In January 2007, Mark Hunt put together a large faith-based ensemble to present "Babylon: The Musical 2008," a play he wrote about the Book of Daniel. At the time no one knew how big the project would become. Or, should we say, how big the Lord intended it to be!

The mission was to use the creative arts to present Bible prophecy to the local community in a contemporary style. The Bible has, time and time again, proven to be the greatest history book in the world, and that is how those involved wished to introduce the book's message to the community. By using a musical as a delivery system, participants appealed to people from different religions and ethnic backgrounds. A large crowd of 800 gathered on May 17 at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center for the premiere performance.

The musical opens with a dramatic New Year's Festival celebration including singing and praises to King Nebuchadnezzar, played by Ed Harden. Excitement grows as the procession moves down the aisles. The gates of Babylon illuminate with brilliant colors as the music heightens and members of Progressive Missionary Baptist choir, Pilgrim Rest Baptist choir and select members of All Nations Adventist Church and children from the Ruth Murdoch Elementary School give attendees an extraordinary peek at what it would have been like to live in ancient Babylon.

The enslaved children of Israel and Daniel, played by Marlon Reid (pastor of the Beacon of Joy and Altgeld Gardens Adventist churches), follow the dramatic introduction. The children of Israel depict some of the same challenges that we struggle with on a day-to-day basis.

The musical culminates when Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Daniel instructs the king that God had given him the kingdom of Babylon. What Nebuchadnezzar did not know was that God was going to take it away from him as well.

Babylon was the ultimate world power. Its inhabitants had no worries. They were wealthy and well taken care of. They were living in the dark. In 2008, we are living in the dark, too. God's people are in a routine and in desperate need of a shaking.

From the youngest child to the young at heart, we have been given a message to preach to the world.

The goal is for everyone to take something away from the musical that they can relate to and apply to their own lives. More than 20 attendees signed up for Bible studies, which will be led by Watson Afaese, the musical's pastor. Church members will adopt and minister to these individuals in the upcoming months.

God has blessed us with a special work to do. Please keep us in your prayers as we follow God's leading. If your church would like to present "Babylon: The Musical 2008" in your area, please contact us at 269-757-2609. You may also visit our website, www.babylonthemusical2008.com.

Traci Jackson is co-producer of "Babylon: The Musical 2008."