“I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.” (Psalm 145:5)
L
ove Equals an Empty Tomb is a production of Bible Out Loud Ministries, a group of Christ believers who have come together in relentless pursuit of a common goal, the spread of the gospel through the rich medium of storytelling. The telling of biblical stories is the original way in which the sacred scriptures were communicated and we seek to use this medium as a means of evangelism because of the power of this oral tradition to impact the lives of the hearer as well as the teller. Our goal then is two-fold, first, to diligently study the word God and learn it by heart, making a conscious effort to internalize the stories, connecting our lives to the characters therein, that we might learn from them and be enriched spiritually. Second, to communicate the story in a meaningful way, to tell the story with the power that is contained therein in order that we would inspire the hearer to explore the word of God for themselves that they might lay hold on the promise it makes available to all men.
We are grateful that you have joined us this evening, for this leg of our journey to take the good news of Jesus Christ to the four corners of the earth, and to tell face to face the sacred stories contained in the scriptures to all nations, peoples, kindred and tongues. Further, to commit ourselves to biblical storytelling as a spiritual discipline for the purpose of reaching the lost as well as inspiring and encouraging fellow believers.
May you never be the same.
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n its 8th year of production, Love Equals an Empty Tomb, the Hallmark production of Bible Out Loud Ministries, returns to the stage as it continues to grow with each year. It has played on Miami Beach at The Colony and Byron Carlyle Theaters, North Miami Beach at the Julius Littman Theater and The Lauderhill Performing Arts Center to packed houses and great receptions. This year’s live stage performance featuring Master Storyteller, Christal Walker, and a cast of over 50 of the most talented vocalists and Dancers, and actors South Florida has to offer does not disappoint. Returning as Music Director, with much fanfare, is the incomparable Antonia Wilson, international recording artist, featuring the dynamic sounds of her Legatto Ensemble. Also, back by popular demand, the very first choreographer of LEAET, Dr. Darene Edwards, teams up with choreographer Nicole Van-Reil to lead our dramatic troop of dancers, mimers, and actors in a resurrection celebration for the entire family that you will not soon forget. Love Equals an Empty Tomb is more than just a show. It is a unique way to engage the audience in a multi- sensory experience which seeks to promote a deeper understanding of the pivotal story of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, in the life of the believer. Through a combination of storytelling, rich images, music, song and dance expression this very familiar story is made alive for you. Welcome to this powerful ministry, prepare for us to take you there, a guided tour to the cross where Christ has died. Our goal is to minister this story in such a way that it leads to an encounter with Christ for all who are in attendance.
WORDS FROM THE CROSS
I
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34....
II III IV V VI VII
Today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43....
Behold your son: behold your mother.... John 19:26-27 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?... Matthew 27:46
I thirst.... John 19:28
It is finished.... John 19:30 Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. Luke 23:46
the
Team
Christal H.
WALKER
M
Master Storyteller, Executive Producer, Love Equals an Empty Tomb Founder, Bible Out Loud Ministries
y name is Christal Walker and Bible Out Loud Ministries, and Love Equals an Empty Tomb was born of my love of the word of God, the grace He has given me to retain it, and my desire to share it in a way that is pleasing unto the Lord and that reflects His glory. I have always loved the art of the story. A well told story has the potential to have a profound impact on its audience and has throughout history, in every culture been used as a means to educate, to preserve the integrity of cultures, and to teach moral values. How much more profound the impact? How much more profound the change when the living word of God is spoken into the life of the unbeliever or to the heart of the discouraged or faint? Always mindful of the power the word of God has had in my life I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to share it in a way that will inspire others to explore His word. Love Equals an Empty Tomb is my effort, powered by the Spirit of God to win the lost, for faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God; also, to encourage the faint at heart for He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions. I see every audience, every listener as a God given opportunity to show Christ, the spirit within me leapeth for joy to know that someone might come to know Him or to know Him in a more intimate way. Therefore, I have committed myself to the study of His word, that I might with conviction, tell it to all I meet along the way. “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.� (Ezra 7:10) I thank God for this call on my life and the grace to pursue it with great joy!
Antonia
WILSON Musical Director, Founder/ Legatto Ensemble
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ntonia Wilson, a Bahamian-American residing in South Florida, began studying piano and violin at age four, attended Suzuki Violin Summer Camps at Manhattan School of Music, NY, and achieved certificates of merit in pianoforte from The Associated Board of The Royal School of Music (ABRSM), and Trinity College London. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and a Master’s Degree in Education.
After college, this structured music teacher taught music for Miami-Dade Public Schools and worked with multiple faithbased organizations as Music and Arts Director or a piano/organ accompanist. Formerly a featured guest composer at South Eastern African American Collegiate Festival Consortium, she now works on staff with the organization. She is also an active member of Women in Jazz South Florida. Antonia beautifully displays her leadership qualities as she is the artistic director for her group, Legato Vocal Ensemble in South Florida. She has courageously taken her skills in performance, arts and production to The Bahamas, Mexico, and Spain. As a lover of people, she has partnered with artists in Russia, Cuba, France, and the USA. Fully gifted and creative, with amazing Songwriter and Producer abilities, Antonia has successfully released two outstanding music projects. In 2015, her album Me and Hymn highlights some of her most favorite sacred songs using unique fusions of classical, gospel, R&B, and jazz. Valiantly following in 2016, a new collection of sizzling contemporary styled pieces, The Sower And The Seed, was released. This project spotlights an outstanding track called “Love Joy Peace and Harmony” sung by UK soul singer Joss Stone. Both albums are beautifully accompanied by a collection of six professionally engineered promotional videos. In August 2016, Antonia was pleased to participate as a Bahamian composer at the American Cantat 8 Music Festival, hosted by The Ministry of Tourism in her hometown, Nassau, The Bahamas. Antonia has a heart for worship, and she’s served in many churches in New York, as well as South Florida. She loves pulling people together and giving nothing less than her very best for the Lord.
Rev. Dr. D.A.
EDWARDS Choreographer
“and I will give you pastors according to mine own heart, which shall feed you with knowledge.” Jeremiah 3:15
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r. D.A. Edwards commonly called “The Drill Sergeant” or Pastor Edwards by petitioners, clients, & friends. She has been an advocate for the faith in nonprofit community for over 15yrs. Having overcome the challenges of growing up in low income family, Dr. Edwards graduate high school and later college.
Dr. Edwards is married to Deacon Wendell A. Edwards, has four (4) lovely daughters & seven (7) adorable grandkids. She served in capacity building & leadership positions from Administration to Business Management including Micro-Management. Dr. Edwards obtained her professional experience working as the Human Resource Director for Jobs, Professor for Florida Memorial College, Professor/Counselor for Majestic Youth Academy, Principal of Citadel Christian Academy, Executive Director for Summer Program funded by the Children’s Trust Summer Program (Inner City Division), & currently serves as a Professor at Itaca University. Dr. Edwards is widely sought within local, district, state, regional, and national circles. She’s traveled extensively throughout the Continental United States as a certified Ministerial Counselor, Seminar & Workshop Leader, Instructor, Conference Speaker, Lecturer, Motivational Speaker, & Creative Arts Director & Event Choreographer. She has served as the guest speaker for numerous high schools, colleges, host of businesses, & social services organizations throughout the country. Her professional service awards & honors are numerous. In addition to serving in the following capacities: Locally:
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Sr. Pastor of Word of Truth Worship Center Professor of Itaca University & Jacksonville Theological Seminary Founder/President CEO of Creative Worship School of the Arts, Inc. since 2000 Board Member of “WFMA” Word of Faith Ministerial Association since 2016 Board Member “FLOW” Faith Leader On Watch Coalition (Inner City) since 2012 Board Member “CBTU” Coalition Black Trade Union of the Broward Chapter since 2010 Board Member of Majestic Vision & Youth Academy since 2006
Education
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High School Diploma, American Sr. High, Miami Lakes, FL Certified Notary Since 2009, National Notary Association Bachelor of Biblical Studies (B.BS), Revelation Message Bible College, JAX, FL Master of Theology (M.TH), Jacksonville Theological Seminary, JAX, FL Master of Science Clinical Counseling (M.S), Maranatha University, Cypress Creek FL Doctorate in Theology (TH.D), Jacksonville Theological Seminary, JAX, FL Ph.D Psychology, Maranatha University, Cypress Creek FL
Nicole
VAN-REIL Choreographer
O SELAH
n my journey, I’ve observed that life can cause one to become bitter or it can propel another to choose what’s best even when life deals them what may seem to be the worst.”
Nicole Van-Reil Lovett, from a family of 5, is the 2nd oldest of her 2 siblings. She is a 38-year old native of Kingston, Jamaica having lived there until she was 13 years of age. She now resides in Margate, Florida where she shares her life with her husband of 2 years, David L. Lovett. She is the CEO of Elite Nail Solutions LLC. where she specializes in the Nail Art Industry having devoted the last 18 years of her life to the growth of her professional expertise. In ministry, she is a proud partner of M.E.C. Ministries of Pompano where she has served as an Usher, a member of the Music Ministry, Youth Ministry, Sunday School staff & Director of the Single’s Ministry. She also functions on M.E.C. Ministries’ team of counselors & as one of the many ministers that teaches frequently for their Sunday morning services. She has been an active minister since 2001 where she has served under the leadership of Bishop Otis L. Kemp & Co-Pastor, Vivian Kemp. Unexpectedly at 15, she began dancing solos with no experience or training not realizing then that the Lord was birthing dance out of the dark place of depression. “I didn’t know it then but as a teenager, He was beckoning me to a closer relationship with Him through the gift of dance while using that gift to deliver me personally from those dark places.” In 2001, she not only answered the call to dance but the Divine Vessels of Honor Worship Arts Ministry was birthed that same exact year. She attended the McIntyre Institute of Liturgical Dance for 14 years where she also became one of the many instructors. She also choreographs for other organizations, weddings, & other events of the sort. In the near future, she’s looking forward to continuing her training in Theology, Dance, Christian Counseling & Business Education. Last but not least, one of her heart’s desire is to work closely with Broward County’s Homeless Coalition, Anti-Drunk Driving & Anti-Depression Organizations.
Special Thanks to Our Friends & Sponsors Betty D. Walker Reverend Joe C. Johnson Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Deanna Christen Reverend Dave Ellis Freewill Christian Center Bishop Ralph Grissett New Covenant Deliverance Cathedral Overseer M. Boyd-Spencer Higher Dimension Praise and Worship Center Reverend Victor Robertson The Calvary Baptist Church Jerry “Whiteshoes� Adams 1520 WEXY Niki V. 1520 WEXY Jhansen Reinoso Word Up Sound & Lighting Julia E. Brown JEBA Media, Inc
Program Prelude Hallelujah, Your My God (Shana Wilson) Medley (Arr. Antonia Wilson) I’ve Been Buked (African American Hymn, Public Domain) Were You there? (African American Hymn, Public Domain) *Soloists: Mark Jenkins, Colette McIntosh, Jacqueline Allen Great Is The Day (Kevin Terry and Predestined) Act 1: The Hour Has Come (Luke 19:28-44) The Triumphal Entry, Jesus Prophesies the Destruction of Jerusalem Holy Is The Lamb (Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar) Alabaster Box (Julie Meyer) *Soloist: Sarah Joseph Silver and Gold (Kirk Franklin) Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees (Arr. Antonia Wilson) Worthy (Gaither Vocal Band) Act 2: Betrayed (Luke 22:39-23:25) & (Mark 15:21-32) Mary Magdalene Anoints Jesus, Judas Betrays Jesus, The Last Super The Arrest, Trial and Crucifixion They Crucified My Lord (Traditional Spiritual Improvisation) *by Faith Lowe & William M. Brashears Crucified With Christ (Phillips Craig & Dean) *Soloists: Ricardo Major, Harvey Carmona, Levi Kelly & Donald A. Lowe Jr. Lord You’re Holy (Helen Baylor)
*Sisters In Song Crucifixion Medley - They Didn’t Know (Kurt Karr)/Calvary (Richard Smallwood) *Soloists: Faith Lowe, Colette McIntosh & Tonyessa Pierre *Featured Dancer: Tyra Knight Act 3: Early Sunday Morning (Matthew 28) An Empty Tomb, The Great Commission The Storm (James Hall) I’ve Just Scene Jesus (Gaither Music) *Soloists: Carlisa Waters & William M. Brashears Go (Shirley Caesar) *Soloists: Jacqueline Allen-Johnson & Imogene Brown Spoken Word: Cynthia Jacobs The Blood Medley (Arr. Antonia Wilson) Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus (Public Domain)/The Blood (Andre Crouch)/Jesus Paid It All (Kirk Franklin) *Rapper: Donald A. Lowe Jr. Act 4: Be In That Number! The 144,000, The Great Multitude In White Amen!
Credits Christal H. Walker, Master Storyteller/Executive Producer Kerrick Wiggins, Host/Master of Ceremony Antonia Wilson, Music Director
Voices Sopranos
Jacqueline Allen-Johnson Angela Berry Imogene Brown Maya Loctar Faith Lowe Tonyessa Pierre Olivia Smith
Altos Claire Blackman Keisha Douglas Darlene Fontus Sarah Joseph Coletta McIntosh Cherise Rawlins Carlisa Waters Corinthian Wilson
Tenors William M. Brashears Harvey Carmona Cynthia Jacobs Mark Jenkins Levi Kelly Donald A. Lowe Jr. Ricardo Major
Featured Vocalists/Sisters In Song
Project Administrators
Amaya Francis Arielle Francis
Barbara Smith, Project Manager Wendy Dingle, Production Assistant
Band
Graphic Design
Adrian Morrison, Keyboard & Sound Effects Ashley Waters, Keyboard Quenequia Graves, Lead Guitar Matthieu Pilippe, Bass Guitar Logan Wilson, Drums Wildermeyer Marcilene, Saxophone
Christopher Thomas, Graphics/Peculiar GFX
Playbill Layout and Design Shawn Ferguson, Gracious Grafx
Sound & Lighting
Choreographers
Jhansen Reinoso Word Up Sound and Lighting
Pastor Darene Edwards Nicole Van-Reil
Costumes
Dancers
Linda Dalrymple, Linda’s Fashion *Headpiece by The Verdant Muse
Kimberly Ford Tyra Knight Samantha Shaw Charlene Beckford Jantanies Thomas Natalie Lovett Rhnae Brown
Mimers/Actors: Richard Shaw Keifer Davey Paul Emmanuel Steven Jefferson Alexander Jackson Caprice Edwards Davontay Jackson Tony Chester Satara Williams
Christal’s Hair Tymica Martin, Maggie Rose Salon
Autographs