Easter weekend was a busy and special time for the Kelso-Longview (Wash.) Church. The church produced and performed the 10th annual Easter musical-drama Journey to the Cross.

Nearly three months before the performance, directors began rallying troops for the 50-member angel choir and the 140-member cast to support the moving drama depicting the life of Jesus from His temptations in the wilderness through His resurrection. Each year, thousands of people from the community come to this free production as part of their Easter weekend tradition. Although there were three productions over the weekend, the 700-seat sanctuary was not sufficient to accommodate all the audiences wishing to see the program.

"When I think of the thousands who have walked through our doors and into the worship center,” says Dan Hughes, drama director, "and had the gospel message presented to them in a moving and professional manner, I can only think of the many stories we don't know of people who moved a step closer to Jesus."

"I love being part of a church that knows why it's here: to reach our community with God's message of hope and purpose. The amount of time and energy, as well as the percentage of people in our church who participate, is humbling and inspiring," says Mike Speegle, Kelso-Longview lead pastor.