Lamplighter Theatre

Over the past few months we have had a lot of inquiries about the previously announced productions of Teddy’s Button and Sir Knight of the Splendid Way. Our recordings in London were spectacular. And, though we probably say this every time, these next two dramas are sure to be the best yet! Originally we had planned for one of these dramas to wrap up Season 2 and the other to begin Season 3 in September 2011. But due to financial restrictions we have been unable to continue with the productions.

In just two short years, Lamplighter Theatre has been risen from a dream to reality, now spanning the globe in 20 countries on over 1000 stations. Day after day we receive testimonies from people who’s lives have been deeply affected by these dramas. Overjoyed parents relate the stories of how a drama like A Peep Behind the Scenes or The Basket of Flowers was instrumental in their child coming to know Christ.  For us, no reward could be greater! And that is why we need your help.

It’s easy to assume that Lamplighter Theatre will always be there occupying the same space on your local Christian radio station. It’s easy to think that someone else will pave the way with their financial gifts. But neither is certain. As a ministry we have exhausted the resources available to us as we work within the confines of good stewardship. We have begun to build the bridge, but we need your help to finish it.

The Lord has opened many doors for us to meet with people who have generously donated their time and expertise in assisting us with strategic planning, fundraising, etc. These new relationships are instrumental in the present and future decision making of Lamplighter and we are committed to following God’s direction wherever it may lead. But I believe that God has also set in place a network of faithful Christian families who believe in the power of these dramas as much as we do … and that network is you. Every dollar of your financial gift brings us closer to being able to offer another drama that will bring the message of Christ to the lost.

Help us build the bridge to Season 3 with a financial gift.

We’re moving forward! Lamplighter Theatre’s next two dramas, Teddy’s Button and Sir Knight of the Splendid Way, are about to become a reality. If you are a prayer partner, you are probably aware that over the past few months we have been earnestly seeking the Lord’s direction and have asked that you would do the same on our behalf. After weeks and months of uncertainty and stretching deadlines to the last possible day, the decision has been made that we will continue with our plans for the next two dramas to finish up Season 2.

Recording in London begins January 24th. Our writing team is under extremely tight deadlines over the next few weeks as they work to develop the final script which is due just a few days before recording begins. Please remember them in prayer during the next six weeks.

Don’t miss out on our two newest dramas coming out on CD in the new year:

• The Wanderer in Africa (January)
• Buried in the Snow (February)

Hi Everyone! Just a short little note to let you know that we’ve moved this blog from blog.lamplightertheatre to www.lamplightertheatre.com.  You’ll probably need to update your RSS settings to ensure that you’re getting the posts.  Thanks!

As you probably already know, Lamplighter Theatre is offering the newest production, A Peep Behind the Scenes, as a free download to people who will commit to using it as a tool to spread the gospel. We’re calling it the Peep Behind the Scenes Outreach, and if you haven’t signed up yet, you can do so on the official outreach page.

On May 28th, 2010, we’ll be sending all of those who signed up an email with the information necessary to download the entire drama! That’s over 3 1/2 hours of remarkable story telling, original music scores, and the best sound design around. We’re making it available to you so that you can tell your friends, family, and the community-at-large about the redemptive hope that can be theirs through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Here are some of the ways you can do that:

• Have a listening party and open the invitation to your unsaved friends and family
• Make some copies and give them away to people you think might be in need
• Make it available to local community groups like retirement homes
• Invite a single friend over for some coffee or tea and listen with them.
• Get in touch with your churches, homeschool groups, small, groups, and all of your friends to let

You can also help us spread the word by telling your church leaders, homeschool groups, small group members, etc. about this opportunity. We all know people who need to hear the Gospel and who need to know that they are not alone. We encourage you to take this opportunity to share A Peep Behind the Scenes with whoever you can think of.

Resources

On our official Outreach page, we’ve provided some downloadable resources for you to help in spreading the word. There you will find 2 versions of a beautifully designed full color poster which you can get printed and hang up in your church and around the community. There are also audio and video resources which you can use to give people a glimpse of what Lamplighter Theatre and A Peep Behind the Scenes are all about. Download them now, and get started!

Feedback

We want to hear your stories! There are many ways you can share your experiences with this outreach initiative. Here are a few ideas:

• Write us a letter! It’s not old fashioned! And we love receiving mail with your stories of how God used a Lamplighter book or drama in your life. Mail it to Lamplighter Theatre, PO Box 777, Waverly, PA 18471.
• Contribute to the Facebook Page. Become a fan and post your stories and photos of your efforts to deliver the Gospel message contained in A Peep Behind the Scenes.
• Write a blog post and send us the link. We’d be happy to share it with others. Be sure to link the drama in the post!

A Peep Behind the Scenes is not just another story. And that’s a trait shared by all of the Lamplighter books. But A Peep Behind the Scenes has a special ability to convey the need we all have for a loving Saviour. It proves to us that behind every smiling face is a hurting heart and that for those things that appear to be glamorous, there is a high price to pay.   

So join us online or on the radio from April 10 – May 22nd for the 7-episode epic drama, A Peep Behind the Scenes! Don’t miss it!

WOW! I wasn’t expecting to be able to publish a preview of what we’re working on quite this early. But here it is! As I mentioned in the previous post, our team was working feverishly to produce a five minute demo for a foundation who is meeting to discuss funding for Lamplighter Theatre. When I got into the office this morning, the first thing I heard from a co-worker was “Did you hear the audio yet?” Immediately I sat down and and listened to the demo… and it would be fruitless to try to explain to you in words what the experience was like. So without further ado, Lamplighter Theatre presents, Sir Malcom and the Missing Prince (Demo)!

On a daily basis, usually many times a day, Mark Hamby, the founder and president of Lamplighter, is either on the phone or exchanging e-mails with our talented producer John Fornoff. These conversations are full of energy, ideas, and passion for the projects we’re working on at Lamplighter Publishing. Here is a thread of conversations that Mark sent to me to give you a glimpse into the process of Lamplighter Theatre:

John,

My mind is spinning right now with so many ideas. We probably should have a phone meeting and talk through all of the ideas that i have sent to you and try to hone in on the most quintessential ones. One that came to me this morning is that:

God is more concerned with our holiness than our happiness. God loves us enough to allow us to suffer. Why? Because suffering produces endurance which produces character which cultivates hope, which will never disappoint us. This is because we have a sovereign God who loves us so much that He allowed His own Son to suffering on a cross…for our good. So many today are looking for a quick fix. We want it now. But God sees the future…the eternal future and teaches us that the suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us….

As Debbie would say at about this time…”Cut it! You think too much.”

On another note, just a reminder to share with Marshal how we want to convey about the tough choice the father has to make in order to help his son learn valuable lesson. John, we are so excited about this! praying for you…let me know when you want to meet.

-Mark Hamby

Hi Mark,

I was just talking this morning with a bright young man who’s facing some challenges in his work situation, where he’s not being treated well. I mentioned that he needs to leave in God’s timing–not his. If he jumps ship just because he’s suffering, he’ll miss the benefits of perseverance, character, and hope. Don’t get off the ride until God says you’re done.

Anyway, the words your sharing are having an effect on me and others. I never saw that perspective–that God allowed his own Son to suffer for our good. So he’ll allow us to suffer for our own good as well.

John:

I hope I am not inundating you with too much. There is just so much that needs to be done and now that God is opening the doors that we have been praying and dreaming about for twenty years, it is hard to hold back.

-Mark

Mark, Amen! Bring it on!

Whenever I get around someone who’s passionate about their mission–as your are–I get a clear sense of the excitement of God himself. A pastor friend told me once that the root word of enthusiasm is entheos, or “God within.” That’s the sense of excitement I sense in you and Debbie. This is no flash-in-the pan excitement. This is a reservoir of blessing that’s been building up for thirty years like water about to burst through a dam.

Blessings ahead,

John

Mark,

I’ve told the team how much you appreciate their hard work. And I am grateful for how God teamed us together. I have sensed his favor before, but this is on a whole different level. He wants to birth something powerful here, and like you, I want to be faithful to the call. Thank you for your thoughtful note. I’m touched and very thankful for your passion to be a God-seeker and courage to be a God-pleaser no matter what. It’s an honor and joy to work alongside you!

Blessings ahead,

John

Here is a short note we received from a valued member of the Lamplighter family:

Hi Mr. Hamby,

We were in the car today, and [my sister] was reading the script for Sir Malcolm aloud to us. Very soon after she started to read, the car was quiet, all of us listening. My 8 year old brother, sitting there with rapt attention, suddenly said, “Turn it up!” We all burst out laughing because we knew he meant the volume, and she was only reading it! Thought you might like to hear that…we can’t wait to hear the audio version!!! We were very sorry when she came to the end of part 1. As Adventures in Odyssey fans, and already Lamplighter Theatre fans, we’re very excited to see this! (This looks like it might turn out even better than Odyssey!)

-Esther

Wow, that was quick! The first production of Lamplighter Theatre has completed the recording of all four episodes. Our producer, John Fornoff is bursting with excitement from the project! Here’s a short report of what he’s been experiencing:

Day 1

Mark, this is incredible…wait till you hear this…this is the greatest program I’ve ever produced!


Blessings ahead,

John

Day 2

Hello Mark,
We’re in the middle of Part 3. This cast has great chemistry–we definitely want to bring back many of them for future shows! 
Thank you for your prayers.


Blessings ahead,
John

Day 3

When I heard the part where Hugh stands before his father the King, tears came.
John

The audio will be available to purchase on May 15th, 2009 and will be broadcast nationally on Christian, and some secular, radio stations September 1st. Please be in prayer for our efforts to raise the funds necessary to continue producing these remarkable audio dramas.

Sneak Peak: We are going to be holding an essay contest for Defy the Darkness…Stay Tuned!