Shortly after the start of the second part of the school year, students from the Lutheran High School in Martin began rehearsing their new theater performance. After “Nicodemus,” last year’s performance, showed on the occasion of Lutheran Academy’s 10th anniversary, this year’s presentation was another startling success.
Remembering Nicodemus – Last Year’s Success in the Theater
We celebrated a gorgeous 10th Anniversary of the Lutheran Elementary School in June, 2013. Every student, teacher, and parent met in the auditorium for a ceremony to celebrate the beginning, forming, and ten-year-long growth of the school. The program in the auditorium had more than 500 guests! 320 students and teachers were on the podium and led the program. “This is a great mission activity for Slovak families,” said Jozef Sopoliga, director of Lutheran Elementary School in Martin.
“Parents could see and hear the Gospel presented by their own children. The highlight of the ceremony was a musical “Nicodemus” which explained Nicodemus’ question: “How can someone be born when they are old?” (Jn 3,4). The story about Nicodemus was a great message for parents and others who saw the program during the ceremony because these people could – through this story – better understand the Christian and social programs in our School.
The audience loved the program! Three standing ovations in a full auditorium is credible evidence.
Successful Continuation
This year’s theatrical performance by Lutheran High School students did not disappoint. A different view of the world than the one we are accustomed to was presented. “The whole program was marked by the symbolism of building bridges between the autistic and non-autistic world, because the two worlds had the opportunity to meet here,” explains student Michaela Cerkesova, who also played one of the characters.
The main hero of the play was Tamara, a girl who suddenly finds herself in another world than the one she grew up in. Although it seems she has no chance in a new country, culture, and school, at the beginning, ultimately she discovers that solidarity and love demolish all boundaries. Great performances by all actors were presented under the leadership of school pastor Janka Bosáková.
Building Bridges
The performance emphasized the importance of making the connections that build bridges between different people and different worlds. Proceeds from the performance benefited the non-profit organization, MATIAS, which is dedicated to supporting the intellectual development of children with autism.
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Have you ever wished your church could do mission work in Eastern Europe? Here is a unique opportunity for you! The Gospel is being proclaimed through education at the Lutheran Academy in Martin. We would like to act as your proxy in the mission field of Eastern Europe. Your support in any way—through finances, prayers, or encouragement—will help to continue this invaluable work.
If you would like to learn more, please contact Sisa Schudichova, our director of development at sisa.schudichova@cce.sk. We would be glad to be of any further assistance.
Message to Benjamin Chandler
I just recently finished reading your book “The Way You Call into the Mountain”
I loved it. Maybe it is because I know the people in the book and it took me directly to Martin. It is one of those places that gets in your blood and soul . For me one of the things that was interesting since I am not a fan of history, you were able to weave in the history with the story and that made it much more interesting. I also liked how you were able to pin point American culture and our quirks as well as those differences with Slovak culture. Thank you for the book. Renee Svoboda
Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I was trying to integrate history, culture, and my personal story all into one cohesive text, so I’m happy to hear that that worked for you. Thanks!