The Drama Drash ministers never take bows after a performance-deferring instead to our Father and King, joining the audience in praising Him for His goodness and compassion. Once a year, however, Drama Drash Ministries recongnizes the faithul contribution of the Drama Ministers, actors and behind the scenes volunteers, with "Drashie Awards." Everyone who took part in a Drama Drash production in 2008 was presented a certificate honoring his or her unique talent and commitment to the Drama Drash Mission.

Drama Drash ministers to the Body of Messiah; calling the Church to holiness and unity and enriching the believer's relationship with Jesus Christ through instructional drama, presented from a first-century perspective. Our Drama Ministers, while they represent various congregations and denominations share a passion for the vision--particularly ministering to what may well be the End Times Church. With each production, we are aware that the hour for Jesus's return draws closer, and our desire is to prepare His Body for His return. We accomplish this tack through our performances.

While we take our calling very seriously, we still enjoy the time we spend together and have a great deal of affection for one another. Our get togethers are loving family affairs.  

The Second Annual Drashie Awards took place on Thursday, February 26th at Bethel Assembly of God's lovely activity center. Many thanks to Pastor Randy Shorter for sharing this facility with Drama Drash on many ocassions. Those eligible for awards took part in one or in some cases, all of the performances of 2008--The Mating Game, performed at Immanual Baptist and for Fuel Youth Church, Lots of Trouble in the Citadel at St. Paul's Methodist and New Life Fellowship. We rounded out the season with a debut performance of a new Bible Investigator Adventure, Ten Little Lost Tribes at Abundant Life Church in Geronimo, Oklahoma.

The Drashie ceremonies began with a fellowship-pot blessing meal. Afterwards, Artistic Director, Shirley Harkins gave a brief State of the Ministry Address. Shirley stressed once again the burden on her heart for the Body of Messiah and her desire to reach out and minister to believers. She also outlined the 2009 season beginning with the dramatic reenactment of the Last Supper as a traditional Jewish Passover Seder. Do This in Memory of Me will take place on at 6 PM on April 9, 2009 at St. Pauls United Methodist Church in Lawton, Oklahoma. Wayne #1 has already been cast as Jesus and 12 men are needed to fill the roles of the disciples in this life changing performance.

During the summer months, Drama Drash hopes to perform live versionz of A Marriage Made in Heaven--spreading this very important message to various churches throughout the Texoma area. Shirley is working on a new script for the end of the season.

Each actor or actress was then recognized for her or her contribution to Drama Drash. While tongue-in-cheek, the gratitude to these faithful volunteers was very serious. Now in our third year as a ministry, the actors and actresses are maturing, becoming more poised and comfortable on stage. They handle the occasional gaffe with grace, remaining in character and promptly getting back on track.

Wayne #1 cheerfully takes on any role, no matter how challenging, and assists behind the scenes in anyway he can. Despite her tender age, Natalie holds her own amongst more mature actors. It was difficult coming up with a silly award catagory for her, because she didn't do anything silly all year! She is a gifted actress with a delightfullly sassy attitude on stage, even though she's retiring and respectful with her co-ministers. She adds beauty, grace, and class to every performance. Wayne #2, who started as a stalwart supporter of the Drama Drash Ministry finally stepped up on stage in 2007. This year he tackled the line heaviest role in Drama Drash, that of the Bible Investigator. Wayne takes his roles seriously, taking his own time to add personal touches to his costumes. He's always first to help set up and strike a set--sweep a floor, do dishes, whatever is needed. Justin was recognized for a quick save in Ten Little Lost Tribes. Although he made his entrance a tad late, he remained in character. His entrance was so well executed, that the script was changed to reflect the delayed walk on. His youthful enthusiasm for Drama Drash is an energizer to the rest of the ministers. Daniel, with his busy schedule of family, work, and school never says no but always accepts a role and gives a winning performance. Emily got called in last minute to fill in as Zeresh in Lots of Trouble in the Citadel when another actress fell ill. She learned her lines for that show in a single afternoon and was first to learn her lines for Ten Little Lost Tribes. Danny is another volunteer who never says no to taking a role or even two in a show. He also puts in a lot of hours building scenery and props, and hauls them to the venues for performances. He's also the main support system for the Artistic Director, who is also his wife. Pastor Mike is a versatile guy--acting and doing sound--sometimes doing sound from the stage. He's Drama Drash's techie and an enormous help.  Al is a veteran actor and was recognized for his incredible skills as a supporting character (and I DO mean a character!) with believable and ofter humorous reactions. Taylor, one our younger performers, fills in on stage and behind the scenes wherever he is needed--this year doing a great job playing a dual role in Ten Little Lost Tribes. Matthew finally made his Drama Drash debut after complaining that everyone else in his family had a turn on stage but him. He was terrific!

Lastly, our children were recognized. Katheen, Aleah, Blaine, Madison, and Jonathan have been a part of rehearsals and other Drama Drash projects but never got their moment in the lime light. Finally, they got parts as Amalekite sheep in Ten Little Lost Tribes and they were adorable! Even though they were late on their entrance, they followed Justin's lead, staying in character, hopping on stage at his feet.  and No one in the audience was any the wiser. Of course, Ashley as shepherdess and sheep coach did a super job prompting the bleats at the appropriate times. She was reminded that as a shepherdess, she is in good company with the likes of such biblical icons as Rebbecca, Rachel, and Zipporah.

Tina, while not on stage this year, got recognized for her support as stage manager and for coming up with so many prop peices for each show. She travels quite a distance to attend rehearsals and we appreciate her sacrifice. She is also a support system for the Artistic Director. Ralph, Kim, Malayna, and Amber were similarly recognized. The behind th scenes efforts, backstage and in the lobby, aren't as obvious or glamorou but necessary to the success of a performance. The director relies heavily on this off stage support so that she can direct her attention at directing!

It was a great year! Many thanks to all the volunteers, contibutors, church hosts, the patrons, and everyone else who supported the work of Drama Drash Ministries in 2008. We're looking forward to another exciting season in '09. Be sure to join us!