People love transformations, especially ones that take your breath away. Think: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where neglected houses get transformed into homes where families can live and thrive according to their needs.
A similar amazing transformation occurred last December, when the home of Chicago Church of Christ members Brandon and Erika Sitzberger was transformed into an intimate theatre where neighbors, friends and family came to experience a night of worship, storytelling, food and friendship. The Sitzbergers, parents of a two-year-old daughter, moved all their furniture from their living room and dining room to create a theater. With the help of the cast, they built a set, complete with a manger scene, and filled the space with 40 chairs for the audience.
The Sitzbergers were not deterred by the fact that they did not have a “professional theatre” to perform their play. “Although circumstances prevented the play from being performed at a church service, we felt it was important to go ahead and produce the play, knowing if it was God’s will it would be successful,” said Brandon.
Erika said, “There are some lessons that can only be learned through experiencing scripture in your physical body. The process of thinking, praying, writing and producing a play, learning and digesting the story through rehearsal and performance – all this exercises not only one’s mental and emotional instincts, but it cracks open a window to the struggle and ultimate victory of our humble dependence on God.”
The cast of ten ranged in ages: high school students Olivia Hauser (actor/media) and Isabelle Hauser (actor/singer), Elder Mike Rawls (Simeon) and his wife Daphne (Anna the prophetess), Brittany Rawls (mother Mary), and long-time disciples and song leaders Fred Ichinose (wise man/singer) and Roland Jenneford (King David). Brandon Sitzberger played the role of Joseph, and Erika the role of Washerwoman. When one actor was unable to perform, Tony Vraniak stepped in to play the role of the prophets. Rachelle Vraniak hosted the guests and turned the Sitzbergers basement into a veritable café. She catered the after-show activities, including a Mediterranean dinner party for all the guests.
“I was blown away! The beauty of the message of the play, to the transformation that took place in that home, was amazing!” said Rena, who brought her husband and two children to the performance after hearing about it while studying the Bible. “And the spread of food and fellowship afterward was so wonderful we didn’t want to leave!”
"The Lord turned to him (Gideon) and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” -- Judges 6:14
While there were obstacles that could have derailed the performance, Erika clung to her faith that God would see it through to victory.
After the show, she said, “It does not matter if you are a performer or not. We are all called to grow in our faith and to remain in the vine. Acting is about connecting to one’s internal life. As a disciple, this should be our bread and butter as we study the word and pray each day…With enough rehearsal, a heart to learn and commune with God, I believe anyone can be an actor for God.”
Now that the show is over, the Sitzbergers intend to transform their home once again, this time for a weekly Bible discussion group.
“We’re excited to use what God has blessed us with and ask for others to pray as we ruminate on the spiritual basics in order to build a godly foundation for those who come to our home.”