Ministries: 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.