UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, November 11, 2004 — Despite its name, it was not just children who were captivated by the performances put on by the Just for Kids drama and music troupe during its tour of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October. At each venue, it did not take long for adults and children alike to join in enthusiastically with the singing, dancing and sketches presented by the troupe's five members.
Having heard how successful the Lebanon-based program has already been in presenting the Scriptures in countries including Iraq, Syria and Jordan, the Bible Society in the Gulf arranged for the troupe to undertake a tour which began in the UAE before moving on to Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait. This venture formed part of the Society's Year of the Bible 2004 initiative, through which it is joining with other Bible Societies in the Middle East to emphasise the relevance of the Bible message.
In the UAE alone, the Just for Kids performances in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah and Dubai were attended by more than 2,000 children and a similar number of adults from the Christian community. The troupe was able to convey timeless spiritual truths with such creativity, dramatic skill and lightness of touch that it had audiences laughing with delight and excitement. Children and adults alike were soon on their feet, clapping and singing along with the performers.
Many of the adults commented afterwards on the effectiveness of using music and drama to help children understand the Bible. The children's faces, too, were full of smiles as they left. Each child will now receive a copy of the Book of Hope, which presents the story of the life of Jesus as told in the Gospels, to reinforce what was presented to them so entertainingly.
|
