January 14, 1990
Pastors report on drama's outreach
The
dramatic
presentation, "Heaven's Gates, Hell's Flames," by Evangelist
Bruce Thum and the Sunshine Party has been drawing thousands to hear
the gospel in assemblies throughout the U.S. Hundreds have responded
and made decisions for Christ.
"Heaven's Gates, Hell's Flames,' is an intense, unusual drama that clearly shows Jesus Christ as the only defense against the enemy," said Pastor M. Wayne Benson of First Assembly, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Benson reported that the drama was presented five times in the Church's 1,700-seat sanctuary. "This produced some 300 decisions for Christ, the majority of which were first-time commitments.
"Many rededicated their lives to the Lord and a large number received the baptism in the Holy Spirit."
Thum, a Cherokee Indian evangelist affiliated with the Assemblies of God, emphasized the importance of using drama in the church - as long as it goes beyond entertaining people.
I don't believe any church should present drama unless there's an altar call," he told a Grand Rapids newspaper reporter. "It's our mandate to have lasting results."
In recent Meetings in Houston, Tex., and Pontiac, Mich., pastors have seen many come to the drama and respond to receive Christ.
In recent Meetings in Houston, Tex., and Pontiac, Mich., pastors have seen many come to the drama and respond to receive Christ.
"It was a very dramatic presentation to more than 1,200 people," reported Pastor John W. Gunn of Calvary Temple in Pontiac. "Well over 70 people were saved, and many renewed their relationship with Jesus and made recommitment's." Pastor Paul Emerson of North Central Assembly in Houston said that, when Thum and his group presented the drama on 2 nights "about 100 or more came forward each night for salvation, recommitment, and dedication to the Lord.
"It was a tremendous blessing to our church."
Thum recounted a moving experience which happened at one of the presentations in Houston.
"A man came down from the balcony to the altar to be saved." Thum said. "At the same time, a lady came to the altar for salvation. They both found Christ as Savior, not knowing that the other one was in the church building.
"They had been divorced, but that night they embraced and were reunited."
See the scan here (118KB)
