WITNESS Messiah 2007 is taking the stage Friday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1 at Maranatha Assembly of God in Forest Lake.

With the claim of being ‘Hard-Hitting, Heart-Pounding, More Than You’d Expect’, WITNESS Messiah is moving audiences.

In the early days of Christianity the words ‘witness’, ‘martyr’, and ‘Christian’ were synonymous in some areas of the world during the great persecutions. This embodies the depth of meaning in our title WITNESS Messiah.

It brings together the idea that Jesus was a witness to the world of the Father’s love for us, our being ‘witnesses of these things’, and that a believer might be willing to die for it all as many have over the centuries.

Pastor Bob Headley said this year’s presentation of WITNESS Messiah opens with a Hungarian preacher in the 1950s being confronted at gunpoint by a Soviet soldier who is going to see if he’s truly willing to die for his faith.

“We know that most people who come to see WITNESS Messiah are likely to have some level of faith in Jesus Christ before they come through the door,” Headley said. “There’s nothing new to say it’s just presented in a different way. It’s still a traditional biblical setting with a great stage and astounding props and costumes.

“It’s great for those who know and those who don’t know the story of Jesus Christ.”

He added that “No doubt, Jesus’ words sometimes make people uncomfortable. The cross is uncomfortable. You’ll feel it here. We want to move people with our portrayal of Jesus among the people and on the cross - and they will be moved.

“Last year the crucifixion scene was so intense that an audience member shouted, “Stop! That’s enough!” Another woman later testified of having committed her life to Christ as the cross was being raised.”

Headley said that Maranatha’s single highest goal is that “people leave the building having seen Him in a way that has renewed meaning for their lives - a way that compels them to be a greater WITNESS for the sake of Jesus Christ.”

The cast & crew is made up of about a hundred ordinary people. Jesus is portrayed for the 3rd year in a row by Maranatha’s Youth Pastor Bill Headley. The drama is directed by Worship Pastor Bob Headley and ministry assistant, Stacy Nimmo.

Tickets for the production are $8 each or 10 or more for $6.50 each.

The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31 and 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 1. The lobby will open one hour prior and the auditorium opens 30 minutes prior to presentation time. General admission only.

Maranatha also has Good Friday Services Friday, April 6 at 7 p.m. and Easter Sunday Services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Maranatha Assembly of God is located at 24799 Forest Blvd., off of US-61 north in Forest Lake. For more information contact the church at 651-464-3131.

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