On the nights of Friday and Saturday April 19 & 20, Wisconsin’s Madison Community Church presented their first annual Easter musical “I’ve Seen Jesus: Encountering the Risen Christ.” The musical traces the events from Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection to His 40 days on earth up to His ascension on the Mount of Olives. The musical involved 32 church members as cast and crew who began rehearsing last December under the direction of Pastor Rowell Puedivan and his wife Eldinh. The church, for the first time, used Facebook heavily to promote the event and was thrilled to have a full house of visitors on both nights – approximately 110 people each evening. As part of the church’s efforts to engage in the community, a representative of Slave Free Madison, Dane County’s community-based coalition to eliminate human trafficking, gave a presentation following Saturday’s performance. The church thanks the Chippewa Valley Church and Greg Edge at the Wisconsin Academy for allowing them to use their costumes.
Here is one of the thank you notes we received. “The Holy Spirit was present at your musical. I was emotionally involved in all of it, missing Him, loving Him, and worshipping Him. ‘He is Worthy’ was a true worship for me. Thank you for providing this beautiful experience and opportunity for all to witness. I hope to bring someone next year that may be touched by the Holy Spirit. p.s.You may need a larger venue next year!”
To keep the momentum, the musical was immediately followed up with a Hope Revealed reaping series, seven nights of presentations by Pastor Puedivan. At the Sabbath worship service on May 18, we rejoiced as two men were baptized – Fernando Contreras and Mike Asmus.
Fernando Contreras has been attending Madison Community Church for a while. He also attended the previous Evangelistic Series conducted here in Madison but did not make a decision for baptism then. The last week of Hope Revealed, he responded to the appeal and checked the decision card for baptism. Mike Asmus felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit after a Sabbath morning service a few months ago and requested a Bible study, which began soon after. At the Hope Revealed series, he also checked the decision card for baptism. Both Fernando and Mike met with Pastor Puedivan on Sabbath morning May 11, went through the baptismal commitment, and prepared for their baptisms that took place the following Sabbath.
God is good. To Him be the glory!
Check the Madison Community church website https://madisoncommunitywi.adventistchurch.org/ and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Seventh-Day-Adventist-Church/Madison-Community-Seventh-day-Adventist-Church-140203516021862/ for more information about these events, including a live recording of the musical, and other upcoming events.
Written by Sue Martin and Ana Aquino, Madison Community Church
Photo Credits: Tola Ewers and Isaac Kabera