WATERLOO

Unlike most area ministers, the Rev. David Rainey gets a little "R and R" at Easter.

That's because the youths of Gift of Life Ministries take care of the big Easter production for him. "I call it 'Resurrection and rejuvenation,' " he said. "Rehearsals are closed to the pastor - I want to be surprised. That's trust!"

Gift of Life Ministries will present its annual Easter musical Saturday. The play, which tells of Jesus Christ's last days, incorporates elements of drama, gospel music and the church's creativity.

Parishioners liked the play so much, many used to regularly attend rehearsals. "People were getting so emotional, we had to close it to all outsiders," said Kelly Martin, who plays one of the Roman guards.

Youth Director Deborah Harmon has written and directed the production for about four years.

"I don't know where I get my inspiration from," she said. "I just get ideas. … Then I bring those ideas to the staff, and talk out their ideas, and we work the vision together."

Harmon wrote the role of Jesus with her nephew, Charles Jefferson, in mind. "It's hard to think of yourself in that character, so I really have to concentrate and focus," Jefferson said.

Playing the part doesn't make Jefferson nervous, but trying to do his best does. "I've got to remember the purpose of the play and why (Jesus) did what he did."

Mary Thomas returns to the role of Mary, mother of Jesus, for a second year. "It's not an intimidating role, but it is a little sad. I really feel what I'm doing. I get into it."

Strong faith and a love for the Easter story keeps Thomas focused on her role. Although the cast of about 40 has worked most nights for the last several weeks, she says it's all worth it.

"Anyone who comes out will … never look at this story the same," she said.

While the basic story remains from year to year, Harmon adds new touches to each production.

This year's production includes three new scenes: three faces in the shadows, the anointing of Jesus with perfumed oil from the alabaster box and his moment of crisis at Gethsemane.

"Everyone knows the basics of the Bible story, but it becomes more meaningful when you can see it," Harmon said.

Harmon initially took Gift of Life youths to see Cedar Valley Community Church's massive Easter production, complete with live animals and a cast of nearly 200.

"The kids really liked that - it was a way to get inspired for Easter, even before we began doing this production," she said.

Rather than mimicking CVCC's event, Gift of Life puts its own spin on the story, Harmon said.

"We're not necessarily going for something professional … it's about doing something we really like doing," she said. "It's a part of this church's youth ministry to do plays.

"We take … the story and make it our own. It's got to have a little soul."

As a result, Rainey will sit back and watch Saturday, proud of the creativity and teamwork present in his congregation.

"Little becomes much when placed in the makers' hands," he said. "Here, God takes the spectacular and makes it supernatural."