Record attendance expected

by Katie Shaw

Come meet Christ in the flesh and be amazed at His sacrifice for you! The Second Annual Easter Passion Play will occur on the Andrews University campus in Berrien Springs, Mich., April 10-11, 2004. A total of 25 performances will be shown during the two days. Tickets are free and can be reserved by calling (269) 471-8360 or e-mailing passionplay@andrews.edu. Tickets will also be available at the following locations: ABC Christian Book Center, Andrews University Bookstore, Apple Valley Market, and the Howard Performing Arts Center in Berrien Springs; Color Me Christian in Niles; Banner Books in St. Joseph; Michigan Adventist Book Center in Lansing; Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hinsdale, IL; Adventist Book Center in Willowbrook, IL; and Family Christian Stores in Mishawaka and South Bend, IN.

Individuals, families, and church and school groups are encouraged to reserve tickets early and plan to attend this free event.

Ron Whitehead, director of the Seminary's Center for Youth Evangelism and the Easter Passion Play faculty sponsor, is excited about the second year of this endeavor. "We see this as our Easter gift to the community," he said.

Nearly 450 youth are currently preparing and practicing to be guides, beggars, angry mobs, disciples and government officials. The outdoor scenes will include an authentic Middle Eastern marketplace, the betrayal in Gethsemane, Pilate's judgment, and the crucifixion. A sound-and-light show in the Johnson Gymnasium will end the play with Jesus' resurrection.

Six students and one staff member have been cast in the role of Jesus. Kareem Shaw of Florida as well as David Oakley and Bryan James of Berrien Springs were cast in this role last year and will return this year along with John Hood, Jason Calvert, and Ben Juhl of Berrien Springs; Jay Oetman of Michigan; and Rodrigo Correa of New York. "Because we are fortunate enough to be blessed with an international student body, we are able to present a diverse representation of Christ," Whitehead said.

The play will only be cancelled due to weather if there is lightening, otherwise, bring your umbrella just in case and enjoy the performance.

The Easter Passion Play is sponsored by the Center for Youth Evangelism, the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University, Pioneer Memorial Church, the Lake Union Conference, the Adventist Book Center, WAUS 90.7-FM and WFRN 104.7-FM.