Transformed, Eastern’s traveling drama ministry, is one of the oldest yet least-known ministries on campus. The group, made up of nine students, travels across the Northeast, performing at churches and retreats almost every weekend. The shows consist of skits that group members have either written or adapted from other Christian dramas.
The group was formed about 20 years ago as a promotional tool for the university. The actors would travel around, performing goofy skits to spark interest in Eastern. According to senior Director Chris Wehrle, they discovered the ministry aspect of the group could be used as a powerful tool to evangelize.
Transformed has consistently been establishing a name for itself among churches. Needing no monetary support from the university, it is the most financially-stable ministry group at Eastern. Due to offerings and gifts given by their hosts, the group was able to purchase their own sound and lighting system two years ago.
“God has really blessed our ministry, and now it’s just upkeep,” Wehrle said of the new equipment.
Most students get their first taste of Transformed at the variety show each fall, through the skit Choices. This particular skit has a long legacy with the group and depicts what would have happened in various scenarios if a different choice had been made.
“Choices is funny but with a very powerful message,” Wehrle said. “People wonder what’s going to happen, and then it hits deep.”
In addition to Choices, Transformed has five other skits in their lineup. Recently they presented four of these at their first on-campus show on April 24.
“I thought it went well,” sophomore Tommy McGrady said. “It was nice to see a lot of people come out.”
McGrady, who will be the director next year, had a hand in writing two of the skits: Real Christianity and In a Moment. Real Christianity spoofs many popular movies and shows, as two directors attempt to create the ultimate Christian movie. In a Moment takes a more serious turn, following a young man facing his last day of life and attempting to mend broken relationships.
“We wanted to focus on why there is so much pain in our world,” McGrady said. “It’s because we’re not honest with each other.”
Junior Rachel Keller, who acted in her last performance with Transformed, helped McGrady write Real Christianity. She also wrote an untitled piece about a young girl who wishes she had her friend’s “perfect” life, only to find her dream has come true.
“It was more of my personal testimony,” Keller said. “I think it’s something that a lot of young girls go through with self-image.”
With only three returning members, there will be five or six spots open for new actors next year. The group holds auditions for anyone interested in joining the ministry every fall.
While the group loves acting and having a good time, their main focus is on using their talents to honor God. Every week they have an hour-long Bible study in addition to their rehearsals.
“We have to transform ourselves to really help others,” Wehrle said. “The heart of Transformed will keep going as long as it sticks close to God.”
Wehrle asked for students to keep Transformed in their prayers.
“It’s so dear to my heart, and directing it has been such an honor,” he said. “It’s amazing to see God use [Transformed] in such powerful ways. The power of God affects people; you can see it touching their lives and making a difference.”