theatron miniStry treating teens with therapeutic tactics Although Thealron, a traveling Christian atarna group that mostly ministered to teenagers, worked without an official sponsor for the first time in its ll-year history, the members strove to keep the message the same as years past. Dr. Dan Stockstill, associate professor of Bible, who sponsored the group since its inception in 1993, decided to step down because of time commitments at the beginning of the school year. He hoped the group would remain true to the original purpose of the ministry - to communicate Christ's message. "I hope they will remain Christ centered ... 1hope they continue the original vision," Stockstill said. Since Theatron's itinerary was set a year in advance, student members did not worry about scheduling. Stockstill managed that aspect of the group last year. As for travel necessities, the admissions office took care of those details. Those interested in booking Theatron for the 2004-2005 school year did so through the group's Web site. "Actually, it's been great," senior Tim Davis, Theatron member, said. "It's made us a little more responsible." Although the idea of no sponsor had the potential for disaster, Davis said God blessed the group and its ministry as He did every year. "I don't know if it's that we're mature enough to handle it or if God has taken care of us," Davis said. "I think it's the latter." With 11 active members in the fall and nine in the spring, Theatron continued to travel to places such as Florida, New York, Washington and Arizona two weekends a month. Senior Sam Peters, Theatron member, said being able to minister through humor and drama was great. ''It's really neat to be in a ministry that uses goofballs like us," Peters said. "I never thought that acting like a complete idiot in front of people could be used for ministry." Peters, a four-year member, said his love for the group continued to grow. "I love what Theatron does," Peters said. ''It's amazing to travel to churches that have never seen us, or anything like us, and watch people's f.aces as they laugh and get the point of what we're trying to do." Through you th rallies, work camps and other events, God used Theatron to minister to the audiences and to the group's members, Davis said. "I guess it has forced me to take a step back and real.ize college isn't just about a social life; it's also about a serving life," Davis said. ~ Todd Ramsey and Renee Lewis Senior Sam Peters shares some refreshment with senior Todd Ramsey during Theatron's periormance of "First Date" at Student Impact Aug. 23. "It's a great skit about how God loves us for who we are, not who we pretend to be," Ramsey said. (Photo by Russell Keck) drama II 187
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==