George Vandeman (1916-2000) It Is Written

George Edward Vandeman (21 st. October 1916- 3rd November 2000) was a seventh-day adventist who founded the It is Written television ministry. He also founded the New Galley Centre in London.

Aged 21 he attended Emmanuel Missionary College in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
He found a job working at a weekly 15 minute radio broadcast in Elkkhart, Indiana. He married Nellie Johnson on 2nd October 1938. After completing his second year at college he began working as a full-time evangelist.

In 1946 he received a MA from the University of Michigan in speech and communication. he was then ordained as a minister and worked for 4 years as a filed instructor in evangelism at Emmanuel Missionary College.

In 1947 he became the associate secretary Ministerial Association at the General Conference. Aged 33 he beacme the youngest to work in Adventist church leadership.

After WW11, along with other charismatic Adventist speakers, he spearheaded a drive for public evangelism in major cities like Pittsburgh (1948). Washington (1951) and London (1952).

Back in 1946 he had been encouraged to try television as means of reaching others with the Gospel,. He did create a 6 month experimental evangelistic effort but due to lack of financial support it was put on hold.

!0 years later, in the Spring of 1956***It Is Writtenwas launched. It was in black and white. Later it became one of the first religious programs in colour. It was based on It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Matthew ch 4 v 4

George had a new style - instead of preaching he quietly shared insights from God’s word to meet people’s needs, ( Read ‘Style’ by Mark Finley

The program went from strength to strength and received many awards. It received 10 Angel from Religion in Media.

It was one of the first religious telecasts to be aired on soviet television.

Viewers in the 1990s exceeded 1.5 million. (Read ‘It Is Written’)

George acted as director of * It Is Written * from 1956 until 1991 when he retired.

Today the program is still running. George was the primary speaker- ‘voice’ - from 1956-1991. Mark Finley succeeded him. Today the program is hosted by John Bradshaw.

‘What I Like About’ was also a popular series where he explored common ground between different Christian faiths.

George died, aged 84, on 3rd November 2000 at his home in Newbury Park, California

*George Vanderman has completed his earthly ministry in his 84 Year, When the roll is called up yonder and you and I hear that gently persuasive voice again . . . . we’ll know we made it to the right place. * Paul Harvey

Sources used
itiswritten.com
Find a Grave Memorial
Wikipedia