“The rain is stopping!" squealed 10-year-old Arianna in Auburn, Wash., as she skipped from person to person, announcing that God had answered her prayer and performed a miracle. On the fourth and final night of Journey to Bethlehem, an interactive outdoor drama retelling the story of Jesus' birth, God held back the rain, pouring out blessings from heaven instead.
For the third consecutive year, the Auburn Adventist Academy Church and School have worked together to present salvation's story to the community. With more than 275 costumed actors, 100 support staff, and more than 200 musicians performing throughout the weekend, young and old alike worked together to touch hearts and lives for Christ.
"We had 5,280 people go through the Journey this year," says Wilma Bing, pastor, who is a co-organizer for the event. "To see an entire community of all ages and religious backgrounds working together was really cool."
Keith Hallam, AAA principal, notes: "Any person who wanted to be a part, from the youngest preschooler to the oldest patriarch, was given a job to do."
Journey to Bethlehem served not only as an evangelistic effort, but has also become a bridge event. In addition to advertising upcoming "felt-need" seminars and church ministries, $5,000 was raised for the South County Outreach Women's Shelter and Auburn Food Bank.
With myriads of memories and miracle stories to tell, the cast and crew of Journey to Bethlehem rejoice in the blessings that come from serving Christ the King.
Auburn Adventist Academy students filled key roles such as angels, soldiers, lepers, shepherds and merchants in Auburn's Journey to Bethlehem production. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
Auburn's Journey to Bethlehem unites the talents and skills of the church community from youngsters to senior citizens. (Heidi Martella)
City of Auburn Mayor Pete and Kathy Lewis share their appreciation for Auburn Academy Church's Journey to Bethlehem ministry with Keith Hallam, Auburn Adventist Academy principal. (Heidi Martella)
Auburn's Journey to Bethlehem featured camels, donkeys, chickens, and sheep to add another dimension to the production. (Heidi Martella)
Academy students work side-by-side with church members to build the city of Bethlehem in Auburn, Wash., and to perform in the drama production. (Heidi Martella)
From supporting roles in handing out tickets to 5,280 guests to feeding 300 volunteers each night to acting roles, Auburn area church members bonded as they worked together for a common purpose. (Heidi Martella)
