Ever seen a church
taken over by a legion of Roman Soldiers?
Imagine
for a moment that you are leading a congregation in worship, 2000 years ago, shortly after the death of Christ. Your activities are hidden, the persecutions have begun, and you and your members live in constant fear
of discovery of your faith. Suddenly at the midpoint in your sermon, a Century
of Imperial Roman Soldiers bursts through the back door. As the Centurion commands
his men in Latin, they bar the doors, and demand to take over the service. You
and your people are afraid; having no choice you surrender your service to the Legion.
Slowly the Centurion speaks:
I
am Justus Rustius Longinus, First Centurion of the Italican Cohort of the Sixth Legion of Rome. For the past year I have been privileged to serve as the commander of the private
guard of Gaius Pontius Pilatus, prefect over Judea.
I stand before you today a man once condemned by God, for you see, it was I.
I am a soldier of Rome. I did my duty. I killed the son of God
Thus
begins the mini drama Confession of Justus, an original drama by Rusty Myers, President of SOTW Productions,
a Christian Re-Enactor Group of Roman Imperial Soldiers, Civilians, and Barbarian actors and re-enactors. Founded in 2001, Legio VI was created when several young men, drafted for a new church drama, became fascinated
by the Centurion and soldiers who were at the cross. Two years and tons of research
later, outfitted with authentically recreated Roman Imperial legionary equipment (and a great deal of Prayer), Soul of
the Warrior Productions was formed.
What
do they do? Church presentations (everyone loves the Romans at least once a year),
Dramatic monologs, Full Length Dramas, Historic Presentations, Equipment lectures, and they Plan and Execute Re-enactments.
All the while making amnd manufacturing their own authentic equipment and gear, camp, artillery, and more!
SOTW
Productions creates a sense of wonder and awe, and takes the people back 2000 years.
One
of our most popular presentations is Confession of Justus. Interrupting unsuspecting
congregations, the Roman Legion takes over a church service and presents the Story of Golgotha in a manner you will never
forget! Confession is the story of the crucifixion told by the Centurion who crucified Jesus Christ. It
a particularly poignant altar call for men. They identify with the Centurions
confusion, his reaction, his sense of duty, honor and country, and many are touched, but this unique re-telling of the story
of the Crucifixion will fascinate everyone. The goal of Soul of the Warrior Productions
is not only to bring new souls into the kingdom, but also to remind current Christians of the sacrifice of Jesus and its effect
on all people throughout time. We also strive to educate the public and provide authentic period equipment, personnel,
and advice for video, film, and photography professionals.
With
strict attention to the smallest detail, the costumes and equipment of the legionaries is painstakingly reconstructed, often
by hand. The Legion camps, drills, and rehearses monthly, and is fully versed
in the Latin commands used by the armies of Imperial Rome. They play together,
plan together, worship together, and minister together, and develop true camaraderie.
They are always looking for interested persons who are willing to learn and become Roman Ministers! Having fun in Christ, the motto of the group is We are Privileged to Serve the King.
Confession of Justus was written by Rusty Myers, founder of
Soul of the Warrior Productions, and is a totally original look at the Crucifixion, in a way that will wake up even the sleepiest
parishioner. Other dramas and presentations are available through the company.
SOTW Productions grabs the audience from the door to the podium, and transports them back 2000 years to a time
when being a Christian was to risk ones' life.
The
troops are currently booking performances of the ministry drama. To contact them
for a date or for more information, call (843) 437-5587, email JustusLonginus@aol.com or write to SOTW Productions, 104
Hunters Wood Drive, Summerville, SC 29485 USA.
Dates
are limited, so call early.
Why
are they called Soul of the Warrior? Because Jesus has the Soul of a Warrior!!