For Holy Week, the youth and I put on a series of dramas to depict Jesus’ journey to the cross and beyond. I do love these youth.

Maundy Thursday drama of Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane. Here’s one of the “garden.” Haha! One of the kids was thinking flower garden.

On the morning of Good Friday, we started off in Pilate’s court.

Jesus stands before Pilate and the crowd condemns him to death.

On the way to Golgotha. One of the most poignant moments was when Mokosata’s (Jesus) little 5-year-old brother started sobbing when he saw Mokosata.

Jesus hanging among the thieves, speaking to the people and to God.

Jesus’ mother comes to watch and weep.

Lione makes an excellent dying thief.

Another view.

This one’s kind of blurry, but you can kind of make out Jesus’ expression as he prays. It was pretty powerful.

It is finished.

The kids sing “Were You There When They Crucified my Lord”.

And I accompany on flute.

Then the pastors give both a pidgin and an Enga sermon.

Then those who would like to receive the gift of baptism are brought forward.

My friend Pamela was among them:-)

Then it’s time for confirmation. I was bursting with joy as many of the youth with whom I’ve grown close confirmed their faith.

Receiving the confirmation blessing.

it’s time to affirm the new or returning members.

Then we have communion.

My friend Win grabbed a picture of me at communion. And after 5 hours, the marathon service finally concludes.

Easter Sunday:-) The governor decided to join us so we are worshipping outside to accommodate all the people.

The pastors arrive for worship.

The pastor preached in Engan on 2 Samuel 6:1-23. Go figure! If anyone would like to try to figure out how that text can be used as an Easter message.

Many important officials listen in.

Dr. Steve, Joanna Truemper, and little Lois are also listening in.

And there’s Liz.

Time for the drama. After Mary Magdalene tells them the body is gone, Peter and another disciple race to the tomb, but Christ is not to be found.

Then Mary Magdalene comes back and two angels are there.

Mary Magdalene mistakes Jesus for a gardener until he says her name. Hallelujah! He’s alive!

Mary goes and tells all the other disciples what she has seen. The good news spreads:-)

To finish off the service Governor Ipatas gives a speech.

There I am sitting with the rest of the tambourine players, excited that Christ is alive, but very ready for the Governor to quit talking;-)