CharacterWorks - Honoring Christ

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17

"Honoring Christ" is the first goal stated in the mission of CharacterWorks, and the most important. At CharacterWorks we seek to honor Christ on and off stage in our words and deeds. Whether through sharing the Gospel with our students during a show devotional, Masters Camp, Viewpoint, or Roots, or demonstrating love in action through service projects, CharacterWorks seeks to point kids towards Christ. Many students have learned about Jesus here at CharacterWorks and are now using their gifts to honor Christ after graduating. Get to know the stories of alumni below continuing to honor Christ as they leave CharacterWorks.

Masters Camp Testimony

"I heard the gospel for the very first time at 15 at a CharacterWorks Master's Camp. After I heard about what Jesus did on the cross for me, I took the step to accept Him as my Lord and Savior. Since then, CharacterWorks has come alongside me in my walk with Christ and mentored me through my struggles and triumphs. I am forever grateful for CWorks' ministry and their call to bring the Good News to teenagers and children like me. It's more than a theatre company, it's a Christ-filled community, a family."

- Maya Ewell, Class of 2020, Virginia Tech Student

Continuing Ministry

"CharacterWorks is where I was first introduced to a life changing relationship with Jesus, and I can't say enough about the role that the mentors and community I found there played in the development of my faith. At CWorks, I was consistently pointed toward Christ and can confidently say that this community played a pivotal role in my spiritual growth and my continuation in ministry after graduation. Now, in college, I lead in a youth ministry called Young Life and strive to point people to God in the same way that I experienced at CharacterWorks."

- Maddie Foster, Class of 2021, Elon Student and Young Life Leader

Viewpoint Camp Testimony

"When I first went to Viewpoint, I was excited about everything I had heard about, like spending time with friends, learning new music and dances, and of course exciting games and team challenges. What I didn't expect was my encounter with Jesus! CharacterWorks created the perfect environment that connected me to Christ by surrounding me with amazing leaders and friends who continually pointed me to Jesus. Viewpoint was where I truly heard the Gospel message for the first time, the first time I read the Bible, and when I experienced true worship. Through music and nature, Viewpoint opened my eyes to all of the life and beauty that God had waiting for me, and it was then that I really felt the Lord's presence. I am so thankful that a small summer trip with friends ended up being the biggest turning point in my life and faith."

- Bella Burke, Class of 2021

"Remember this truth: you are made in the image of God, the Ultimate Storyteller."
 


Rachel Day Hughes, Class of 2009

Following Jesus in the Arts - Rachel Day Hughes

"CWorks had an enormous impact on my life as a Christian and as an artist. It was here that I discovered not only my love for theater but also a tribe of “theater kids” who actually wanted to follow Jesus - just like me! The whole culture inspired me to believe in the importance of creativity for Christ. If it hadn’t been for CWorks, I don’t think I would’ve continued acting in college and beyond.

After I graduated from CWorks, I went to Liberty University where I studied Musical Theater Performance. Here I met my wonderful husband, did a bunch of shows, and honed my craft. In 2013, I graduated and did some regional theater before landing at Sight and Sound where I got to play and understudy roles like Miriam in MOSES, Mary in JESUS, and Esther in QUEEN ESTHER. When my second baby came along, The Lord led me to step away from full-time acting to spend more time with my kids. In doing so He even opened the door for me to be a part of Sight and Sound Film’s first movie, I Heard the Bells, in which I got to play Fanny Longfellow. I Heard the Bells is in movie theaters nationwide starting Dec. 1, 2022! I even got to record a new version of the song which will air on Christian Radio nationwide as well. God’s been so good!

I Heard the Bells is the story of America’s most famous poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who wrote the lyrics to the iconic Christmas song, I Heard the Bells. It is largely his journey through grief and his struggle to reclaim the truth of these words, 'God is not dead nor doth He sleep.' I was so thrilled to play Fanny Longfellow, Henry’s wife who challenges and encourages Henry in his writing, and mothers 5 beloved children on the brink of the Civil War.

I want to speak directly to CWorks students who love storytelling and love the Lord but don’t know what their next steps should be. Remember this truth: you are made in the image of God, the Ultimate Storyteller. That means, if He has wired you with the gifts of telling stories, it’s because He wants you to tell His story! That may look like theater, ministry, writing, dance or even film. There’s a great need for Christian storytellers and there’s no career path unpaved for God. His will for your life is communion with him, not a narrow career path you have to guess at. Abide with Him and take the next step in the direction in which He seems to be opening doors. Remember, 'He will make your path straight.'"

- Rachel Day Hughes, Class of 2009

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