1 of 1

Fans of Jan Karon's Mitford books can now hear the voices of her beloved characters in a classy new audio presentation. At Home in Mitford, the first title in Karon's popular series, is now available on CD and tape as a Focus on the Family Radio Theatre Drama.

Actor Dean Jones, best known for his starring roles in the Disney films That Darn Cat and The Love Bug, brings the warmth and wisdom of Father Tim Kavanaugh to life. And more than 40 other actors, including Jones's wife, Lory, lend their voice talents to the production as well.

Jones was not familiar with Jan Karon or the Mitford series before he was asked to voice the role of Father Tim. But after reading the books, he says, "I was transported into the atmosphere of Mitford, and into the lives of the characters."

Playing an Episcopalian priest is not the only way that Jones has been expressing his faith recently. A born-again Christian since 1974, Jones founded the Christian Rescue Committee (CRC), an organization that helps provide a "way of escape to Jews, Christians, and others persecuted for their faith." Jones launched the ministry in 1998 while touring in Showboat. While in Washington, D.C., for a performance at the Kennedy Center, he learned that there were more than 200 million Christians being persecuted throughout the world for their beliefs. "I couldn't believe the numbers," he says. "I thought they were exaggerated."

Since then, the CRC has helped rescue over 50 Christians and Jews from prisons around the world. Jones says a third of his time is spent in his work as president of the CRC.

As for Mitford, Jones would love to continue in the role of Father Tim if the series continues. He says the radio drama "was a massive undertaking and I think it's a beam of light in a pitch black night as far as entertainment goes."

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

 1 of 1

	What did you think of this story?
	Please to give us your feedback.

Home  |  People of Faith  |  Stories of Hope  |  Today's Culture
Build Your Faith  |  Laughing Matters  |  Archives  |  Contact Us

				Try 3 Issues of Christianity Today Free! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address Subscribe to Christianity Today and get 3 free trial issues. No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. If you decide you want to keep Christianity Today coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive nine more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The three trial issues are yours to keep, regardless. Give Christianity Today as a gift Order a gift subscription!