March 31, 2002

Marie Umidi
The Man Called Jesus International
Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia's finest passion play! The 2002 production of The Play, the story of the man called Jesus, was performed March 28 - 31, 2002. This was the 18th year that the volunteer company of over 350 people, from over 30 local churches, offered Hampton Roads the Broadway caliber presentation. The Play features the life of Christ from his birth to his death, and incorporates many of his miracles, healing the blind, turning water into wine, raising Lazarus from the dead and of course, His resurrection. Many responded to the message and altar call invitation to rededicate their life or make first time decisions for Christ. Literally hundreds of people were followed up on, with each name sent to participating churches within 24 hours of the decision. As many as 500 Bibles and thousands of pieces of literature were distributed. The Holy Spirit was powerfully evident. Hundreds of people cheered, stomped and clapped at the revealed glory of God. The cast and crew members fasted and prayed for revival weeks prior to Easter. The gift of evangelism was stirred up and many went on prayer walks into at-risk neighborhoods to hand out free tickets and witness. Nearly $5,000.00 was raised by cast members to help underwrite the ministry night to the poor. 300 people were fed a hot meal, 1,000 children received an Easter basket and 3,000 adults and children saw The Play for free. God did awesome things in the lives of many people.

Pastor Keith Spurgin
New Hope Christian Church
Wylie, TX

New Hope Christian Church started a new series on Easter Sunday entitled "God's Plan for Man." They incorporated into their service a fun drama which tied into how Jesus sets us free. A musician sang a powerful song at the end of service about the cross. 43 people rededicated their lives to Christ and 12 people accepted Christ for the first time. Many of the believers were encouraged by the attendance and were blessed by the worship and message about why Jesus is so awesome. It was a very exciting time of seeing God move and produce fruit.

Larry & Lynne Zotzmann
Reaching Our Communities
Virginia Beach, VA

God used Easter to transform lives. In one neighborhood, we took a group of 12 girls who are ministering on the dance team on an Easter picnic. The Resurrection Eggs were used to tell the story of Christ. The families of these children were invited to attend The Play, where 25 of them accepted Jesus into their lives. In another neighborhood, we held an Easter luncheon for the women on Good Friday. Regent students prepared the meal and set the table, a testimony was shared, there was prayer ministry and each lady made a hand crafted Easter basket to take home. The first ever Easter service was held in this neighborhood. A large cross was erected in the field and prayer was conducted for the neighborhood. 84 residents of the neighborhood attended the Easter service. Many children ministered to their neighborhood through puppets, dance and a skit. We had a radical praise and worship time lead by an ex-biker. A message was delivered, "You Were Bought with a Price..Do not Become Slaves of Men". Twenty three people responded to the altar call. After the service, there was a giant Easter egg hunt for the children and a cookout. It was a tremendous community gathering and response to the Gospel.

Pastor Dave & Terri Turley
New Life Christian Fellowship
Chesapeake, VA

The Greenbriar Junior and Senior High Youth Groups did an Easter outreach on the stage in front of J C Penney's in the Chesapeake Square Mall the Saturday before Easter. They performed five drama skits, and two worship dances. There were about 42 teenagers and 24 adults who distributed New Testament Bibles, various tracs on salvation and literature on all of the New Life locations. What an awesome experience playing praise music and celebrating the resurrection in the middle of the mall. Many comments were shared in regard to the character of the teenagers. People thanked us for coming out to the mall to share the Gospel. Several families said they were looking for a church. One family actually came to Greenbriar on Easter Sunday and told us they came because of the mall outreach. It was an incredible witness to non-believers.

Pastor Lance Wallnau
Word of Life Covenant Church
Cranston, RI

A breakfast was hosted prior to the Easter service at Word of Life Covenant Church. A few new upbeat worship songs were introduced while allowing prophetic songs to flow and develop. The children's ministry was actively involved in the service including a power point presentation using the children's art work, special music presentation, an Easter recitation, and two teenagers recited a poem they had written. A message on the "Proof of the Resurrection" was presented which prepared the peoples hearts for a salvation call. There were 6 rededications and 4 new salvations. The wonderful thing about the day was that each part of the service spoke to the harvest in regard to the salvation "celebration" and the new covenant of love that brings us prosperity in every realm. The believers who participated in the service experienced a celebratory atmosphere and a greater sense of thanksgiving for the freedom and love that is enjoyed as a community.