The character of 'Pete' was played by actor, Ray Holtman.

Pete represents the disciple Peter. He was a rugged, imperfect, hard working fisherman who was considered to be one of the best at his trade.

Peter wasn't always a "rock". He was human with human failures. At times he fell asleep when Jesus prayed. Once, out of fear, he even denied knowing who Jesus was. Still, he had a heart ... a heart totally sold out to the things of God. It was this man, this heart I wanted to bring to the screen. I felt God wanted me to break the mold .. the "Hollywood image" burned in so many minds today. His character was a giant of a man but he was also missing a right hand. Why? so we wouldn't consider him as perfect; and hopefully, we would learn to look past a handicap and see him as a whole and unique individual ... the way God sees him ... the way He sees all of us ... even through the handicap in our hearts.

Peter could have been anyone of us standing on the beach early in the morning... broken hearted, ashamed and in desperate need of forgiveness for turning his back not only on the Son of God ... But the best friend he ever had.

It was in that moment of need that he reached down deep into his heart, the very dwelling place of Christ, and asked for forgiveness. It was then that he heard a voice behind him, "Do you love me?"

As Peter turned around he was face to face with a resurrected Christ ... a friend with outstretched arms and forgiveness in His embrace. Sometimes like Peter we all need that special touch ... a simple hug that says more than words could ever express.

RESULTS: The portrayal of Peter touched people, of all ages. Many have told me they didn't even notice he was missing a hand or that he didn't say a whole lot ... they just fell in love with the character of Peter. For many, the hug at the end said it all. Still for others, it was also the realization that we can't make spiritual decisions based on what we see or what present circumstances dictate; rather, on what we can't see or touch .... "faith".

Members of various societies for the Handicapped were thankful that Peter was missing a hand. It helped them identify with Peter and to realize that Jesus sees them, as a whole and unique individual with much to contribute.

Jesse | Pete | Jude | Cunningham | Ponerous | Jackson | DeCarmo