Above All FDR 4

Last night was the last of four FDRs in a row and I could definitely feel it this morning.  The reward of getting to be a part of this phenomenal project is definitely getting tried the physical and mental exhaustion that comes with preparing for it.  Nonetheless, our troupe soldiered on to get the kinks ironed out before performances next week.  We still have a full day of practices on Saturday, which we'll have a special audio recap for, but his will be the last of FDR written recaps.  Starting next week, we'll have Performance recaps for each night Above All is performed.  Now that we've got those announcements out of the way (one last one at the end of this article, btw), let's get to the recap

A Roman I Know

As Apostles, we don't get the chance to interact with Romans much.  They get to practice early so they are in character by the time we show up.  As a result, they don't have much time for us (though a few have broken character to have a quick chat).  One of the Romans I've notice this year is played by Adam Thomas.  Why he stands out to me is because of where he's come in just over a year.

I won't go into his whole story because I believe a person's testimony is their own to tell.  However, Adam is just over a year removed from being in a bad place.  He and I were in youth group together, but just like me the world got a hold of him.  He faced a lot of things as a result, but God saw him through.  He came back to our church and got his life back on track.  Now he helps out in our Seven ministry throughout the week.  He also helps out in the Sunday School class I help lead, Source.  He has brought visitors, encouraged members and even taught lessons. Now he's investing himself for nearly two months in Above All to see others like him redeemed and delivered back into the loving arms of Jesus Christ. He's a true testimony of where God can bring someone who has a contrite spirit and an open heart to changing their lives. 

An Upper Room of Apostles

Our Apostle Group is made up of  a bunch of easy going guys.  Nobody is wound up tight or closed off.  We tell jokes and tell all kinds of stories to take the pressure off before practices.  It's a true guy's club.  However, we also have our serious moments. 

This week, those moments have occurred in our upper room meetings.  We have met upstairs separate from the rest of the cast before each practice this week.  In those meetings, somebody has given a special word about what God has been dealing with them.  Others have led prayers and mini devotions that have brought our group into that focus that shines through when we're up on that stage.  Having a group of guys like this to make things light when needed but also to jolt you into the focus that is required makes this sacrifice both bearable and rewarding. 

Singers Sacrifice

There are some phenomenal songs and singers in Above All.  Unfortunately, we don't get to be out there to hear most of what they are singing.  When they are on stage with us, we are so focused on our scenes we don't really have a chance to acknowledge their effort.  However, as I stood backstage last night, I could see on the screens the efforts that group was putting forth.  They show up every night with us (usually earlier).  They stress their vocal chords.  They have cues to get on stage and go to different octaves (probably just used the wrong term) when the mood calls for it.  They are stumbling around in the dark right alongside all of us.  They do all of this and still show up on Sundays and Wednesdays to minister to POA through praise and worship!  Their voice is going to minister just as our words and actions will when performances come.  It's an honor to serve with them.

Announcement Time

I mentioned that after Pearland that I hoped we would start doing scenes as a ministry tool in the near future.  At POA this Sunday, we will be performing some unique scenes in the main service starting at 1030AM.  You can go here to watch it.  While you're on the site, pick up a couple of tickets and come join us for Above All this year!  God Bless and see you in a couple of days with a thorough review of the FDR process.