So these two guys go to high school together and don't see each other for several years. Then one day they meet, and there's something really different about one of them. The story behind that change spans two thousand years—it turns out the catalyst behind the guy's change actually took place two millenia ago. It is a dramatic telling of Jesus' death and resurrection, in live, vivid detail, ripped from the pages of the Bible, and the impact on one man's life. He is a witness to Jesus living in his own life.

Fittingly, the name of the production is “The Witness.” It is a story written by Lorna Albanese, Jeff Bogaczyk and Don Altemus and brought alive on stage for two weekends in March here in the Alle-Kiski area at Evangel Heights Assembly of God in Sarver.

The trio birthed and brewed the play a few years ago and last year was the first year for the story to appear on stage [Albanese is Minister of Music and Bogaczyk is Minister of Youth at Evangel Heights.] This year, they have fine-tuned the story, beefing up several scenes (including the resurrection of Lazarus) and exchanging the wedding scene for a boat scene (with an abundance of fish included.)

Evangel Heights Assembly of God, pastored by Pastor John Kuert, has produced dramatic Easter presentations every year since 1990. The productions, as this year, are often written by the church and rather impressively produced. They draw thousands each spring. Last year, they hosted 6,000 people over six nights at the 2-hour (including the intermission) performance.

It is a rather large cast, with 75 people acting in the play. Including the stage crew, the number behind the production grows to over 100. But when all of the support staff and teams behind-the-scenes are factored in, it becomes a massive amount of people who are giving up time and materials as not only cast and crew but also food, janitorial, lighting, set construction, parking lot, greeters, ushers, nursery, make-up, kitchen, and prayer.

“I could not even begin to give a number for them all,” says Pastor Albanese, who oversees the entire production, “but, the person stuffing envelopes is just as important as anyone in the cast.”

Planning began this year in October, as they reworked some of the scenes. Auditions began before Christmas, and the first cast meeting was held January 3rd. The advance preparations were necessary in order to present the play by Easter, which falls early this year; the production is no simple one-act play but includes several scenes with special effects.

Jesus rises up into Heaven just as the Bible says (but in this case the actor portraying Him rises into an opening in Evangel Heights' ceiling,) and there is smoke, special lighting and sets that open up. It is no wonder the packed performances are often standing room only.

The church also opens dress rehearsal up for Senior Night, for senior citizens on Thursday March 13th. Senior citizen groups are invited to come that evening, which is not as crowded and thus easily accessible to those with wheel chairs or on oxygen. The church also each night has a free shuttle service that runs from Oberg Manufacturing so that people can park there and ride to the church's doorstep, avoiding the long walks and no parking.

The combination of everyone's contribution is immeasurable and there is no financial gain to be had. Lorna Albanese points out it really “is a labor of love.” But the end result of all the hard work and giving of time by the church members results in a vivid fresh immersion into a familiar Story. Albanese says, “I encourage people to come. It's a really neat experience. It is a visual portayal and when you see it [the story], it sticks with you.” Head Pastor John Kuert adds, the program “has been a blessing to thousands of people. We invite you to come and experience it and be blessed by it.”

• “The Witness” is playing at Evangel Heights Assembly of God, 120 Beale Road, Sarver, PA, before Easter on
• Friday, Saturday, Sunday, March 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, and 22 at
• 7pm. There is a
• $5 suggested donation, and
• childcare is provided (birth to 4 years old). Seating is limited so get there early.
• Doors open at 6:15pm.
• Senior Night is March 13th and senior groups are invited to call to be a part.
• Please call 724-295-9000 for more information. Be sure to check out
• Evangel Heights online at
  http://www.evangelheights.org

photos used by permission, courtesy of Evangel Heights Assembly of God