This is the 34th year that Macon Evangelistic Church has staged the Easter play, "He Touched Me. " Still using the original scenery and many of the original costumes, the "He Touched Me" production's long run demonstrates the play's enduring message, the church's commitment to telling Jesus' story, and the staying power of tradition.

The cast and crew of "He Touched Me" think of themselves as the extended hands of God presenting Jesus' story as best they can to the glory and honor of Jesus Christ. They realize that each person's contribution is equally important to the play and know that it takes all of their efforts to keep this play alive year after year.

"He Touched Me" continues to attract people who have seen the play before as well as newcomers, who make up about 80 percent of each play's audience.

The play was written 34 years ago by Macon Evangelistic Church's former pastor and his wife, Reverend Joe and Wilma Andrews. "He Touched Me, " a four-act play that follows the Bible closely, depicts Jesus' Miracles, The Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus' Trial, Peter's Denial, the Crucifixion, the Empty Tomb scene, and Jesus' Second Coming.

The three-hour production includes a cast of 75 actors and a production crew of 28. In all, about 100 people from Macon Evangelistic Church as well as other area churches are involved in each performance of the play.

The timeless beauty of the play's scenery adds to the storytelling each year. Wilma Andrews, a theater major in college, painted the play's scenery 34 years ago. She and her husband, Rev. Joe Andrews had traveled to the Holy Land several times and had brought back many pictures. Wilma faithfully reproduced the images to the painted canvas. Thus, the sanctuary of Macon Evangelistic Church is transformed each year into an authentic "Holy Land" experience for the play's audience.

All of the sanctuary's inside walls and windows as well as the stage are covered with canvases painted to resemble scenes from the Holy Land. During scene changes in the 2004 production, Calvary's Way, a singing group, will keep the audience engaged in the story.

Cast members tell of God's provision that has occurred over the years for His story to continue to be told. In the church's former location, only 400 people could be seated, and the sanctuary could not always meet the seating demands. Their new location at 4500 Chapel Hill Drive can now seat 800. God has also provided new technology for the play including a special effects projector, improved lighting, and a smoke machine. When the congregation was missing cast members, neighboring church members filled in. As one cast member said, "When the Lord provides, we know we're in His will. " But the greatest blessing of all comes at the end of the play when people from the audience come to the altar and give their hearts to the Lord. The pastor of Macon Evangelistic Church, Reverend Gary Berrier, has been involved in the ministry of "He Touched Me" for 11 years.

He recalls during one of the altar calls the year before last a 16-year-old girl from Valley, Alabama came down to the altar and dedicated her life to Christ.

She went back home and was such a testimony to her family that they gave their hearts to Jesus and traveled to Macon the next Sunday evening to see "He Touched Me. " Rev. Berrier and church members have witnessed many such instances over the years–seeing firsthand the power of the Lord working through them to reach out and save souls.

The "He Touched Me" performance dates for 2004 are March 28, April 4, April 11, and April 18. Music starts at 5: 45 p.m. , and the performance starts at 6 p.m. The tickets are free but must be reserved by either calling 788- 9221 or writing to Macon Evangelistic Church, 4500 Chapel Hill Drive, Macon, GA 31206. The church can seat 800 people per performance. The church cafeteria will open at 4 p.m. and will have sandwiches, snacks, and drinks available for purchase.

Everyone is invited to call Macon Evangelistic Church at 788-9221 and reserve tickets to see this play for an experience you won't forget. For more information, visit www.maconec.com.