The Last Days of Christ Outreach~

                                                               



The Last Days of Christ

For the past eighteen years a local church has invited the community to be a part

of a passion play during Holy week.

It is a powerful re-enactment of Christ's last days before He is raised from the dead.

It is something to experience.

Our family has been privileged to be a part for the past ten years.

It is an amazing experience. Words can hardly express the emotions that one feels in being a part.

The children gathered around Jesus singing You're a Great Big God, is a wondrous sight.

There is a Jewish song playing while several ladies dance in honor of their Lord.

The disciples sleeping in the garden puts me in mind of myself.

As Jesus is sentenced to death, the cry of the crowd and the look on Mary's face

is heart-wrenching.

Barabbas runs away, free.

Jesus is then beaten and taken away.

As He enters the sanctuary, in the dark, there are sounds of soldiers yelling. One can hear the blows of the whips as He is struck.

As the lights dimly glow, Jesus comes into view...bearing a cross.

It is almost as if we were there-

HE IS BEATEN ONCE AGAIN AND NAILED TO THE CROSS.

As Mary watches her Son hang on the cross, she begins to sing a song.

Is this the boy I raised, Is this son I knew?

Is this the one I loved? Why can can't they love Him, too?

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There is an element of reality as to what it must have been like for Mary, His disciples

and others that loved Him.

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Being a part of this production has brought even more meaning to the Resurrection.

It has also provided an opportunity for our children to grow in relationships with others.

Working together with so many other churches to present this Gospel message has been a powerful

lesson in being part of the "body of Christ." Setting aside differences to minister to the lost and hurting

is so needful.

All of our children have been given the opportunity to serve through this ministry and we are grateful.

It has been a chance for them to grow in leadership skills and humility.

Most importantly, at the end each evening, there is an altar call.

 Through the years, many people have been drawn to the Lord!

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Included are some photos of some of those who were able to serve during this month long

 commitment to ministry.

Grace, Mikailah and Charlotte

Our girls 



Grace

This is Anita.

 She made ALL the costumes. It was she and her husband, Dave, that

put the play together almost 25 years ago! They oversee all the details 

of costumes, sets, props, practices and schedules. They do such a wonderful job! 

Jeff as Pontius Pilate

Sara, Mikailah, Lee, Jen and Mellisa

Daniel, Jeff, JR and Brian

Jake

Dave, Neil, Tyler, John, Lee and John

Jen

It was such a joy to work with all of these people. Again, our family is grateful

for the opportunity to serve in this wonderful ministry.



Touching the Elderly

Yesterday our family had the privilege of taking our music to a nursing home and sharing. We gathered our instruments and equipment and headed to St. Johns, Az. We went in and met the lovely elderly gentlemen and ladies as well as the friendly staff on duty. As we set up our equipment and spoke for a few minutes, Jeff introduced the family. We sang for about 20 minutes and laughed and joked with everyone and they seemed to enjoy themselves. Some of them were clapping while others were smiling. At the end of each song they were very gracious and applauded. The music went well and we had a good time sharing with them.

But our favorite part of these visits is always the time, after the singing is over, that we spend getting to know them and listening to their stories and advice. They are so full of valuable wisdom and have had so many experiences that we can learn from. There is so much to appreciate and admire about them as we learn about their lives. They tell us where they are from and about their spouses and families. Some of them have had very difficult lives and yet they don't complain. Visitors came in and out while we there but there are those that don't have anyone coming to see them personally.

As we sat with them, we held their hands and answered their questions. Sometimes they asked the same question over and over. But it didn't matter because we knew they couldn't remember the answers. They are very sincere, attentive and gentle. One of the ladies was sharing all about her husband and their life together and then she brought out her memory book to share with me. I was so blessed as she shared this personal part of her past with me, a total stranger. One said she wanted to pray for our family and ministry. Several asked when we were coming back. We know it's not because of the music. They felt loved and special because of the time spent with them. We held their hands and listened to their stories.

This has not always been easy for our children. When we began this ministry many years ago, it felt very awkward talking to these strangers. Sometimes they would repeat themselves or forget their own names. But they have learned to love and serve these beautiful people. It has been a wonderful opportunity for growing in the Lord and to look beyond themselves.

On the way home, we were so excited to have made the connections with our new friends. They are such treasures.

As the song goes:
Make new friends but keep the old.
One is silver and the other gold.

 The blessing that we felt is more than words can express. We were very thankful that we took the time to be with them and get to know them. It TRULY is more blessed to give than it is to receive.

Jeff made the comment, " It seems like those are the kinds of places where you would find Jesus hanging around." We all agreed. And we are looking forward to the next time we are able to go visit some of the lonely and hurting.

Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you have done it to me.

Matthew 25:40

God Bless

Tamara