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The KIT ‘n’ Kaboodle All the news that fits the sense and sensibilities of Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries
Candy Collecting Christians — Page 3
Praying for Pastors — Page 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Michael Myers’ Halloween 2 Marathon Update ............. 3 “Unshackled!” .................... 4 Christian Film Festival…….6 From Lockup To Legacy .... 6 KIT’S Top Social Posts ...... 7 Telling Your Story ............. 8
BUT WAIT... • Ensemble Spotlight: Michelle Perez -Campbell • Leadership Tips • The KIT Photo Album • Upcoming KIT Events
Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries A department of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl
October 2018
THE PERSONAL KIT
WHEN EVERYDAY IS HALLOWEEN MEET OUR ENSEMBLE MICHELLE PEREZCAMPBELL Michelle got her start performing as a teen, playing the role of Mary in a church Christmas program. She was not only smitten by the acting bug; she was smitten by the lad who played Joseph. They married, now have two children, and serve in music, media and youth ministries. A gifted vocalist, Michelle uses her musical talents as a worship leader, choral director and harmonizing with Vikki Myers and Carla Brown to form
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I bet you get a lot of crap about your name!” mused the car rental clerk while typing my driver’s license number.
When she eventually into my face, my countenance did not resemble my smiling mugshot, but the eerie visage of a movie character who begin haunting Jamie Lee Curtis in a 1978, and subsequently me in real life encounters as this for the last 40 years. I have special responses for those who check my ID in travel. There are ironies about my name. It’s not just that Michael Myers the fictional slasher killer is spelled exactly the same as mine — with one E — instead of the usual misspelling of MEYers. There’s confusion with the other guy. The human with the mini-me nomenclature — Mike Myers of “Saturday Night Live,” “Austin Powers,” and the rest. In many ways this reality has been nightmarish since we both arrived at The Second City theater in Chicago in the late ‘80s, are both SAGAFTRA members, and have mutual acquaintances. Like, lukewarm introductions, “I thought you were Mike Myers, the actor.” “I am Mike Myers the actor,” I explain. “I mean, you know....” “Yes, I know.” Cue the chain saw.
KINGDOM IMPACT THEATER MINISTRIES Michael Edgar Myers Founding Director Vikki J. Myers Worship Director Garlan Garner Musical Director 1723 Roosa Lane Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 847-534-0523 info@kit-ministries.com www.kit-ministries.com
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Whether instigated by Austin Powers, The Slasher Killer, or my own insecurities, being me hasn’t been easy. I’ve often wondered about my identity. I cope by creating my own fun. The car rental clerk’s face responding to my deadpan? I howled. Each October when there’s a Michael Myers “Halloween” bingefest or, better yet, another sequel (including this month, a Jamie Lee reprisal) , I’m tempted to make guest appearances and bag scads of candy from children fleeing my house. Yet, my skewed sense of self has created other opportunities. I see the Spirit in Halloween which counters the spirit of Halloween. So this month, the KITnKaboodle Magazine offers thoughts to help Christ-followers wrestling with the question of how Christians may respond to Halloween. Not how we should. Not how we ought. No judgments. Just some stories. Like the story by ensemble member Carla Brown, reflecting on being a Christian engaged in Halloween as a child, a mom, and public school teacher. We’re also preparing our own “Halloween” sequel, recording a holy ghost scene we performed during a Sunday Service of Worship long ago to go with writing new material and scripture dramatizations. In fact, in accordance with our motto, “The best script is Scripture.” here’s an idea for you and your family: spend time this month reading scriptures referencing The Holy Spirit or, in the King James, “the Holy Ghost.” Read them aloud. Tell us what you discover. The purpose is to help you see what I’ve discovered: it’s easier to take a lot of crap about your name when your identity is in Him first instead of you. I take 2 Corinthians 5:17 to heart. On the other hand, my name really causes kids to behave when I’m teaching. So why does Jamie Lee keep blocking my calls?
HALLOWEEN: CHRISTIAN-STYLE Carla Brown is an original member of Chos3n, the Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries women’s music ensemble. She and her husband, Eric, are the parents of seven children, three of whom are in college. Carla homeschooled her children until feeling the call of the classroom herself. She divides her Chos3n service with her day-to-day occupation: as a bilingual teacher in suburban Dallas.
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alloween!!! A word that strikes fear and excitement in children everywhere. For me, as a kid, I definitely looked forward to this fun day. Think about it, you get to dress up in the most creative, crazy, funky way you want without being mocked, run the streets well after the street lights come on, and, THE single most driving factor of them all...FREE CANDY!!! I participated in this ritual all the way through my senior year in high school (best costume - BABY because I could wear pajamas to All dressed up for free candy! How can school!!!) There was little thought as they possibly have cavities? to the origin and history of Halloween...until...I began to hear speak of the “evil” of the holiday; the unholy meaning behind this day of fun costumes and free candy. As a youth I was slightly confused, yet understood what was going on. My mother taught me about the things of God and I believed them, but, I truly didn’t see the big deal about dressing as an angel or a baby or a princess and spending time with family and friends while acquiring FREE CANDY!!
Being a Christian mom and teacher does not demand that I eliminate everything from my life. It does demand that I am responsible .
— Carla Brown (with husband, Eric)
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ast forward to me, as a mom. I was excited to share the celebration rituals with my own kids. I did not want to deprive them of the joys the day had brought me as a kid per say, however, based on the evolution of Halloween in my life, I developed a list so my kids could enjoy the fun without experiencing the “scary parts.” I even explained that Halloween comes from something “bad,” but we would just have fun; make costumes based on inanimate objects, fun sayings, or even Bible characters. See, Halloween: “Christian-style.” Now, as a teacher, I have to be very careful with everything I say and do. So, when Halloween comes around, I am once again conflicted. When I was in elementary school, I looked forward to this time of year. Why? Because we got to dress up, the teacher would do some fun activities that disguised learning brilliantly, and...you guessed it...TREATS!!!! Those days were memorable and made school fun...at least for that day. How can I now, an elementary school teacher myself, deprive my students of that experience? Please turn to “Carla Brown, Teacher,’” on Page 5
UPDATING MARATHON M’AM Dear Friends: Thank you for patiently receiving my updates about my Chicago Marathon run on behalf of St. Jude's Children's Hospital. It was been an amazing experience and I think the best is yet to come. Not the easiest, but the best! I wanted make a few prayer requests for the race and days throughout the month. Thank you in advance for remembering me in prayer for my next journey on and off the course: Please pray that my body holds up through the race. I have some pain in my left knee that I am currently treating with physical therapy. Things can get a little crazy after 10 miles. Pray I can pace myself and work through any pain that may come. Two days after the race, I am having an important surgery. Please pray I treat myself well in recovery after the race so my body is ready for "the second marathon!" Generous donations in September got me to 75% of my pre-race fundraising goal. Pray I connect with other generous patrons who are able to give so I can uphold my commitment to raise funds to support the families walking through the horrors of childhood cancer. I may receive donations even after the Marathon. If you’re somoved, follow this link: tinyurl.com/VikkiStJude Thank you! I know prayer is an investment of time, so I really appreciate it, even popcorn prayers. It all makes an impact! Blessings to you, and I will be sure to follow up with you on race day! Warmly, Vikki
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THE SHEPHERDING KIT APPRECIATING YOUR PASTOR BY PRAYING Clergy has taken a lot of criticism in recent months. More than the usual second-guessing about sermon content. Much has to do with interpersonal relationships. Rather than condemn, Fredreick Ezeji-Okoye says congregations should remember their pastors are human and pray. As an outgrowth of this belief, Frederick has written “Who Prays for the Pastor?” Michael recorded the audiobook version. Both are recommended reads (gifts) during October, Pastor Appreciation Month. Brother Fred gives background on the book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR FREDRICK EZEJI-OKOYE Fredrick Ezeji-Okoye ministers as an evangelist. He is founder and president of Men of Faith Network, a fast-growing, diverse, multi-cultural network of pastors and leaders with a global outreach. The Men of Faith Network serves pastors by providing them a support system and encouragement, through relationships built and its monthly meetings. The founding chapter is in the Chicago area where EzejiOkoye, a native of Nigeria, lives, with his wife, Ijeoma, and daughters, Chisom, Nkiruka and Chinenye. LEARN MORE: Men of Faith Network.
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ost people understand being a pastor can be a heavy load, even if they don’t know many details of what is involved. According to some statistics*, 75 percent of pastors report severe stress and resulting anguish, worry, anger, depression and fear, so perhaps it’s not surprising that 1500 pastors reportedly leave their ministries each month due to burnout, conflict or moral failure. Of pastors surveyed, 57 percent would leave if they had somewhere else to go or another vocation they could do. Pastors also rank high in statistics on drug abuse, alcoholism and suicide, along with doctors and lawyers. Information as this spoke to Fredrick EzejiOkoye. One Sunday morning during his pastor’s prayer to close the worship service, Ezeji-Okoye was listening with his heart, not just his head, and he began sensing the burden his pastor felt as he prayed for everyone in the congregation. In that moment, Fredrick said he heard God saying to him, “but…who prays for the pastor?” An ordained evangelist himself, he was convicted in that hour that he was to do something to support those in ministry who carry such a burden for their church members. And as he shared this powerful experience with his wife, he felt God calling him to begin a ministry to those who minister. And thus in 2009 the Men of Faith Network began in the Chicago area where Fredrick lives, keeping in action the ideas and stories that compelled him to write his book which offers practical information for pastors and parishioners aimed at supporting pastors in their life and work.
Listen or Purchase In addition to reading the entire book, Michael has created five segments as Soundcloud Devotionals. Listen to the devotionals free. Visit Amazon to purchase the paperback or the audiobook.
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“Parishioners should share the burden of praying for our pastors. Week after week, we come to receive that which God has poured into them. We have many expectations of them, expressed and unexpressed,” Ezeji-Okoye explains. “How often does the average congregant stop to consider the pastor’s needs? If the pastor is doing all the pouring, how is he being replenished? It is time to become the ones who pray for our pastors.” With chapters ranging from stress and financial pressures, to others about wellness and family life, the book is one individuals may benefit from reading, and some groups have begun purchasing in quantity to share with congregations and organizations for pastors. The book even ends with a chapter of intercessory prayers provided by others.
CARLA BROWN: TEACHER (Continued from Page 3)
An “Unshackled” cast in performance at Pacific Garden Mission., Chicago.
WHEN THEIR MINDS ARE UNSHACKLED! For several years, Michael and Vikki have been ensemble cast members of the drama series, “Unshackled,” the longest running radio drama in history. “Unshackled” is a production of Pacific Garden Mission in downtown Chicago. The 30-minute program dramatizes true testimonies of individuals who gave their lives to Christ, many after seemingly devasting life circumstances: addictions, abuse, trafficking, suicide. Technological changes have allowed the “Unshackled” production team to expand how the program is recorded and distributed. Many classic radio programs are being reenvisioned as short YouTube videos to reach new generations and methods of communication. Nevertheless, the radio dramas — complete with live sound effects — continue to be produced each Saturday at the PGM, 1458 s. Canal Street, Chicago.
Michael & Vikki greet Flossie McNeil, recently retired “Unshackled” producer who hired them for the program in the early 90s.
The performances are free, open to the public, and can be packaged with a tour of the mission for a ministry or individual field trip. Tours begin at 3 PM, radio taping at 4:30. Michael is taping an “Unshackled” recording this month, Saturday, Oct. 13. An earlier program he recorded will air the week of December 9-15.
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Here are three ideas to acquaint yourself with this performance ministry:
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Take a look at what an “Unshackled” taping looks like here;
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Hear a radio sample, then view how that same story was adapted for video;
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Scan the “Unshackled” radio archives for an episode that might address an issue with which you or someone you know may be struggling;
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View the program guide to find when “Unshackled” is aired near you.
Well, as an adult and a Christian, I am fully aware and have a significant understanding of Halloween. I am not willing to allow Satan to use me as a tool to infiltrate the minds of any little person I interact with. However, there are so many demands on our elementary-aged children today: they have to analyze the main character in a story; they have to explain why 5 times 5 equals 25 in 3 different ways; they have to design science investigations about the relative density of several objects and justify their results, they have to plan, write, revise, edit, and publish an expository essay explaining who the most important person in their lives is and why. Can the kids just be kids for ONE DAY??? My answer...YES!!! So, Mrs. Brown’s class always receives a little goodie bag; complete with a fun “halloween” pencil, a few “halloween” stickers, and...SHHHHH...some FREE CANDY!!! We also learn using halloween-themed activities and HAVE FUN!!! My final thought, being a Christian mom and teacher does not demand that I eliminate EVERYTHING from my life; all those things that I enjoyed as a kid/teen and couldn’t wait to pass along to my children. What it does demand is that I am responsible with the approach, I educate the little ones around me on the history and the appropriate way we can enjoy the “good” parts without being submerged and controlled by the bad.
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THE COMMUNITY KIT CHRISTIAN FILM FEST AND MORE AT A.C.T. Strategic Christian filmmaking is thematic thread in for The Gathering, the annual weekend of study, networking and worship held in Nashville by Artists in Christian Testimony Intl, KIT Ministries’ parent 501(c)(3) organization.
THE PRAYER KIT For Our Ministries
• We ask for consistent salary to sustain our households.
• We ask for income to pay actors, tech and administrative aides who assist in presenting and promoting our ministry.
• We ask for wisdom, patience and unity as ministry couples and as friends, for we have all experienced how business, busyness and finances can undermine relationships. For Our Partners
• For the film industry in California. Visit The Hollywood Prayer Network for up -to-date requests .
• For stage and film artists in Chicago and Great Lakes states. Visit The Christian Artists’ Network Facebook group for daily updates. For Answered Prayers
• For The LORD's economic provision through friends and our church families through our transition.
• For new presentation opportunities with our new workshops and shows. Request prayer, share praise
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Registration continues through October for the fourth annual event held Nov. 1-3 at Belmont Church, in the heart of Music Row. The Gathering will feature workshops, teaching and workshops in assorted disciplines with particular focus on filmmaking on broad and personal scale. Sessions include Strategic Evangelism in Hollywood and Strategies for Film in Ministry. Highlight of the
Gathering is the first ACT Intl Christian Film Festival, with keynote speaker Steve Taylor, director of the film, “Blue Like Jazz,” Other guest presenters include Rob Frazier, Dove and Grammynominated singer-songwriter; and Dr. Katherine Morehouse, chair of the Department of Multi-Ethnic Music Studies. Liberty University RESOURCE: The Gathering Video RESOURCE: Register RESOURCE: Join A.C.T.
THE LEGACY REENTRY FOUNDATION (In addition to performing before congregations and ministry organizations, the KIT Ministries ensemble frequently lends support to agencies in the communities where we live providing a faith-perspective or practical support to managing issues of concern in the region. Here is one of our connections. LEGACY REENTRY FOUNDATION — In early 2016, KIT Ministries was presenting our Sunday morning ministry at Connection Church in Libertyville, IL. Generally, the Sunday morning ministry is the core ensemble, Michael and Vikki performing, Garlan on keyboards. After rehearsal, a big man with childlike awe asked if he could sit in on drums during the service. That’s how we met George Moore Jr., and began a beautiful friendship with not just a drummer, but — more importantly — a man convicted to turning lives around. Because he had once been convicted.
Video: Lockup to Legacy
Since our meeting, George founded the Legacy Entry Foundation, a non-for-profit agency dedicated to bring awareness to the crises of mass incarceration and the need for re-entry. George employs his gifts as a writer and spoken word artist to tell of his imprisonment,. That time not only enhanced his faith in Christ, but also led him to becoming a chaplain and reaching out to jailed individuals who need second chances. Among the family-help programs coordinated by The Legacy Rentry Foundation are the Biweekly Community Closet and the weekly Teen Success outreach. Learn more about these programs
SOCIAL MEDIA AS A GOSPEL TOOL
ARTIST & MINISTRY
Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries greatly believes the Internet and other social media are powerful tools in sharing the gospel of Christ “to all the ends of the earth.”
BLOG COLLECTIONS
We subscribe to select blogs and social outlets that give artistic insight and stretch us spiritually. We also participate in a variety of Christian-focused groups on Facebook which inspire our sharing of resources, ideas on managing personnel, experiences in worship, and light-hearted observations of ministry.
Artists in Ministry & Mission by Byron Spradlin
New This Month
Backstage Blog by Chuck Neighbors Be Known for Something By Mark MacDonald Devon Franklin Entertainment By Devon Franklin Inspiration with An Attitude by Dawn Liz Jones
@KITMINISTRIES POSTS OF THE MONTH FACEBOOK: How Church & Pop Music Help Vikki Marathon-Train TWITTER: The KIT Website is undergoing redesign. Please follow. LINKED IN: Kaboodle Magazine, September Edition KABOODLE BLOG: The Stevie Wonder of It All YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: Chicago Marathon: Vikki’s Running Tunes
Morning Reflections by Glenn McDonald Pastor Norm's Blogs & Books by Norman P. Anderson Worship Wonderings by Michael Edgar Myers Worship Facilities Online by Michael Edgar Myers NEWSLETTERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
GROUPIES, LISTS & PAGES WE LIKE We gladly recommend several blogs you may enjoy (see sidebar), and want to share with you some of the Facebook groups with which we engage.
• Gurus of Church Tech • JonRon Ltd Audiobook Artists • Let's Talk Faith Group • Small Church Media • Stuff You Can Use: A Youth Ministry Community • The Prayer and Praise Station
Kraakervik’s ConvergeWW/ BGC Daily Nightly digest of the day’s thought-provoking news and commentary in topics from Christianity to sports, entertainment, leisure and more, assembled
RECEIVE KIT UPDATES
• U.S. Theater Directors Resources • Theater & Ministry Alliance • Weekend Worship & Guest Services • Worship Leaders Collective For the full list, visit our website media page. Like our Facebook page to follow our on-going observations. We welcome recommended groups to follow.
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THE LEADERSHIP KIT: COMMUNICATING CLEARLY Michael is a contributing writer for Worship Facilities Magazine, and this month two of his articles are featured. The stories are a two-part series on Team Building. They serve as the background for followup workshops in team building, communication and conflict management that Michael presents at individual churches throughout the year. The articles are: Jesus: Head of Human Resources Clear Communication and Beyond Visit The Leadership KIT on our website for details about the workshops or e-mail an inquiry for these sessions that Michael has presented to a broad spectrum of educators, corporation officials, and church leaders across the U.S.
“The historical details of a life transformed by Christ can be powerful within your family or church family.”— Telling Your Own Stories THE PERFORMANCE KIT: TELLING YOUR OWN STORIES KIT’s newest workshop offerings include, “The Healing Art of Telling Stories,” which Vikki debuted at the Iron Sharpens Iron Women’s Conference in Davenport, Ia. Two elements of healthy sharing are telling your own stories , and interviewing relatives or church family members. Here are some ideas how: PERSONAL TESTIMONY Practical steps to tell your own faith story. What do you recall about when you came to Christ? * What: Tell the circumstances they remember about God calling them to Himself? * When: How old you were or what year it was? * Where: Was it a special event, place, state, house? * Why: Were there special circumstances – person, His still small voice, nature
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BIOGRAPHICAL TESTIMONY The historical details of a life transformed by Christ can be powerful within your family or church family. Use these questions as a guide. Listen careful to answers to develop a rich conversation. For added impact, audio record the conversation for a podcast, or video to compile Faith Stories that could be shown Sunday mornings or on websites; or kept as church history. * What’s your spiritual biography? * When were Born/Re-born (come to Christ)? * Describe your early life experiences. * What’s your spiritual upbringing? * Who are your life influencers? * What is your work life history? Accomplishments? * How do these things influence your walk of faith?
NAME CALLIN’: WHO GOD SAYS YOU ARE During Vikki’s idenitity workshop, teen women wrote on nametags negative names they had been given by others or themselves. Having exploring Scripture they found new identity in Christ,. Exitiing the session, they wrote new tags and stuck the old identities to the wall as if nailing them to the cross. To receive 49 identity scriptures, please mail us.
Because of generous contributors to Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries, Vikki was able to present two inspiring equipping seminars at the Iron Sharpens Iron Women’s Conference in Davenport, IA. Both sessions are now in her repertoire for further bookings. Meanwhile, Michael had a photo safari at the booth.
A member of the “next generation” of Kingdom Impact Theater, Marissa serves as leader of musical worship at two Chicagoarea churches while completing her studies at Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, focusing on worship leading.
(Photo: Atlanta Journal-Constitution.)
YOUR DONATION DOLLARS SERVING OTHERS
Sundays at 10 AM Marissa is worship leader at New Life Community Church in Villa Park. At 11 :s0 AM, catch her at New Life Brookfield. She is also skilled at using social media as a gospel tool, and has appreciation for Hamiltons and "Hamilton." Opening of Martin Luther King Street in Atlanta, 1976 .
Strolling Down MLK St.
Help create similar interaction with a donation to KIT Ministries.
Over 700 American cities have a street named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. A majority of those thoroughfares engage communities with predominately African-American populations. Given the cultural, social and political climate of the United States today, how might Dr. King and his wife, Coretta, respond to what they see if strolling down King Street? Would they still have dreams, or nightmares? What would message would they leave “postracial” America ? That’s the premise behind the new Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries script, “Strollin’ Down MLK Street,” debuting in January 2019.
On a Sunday morning while Vikki was on a training run through Kane County before church, Michael’s photo safari stumbled upon two outdoor church services and a ministry kickoff in downtown Batavia.
By revisiting Dr. King’s words, today’s headlines, and visuals of King Streets across the globe, this 20-minute, two-character play is designed to inspire action by recalling methods of the past but not languishing there. Booking requests are being accepted through Dec. 1. Shows will be weekends beginning January 11. Email for details.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
BACK PAGE STORY HEADLINE
OCTOBER
13 Unshackled (Live Radio Drama, Michael)
Pacific Garden Mission 1458 South Canal Street Chicago, IL 60607 Building Tour, 3 PM Live Radio Taping, 4:30 PM
29 The Prodigal Son (Workshop, Michael )
Moody Bible Institute Guest: Creative Arts Ministry 10 AM
NOVEMBER
18 Sunday Morning Live (Drama Worship)
Connection Church Libertyville, IL 9:30 AM
DECEMBER
23 It’s Christmas Dear (Drama Worship)
Connection Church Libertyville 9:30 AM
JANUARY 21 Strollin’ Down MLK St. (Ensemble Drama) Hoffman Estates Vllg Hall Hoffman Estates, IL 9:30 AM
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ABOUT KINGDOM IMPACT THEATER MINISTRIES Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries is an ensemble of theater missionaries who use performing arts to entertain, engage and educate for community outreach and leadership trainBooking Now for 2019 ing. “Freedom Song” KIT Ministries is based in Elk Grove (African-American History) Village, IL, a northwest suburb of Chicago. KIT was founded by Mi“The Roscoe P. Love Love Clinic” (Valentine’s Day) chael Edgar Myers and Vikki J. Myers, professional actors in the ChiInquire about dates cago theater community, as an edu847-534-0523 cational tool and a bridge between church ministries and industry professionals who are Christ-followers. Our concentration is small and mid-sized churches, however, we serve churches and Christian-focused agencies where requested. KIT Ministries is supported by tax-deductible donations as a department of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl, a 501 (C) 3 not-for-profit organization since 1973. Please consider a one-time or on-going contribution to enable Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries to present the gospel without finances becoming a stumbling block. Donating Options.