Dear Pastor,

Warm Christian greetings!  I would like to take a few minutes of your time to describe a unique ministry presentation from the Soul of the Warrior Drama Ministries. 

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.  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 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 our mini drama Confession of Justus an original drama by Soul of the Warrior ministry outreach from members of Legio VI Ferrata Fidelas Constans, a Christian Re-Enactor Group of Roman Soldiers.  Founded in 2001, Legio VI was created when several of us, 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 Drama Ministries was formed.  What do we do?  Ideally, we march into your church in the midst of your sermon on "What would you have done, if you had been at the Cross?"  "Taking" over the church in true Roman Style, with 4-16 fully armed and armored Roman Legionaries, the Centurion demands the right to address the assembly and proceeds to tell them the story of the death of Christ, from his perspective.  The story of a simple soldier, doing his duty. 

As Centurion Justus tells the story, the soldiers present the elements of the Crucifixion, the scourge, the titulus, the water bowl of Pilate, the robe, nails, hammer, crown of thorns, and the spear.  As we conclude the story, Justus explains the effect Christ has had on his life, and the life of his men.  He challenges the crowd to pray with him as he and the soldiers kneel in prayer, and the pastor takes over in praying.  During the prayer we quietly leave, allowing the pastor time to have an altar call, prayer time, or worship period, without our distracting the Spirit.  Ideally, no one will know who we were but the Pastor and a few ushers, allowing the focus to be on Christ.  This service works particularly well when no one knows we are coming but those who must, as it makes it easier to create a sense of wonder and awe, and take the people back 2000 years.

We have found Confession of Justus to be a particularly poignant altar call for men.  They can identify with the Centurions confusion, his reaction, doing his duty, and many are touched.  Our goal 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 are often asked what we charge to minister.  We do not have set fees or charges.  Indeed our all volunteer drama ministers motto is We are Privileged to Serve the King!!  We do ask that your church cover travel expenses (if any).  Our ministry time with your congregation does not include time for an offertory or plea to purchase materials, so some churches have chosen to give us a love offering, all of which stays in the Ministry.  This is always appreciated, but never required.  We also ask that there be no applause or recognition of our personnel or efforts.  Ideally the congregation never has time to applaud our ministry, and they stay focused on Christ.  This is intentional, and one of the reasons we try to leave before the service ends.  We are always looking for good Christians who might be interested in being one of our Roman Soldiers.  Denomination is not an issue, if they believe Christ is the Son of God and died for them, we'd love to have them!

Confession of Justus was written by our members, and is a totally original look at the Crucifixion, in a way that will wake up your sleepiest parishioner.  We grab the audience from the door to the podium, and transport them back 2000 years to a time when being a Christian was to risk ones life.  We believe the drama is at its best when no one knows it is coming.  The farther away from Easter the better, so we can surprise your congregation. 

We would like the opportunity to minister to your congregation.  As this is a labor of love for us all, we have limited dates for ministry.  Please do not wait until the month before you would like us to come to inquire.  Feel free to contact us at (843) 437-5587, or email me at justuslonginus@aol.com.  Our snail mail address is also below. 

In Christ,

Arthur W. Myers III (Rusty)

104 Hunters Wood Dr

Summerville, SC 29485

(843) 437-5587

Justuslonginus@aol.com