Dr Ken Curtis began his career as a young minister and TV producer in America. Together with Hollywood producer Dick Ross they formed a film company to make movies which reflected the Christian faith. Their first film was The Cross and the Switchblade which told the life-changing story of gang member Nicky Cruz and preacher David Wilkerson. This movie went on to be translated into 70 languages and distributed around the world.

Ken’s work over the last four decades has been recognised with awards aplenty. His most recent ‘success’ has been a very personal DVD, Reflections on Psalm 23 for people with cancer and other health crises.

In 2002 Ken was diagnosed with advanced cancer with only a small prospect of survival. He began a combination of traditional and alternative medicine, surrounded himself with a supportive prayer team, made stringent dietary changes, and drew upon the inspiration of the 23rd Psalm.

‘This Psalm has meant so much to me during my ordeal and brought consolation when most needed, and helped me enormously when difficult decisions had to be made,’ Ken says. He wanted to pass on what he had learnt to others facing a serious health crisis. Psalm 23 is often quoted at funerals. Written by King David, famous for his triumph against the giant Goliath, the psalm is both hopeful and encouraging.

Ken jumped at the chance to film on location at biblical sites in the Holy Land. The DVD, based on Psalm 23, explores the holistic view of dealing with cancer based on Ken’s personal experience. ‘To survive five years with the diagnosis I have is often counted as a “cure” for cancer. So I am fully aware of how blessed I have been. ‘So much good has come out of my ordeal that I am both humbled and exhilarated. Now I look forward to the continuing opportunity of sharing God’s love and offering comfort, courage and hope to suffering people.

‘The results of the Psalm DVD were so encouraging we decided to do a follow up film - this time on the Lord’s Prayer.’ Ken’s plans had to be put on hold when he was further diagnosed last year with congestive heart failure. An operation relieved the symptoms, and Ken was able to return to the Holy Land last November to film the second DVD.

‘It almost seems as though the Lord was showing that if you are going to presume to speak a word to those going through the valley, then you need to have spent enough time there yourself.’ The new DVD will be available later this year.

Psalm 23