Visions Drama Ministry Beginnings

by Annie

When I was in my first year of college in the 1970’s I was told by my professor in my English Composition class that I was not a good writer and to consider myself lucky that she gave me a “C”.  Even though I always dreamed of being a writer, I received her comments and pursued other avenues.

In 1986 at the age of 33 my husband and I were new Christians having come to the Lord just a few years before, we joined our present church Fellowship of Believers in Sarasota, FL. led by Pastor Don Lafler.  I felt led to serve in the Ladies ministry and at the first meeting they were assigning tasks for our upcoming Retreat but no one would take on the task of doing  an announcement for the retreat at church on Sunday.  Now for me the thought of getting up in front of people was extremely scary.  I was the kind of person that wouldn’t tell you that you were standing on my foot if you were or if I had to speak to more than two people, my mouth would get so dry that my tongue would stick to the roof of my mouth.  However, I found myself raising my hand.

So, I prayed and sought the Lord and he gave me three short skits.  When the Sunday came to do the announcement skits, I was so nervous, I was shaking and I couldn’t remember any of my lines even though I had written them.  I was waiting to go on the stage and could sort of hear Pastor saying, “We now have an announcement for the Ladies Retreat by Annie Thomassen.” At that moment as I picked my foot up to step onto the platform God gave me a prayer, “Lord, I seek you, I praise you, and I worship you through this drama,” As I said the last word and my foot hit the platform a complete peace came over me and the Holy Spirit just took over!

The skits were a very big success and the one comment that came from people was that I had the gift of writing Real Life! 

With the blessing of Pastor Don, I formed Visions, God gave me Acts 2:17 “Young men dream dreams and old men see Visions.”  Through the years I have had many very gifted actors participate in many of my dramas, however for the most part it has been Harry, me and our two very gifted daughters, Erin and Jelica.  Serving the Lord in drama and song together has always been a blessing to our family and drawn us closer together.

As I mentioned on my home page I also have written dramas for others to take on mission outreaches.  I have received reports back of Muslims being saved and people being slain in the spirit. I even heard that a drama I wrote called “The Gift” was performed at a prison. After the drama they said a big scary looking inmate that was serving time for armed robbery who really didn’t want to attend but came to get out of work,  came stumbling forward with tears in his eyes to accept Jesus into his heart.

I tell you all this not to brag on me but to brag on the Lord.  What Satan tried to destroy in that English Comp. class so many years ago, God rescued and used for his Glory!  

I pray my story is an encouragement to you to find your gift what ever it may be and completely surrender to the Lord.  He WILL use you in ways you could never imagine.  Please use my prayer, "Lord I seek you, I worship you, and I praise you with my Gift!"

Little did I think so many years ago, I would be so blessed to serve the Lord with Visions Drama!