Drama
Elijah - devout prophet of old, calling fire
from heaven. A miracle worker whose wonders challenged
the Hebrew people to return to Yahweh. The rugged
man of God who tuned into the small, still voice
amid raging storms, massive earthquakes and balls
of flame.
But what if Elijah were to show up today? What
would he look like? What would he do?
Welcome to the mind of Wesley Putnam, who portrays
the rugged old prophet as a Bronx cop, complete
with policeman's uniform and New York accent. "I
think of Elijah as one of NIPD's finest," Wes
says. "That's North Israel's Prophets Department."
Wesley's entrance into religious drama was
through the back door. In 1979, he began weaving
stories for elementary-school children at a Texas
church camp. To his delight, he discovered that
his narrative style captivated the youngsters
(and anyone who has worked with children know
that their attention resists capture!) After
Wesley entered full-time evangelism, a colleague
invited him to conduct a Dayspring event at his
church. But there was a condition-Wes had to
perform a drama.
"I thought I would be run out of the church
for sacrilege," Wes recalls.
But starting that week, God began using his
dramas to reach kids - and youngsters in grown-up
bodies. And God is still reaching people today
with his performances. Wesley's dramas reach
into walled hearts to show people what the Father
is really like.
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