This Man Called Jesus
When: A December [schedule details on this page] event.
Where: 1001 highway #378 just a few miles west of Lexington, S. C., 29072; 803-359-1556...803-356-3334. [on-line map] Lake Murray Baptist Church (LMBC).
The Story Behind this Annual Event: It all began in 1988 with a roadside nativity scene in the church yard (by the highway) of this then small, rural Lexington County church. As of the end of 2001, about 160,000 people (many coming in chartered buses from other states) have been amazed to behold this Christmas season live drama.
At the International Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma City March 2001, we met my brother-in-law's friends, Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Fisher, owners of a construction business in Lexington, S. C. As it turns out, Mrs. Fisher is a real animal lover. Being members of LMBC, they have bought and keep camels, donkeys, sheep, and horses for use in the production. As sort of a family ministry, the Fishers provide many of the animals for and some other church dramas.
When I saw it (about 1997), it was in a large, rented, enclosed rectangular circus-type tent rented from Barnum & Bailey Circus for around $46,000 per 1 & 1/2 week season (another $12,000 per year to install & raise the tent...in latter years the event costing about $70,000 per year). Seating was on either side of a 20-foot-wide, elevated action runway; and drama scenes shift from the runway to either end and back and forth. Mary rides in on the donkey, Roman soldiers come by on horses, and there is a large cast (recently over 400 members) of drama participants, great realism, and many live animals. At the end, the pastor briefly explained how Jesus died to save us all and that each person simply must make a decision to accept (or not accept) this salvation. I was surprised how many came forward to either accept or learn more (over 800 professions of faith just in 2003 season)!
It began during Rev. Herb Gladden's ministry (a businessman called into the ministry). A little lady gifted with a powerful drive for this ministry has been one of those key people God has used to help members stay motivated for this unique ministry. Those with military experience might characterize her as a real "first sergeant". Joan Bedenbaugh & her husband Mike are key among many devoted to the ministry.
The new permanent building (to avoid the annual tent expense) is described as a miracle. It was finished just in time for it's first season of use; when it opened, a miraculous giving took place so that the $300,000 unit was fully paid for.
It was/is amazing to me what God can do through a small-church, rural body of believers who are willing and obedient! This ministry has Holy Spirit empowerment written all over it! In Dec. 2001, there were 13 productions of the 14th annual (90 minute) drama between Dec 7th-19th (160 costumed actors). For 2006, there are performances over 3 weekends (Dec. 1-3, 8-10, & 15-17).Read more at the above link.
[First
Baptist Church-Batesburg]
[check this 600 year old Drama!]
(posted March 2002; latest update 1 December 2006)