User:Toviaheli/Sandbox

TŌV - The Entertainment Industry Chaplain

TŌV. (Name pronounced like "stove" no "s"). Is a writer[1], inspirational speaker[2], producer[3], performer[4], Chaplain[5] and Pastor[6]. He is a pioneer in the field of Corporate Chaplaincy[7], providing "faith-friendly" Employee Care Programs to non-military personel in the corporate world, through the company he founded, The Entertainment Industry Chaplains[8].

TOV has preached or performed in thousands of churches[9] and venues[10] worldwide, including Westminster Abbey in London[11]; is a published poet[12] (nothing currently in print); and been in television commercials[13], including one with actor Gabe Kaplan [14] of the 70’s hit television show, “Welcome Back Kotter [15].” He has worked in theater[16], both as a lighting designer, and as an actor[17]. He is a classically trained vocalist[18] who's performed solo, with bands[19] and groups of various musical genres[20], including three years both touring with and leading a consistantly popular and decades-old Christian Contemporary/Pop/Folk group. Like many local, regional and cultural personalities (take Garrison Keillor[21], for example), TOV would be considered "niche celebrity." While many in the general public may not know who he is, there are thousands of people of select demographics and venues who would recognize him, and the various musical groups and bands he has toured with.

He holds a degree in Public[22] & Media Relations/Communications; and has completed internships and intensive courses of study in Pastoral Ministry[23], Ethnic & Multicultural[24] Ministries, as well as Biblical[25] Languages[26][27].

TOV began work as a minister [28] in 1991, and along with his business partner and sister, Jen, gradually began focusing on serving the needs of the Entertainment Industry [29] as a Chaplain [30], providing spiritual support and consulting [31] for Entertainment Industry Professionals, including celebrities [32], support staff, corporations, studios [33] and families [34].

In 1992, TOV began producing[35] a local religious television[36] program called, “Shalom[37] Scripture[38] Studies with Dr. Elias Hidalgo[39].” Under his direction, the program grew to have a viewer-ship of more than 300 stations world-wide.

TOV has made various guest appearances on both Television[40] & Radio[41] shows to talk about subjects ranging from relationships, to helping un-reached people groups [42] know the love of God[43], with multiple appearances on WWDJ Radio’s[44] “Drive Times” with DJ and friend, WWJD Musical Director, George Flores. He has also appeared as a performer on numerous television programs, with multiple appearances on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN)[45], program “Praise the Lord,” hosted by TBN founder’s Paul & Jan Couch.

Through songwriter[46] and record producer[47], David Bryant[48], T0V was connected with a network of positive people bringing support and assistance to artists world-wide, made up of such personalities as Poet Bryant McGill [49], celebrity entertainer and actor Jim Karol[50], Actor Gary Busey[51], the celebrity astrologer Louis Turi[52], Original Supremes[53] Member Susaye Green[54], Author and Screenwriter/Producer Lee Travathan[55], and many others.

TOV was among the early members of Karol[56] and McGill's[57], "100% Verified Celebrities & MySpace[58] Personalities[59].” The official project known as www.ProVIPS.com[60], was the subject of a front page article in The Wall Street Journal[61], on August 21, 2006, and a CNN Interview featuring group founder, Bryant McGill[62]. He currently directs verification of which famous people really do have social networking site profiles and is listed as a contributor to the Second Edition of Bryant McGill's English Dictionary of Rhyme, used by songwriters, authors, journalists and many others from all walks of life.

As a result of his Chaplaincy work with Entertainers, TOV has made numerous appearances, and was the first pastor featured on Playboy Radio[[63], with Host Tiffany Granath's[[64], Afternoon Advice. He was also declared one of “Hollywood’s Hottest People” by CH Model Agency in 2006.