armg th eir faith

Story by Jennifer Wallace and Tammy Putnam

1 he King's Players explored different ways ofsharing their faith through music and Christian drama,tinderthedirection of Dave Allison, thePlayers toured every other weekend, performing in churches, schools and prisons inthe eastern United States

King's Players operated under a new organization this year. Allison's team was cut from 30 to 17members,and afull-time road team of 12members wasformedunder thedirection of Mark andHelen Lloyd, founders ofthe original team.

Members of Allison's team were involved in campus productions such as "Brigadoon" and "Catch Me If You Can."

According toAllison, working inthedrama department oftenaroused astudent's interest intheKing's Players. A realizationof drama ascreative communication and its possibilities as a medium forthe Gospel often prompted students, not necessarily drama majors, to become involved with the Players Prospective Players who survived audi-

The Kings Playerspresented theGospel through song and drama. One ofthe highlights oftheyear wasthe salvation of195highschoolstudents inWest Virginia after a performance of "Once toDie. " tions were expected totake a basic acting course, maintain good grades, and above allto express theattitudeofateam player Those whodid found it a rewarding ministry.

"Presenting the Gospel asdrama allows members ofa congregation toidentify with a character who relates to their specific spiritual need," said Jill Emerson. Many times the need was salvation; over 400 people were saved throughout the yearas a resultofthePlayers'ministry.One of the most exciting events fortheteam was the salvation of 195 high school students in West Virginia after a performance of the play "Born ToDie."

Members of King's Players expanded their ministries by giving testimoniesand teaching Sunday School A male quartet and a trio were also given increased emphasis The Players strove tobeahelpand a support tolocalchurches bytransferring decision cards tothe churches forfollowup work andemphasizing theimportance of community evangelism Even though this work sounds similar toother campus groups, there wasonemajor difference

"One thing that distinguishes King's Players from other outreach groups is the absence ofa scholarship," Allison said "I know the kids do it out of love We're hoping toobtain scholarships forPlayers in the future."

During March, they spent 10 days in New Jersey and Maryland,performing four plays in each host church. They toured England,May 15through June 11,playing London, Manchester, Birmingham, Plymouth andother cities. They performed in city auditoriums, integrating their musical and dramatic talentsinconcertsandplays They enjoyed the unique opportunity of performing in two of England's largest churches

The Players presented "DoYouBelieve InMe?""Everyman," and "A Resurrection Celebration." "Celebration" was written in the style ofa Broadway musical.It includ ed scores by Dallas Holm, the Gaithers and other artists. Allison expressed ade sire toperform a greater number ofmusi calsinthe 1983-84year,including the origi nal "I Love America" presentation ar ranged by David Randlett

With their combination of music and Christian drama, the King's Playersministered to others, and to themselves as a family, by being committted to theLord and toeach other

The Players presented many plays throughout the year,including"Once toDie, " "Everyman," and "A Resurrection Celebration. " "Celebration" was written in the style ofa Broadway musical.

The King's Players operated under new organization this year. The team was cut from30 members to 17 and the roadteam consisted of 12members.

The team not only performed drama, but it had also a singing team. The King's Players performed in various places throughout the eastern part of the United States and toured Englandearly inthesummer.