery“:  http://nlemedia.com/UnitedWay.htm

Here are some links to video we have of Sunshine & her work with United Way:  Sunshine  and Art of Change

We have more video of Sunshine and the Art of Change Gallery at:

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You can see other work we perform by going to:

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What does the face of “abuse” look like?  What does it feel like?  Who are the victims?  The abusers?  What are the cultural consequences of “abuse”?  These are the questions taken up by author, S. Renee Mitchell in her work, “Tangoing With Tornadoes”.

I first met Renee when she graciously volunteered to speak at our Small Business Forum (see September 5, 2006 blog entry).  Renee is a powerful speaker, educator, writer/author and small business entrepreneur.  What I find most compelling about her is her smile.  Not the perfunctory public persona - the smile I refer to is the private, engaging, vulnerable smile of one who has lived through pain and suffering.  The human smile.  The smile of encouragement and hope. 

Renee has taken lessons from her life and the community to write, direct and produce a play (Choreoplay) called, “Tangoing With Tornadoes”.  If you come from an abusive background, the play can be a gut wrenching reminder.  If you have never experienced abuse, then you will find yourself torn between a heart that says no, this does not happen, and a mind that knows all too well that it does.  Whatever your background, you can not leave a viewing of this production untouched.

This play is a community event, one that needs to be played over and over.  It tells multiple stories from various points of view.  There is humor, pathos, anger, deep sadness and HOPE.  What I hope is that this work will never stop playing.  What you may come away with is an understanding of what abuse does to the body and soul.  We have all kinds of medical solutions to deaden pain, but the trouble with the pain brought on by abuse - it never really goes away.  The after effects continue on in lonliness, isolation, broken relationships, self-destructive behaviours, an inibility to relate to others, and on.  All the pyscho-babble in the world can never heal these deep wounds. 

I have assembled 3 cuts from the play for you to view:  “TRUST“; “You Don’t Have To Hit Me” and “Jesus Loves Me“

 At NLE Media Productions we offer many services including the editing that was done in the videos shown on this blog. For more details on what we can do for your business or organization:

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You could see it in their eyes.  The music, the cars, the memories of a time when life seemed simpler, and in many ways, more vibrant.  Every now and then, the music and the crowd were drowned out by the roar of an engine being turned over and revved up.  It was magnificient - and many a pacemaker lunged forward with the gas pedal floored.

For my generation this was a return to our Mecca, our time and our music.  We remember the great places of our youth, “Yaw’s Top Notch”, “The Tick Tock” and “Scotty’s Burgers”.  All of this made possible by Mark Lindsay and his team of memory makers.  For those of you who don’t know who Mark Lindsay is, my regrets.  For those of you who do, what can I say? 

Monday, August 27th found Lindsay walking and talking and reminiscing with those of us who danced to the music and grew up on burgers and fries - the real thing.  Lindsay’s establishment touches on the moments that made us who we are.  The restuarant is alive with memories of the past, plus things for the present and future.  But there is more to Lindsay than just the showman, entrepreneur. 

In the showbiz world it is not too often that you find a celebrity genuinely interested and engaged with his public.  Lindsay impressed me as someone authentically involved with his community.  He didn’t have to meet and greet, much less allow photos.  His opening would have been a success even if he hadn’t shown up.  He strikes me as a generous person who knows the value of the people who made him famous. 

NLE Media Productions’ “Small Business Forum” is about entrepreneurs who engage the community.  We salute and applaud Mark Lindsay’s “Rock & Roll Cafe” and wish him every success.  And this also, “Thank You” - thank you for bringing these memories back home. 

Located at 42nd and Sandy Blvd.