Int’l Christian group puts on show for Saipan youth

Members of the Covenant Players, an international Christian theater company and communications organization, visited Mount Carmel School on Tuesday as a part of their nine-month tour. The Covenant Players, who are also a part of the Pacific Gate Unit, is made up of Kurt Purucker, Cathy Purucker, and Maddison Grayson.

According to the group’s website, Covenant Players has pioneered the use of drama as a communications resource in the church since 1963. Members “travel throughout the world communicating the reality of the Gospel in churches of all denominations.”

The nonprofit group put on a 40-minute show for primary and junior high grade school students. The play featured children and students in their own worlds. The students are frustrated with each other and want to be on their own but the male in the story wants to be friendly and sees the best in other people. After hurting his feelings the two female characters return to apologize and make things right.

They also presented their version of The Good Samaritan in a more modern way—with models, businessmen, and students ignoring and eventually helping an old woman who was mugged at a train station. Students got to act as a part of the presentation.

“We aim to help people learn lessons and values and godly principles for living,” said Kathy Purucker.

Grayson, for her part, said that Saipan is “probably one of my favorite places in the world.”

The Christian drama ministry also visited Grace Christian Academy and Green Meadow School.

The group has visited Guam on several occasions before and Saipan is now a stop on their list of places to present their program.

“I think the play is important because it taught me that if you help other people good things will also come to you. I felt really happy when the students helped the old lady in the play,” said 3rd grade student Brissa Hunter.

All three actors have been active in drama since their pre-teen days. Both Kurt and Kathy have been involved in the ministry for almost three decades now. Grayson just celebrated seven months.

They told Saipan Tribune that they plan on visiting Saipan and performing to larger and more diverse audiences in the future. The group has worked with international and private schools for many years throughout Europe, South Korea, and Japan.

To learn more about the Covenant Players’ work visit http://www.covenantplayers.org/.