What if hell had a network newscast? That was the premise of our Easter Production this year at Crossroads Church! Obviously, demons have limited knowledge. They are not omniscient like God is. 1 Corinthians 2:8 says that if the rulers of this fallen world had understood God's plan they would have never crucified the Lord of glory! So how does Satan keep his minions informed? (Or misinformed?)
Through our production, we imagined that Satan would use "The Underworld News Tonight" - a dysfunctional underground news network anchored by Peter Sinnings, played by Adam Farley. Sinnings and his ragtag crew (featuring Ayla Bergeron, Chris LeMaster, Chelsea Bourque, Chase Doll, Kevin Wold and Lexi Armstead) attempt to keep the demonic ranks informed of their version of Jesus' arrest, scourging, crucifixion and ultimately the resurrection. We took a tongue-in-cheek approach to what that might be like (think C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters) complete with commercial sponsors like Pitchfork Surplus, Dr. Lex Levay's Hoof Polish and the latest Twilight trailer (lol). Peter Sinnings depends on field reporters Chuck Nimrod at the Garden of Gethsemane - played by Gavin Kondo, Jezebel Jones in the spin room - played by Anna Hansen, Bob Balaam at the sight of the scourging - played by Chase Ables, Michael Moab at Golgotha - played by Bret Bates and Nebuchadnezzar Newton at the empty tomb - played by Aaron Harrington.
Working the spin room, Jezebel Jones reports on what the believers are saying in response to the events as they unfold. Their response (in typical follower fashion - according to Ms. Jones) comes in the form of songs. Jason Rhoades performed He Loved Me Anyway in response to the betrayal of Judas. Jason, Jordy Davidson and Crossroads Musical Director Coy Watson performed By His Wounds in response to the scourging. Josef Barr performed Hero in response to the crucifixion. Jason was then joined by a vocal ensemble made up of Jordy, Josef, Geneva Orr, Lynlee Helcl, Jane Lantier, Jasmine Wagnon, Pricilla Picard, Corina Melancon and Tray Richard as he performed Death in His Grave. Tray performed a rap segment of the song that was incredible! Throughout the song, members of Crossroads Church shared the loss of family members and the hope they have of their loved one's part in the resurrection. A big thank you to James Welsh, who honored his dad Gabe, Carolyn Nelson who honored her husband Thomas, Brian and Melissa Miller who honored their daughter Brianne and Jessica Martin who honored her father, Bryan. I ended the song by honoring my dad and then shared an invitation for people to receive Christ. Over 70 people made Jesus their personal Lord and Savior! Donnie Bolton wrapped up the service with a killer cover of the Fred Hammond song He Lives.
As always, huge props to Richard Gaspard and his staff who put together all the media support for the production. Rhett Wyatt and his team put together an incredible set for both the film pieces and the live performance. Holane Davidson coordinated all the costume and make up and the Master's Commission team worked tirelessly to help us pull off the impossible! We had over 4,700 in attendance and many said this was their favorite Easter Production ever!
