!f>erfOrme,,~ entertain and inspire their audiences , THE JOYFUL HEARTS ICLOWN' THEIRWAY INTO PEOPLE'S LIVES Joyful Hearts , a mini stry organization at Harding, shared the good news of Jesus Christ throu gh clown ing. Dir ec tor Russell Lawyer described Joyful Hea rt s by say ing, " It is a conglomeration of Fisher's Men, Theatron, Conquerors and Pied Pipers all in one." Joyfu l Hearts began several years ago; however three yea rs ago it was revamped and it is now a part of the Timothy Club. Joyful Hearts did manyof the same kinds of skits other drama clubs on campus do. For example, they did pyramids and body stacking like the Pied Pipers, another campus group aimed atchildren. However, they had a distinct difference from the other cl ubs- theywere clowns. You could often find them face -painting, juggling or just uclowning around" in their big, floppy shoes, wigs and silly hats. Th ey normally took th e fall semester to learn their ski ts and the appropriate way to wear their outlandish costumes and then hit the road during the spring bringing joy and good news of the gospel to people who needed hope. Joyful Heart s aimed to provide the audienc e membe rs with an entertaining and memorable message - the wo rd of Christ. Joyful Hearts performed mostly for children at elementary schools and some middle schools, but every now and then they were offered an opportunity to perform at loca l nurs in g homes or retirement villages. "All of th e skits that are performed are backed up by scripture," Lawyer sa id. "If we use scripture, people can see that we have something to back up what we are saying. They can also see that you can be a Christian and have fun at the same time. " Sophomore Shannon Fonvi lle, a second-year member of the group, sa id, "\ love the ability to share the gospel with children . You can actually see their faces light upwhen you are performing. They really enjoy it. We bring the gospel to them in a way they can enj oy and understand. " Joyful Hearts helped t he members as well. "[ have becorr;e more outgoing and more willing and eager to share my faith with people," Fonville said. The members felt that Joyful Heartswas very effective in keeping in touch with Harding's motto of "Deve loping Christi an Servants." They saw what they we re doing as an on-going service project - a project that allowed them the chance to provide those who in need a little shimmer of hope and joy in Christ, whil e allowing them to have fun. Their hope was to touch people in a memorable way. Joyful Hearts had 18 members for the 1998-1999 school yea r. They felt that they were able to accomplish their goalsand to bring an interesting perspective to the gospe l to many people. - Meredi th Hlasta Thea/ron conveys the message of Christ during a Peak of the Week service. Thea/ron performed at area congregations and special events offering people living examples and inspiring them to live their lives in a more Christian way. John Grimsley and Wes Little perform (or an audience in Texas. Conquerors traveled to many schools and churches /0 motivate people to meaningful service. • 252 ORGANIZATIONS
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