On Friday the 29th of January the Encouragement Committee -lead by Erica Woodford- revealed a musical drama skit. May I have one honest remark; this presentation surpassed all my expectations.

Most of our churches or youth groups have seen one of these drama shorts at one point or another. Some that I have seen have been –to put it bluntly- have been better than others. The artistic side of me can often hold too high standards to the rest of society and the church. Not that I think that everything that everyone does should be of the highest excellence, but it does take some strength realize that people intentions and efforts should be good enough on their own. So indeed, I began watching the presentation with my scalpel ready to critique. As I watched I became more and more impressed; even more, I became more and more touched.

All the stops were pulled out for this presentation making it a pity if you missed it. Behind the three actors were guitarists, singers and a drummer laid out in the back of the stage. Stephanie VanSpronsen, Stephanie Vincent, Todd, Curtis Robb, Brittany Simpson and Tina Moore gave way to spectacular live music that when infused with Daniel Dorsey, Kaitlyn Staines and Marilyn Girimonte‘s acting and Charlie Pushparajah Narration transformed into a touching, reflective and climactic event. When there is great acting alone or great music alone they can each stir the soul. But when these are combined they create a way of learning that we do not often enough see. To have the eyes see, the ears hear and the heart react; now that gives way to transformation of a very mighty nature.

This chapel continued with a superb dramatic monologue given by Julie Anne Wideman. After Julie Anne finished Erica Woodfords spoke some of her own thoughts and shared some of her own experiences. With a unique and powerful beginning, middle and end of this chapel everyone could leave resonating with renewed, unity, purpose and hope.

David Dunn