I Am Not Enough
By RoMay J. Allen

How would you feel if you were called to play the role of Jesus in a film? How could you portray the Savior of the world? How would you act? How would you speak? How would you prepare?

My friend Tomas Kofod, from Denmark, was given such a calling — to portray the role of the Savior in the Church film The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd. This role did not come about by chance. As I was able to witness many of the miracles that happened for this film to come to fruition, I came to recognize the Lord's hand — His guidance and direction every step of the way.

My part in the film was tiny, even miniscule. I was village person #61. But I was also blessed to follow the production, interview participants, and document experiences along the way. My life was changed during the course of this movie. I will never be the same, and I know am not the only one.

Feeling Inadequate

Tomas recounted his feelings of pure inadequacy and feeling overwhelmed when thinking about taking on the responsibility of portraying Christ:

During one interview Tomas testified, "I know that my childhood, through my youth, my teens, I have been prepared to play this role. I know that because the Spirit has testified to me. And being here, doing it [the role] means that I must have done enough right for the Lord to use me. Of course, I've made tons of mistakes, and I still will [make mistakes]. But it is nice to know that you are on the path, that you are still a tool that the Lord will acknowledge and use."

He continued, "In a blessing I received I was told all of the things I was longing to hear — that the Lord had accepted me, in spite of my imperfections. It was such a relief."

Of One Fold and One Shepherd Fireside

In a fireside given shortly after the release of The Testaments, Tomas testified that he could not have done the role on his own. He knew he was helped every step of the way.

In his humble way, he told of the day he was left on his own. "I know that I was helped. I was carried and I was blessed. Not for the sake of me, but for the sake of all the audience that eventually would be able to see this film." [1] (This fireside — Of One Fold and One Shepherd — is now available on CD; click here for details:

Of One Fold and One Shepherd, art © 2003 Walter Rane.
View more images by Walter Rane at www.canvaswrapped.com.

The Lord Knows Our Hearts

Tomas' wife, Ane Marie, left her design school to come support Tomas during the filming and assist with the costumes. Denmark has strict regulations and Ane Marie knew that by taking a break from school, she may have to return home and complete a full year again, but she also felt it was important to be with her husband.

I recall one afternoon when Ane Marie became a little bit discouraged.  She had been working hard helping with some of the costumes. Feeling as though she wasn’t contributing much to the effort and feeling bad about leaving school just to sew hems, Ane Marie received a phone call. She was surprised when she was asked to design some of the costumes for Leneah, the lead girl in the film.

I will never forget the look on her face as she hung up the phone. It was clear the Lord knew the desires of her heart — to use her talents and abilities to make a difference. It was an answer to her prayers as well as a benefit to her when she returned to school. The Lord knows each of us and will provide opportunities to serve, as we are willing.

Ane Marie testifies, "There is no limit to what two people can do, as long as one of them is the Lord." [2]  

Hearts Touched

I witnessed many lives transformed during the filming. We each were reminded who we are.  The Spirit testified that the Lord knows each of us — by name.

When we were on the set of the film, one mother brought her three little foster children. Initially they were a bit hesitant because Tomas was wearing the crown of thorns and had blood on his face. But soon they became comfortable and would say to Tomas: "Jesus, come over here." They wanted Him to play with them. Tomas was humbled and almost brought to tears as he felt their acceptance and love — thinking he really was Jesus.

A guard I stood next to told me that he always did a double-take when he looked at Tomas. He wanted to go touch the hem of his garment. The Spirit on the set of the film was almost tangible and every scene brought me to tears. I knew the Lord was involved as the Spirit testified that these things did happen.

Our Individual Roles

Tomas had many experiences where he was qualified for the work, and refined. Miracles led to Tomas getting the role. Kieth Merrill, the director of The Testaments, has written several articles about the film and some of those miracles: The Man Who Would be Jesus, Behind the Scenes with the Director of The Testaments.

The Lord knew Tomas' heart and taught him — tutored him specifically in what he would need to know in order to fulfill his role.

In one fireside talk, Ane Marie concludes: "I truly believe that each of us has a mission, all of the same importance. There is something only you can do, things that the Lord needs you to do, and only you.  We don't know what's ahead of us. When you are called, you are the one He wants, and He will give you the ability to do it." [3]

The Savior knows each of us personally. He has a role for each of us to play in this life. It may not be the leading role in a movie production. It may not be as a Relief Society president or a bishop. It may not be a role of worldly acclaim and glamor. But whatever role we are chosen to play, we can be certain that it is a vital and necessary role.

Our task is to give Him our hearts and He will take us one by one and shape us into what we should become. By ourselves, we are not enough. But with Him at our sides, we can do whatever He asks of us to do.