THOUSAND OAKS : Televangelist to Quit Longtime Ministry

Thousand Oaks televangelist George Vandeman has decided to give up his broadcast ministry after producing the religious program “It Is Written” for 36 years.

Vandeman, 75, the creator of “It Is Written,” has also been the show’s host since its inception in 1956.

In tribute to Vandeman, church officials will host a gathering on Wednesday to thank Vandeman for his 52 years in the church’s ministry.

Officials will welcome the Rev. Mark Finley, 47, who will take over as host of the show on Sept. 27.

The first religious program to be broadcast in color, the show was originally taped at the old Hal Roach Studios in Los Angeles. The show now is produced at studios run by the Seventh-day Adventist Church Media Center in Newbury Park and reaches millions of viewers worldwide.

Filmed in a semi-documentary style, “It Is Written” uses news footage, scenes from dramatic productions and videotapes edited with shots of the show’s host in the studio or on location.

Vandeman said he will remain in touch with the show’s new host and plans to remain involved in bringing the Adventist faith to international viewers.

Vandeman is credited with bringing the show last year to viewers in the former Soviet Union. His show also reaches audiences in 24 countries in Europe, as well as in the United States, Canada and Brazil.

“We’re going to watch it grow,” Vandeman said. “I’m just as excited with plans for the future as things we’ve done in the past.”

Finley said he has no plans to alter Vandeman’s format. Producers are negotiating with foreign officials to expand the show’s markets to China and Lebanon.

Before he arrived in Thousand Oaks last year, Finley trained pastors in the church’s evangelical ministry in Eastern Europe.