This Man Called Jesus: 2007 Comments from Guests

About "This Man Called Jesus"

"THIS MAN CALLED JESUS" is a Christmas Drama that draws
thousands each year. 40,066 attended in 2008 during 17
performances over three fabulous weekends. Presented by a
costumed cast of over 350 with live animals, inspiring music,
drama, awesome sound effects and lighting, this is a "must
see" Christmas holiday event! This two-hour
production brings to life before your eyes the story of
"Jesus" beginning with his birth and continues with his
ministry, miracles, trial, death by crucifixion, glorious
resurrection and awesome ascension. A spectacular
"Heaven" scene finale' leaves the audience in awe! Bring all
your family and friends''! Arrive early as seating is on a first-
come, first- serve basis.

NO TICKETS
NO RESERVATIONS

2700 SEATING CAPACITY

TOUR BUSES WELCOME

AMPLE FREE PARKING

PERFORMANCES ARE TWO HOURS IN LENGTH WITH NO INTERMISSION

HANDICAPPED PARKING AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY AT ALL PRESENTATIONS

PRE-PERFORMANCE WITH LIVE MUSIC

http://www.thismancalledjesus.org/

Friday, April 4, 2008

2007 Comments from Guests

This was a spectacular performance which touched every fiber of my being. I am 84 and felt I was standing at heaven’s gate myself. Ladson, S. C.

God will surely bless you and your cast members for the magnificent gift of the drama “This Man Called Jesus”. It was one of the most beautiful and special things I have had the privilege of attending in my 70 years. I came on a church bus from Winfield GA. …….Appling, GA

Dear 400, My husband and I attended the Dec. 16 performance and were amazed at what you all do. It is a wonderful gift to the community and a true ministry. I’m sure many lives are changed as a result of seeing the drama. The sets, costumes, lighting, props, animals…..are fantastic…….Cola., SC

Again I was so blessed. Each year seems to be to perfection and yet it gets better. God continues to bless you with amazing talent. Thank you for your love and dedication to the community of Lake Murray.
Simpsonville, SC

I’ve seen this play 7 times and like always my husband and myself don’t never want to miss it. This is what Christmas is all about. Thank you very much. Columbia, SC

We came by bus to see “This Man Called Jesus” and it was just great. Your members are very dedicated to the Lord to provide so many with such a marvelous Christmas present. Myrtle Beach, SC

It made our Christmas more beautiful. We need more of this in our life and country. God bless all of you and I’ll be bringing others next year to see it. Myrtle Beach, SC

Thank you for this beautiful play. We will never know how many people you have led to our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank all of you. Leesville, SC

It is wonderful every year! We have been coming for 5 to 6 years. We feel we have had Christmas after attending this “wonderful performance”. We pray each day for you all for God’s help and strength and health. Columbia, SC

I wrote this song. I thought it would go with “This Man Called Jesus”.
“Who is This Man Called Jesus, The Man from Galilee. Who is This Man Called Jesus, He gave His life for me, Who is This Man Called Jesus, the man the Romans feared. Who is This Man Called Jesus, or have you never heard. He died upon the cross on a cold, dark, and dreary day. He shed His precious blood for sinners like you and me. He took our sin upon Him, the one who knew no sin. Who is This Man Called Jesus, I pray that He’s your friend. Salley, SC

Love from the West Coast. I didn’t make it again this year, but I am still here and very grateful at 77 years young. Thank you for the pamphlet. I still see the program in my mind. Portland, OR

Thank you and everyone at Lake Murray who has been a part of this inspirational production. Tyrone, GA

My husband and I and several friends attended the presentation on Friday night. It was very touching---it made us remember what a wonderful Savior we have and what unimagined love He has for us. I hope unsaved people were touched also and will seek to know Him! Sumter, SC

Article from The Lexington Life Magazine

14 Lexingtonlife December 2007 The building is filled to capacity. The stage lights set an ambiance of awe. A cast of 350 captures and moves the audience with a familiar but intriguing story. In the crowd sits a man convicted of attempted murder, nearly sentenced to life without parole three times. He is a drug addict. He is an alcoholic. He is suicidal. He is sitting with the Christians whose persistence he’d hoped to silence by coming. Only, his plan is thwarted by a greater will. Watching the actors, a story this man remembers from Catholic school comes to life, and he sees a Savior offering the love and forgiveness he needs to find hope. He prays to a God he does not believe in. “If you really exist, help me or let me die.” And in that moment, this man takes the first step of a journey that will change him completely. Rick Kohlhepp’s testimony is a true one, and there are numbers of others whose stories of salvation or renewal of faith lead back to the same event: This Man Called Jesus, a drama Lake Murray Baptist Church has been presenting to the community for twenty years this year. In 1988, Lake Murray Baptist began their first outdoor Christmas drama with a roadside nativity scene. The one scene of Jesus’ birth grew into several more scenes of His life. Later, a crucifixion scene was added inside the church. As the Christmas drama began to grow, members recognized a need for a larger home. For seven years, This Man Called Jesus was presented in a large tent, but in 2001 a 28,000 square feet building that seats 2700 people was dedicated with no debt to the church as a home for the production. A Gift That Changes Lives by Mandy Sizemore LL 1207 Magazine:Layout 1 11/19/07 10:36 PM Page 14 December 2007 Lexingtonlife 15 Each year small improvements have been made. Now the drama involves music, a complex sound and lighting system, a script, live animals and a much larger cast. No tickets or reservations are needed. The church offers people the opportunity to accept the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ by portraying the life, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of God’s Son. Joan Bedenbaugh, co-director with her husband Mike, said the production “definitely binds the church together like no other missions project. It is the only project in the church that basically everybody participates in. There are about 350 in the cast itself in costume, about another 100-150 people who work behind the scenes doing other things.” While the Bedenbaughs direct the actors and the drama itself, those “other things” include teams of people serving as scene builders, ushers, greeters, parking lot workers, child care workers, choreographers – all working together to give audiences the best experience possible. Cast member Ritchie Adams says it’s not only rewarding to be a part of the drama, but a huge responsibility as well. In recent years he has played the part of Simon of Cyrene, the man who carried Jesus’ cross. “We have an awesome opportunity to give something of great value to our community. It’s moving to see the reactions of people, how they are stirred by the scenes. It’s like our gift to them, and it’s better to give than to receive – it’s all about giving of your time.” And it is a gift that changes lives. The Bedenbaughs give God all the credit for the success of This Man Called Jesus. Last year alone, 37,500 people came from several states to attend one of the 15 performances. “We’ve seen that when God asks you to do something, He makes provisions for that,” Mike said. He explained that people have donated tremendous amounts of money to provide for their needs. “God will provide what it is needed if it is His will for it to happen.” Joan added that God could have chosen a much larger church to stage this production, but instead chose a small congregation that did not have the resources. “We’ve seen this thing grow from a drivethrough nativity into the tremendous outreach opportunity it has become. He chose us to show what He can do.” The work the church does has a lasting affect on people. Through the years, countless audience members like Rick Kohlhepp have been changed by the production. “There were many attempts to help me quit drugs and alcohol, but man couldn’t do it. Only God could do that,” said Kohlkepp. He says he stopped doing drugs the first night he saw This Man Called Jesus. “The crucifixion scene broke my heart. It really, really got to me.” “I went for the first time five years ago, and then three more times that year, dragging people along,” Kohlkepp said. “Now I go two or three times a year.” He says it’s a constant reminder of an all-loving God. “People see the Bible brought to life in front of them, and that moves them to want to come again and bring someone with them,” says Mike. “We do the best we can each performance, so people get the same quality experience no matter how many times they see it.” This Man Called Jesus 20th Anniversary Performance Schedule www.thismancalledjesus.org • (803) 356-3334 Fridays at 7:30pm • November 30, December 7 & December 14 Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 and 6:30pm • December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 LL 1207 Magazine:Layout 1 11/19/07 10:37 PM Page 15

About "This Man Called Jesus"

Friday, April 4, 2008

2007 Comments from Guests

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Article from The Lexington Life Magazine