City Harvest Church’s Easter drama production, Blood Brothers, is a moving story of two brothers and their encounter with the Messiah—one that invites visitors to recount what Jesus’ work on the Cross does for them.
By Lee Wei Fang
CN PHOTOS: Alvin Loh, Daniel Poh & Maggie Chng.
The stage is set for a battle this Easter. However, it is not a battle in the name of war, but a battle for the cause of unconditional love. Every Easter, churches all over the world pull out all stops to portray Christ’s ultimate display of God’s love, through His crucifixion, death and resurrection. This Easter, City Harvest Church’s drama team retells the work of Calvary over five services, from Good Friday through to Resurrection Sunday.
The CHC Easter drama is a much-loved tradition and this year’s production, Blood Brothers, had the church abuzz with anticipation weeks before the actual reveal. On Apr. 6, Good Friday, a capacity crowd turned out to view the production. The hall was filled with thousands of church members and their friends and family members. Many of these were in a church for the first time. The worship team kicked off the service with vibrant praise and worship with songs such as such as “Happy Day” and “Hallelujah, Jesus is Alive”, proclaiming Christ’s victory at Calvary.
At the Visitors Lounge, workers were out in full force, preparing free drinks and “Fresh Word” sermon CDs for new friends, making sure every newcomer would be well taken care of. The greeters and ushers also spared no expense in their service, dressed sharply and armed with megawatt smiles, adding warmth to the atmosphere.
The drama proved to be action-packed, revolving around themes of strong brotherly love, betrayal and rejection, woven with the Messiah’s work of healings, miracles and love. Visitors can definitely expect colorful costumes, song, dance, bright confetti and acrobatics – and something extra special. (You have to come to see it for yourself!)
The audience was held captive by the seamless delivery by the dramatists and performers. The story took the audience on a ride, tugging at heartstrings as the two brothers in the story struggled with the consequences of their decisions, and came to realize that blood is thicker than water. This year’s production features another two men who were eventually crucified with Jesus, a first in many years of drama production. Minds and emotions were stirred with Jesus’s words of life and unusual acts of miracles. Humor, in the form of the drama team’s trademark funny moments, was interjected throughout the plot, reducing the audience to giggles.
The climax of the drama was without a doubt the scene of Jesus’s journey to the cross and His crucifixion. This graphic scene never fails to capture the hearts of many. The sight of Jesus bearing the cross, being mocked and whipped, and refusing to come down from the Cross, shouted God’s message of His unconditional love and grace. All eyes were fixed on “Jesus” as he made his way down the aisle of the hall, and many began to tear as they were touched by God’s tangible love and presence.
Kimmy Teo, 23, who watched the Easter production for the first time, commented, “After watching this production, I finally realize what is the meaning of unconditional love, self sacrifice, as well as the power of God’s grace.”
Another member of the audience, Rachel Lim, 23, described the drama as a ‘truly touching experience’.
Kong Hee, senior pastor of CHC, took to the stage to share a message on why Jesus chose not to save Himself at Calvary. Jesus refused to come down, because He wanted to wash away our sins, heal us of sickness and disease, prosper us, and free us from emotional bondage. Kong gave real-life examples for every point mentioned, proving that the work of Jesus Christ is true, powerful, and effective for believers even today.
It was evident that many hearts were touched, as hundreds of people thronged to the front in response to the altar call for salvation and rededication to the Lord. An atmosphere of great love and healing was present, and there was nary a dry eye in the front, as the decision makers were touched by the love of God. After leading the people through the sinner’s prayer, Kong led the congregation to pray for physical healing, believing God for His divine blessing of health.
Jesus is truly the reason for the season. With three more services happening today and tomorrow, bring all your friends and relatives to be touched by His amazing love and grace!
There are 3 more services available this weekend. The details are as follows:
Venue: Suntec Singapore, Level 6. Hall 601-602
7 Apr, Saturday, 2pm & 5pm*
8 Apr, Sunday, 10am*
*These services will be simultaneously translated into Mandarin.
