Community teams up to present 'The Week that Changed the World'

The story of Jesus Christ’s life, especially the week that led up to his crucifixion and resurrection, has been told in many ways, many times throughout history.

An upcoming production of that moment in time will be told as the Easter season begins, and it is taking an entire community to make it even more unique and special.

An Easter musical titled “The Week that Changed the World” by Berlin Christian Fellowship Pastor Brad Olsen will bring together many area churches and organizations.

The performance of “The Week that Changed the World” will take place April 1 at 7 p.m. at Berlin Christian Fellowship, and Olsen is exuberant about sharing a story that resonates with so many people, especially during the Easter season.

“It was many years in the making,” Olsen said of the stage production. “I’m so proud of my church for pulling this off and telling this story in a unique way. It is very difficult, and the music is extremely intricate.”

“The Week that Changed the World” is about the final week of Jesus Christ’s life on earth, from his triumphant arrival in Jerusalem through the crucifixion and resurrection.

Olsen said it has taken a great deal of work, the cooperation and inclusion of several pastors from around the community, and many people at his church.

The inspiration for Olsen came to him years ago when he was sitting at his piano tinkering and a melody came into his head.

“I love music and lyrics, and like many of these types of things, I was tinkering around at the piano and this tune came to me that really inspired me,” Olsen said. “I really feel like God put this in my head. I don’t have any other answer for how it came about.”

Olsen said the joy of the production is many-fold. He said first and foremost it is the greatest story ever told, a story that still speaks to so many people despite being told so many times in so many ways.

“It’s an emotional, powerful and wonderful story that is still changing the world one heart at a time,” Olsen said. “It’s the week that was and still is for anyone who will receive it.”

He said seeing an entire community of believers unite to make it happen also is exciting, beginning with the involvement of several area pastors. That list includes Larry Kaufman at Grace Church in Berlin, Rocky Favia at Grace Church in Millersburg, Keith Byler at Fairlawn Mennonite, John Risner at Mennonite Christian Assembly, Jimmy Mast of Light in the Valley and others.

“Some amazing pastors around our community have roles, and to see them get involved is awesome because I love the idea of making this an entire community production,” Olsen said. “I am so excited to see all of these different pastors taking a role, people I admire and love who have been so kind to me.”

In addition, Olsen has brought in performers from Holmes Center for the Arts, the Hiland High School choir will perform, and the BCF praise and worship band will be featured throughout.

The production is a musical, with the pastors intertwining brief speaking vignettes to carry the story throughout the evening.

Olsen said Kaufman will present a communion moment at one point, and Mast will close out the evening. Between the music, acting, dance, speeches and even live painting that will take place, Olsen has implemented all types of art forms into the production.

Olsen has sought out plenty of talented singers to carry the musical part of the show, like Desmond Hargreaves, son of Broken Ground Ministries Pastor Herschel Hargreaves; local singer Shane Byler; Favia; BCF worship leader Nathan Madison; and John Bonistall, worship pastor at The Well in Winesburg.

“The whole goal was to broaden the participation and give everyone an opportunity to have a little slice of this exciting story,” Olsen said. “It’s an amazing, talented group of people who have invested into creating this wonderful story that continues to live on as the center of our faith.”

Berlin Christian Fellowship is located at 5382 County Road 201 near Berlin.