By Katie Hoffman, Student Reporter

Drama flows through the atmosphere as Seekers of the Word radiates Shalom to a wide range of audiences. Many hoped to participate in this year’s ministry, and faith, service, commitment and talent harmonized when the group adopted six of the 35 who tried out at auditions.

Although auditions were competitive, President Leslie Spainhower said she knows this year’s group is God’s choice, she added, “Prayer and fasting as a group are very important to the process. We believe that God knows better than we who needs to be a part of His ministry and we try very hard to be open to His leading in the decision-making process.”

Those who made the cut diligently met the first six Saturday mornings of the semester and continue meeting every Wednesday in the Biblical Studies Building. There they create a skit that transmits the Gospel in an entertaining, unimposing and transformational manner.

Members write, direct and perform skits ranging from serious to funny. Rehearsals prepare the group for three to four out-of-town trips each semester and various in-town gigs such as their performance at the Freshman Devo on Thursday.

Since balancing work, worship and play is sometimes stressful, members incorporate fun into group time.

“We are more than just a drama group, or even a ministry team; we are a family,” Spainhower said.

Preparing for the final outof- town trip to Camp Hensel in November, members continue typical practice: beginning with a devotional, working on acting skills and character development and ending with prayer requests and group prayer.

This year, Seekers of the Word planted the seeds of love, grace and the Gospel in the hearts and minds at a battered women’s shelter, Middleton prison, an Odessa retreat, a Temple church and even a fifth quarter in Salado.

The versatility of the Seekers of the Word group shines through as members serve wherever needed – often chaperoning and acting as group leaders.

“We really enjoy getting to meet people and make relationships with them. It’s the best part of going on trips,” Spainhower said.

Members’ passion for bringing the Gospel to life in the modern day awakens audiences to Jesus as healer, protector and friend; in all of life’s chaos, Seekers of the Word brings the focus back to God, Spainhower said.

“I think your typical church kid has heard the story of Jesus so many times,” she said. “But seeing it presented in a different way, whether that is through drama, art, music, whatever, it can have a new, powerful impact that it didn’t have before.”

Contact Hoffman at jmcnetwork@acu.edu