Oh, how I loved working with the teens and adults who had a heart for the dramatic arts!
Three women find Jesus in a busy department store.
For many years, I was the drama leader at our church. We called ourselves the Master’s Voice Players (MVPs). I was often called upon to write a play or work with the music director to (humbly) try to bring the wonderful Word of God to the stage. Our theme scripture was Acts 1:8.
I had an amazing team, with some extremely talented folk. We performed in churches, schools, camps, jails—anywhere the Lord opened doors.
One year I wrote a Christmas play and titled it “The Search.” We performed the play to an appreciative audience in our church, and we got some wonderful feedback.
Which reminds me: It’s always good to perform a play before it’s actually published because sometimes flaws appear during the production that weren’t detected in the reading. That’s why an editor who wants to publish a play might requests that it be produced and performed at least once prior to submitting it for consideration.
Anyway, last year, when N. J. Lindquist gave the callout for stories, poems, and more for this fabulous Christmas with Hot Apple Cider volume, “The Search” immediately popped into my head. Because you don’t often read plays in Christmas anthologies, I wondered if mine would fit. But I rewrote it a little and sent it in.
In “The Search” (page 264), Three Wise Women set out on a mission. They’re looking for Jesus. When they end up in a busy department store (Stuffmart), they wonder if perhaps they’ve made a mistake. However, before long, they realize that didn’t take a wrong turn in Elmira, after all!
I was thrilled when I got the email saying it had been accepted. “The Search” would be shared in a different way than on the stage, and to a wider audience, and for that I was grateful. N. J.’s expert editing helped give it a better flow, too!
I love it when the true message of Christ is spread far and wide. Kind of makes our theme verse from the drama team live on!
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts. 1:8
By the way, in order to reach an even wider audience, I’ve granted permission for other drama groups to perform this play. All they need do is drop me a quick note so I can forward the reproducible scripts.
Glynis Belec, an award-winning children’s author, freelance writer, and custom publisher, faces each day with hope and thanksgiving. Her publishing company, Angel Hope Publishing, keeps her busy. If she’s not helping someone else realize their publishing dream, she’s catching up on some of her own projects. Two recent books are Jesus Loves Me When I Dance and Good Grief People. Glynis lives in a small southern Ontario town with nearly two thousand mostly happy people!
I enjoyed your play and knowing more how it came to be.
I hope many could use it!