Road to Emmaus, a new DVD that portrays the discussion that Jesus could have had with the two disciples after his resurrection, debuted at the 2009 synod convention.

"It was outstanding," says Rev. Ed Schuppe, a pastor delegate. "It will have many uses for congregations throughout our synod, especially in the mission field. I thank God for the awesome tool that this can be for reaching the lost and strengthening our members in their knowledge of God's plan of salvation."

According to Rev. Dave Kehl, administrator for Adult Discipleship, the movie is part of a larger effort of the Publication Coordinating Commission, a group of representatives from WELS entities involved in material publication, to focus its publishing efforts on a central message—Christ's victory on the cross and how we're involved in his mission to reveal that to the world. "Here in a simple, 30-minute movie is an explanation of what the whole Bible is about—zeroing down to the core of what Christ has done for us and our mission," says Kehl.

Road to Emmaus was produced and directed by Boettcher/Trinklein Television, Inc., the same group that produces WELS Connection. Filmed entirely in Wisconsin, it stars Bruce Marchiano as Jesus. Marchiano also portrays Jesus in the Matthew video put out by The Visual Bible.

According to Kehl, the movie is simple enough for congregations to use with those who have never heard of Christ but meaty enough for lifelong Christians. Already available in English and Spanish, the movie also will be translated into several other languages for use in world mission fields.

The movie is made possible by grants from the Publication Coordinating Commission, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and WELS Kingdom Workers. It is available from Northwestern Publishing House.

Congregational leaders are encouraged to download a Road to Emmaus discussion guide for use in group settings. The guide is available on Connect, WELS' Intranet. A username and password are required; if you don't have a Connect account, sign up today.