The 'Friends' of Father Ho Lung keep giving

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

On September 29, Father Ho Lung and Friends will open Acts of the Apostle at the National Arena.

Prior to that date, the group would have rehearsed for hours to produce a worthy production. And whereas many Jamaicans recognise Father Ho lung on the street, they would not recognise or know anything about his 'Friends' who are from a wide range of ages and background.

Two of these friends are Caryl Constantine and Wynton Williams.

In a room in the fairly newly constructed MOP Studio, musical director Wynton Williams, who played the lead role in productions such as Moses and Yes, shared his story.

He became a 'Friend' approximately 25 years ago, when he performed in Listening Man, staged at the Little Theatre.

The Excelsior High School, United Theologocal College of the West Indies and University of Technology graduate explained "I met Father (Father Ho Lung) through my brother, John. It (the mission) seemed right - it may not bring the glitter, but has in it the heart of Christ. As time passed, I noticed that Father (Ho Lung) had a deep sense of Christ and love for Christ and love for the poor, and that was an attractive quality."

"We can't cure poverty," he philosophised, "but we hope to ignite a fire so that others will catch and serve others - that is the attraction, the nature of the work and the vision; to spread this kind of mission, get it ablaze in people's heart - he [Father Ho Lung] maintained it."

Constantine has been a friend for 13 years, Like Williams she has no formal training in music or theatre. However, she has performed in productions of Father Ho Lung and Friends such as Ruby, Moses, and Reggae Jam. In a telephone conversation, she told The Gleaner that initially she was drawn to the ministry because of her love of music and theatre. After joining Father Ho Lung and Friends, the initial attraction gave way to her love for the mission.

In Acts of the Apostle she will play a major role, Susanna. The character has a physical deformity, which will pull more out of the actress, a challenge she is looking forward to.

On the other hand, Williams will not play a lead role in Acts of the Apostle, instead he will concentrate on teaching the parts etc.

"The young ones will be given a chance," he said, highlighting the importance of continuity in the mission.

According to Williams, his most enjoyable production was Jesus 2000, the group's first endeavour in the National Arena.

"The chance to reach so many people at one time was a tremendous opportunity," he said.

Moses was his most challenging experience, because during the preparation period, in addition to playing a major role, the task of orchestration fell on him.

Both Constantine and Williams believe that souls will leave Acts of the Apostle filled after each performance.

Williams explained that the production tries to highlight moments of the lives of Peter and Paul as well as the growth of the church, how it started and the cost of discipleship, while Constantine said the script presents something different; it is an eye-opener and creates a stirring of the heart.

Williams also explained that the music arm of the MOP gives a different face to the core mission of serving the poor. Packed with evangelistic thrust, it also does fund-raising.

Other longstanding Friends who make up the production team are director Greg Thame, costume designers - Sheryl Mais and Denise Robinson, choreography - Paula Shaw, lighting designer - Robin Baston, set designer - P.J. Stewart. Brother James is responsible for set construction. There will also be some new faces added to this year's production, as there always are.