A TALK WITH FROM THE BRANCH

One of the great things about attending a church youth camp is getting to know the godly people with whom one comes in contact. This year I was especially blessed by the members of FROM THE BRANCH a drama team made up of Michael Cleveland, one of the founders; Julia Simpson; Dianna Rego and Mitch Beecher. These talented and dedicated Young people chose to spend some of their free time teaching and sharing with a room full of teenagers and one old beatnik.

When asked how they came up with the name FROM THE BRANCH, Michael explained that it came from Luke 19:4, the story of Zacchaeus. As most everyone knows, Zacchaeus was a small man who climbed a tree in order to get a better view of Jesus.

Michael had, expressing what their group is about, expressed what should be the feelings of all Christian artist.It is difficult, at times to find acceptance in churches filled with people who don't understand. They are well meaning folks who do not attempt to be a hindrance to God's work but they they simply do not understand the call that is on the life of the artist. The artist must sometimes go to what appears to be extreme measures to get a view of Jesus. More importantly, the artist ,if he or she is committed, will do what has to be done to give others a view of Jesus.When asked what was the needed most in this type of drama Michael responded,"Good theater is about telling stories. If you don't have a story to tell, you shouldn't write the play." I agree, so many times we are asked to support mediocre work"in the name of the Lord"that probably should never have been produced in the first place.

As we closed out the season some one asked to do next. After several peaces of advice on acting and writing Dianna added,"Make it a matter of prayer , And He will get you where you need to be." I pray that all of us, in any medium,take that advice. If our work is not surrounded by prayer, what gives us the authority to be called Christian artist?

It was a joy to watch these four gifted people spend so much time sharing and encouraging teenagers. As busy as they were, I never saw one of them fail to take time to talk to one of those kids, or humbly sign an autograph, or listen to a skit idea. They will never know the impact they have had on the lives of so many kids. I am humbled and honored myself to be able to call them my friends

William