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"It’s
hard for me to put into words what this play has meant to me. I’ve performed in it twice (so far), and have been so
blessed to be a part of it. As we were memorizing our lines and rehearsing, I feel that even though we were playing the parts
of other women, that a fresh renewal was brought to our own lives as we reflected upon the impact that Jesus has had in our
lives. You see, this is not merely a play about the life of Jesus, but an up-close and personal look at how He touched the
lives and hearts of people, women in particular.
I
must admit, while the play was being performed, I felt almost sorry for the audience… thinking that there was no way
that the intensity of feelings I was having could ever be experienced by them as much as those of us who acted in the play.
I was so moved by the stories of these women, so aware that Jesus had impacted me in the same way, and I felt His wonderful
presence right there in a very real way. However, I was wrong – the audience did feel it. People in the audience came
up after the performance with tears in their eyes to say how much they were moved. The second time I was in the play, the
pastor made an alter call. Nine people came forward! (Not all women, either.) There were only about 55 – 60 there in
total. May the glory be to God!!!
This play is definitely
worth seeing, both by men and women. And for anyone who has an interest in performing drama, this is one experience that you
would never forget." Rebecca Watson, Actress
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"When
I first read the script for “His Wonderful Presence Then and Now”, I new right away that I wanted to be apart
of this production. As far back as I can remember I wanted to act and sing but
circumstances never allowed for that in my life. As I read Mary Ann’s play
a new passion was forged within me and I wasn’t sure to what extent or how I was going to be apart, I just new GOD had
something great in store! Great Indeed!
Right from the beginning God had brought women from all over the community with such diverse talent. We had women come from Milton, Navarre, Pensacola
and Gulf Breeze. God’s hands were all over this production! New friendships were forged, comfort zones were broken, and miracles on the set began to take place.
As you
are practicing your lines and rehearsing you can’t help but find healing in the midst.
The word of God begins to come alive inside of you. I found myself delving
deeper into scripture wanting to know more about my character. None of the cast
members knew, but at the time I was dealing with an estranged relationship with my mom for over 20 years. I was also dealing with letting my 19 year old son make bad choices in his own life. As I struggled to be the Mom that God wanted me to be and the loss of something better with my son, I was
also dealing with the relationship that I did not have with my mother. During
the weeks of rehearsal God began to speak healing into my life and he gave me an extra measure of comfort and peace. He took me to places I had never been before.
He began to open doors to build a new relationship with my mom. For the
first time in 18 years I began to see my mom through Christ’s eyes and was able to allow forgiveness to take place. Prior to this production my mom and I probably spoke once every six months or so and
it usually ended in some sort of battle! I called my mom and we began to speak
again! Only one thing is different, God is my only expectation! I no longer expect her to be what she can’t be! We talk
almost weekly now and we can laugh together! God has also taught me to love my
son the way he loves him and to begin praying for healing in his life. I have
had to make some hard choices over these past few months with regard to my son but God has made me stronger through “His
Wonderful Presence Then and Now”! Kelly Bleiler, Actress who played the adulteress woman
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