Gifts of Christmases Past

The Personal KIT

by Michael Edgar Myers, Founding Director

Among the blessings of being sheltered-in-place are the hidden unearthed that have been out of place in the shelter.

In this case, it’s finding files that have been boxed, crated, shoved into once empty locations in our home. The basement, the garage … it’s all been stuffed into Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries storage space. Stuffed until focused prayer from our supporters, and specific suggestions from the KIT Ministry Accountability Team made us start to put things in place. Physically.

(Having a spouse who practices what’s called “The Life-Stealing Glance” speeds the process.)

Decluttering both provides and fills space. Finding and dispensing artifacts from the beginning years as KIT Ministries developed as the theater ministry of Elk Grove Baptist Church also filled memories and rekindled spirit.

We found scripts -- ideas for scripts written in the margins of church bulletins; scripts in multiple drafts after revision; scripts purchased from the other drama ministry subscriptions.

We found scores from Cantatas — Cantatas purchased by the music committee, cantatas we crafted with original scenes written by myself or, for a few years, those created by our students.

We found photos. LOTS of photos — from Christmas programs featuring children who are now married, parents, teachers, worship leaders. We found yellowed files of stories and studies about the birth of Christ clipped from Christian and non-Christian magazines and newspapers. There were trivia games from youth groups and senior luncheons; audio and video discs of Ladies Teas, high school dinners, Sunday school programs.

It's been an emotional find, as you may imagine, considering that many people in the photos are now with The LORD God. It was also reassuring. The photos may be fuzzy, the papers faded, but knowing that there have been people who came to Christ as a result of attending one of the Christmas programs is motivation even in these uncertain times of corporate gatherings.

These discoveries brought to mind when the Israelites discovered the Book of the Law during the reign of King Josiah and when Ezra read The Law when Nehemiah rebuilt the wall after the exile. Each discovery cause the people to realize how much they hade forgotten of God’s rules for life, fulfillment of His promises, and prophecies fulfilled and to come. When it comes to Christmas, what of His deeds, promises or prophecies have we forgotten? This photos and stories in this edition are gentle, tangible reminders for our celebrations.

THE KIT PHOTO SAFARI

Vikki J. Myers receives a Menorah gift following a KIT Ministries performance (2014).

Christmas on the Road

A few occasions we have had the honor of presenting away from our home base outside of Chicago. Those outreach moments have introduced us to new people, but more importantly, reminded us of the universality of The Gospel. What’s been more helpful have been the lessons we’ve learned — such as our West Virginia trek in which an audience member presented us a Menorah and shared his Chanukah-meets-Christmas Messianic testimony.

We look forward to future encounters.

Pianist Garlan Garner enlivens a Red & Green Christmas program at Sandy Cove resort (2014)

Christmas programs: Where friends are made.

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 training.

KIT Ministries is based in Elk Grove Village, IL, a northwest suburb of Chicago. KIT was founded by Michael Edgar Myers and Vikki J. Myers, professional actors in the Chicago theater community, as an educational tool and a bridge between church ministries and industry professionals who are Christ-followers.

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.

actintl.givingfuel.com/kitdonations