The church’s one-person play tells the story of Christianity’s “tower figure”

A local church is hosting a one-man play on Friday dedicated to one of Christianity’s “tower figures.”

River of Life Pentecostal Church pastor Thom Burke says that hosting the piece The last battle of Saint Paul, is intended to help build a community while giving everyone the opportunity to have a fun evening and get to know each other a little better.

“Paul’s life is first and foremost a grandiose story with ups and downs,” says Burke MidlandToday“from a real man who does amazing things.”

Burke says Paul’s life changed the world and is still relevant in 2024.

“From a historical and literary perspective, Paul is a tower figure in Western culture,” he says. “For some people who call themselves Christians, it will be a time with our old friend Paul.”

“For others, it’s an opportunity to understand Christianity a little better. I think we’ll all see ourselves in Paul’s life in one way or another.”

But beyond celebrating and learning more about the venerable saint, Burke says the man presenting the production, Arthur Wacknik, is a terrific actor who now serves as artistic director of a Toronto megachurch called Church on the Queensway, formerly Queensway Cathedral.

“He’s a producer, a director and usually one of the main characters in most of their Christmas and Easter plays,” says Burke, noting that the local performance is nearing the end of a tour that has taken Wacknik across Ontario.

“He’s very good. Arthur is incredibly talented. But when you meet him, you’ll see how much he loves God and people.”

The play is free and open to everyone. A children’s and kindergarten program is offered in the basement of the church so that parents can also enjoy the play.

There will also be a barbecue one hour before the performance begins.

River of Life Pentecostal Church is located at 170 Eighth Street in Midland.