Every year Bethel Church hosts an extravagant holiday feast for those in need. Run by a large team of volunteers, the church sanctuary is transformed into an elegant banquet hall. Carolers sing in the hallways, children get showered with gifts, and performers entertain guests with music, dance and drama. The atmosphere is one of celebration. Every guest is treated like a guest of honor.
This year I had the privilege of writing and performing a drama called, “The Woman on the Bench.” The story, inspired by Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well from the Gospel of John, was about a homeless lady meeting a not-so-typical Jesus-a man with tattoos, slicked-back hair and a red, checkered shirt. This Jesus had never met the lady on the bench, but she is awed by the fact he knows everything about her. His tender love and kindness wins her heart.
When the performance was over I felt drawn to go talk with a woman sitting at the back. I approached her and after breaking the ice, I asked if I could pray for her. As we prayed, God trusted me with intimate information regarding her past, things I could have never known without Him telling me. As I told her what I heard Him say, I felt like my drama was unfolding in real life. Tears streamed down the woman’s face as she became overwhelmed with God’s love. It was an honor and privilege to pray with her that day as she decided to begin her new life with Jesus as her Savior and non-judgmental friend.
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