KIT 'n' Kaboodle_November 2020

The KIT ‘n’ Kaboodle

All the news that fits the sense and sensibilities of Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries

Praying for Unity……………...6

Resources for Veterans………..5

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Welcome Back Hanan .......... 2 Our Christmas Wish List ...... 3

“From them will

Thanking Our Pastors........... 4

come songs of

A.C.T. Gathering Links ......... 6

thanksgiving and

Gospel in Social Media ......... 7

the sound of rejoicing.”

— Jeremiah 30:19 Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries A department of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl

November 2020

Online, Social Distance Tips . 8 KIT Photo Safari: Sermons....9 Invest in the Dream………....10

THE PERSONAL KIT by Michael Edgar Myers

MAKING TIME FOR THANKS & FORGIVING MEET OUR ENSEMBLE HANAN BARRETT In 2018, Hanan Barrett graduated high school in Illinois and returned to Singapore to fulfill his National Service commitment. Hanan has dual citizenship with the U.S. and Singapore. Singaporean youth are mandated to serve two years of military duty after high school. During high school, Hanan served KIT Ministries as a media specialist behind the scenes and at conferences.

He ended National Service in September and moves back to the States in time for Thanksgiving 2020. We’re glad. We need him at the table.

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he end of the year is such a manic time.

There’s so much to DO in order to relax and have fun, y’know? People to shop for, dinners to make, programs to prepare. Then there’s that time spent thinking through the transition into the next year. My latest birthday brought one more layer of year-end urgency: The Medicare Open Enrollment Deadline!

Deadlines drive us, and while newspaper and improvisation training has enabled me to function under deadline, I admit constantly living with pressure is draining. It’s one thing to function on the edge; it’s another to reside there. I marvel at those who are disciplined enough to plan without becoming undermined by what our friend Curt Hansen calls, “the tyranny of the urgent;” especially in this celebratory season where we’re supposed to stop and smell the turkey.

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llustration: For years, we have struggled to get our Christmas cards out before December 25. Actually, before the next year. While we enjoy creating our holiday missives, we don’t enjoy beating ourselves up for not being more timely expressing our gratitude. The same with “Thank You” notes as days pass.

Our encounters as theater missionaries have taught us much. Among out lessons, stop lamenting the past and enact Nike Time. Just do it. So, right now we say, thanks be to God for His indescribable gift, and to His people who delivered them to us. Like you by reading.

We are learning to embrace the generosity of others, accepting anew how giving is its own blessing. We strive to be better stewards of our provisions in order to pay it forward through our shows, concerts and training.

KINGDOM IMPACT THEATER MINISTRIES Michael Edgar Myers Founding Artistic Director

Vikki J. Myers Co-Founder, Worship Director

Garlan Garner Musical Director 1723 Roosa Lane Elk Grove Village, Il 60007 630-632-7775 www.kit-ministries.com

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n important discovery is our greater grasp of exhibiting the grace of God: to forgive and ask forgiveness. Headlines, social posts, and conversations with friends foreign and domestic have impressed us that, yes, we have financial, medical, political and emotional struggles, but man’s greatest threat is hardening of the heart. The antidote is cultivating an attitude of gratitude.

This issue is such a step May this effort be a base for our future interactions so we won’t have to wait until an annual ritual, or a memorial, to feel pressed to get it said. May The Lord hear from us regularly what he told the prophet Jeremiah to expect from the Hebrew nation when they were liberated from exile: “From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing.”

Jeremiah 30:19 It’s especially true this year. If COVID’s given us nothing else, it’s given us time to reflect, to appreciate, to hope, to understand the meaning of #SDG #Shalom #Selah #AndAmen — To God be the Gory! Peace! And Rest! So Be It.

Dear Friends of KIT: Giving Tuesday is a generosity movement begun in 2012 encouraging people to do good.

Vikki recoils at her kids’ Christmas list in her holiday show, “True Gifts: Stories of Birth & Renewal” (click photo for video preview). But KIT’s wish list makes her smile...and pray.

WHAT WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

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t is not the easiest question to answer: “What do you want for Christmas?”

A response seems so selfish. So greedy. It is the seed that spawned Black Friday, Cyber Monday and broke January. That question in 2020 brings to mind other thoughts. With another predicted wave of business closures and restrictions because of the pandemic, the theme song of this shopping season maybe a mashup of “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” answered by “I Got Plenty of Nothin’.”

But the answer is easy to someone who has received God’s gift of life through the manger and the cross.

It’s also a paradox. We know the promises that God knows our needs without asking, and that He will supply our needs according to his riches if we ask, in the name of Jesus. Yet, we often struggle more than we should. Thus Jesus says, we do not have because we do not ask.

Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries would like you to consider doing good with us on Giving Tuesday, December 1.

We know from experience you will soon receive many similar end-of-the-year requests.

We also know that despite budget cuts, many friends remain able to support ministries and other non-profits. It’s a matter of prioritizing.

Your local church comes first.

We also welcome your offering.

There are two actions you can take to help make KIT Ministries a priority: 1. #InvestIntheDream with a financial gift. (See Page 10)

Invest: To present our shows on Scripture and African-American history live or video or church, community healing.

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o, we ask you to give to Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries as you are able. As He supplies your riches.

We ask you because 2020 has helped understand our mission, motives and need.

2. Make an appointment to chat.

You need not wait until December 1. And thank you for your support.

Michael Edgar Myers 630.632.7775 actintl.givingfuel.com/ kitdonations

Invest: To provide upgrade technical Our needs are $7000 a month. Inequipment so that existing material can structions, links and addresses to be adapted, new material to be created. contribute are included in these pages, starting with the photos here. Each represents a basic desire of what we want for Christmas.

We do not ask for ourselves. We ask for this reason: We know the gift of Christ is the best gift anyone can accept. God has given us gifts to deliver His gift to all who will receive. It is our gift to bring his gift to others. The presents here will help us. Your gift will help.

Invest: To guarantee monthly income to increase ministry productivity by removing distraction of seeking other jobs.

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THE SUPPORT KIT PASTORS WHO GIVE AND LIVE THE WORD Our motto, “The best script is Scripture,” has been inspired by pastors and spouses who have supported us through prayer, teaching, verbal and monetary encouragement. While 2020 has limited our face-to-face time, we pause to thank not only ways these friends have shaped our vision over time, but have modelled how to navigate personal and ministry changes this year.

THE PRODUCERS JOE WRIGHT JORON AUDIOBOOKS LTD. Good producers find material, connect the material with performers and keep the performers accountable. Joe Wright has been that and more.

Norm and Bev Anderson, retired, Arizona — for introducing us to the concept of theater as a ministry tool, encouraging us to continue, and setting us up to add “business” to the “show.”

Jintek Chung, Trinity Gospel Church, Elk Grove Village, IL — for introducing us to cross-cultural ministry, and speaking ageless truth with contemporary insight.

Lucious and Deborah Fullwood, Bellevue Baptist Church, Chicago — for giving continuity and community commitment.

From his studio in Midlothian, IL., Joe produces audio books and mentors singers.

Greg and Jeanette Gertz, retired , Virginia — for presenting the power of testimony during worship, demonstrating faith in the face of illnesses.

A dedicated member of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local, Joe co-chairs the Singers Committee, and serves on the Audio Books Committee.

Curt Hansen, Bereavement Coordinator, Green Valley, AZ — for enabling Michael to obtain the license to preach, and for preaching life-transforming messages.

Joe and his wife Rhonda sing and lead worship with Joe Jr & Friends produced by their ministry Blapop Productions.

Learn more about Blapop Productions.

LISTEN or PURCHASE Here are the four audio books Michael has narrated produced

by Joe Wright Jr. All are available on Amazon or Audible.

Who Prays for the Pastor? — Ministry Encouragement A Brief History of Gospel Music in America — Stories of James Cleveland and others

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. — Ephesians 1:6

Lucas O’Neill, Christian Fellowship Church, Itasca, IL — for ongoing education through books and impromptu counsel.

Lamarr and Brenda Lark, Connection Church, Libertyville, IL— for dreams based on responding to conversations with people and with God. Zina Jacque, Community Church of Barrington, IL — for continuing to stretch us creatively whether we are in the building or listening online; Mike Gates, Living Hope Church, Elk Grove Village — for serving church and taking the faith into the Village.

Darryl and LaDawne Jenkins, Faith Community Church, Itasca, IL — for perseverance through transition and through creative missions.

Rich and Nancy Massey, retired, Texas — for asking the tough questions, ‘Why?” and “Toward what purpose?” that continue to focus us.

Michael and Dee Neal, Glorious Light Church, Chicago — for providing an urban home while taking the ministry of literacy to the streets.

Leandro Nogueira, Village Point Church, Elk Grove Village, IL — for attentiveness, decisiveness and creativity in change.

Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide — The role of urban churches among African-Americans

Fred and Michelle Obleton, Waukegan Community Church, Waukegan, IL — for connecting us with other urban churches throughout the Midwest, and continuing to offer us opportunities to present.

Too Precious Too Fail — Encouragement for young entrepreneurs.

Duane and Sauda Porter, Impact Life Church, Chicago — for demonstrating couples partnership while doing ministry in uncharted waters.

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Rick Tatina, New Life Brookfield — for exposing us to new options and providing a training group for young leaders.

CONTINUING GRATITUDE TO VETERANS For many years our home church honored its Veterans with numerous events throughout November. Two stand out: a photo Wall of Honor displaying the church members and family members in uniform.

The other was Sunday, November 11, 2012 when the entire Service of Worship focused on the role God in the lives of veterans and their families. Live and dramatized testimonies were included, along with an essay tribute that Cami Myers, later a KIT Ministries intern, wrote as a public school sixth grade class assignment.

One of the church ushers, Rudy, was a Veteran who had survived the D-Day invasion at Normandy. Rudy didn't like talking about D-Day. He rarely spoke of his military years. Yet, after the service, he asked for a copy of the essay. He lived to be 92. Rudy told us he kept this essay at his bedside. We share to “Give thanks in all circumstances.”

Rudy, beside his photo on the Wall of Honor display.

What does a Veteran mean to me?

By Camille Myers (Grade 6, 2010)

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veteran means a person that risks their lives for the freedom of their country. This essay is to say thank you to all of those men and women.

The first time I realized how dangerous war can be was when I did a project on Clara Barton in the third grade. She was a nurse on the battlefield during the Revolutionary War. After that project, I realized how much some people take for granted. They think war is all about the shooting and wearing the uniform but it‘s not. It‘s a matter of life or death, and fighting for the freedom of our country.

I also realized how important the reason for wars can be, mostly for freedom.

I know many people‘s lives were taken in war but many others are still with us today.

How to Honor Veterans All Year Long 

Embrace the Veterans in your congregations.

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Remember God’s role in Veterans’ lives during worship.

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Encourage congregants to talk with their military family members.

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Use your media-savvy youth to record and edit their stories.

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Befriend the chaplains at the local VFW Posts.

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Expand service projects to include nearby Veterans facilities.

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Check your community agencies to see how faith-based organizations may be of service.

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Watch for tours or special programs at Veterans facilities; consider virtual field trips.

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‘d briefly like to mention some people I know that are veterans and people that are in training to go to war: My Grandfather (Col. Otrie Barrett Sr.) is a veteran; my dear friend‘s brother, Charlie Bourne, is in the Marines; my cousins Kayla and Adrianna are going to Afghanistan.

My Uncle Bill Myers was in ROTC in high school. This helped him decide to join the Indiana National Guard. He retired as a captain.

I realize that it‘s not easy to go off to war and leave your friends and family.

So, thank you to all the veterans. May our troops be safe in Iraq, and hopefully we can bring them home soon.

Resources for Veterans Camille’s interest in Veterans affairs continues in adulthood as has KIT Ministries connections as attested by these links: D-Day Warriors: It Was Our Story, Too — a documentary on Native America soldiers in World War II Coping with Mental Health of Veterans — tips for individuals and families struggling with emotional healing.

Native American Veterans Museum, Trickster Cultural Center, Schaumburg, IL

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THE COMMUNITY KIT THE GATHERING CHURCH OF A.C.T. INTL

W THE PRAYER KIT Make America United Again Seeking The LORD God to intervene in our nation Having Voted, Now Lift Up:

• Peaceful transition of responsibilities on local, state and federal levels

• Congregations whose members have different political views focus on unity in Christ

• Elected and appointed government leaders seek Solomon’s wisdom in decision-making Continue prayer and fasting for a nation to change:

• How people communicate • How leaders lead • How Christ is embraced • How Christ-followers serve Free Download

Reader’s Theater Scripture “The Lord’s Prayers: Of Teaching, of Unity” Adaptation of Jesus’ words in Luke 11, Matthew 6 and John 17 for corporate, personal prayer.

Praying Partners in the Arts

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hile there are countless benefits to being a department of Artists in Christian Testimony Intl, among the most exhilarating is the annual Nashville Gathering when departments from across the globe connect to interact, learn and, many cases, meet others for the first time.

This year marked Kingdom Impact Theater’s fourth Gathering. We admit (or confess) being glad to attend from the comfort of our family room.

Why, it was just like going to church!

The well-done stream from Nashville gave peers a chance to see the variety of ways God is using performing arts to evangelize across the globe, and to see numerous ways artists have creatively adapted to the “confining” medium of “online television.”

The stream also exposed A.C.T to interested new parties such as KIT’s Ministry Accountability Team. The ministry videos, Saturday’s talks by David Taylor and David Bailey, plus encouragement from founder Byron Spradlin were as inspiring to “outsiders” with little background in A.C.T. as they were inspirational to long-time departments needing a spiritual boost. One of KIT’s MAT members texted: “This Gathering is deep and rich.

Missions!!! Richness of Short Term!

Direction for missions in this Red Sea Moment of THE CHURCH 2020.

WORSHIP???”

“Thanks or connecting me with The Gathering. I’m understanding more about A.C.T. There is for me much on which to reflect.”

Wisdom streamed into the home: Eugene Petersen, Byron Spradlin.

Here are links to sessions are on the A.C.T. You Tube Channel.

Friday Session Artists Showcase of music, comedy, testimony and real illusion.

Saturday Session

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Byron Spradlin’s Welcome

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David Taylor on the Psalms in Worship (including interview with Bono and Eugene Petersen)

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David Bailey on the church’s role in racial reconciliation (including lessons in how systematic racism came to be)

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Introducing “Awaken Music Italy” on how the seat of the home of “Romans” learned to create its own worship music

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Rob Frazier on “Love and Creativity (in the time of storm)

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Byron Spradlin’s State of the Artist Address

Isn’t that what church is should do?

With Thanksgiving To:

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planners who organized content;

•

artists who submitted videos for discovery and entertainment;

•

engineers who made things happen in the face of spirits who threatened to derail the message (Now you know why you should always read the ending credits).

WEB UPDATES: BAD STUFF TURNS OUT OK The company that hosts our website made some upgrades that were not compatible with the KIT ‘n’ Kaboodle blog design we use.

Despite unexpected malfunctions, once corrected manually and blood pressure returned to normal, the changes were beneficial.

Among them: 1.

Artists in Ministry & Mission

by Byron Spradlin Backstage Blog

by Chuck Neighbors Be Known for Something Vikki’s Gospel Running Journals

The blog posts landing page is truncated for quicker summaries.

2.

3.

By Mark MacDonald Devon Franklin Entertainment

By Devon Franklin

Readability is improved with freshened content, new photos, easier-to-see links.

Blogs may be grouped by category for thematic reading.

ARTIST & MINISTRY BLOG COLLECTIONS

First Impressions

By Greg Atkinson

Tools to Manage Ministry Stress

Inspiration with An Attitude

by Dawn Liz Jones Morning Reflections

by Glenn McDonald

Video Highlights Since haven’t toured we added video of performance favorites including: Live show excerpt clips Chos3n Christmas Reunion

The Songs of “Carol Story”

SOCIAL MEDIA AS A GOSPEL TOOL Make Us Your Favorite!

KIT Ministries has 375 Facebook followers!

Vikki J. Myers, Worship Leader has 520!

But, for some reason, our posts are only seen by 5 percent of our followers. Please check your settings: 1.

Follow KIT Ministries FB Page

2.

Look for 3 dots on the right of Menu line. Click.

3.

Under “Follow Settings” click “Favorite.”

@KITMINISTRIES POSTS OF THE MONTH

NEWSLETTERS YOU SHOULD KNOW 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,

RECEIVE KIT UPDATES

“If My People…” infographic Pumpkins, Santa and COVID, Oh, My! Zoom Hooky on a Friday (video) 2020: A Year for The LORD Tips for Online Sermon Followup

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THE LEADERSHIP KIT HAVE YOURSELF A SOCIAL DISTANCE CHRISTMAS AND SAY SO Preparing for Christmas guests in normal years is challenging enough. Doing so in 202o with the unpredictable meeting schedule makes the options more difficult. Attack the issue by integrating your messaging live and online.

1.

Be specific about “Social Distance Christmas” in your interior and exterior building décor.

2.

Place your COVID-19 protection actions on your website home page, social media covers and include in online service announcements.

3.

Update your Google and Yelp church profiles with “Social Distancing Compliant.”

“Whether live or streamed, look to specific faces to deliver certain points. Don’t think of the camera lens as a camera, but another person.”

THE PERFORMANCE KIT THE EYES HAVE IT, SO LOOK IN THEM It’s hard enough making contact when the audience is live, even when the audience is through a camera lens especially if you’ rely on audience response to spur you on.

REFINE YOUR TECH 1.

If using a laptop keep the lens at eye level: Elevate the laptop, boost your chair, or both.

2.

Tilt the screen forward to eliminate the ceiling shot over your head.

3.

No matter how many cameras you have (or don’t), when only one (or two) people speak, adjust the camera for a closeup.

Practice Zoom selfies: angles and lighting by recording yourself a practice with the lid up.

4.

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However, it’s vital to develop appropriate eye contact timing and comfort. Too much contact can be unnatural and intimidating. Too little can appear aloof or isolating.

3.

Speak to faces. Whether live or streamed, look to specific faces to deliver certain points. One specific faces is the closeup camera lens which is the eyeballs of the person at home. Talk to those faces for 3-5 seconds before moving on. Smile.

4.

Remember First Line, Last Line. Just as Paul introduced himself in the epistles, introduce yourself to viewers in the eye... as if you met them at church for the first time. Say goodbye the same way. Both looks make the viewer feel connected. In the middle...

5.

Mark points to remember.

What do people at home need to know in the middle of your message? Deliver those to close-up camera as if expecting an answer.

6.

Be still. Move with Purpose.

Anchor your feet confining movement to upper body and gestures. Random foot movement distracts.

A few guidelines for speaking to live and video audiences: 1.

2.

Know your text. When reading from Scripture or sermon manuscript, know the text well enough to look from the page, look a person in the eye, then look back without losing your spot on the page, or in the lens.

Establish your eye line.

Don’t think of the camera lens as a camera, but another person.

Find the focal point of the lens to come back to if you need to look away. Mark the spot with a small sticky note if you must.

LIVE! From Oak Brook, Fearless Wonder Woman

THE KIT PHOTO SAFARI

We had not performed live since the last Sunday of February, nor created new material since October of 2018. Our creative season was becoming arid as the Valley of the Dry Bones.

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Guy Whitlock, staff development coach with Artists in Christian Testimony Intl, posted a provocative infographic on the group’s Facebook page. It noted what Shakespeare created when the Great Plague hit England and sent people into quarantine in 1606.

Then, in mid-August, we received a call from a previous ministry client, Rona M0bleyWells, whose weekend women’s conference was occurring at a hotel in Oak Brook, IL, as scheduled, socially distanced and souled out. Would Vikki be able to do something?

Which is how on Halloween

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That led us to the thought: Since we haven’t been touring or meeting regularly in a church because of COVID what HAS Kingdom Impact Theatre Ministries accomplished: artistically, spiritually, interpersonally?

Part of the answer is in the variety of information in these magazine pages.

More answers are the snippets on this page of the studies we have enjoyed in the last month — like 4,5,6) The A.C.T. Gathering seminars on ministry passion, churches’ role in race relations, using Psalms in worship — all viewed from screens in the family rooms and home offices on Sundays and other days of worship.

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Vikki donned in tiara, knee-high boots, cape, and apron, accompanied by her faithful pianist friend Garlan, flew into a conference room to debut “Fearless Wonder Women: Real Life Heroines of Scripture and History.”

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1) Village Point Church uses new split-screen software for guest speaker Bryan Moak; 2) Coalition for Positive Youth Development asks, “How well do you know your teens?” 3) Pastor Dan Alarcon (Discovery Church) gives election insight.

In true Vikki solo-women’sministry fashion, she weaved dramatic Scripture readings about Mary, Jesus’ mother; Mary Magdalene, and Ruth, with original monologues “by” Coretta Scott King and Mary McLeod Bethune. Coming soon to a 9 church near you. Ask us.

The KIT ‘n’ Kaboodle News, Thoughts & Prayers a publication of

KINGDOM IMPACT THEATER MINISTRIES 1723 Roosa Lane Elk Grove Village, Il 60007 630-632-7775 www.kit-ministries.com

Creative Core Ensemble Michael Edgar Myers Founding Artistic Director Vikki J. Myers Co-Founder, Worship Director Garlan Garner Musical Director

Ministry Accountability Team Jules Burke S.M.A.R.T. Productions Westchester, IL Marva Chubb-Schulz Educator, Missionary Romeoville, IL. Darryl Jenkins Senior Pastor Faith Community Church Itasca, IL LaDawn Jenkins First Lady Faith Community Church Itasca, IL Rich Massey Re-tired Pastor Dallas, TX Vanetta Pinn Prayer Intercessor Elk Grove Village, IL Doris Reynolds Educator Schaumburg, IL Guy Whitlock Staff Development Coach Mountainhome, PA

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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 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.

How To Invest in the Dream Old School Check Contribution: Payable: KIT-Ministries/Myers Memo: (5640kitministries) Artists in Christian Testimony Intl P.O. Box 1649 Brentwood, TN | 37024 United States Electronic Contribution

KIT Ministries is supported by taxactintl.givingfuel.com/kitdonations 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.

Read About The Dream