Jerry Lewis

Tonight Jerry Lewis was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at tonight's Oscars. One of our master class instructors this summer, Mac Nelson, performed with Lewis in Slapstick (of Another Kind).

News from Inge

Inge asked me to send this to you weeks ago, but I've performed in seven states since Epiphany, so I'm finally getting caught up.

If anyone needs a reminder on how to post directly to our blog just shoot me an email: Rich (at symbol) RichDrama.com (trying to keep the spammers and their spyders at bay).

in Christ alone,

Rich

Hello from South Africa

 Dear MasterWorks Friends,

As '2009' sets its foot on the stage of life, I would like to greet all the 2007 Alumni out there – and "hello" to all the other Christian artists whom I have not (yet) met.  I am from South Africa, and never cease to stand amazed that I actually got to go to the US of A, and attend the astounding MasterWorks Festival.  It truly was a miracle, and I will always be thankful to God for such an opportunity.  I thought it good to email "y'all" and give you a summarized update of what's been happening in my life (for those who are interested of course) …

I have not been in contact with many of the wonderful people I met at MW '07 and I do apologize.  The remaining of 2007 and the whole of 2008 had me caught up in completing a thesis for my postgraduate studies in applied theatre.  I was literally locked up in my room for months, with the intricate task of completing my thesis and having to say "no" to coffees and cake and "yes" to numerous edits and rewriting of chapters.  God took me through and by His Grace I have completed my studies - for now. 

What's cooking for 2009?  I don't know yet, and feel like Joshua before entering Jericho – not knowing how they would enter the Promised Land.  In the waiting season we walk by faith and not by sight.  (I would appreciate any and all prayers as I wait on God to show me what pathway to take next ;). With the only answer from God being, "WAIT", while deciding on what to do this year – which sounds irrational to any human being when you get to the end of January and positions are being filled early in the year – I have been constantly thinking about Moses as he led the Israelites from Egypt out of the land of bondage and to the gates of the Promised Land.  How he must have felt when a mighty army approached them from behind, with nowhere to run, and only a vast ocean in front of them … not knowing what to do or where to go … and then God gives the command: 'March into the ocean' … Now THAT was a step of Faith – I would spend some quality time considering whether this was God or me coming up with this idea.  And so I find myself walking by faith in the realm of the irrational, yet excited because … how Great is our God! I still don't know what I will be doing this year, but I know the One Who knows.   So I'll stand when He tells me to, WAIT when He wants me to, and GO when He commands me to, because:

Ephesians 3:20-21 (Amplified Bible):

20Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]— 21To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).   [Amp]

On the acting side of things: apart from The Crucible, Mary Warren (my character) hasn't set foot on stage again.  I am HOPING for some opportunities this year – God-willing.

My fellow actors, I greet you in His Name and pray God's richest blessings on you for 2009!

For the Audience of One,

Inge

The Bible Incorporated

While rehearsing last month for A Clear Leading I had misplaced the little Bible that I use as a prop, so I searched our shelves for something that was about that size. I came across The Bible Incorporated, Into Your Life, Job And Business. Joyce had it before we married, so I'd never looked into it before. Each day has a devotional on a subject, such as "The Key to Endurance." The text is made up entirely of several different passages of scripture woven together to address the topic. I set out to read through the Bible each year, and this has been a refreshing way to approach scripture. This would also be a great way to introduce someone to scripture who doesn't know where to start.

Steak & Shake in the snow

Our department head meeting for MasterWorks went quite well.

The applications are starting to roll in. If you haven't applied yet, visit MasterWorksFestival.org.

It was quite different to trudge through the snow to Steak & Shake!

Transforming Culture: A Model for Faith and Film in Hollywood

I just spoke with Christine Gunn-Danforth. We were connected by Ken Wales, who thinks very highly of her. She spoke so passionately about how performing arts and media can effect the culture that I just had to order her book...