Future
In response to the events of September 11, 2001 Camp Deerpark, in partner-ship with the Restoring Hope Project, formed a drama group to help young adults from New York City share their stories with their peers and the larger church community. Following are reflections from that experience.
The Making of a Drama Group
For me, camp has always been a place to discover, develop, and display the gifts that God has given me. The coffee house at this year’s youth retreat was another venue for expressing the gifts God has given me and other young people in the Mennonite churches. It was a night of poetry, rhyming and music. One of the highlights was a poetry slam near the end of the evening that brought the house down. To hear our peers express their faith and struggles in writing was an encouragement to all in attendance. To have a place for our voices to be heard was empowering for all those who performed. It was a night of beginnings. That night was the birth of the idea that became Future.
In the next month, ideas for channeling the energy and talents of that night flowed back and forth between camp and the city. There was talk of a poetry book, ongoing poetry slams and coffeehouses in the city, anything to nurture the gifts that were shared that night. For my part, I was excited to see things happen, to see exactly what direction everything was taking. Emails went back and forth about the power of sharing our words and the desire to have some more permanent place to express ourselves.
Ashley Smith, and Celmali Jaime.
Our answer came at the Summer Staff Pre-Hiring retreat in April. While Celmali, myself and others had been planning coffee houses in the city, Hyacinth and Ken had other things in mind. They dreamt of a drama troupe where we could tell our stories and share them around the city and country. The dream was realized when camp received a grant from the Restoring Hope Project, and Ingrid De Sanctis was hired to work with a group of us over the summer to develop an hour long piece about our lives growing up in the church and growing up in the city. At the pre-hiring retreat we were invited to sign up to participate in the project
.I went away from that weekend ready. I wasn’t sure what I was ready for but it felt good, like we were being given a voice, a way to tell our stories. The next few months came and went, the poetry kept coming, and Celmali, Hyacinth, Kelly Jones and I organized a coffee house at North Bronx Mennonite Church. A lot of the 2002 summer staff were there and as we read our poetry, our desire to be used by God became more and more evident. In June, when we met up again for staff orientation, we did so with an anticipation of what was to come. We were excited about being part of something, but we didn’t know much about what we were part of.
The second day of orientation, we met with our director. We entered the chapel that day not knowing what to expect. One of the first things we did was discuss body language, what each of us was saying by simply sitting down. It was hilarious to hear some of the things we were silently communicating. Ingrid also led us in a few ice-breaking activities. Who knew that games like “Pass the Fire” and “Go” would become a much-needed focusing technique over the next months. She also led us in trust building activities; I don’t think Ashley will soon forget almost getting dropped when he jumped over our waiting arms. It was an amazing experience to find that, working together, the group could support a person landing on them from a running jump.
Throughout the next few days as we became more familiar with Ingrid, each other, and our warm-ups, we began to share our stories with each other. We spent hours talking about everything from our strict mothers to our ignorant teachers and friends. We shared about our fears and our dreams… about our doubts and our anger. Ingrid facilitated a process by which we could have our voices heard in this intimate group, a safe haven into which we could speak everything that life had given us and taken from us.
Because we are funded by Restoring Hope, we talked a lot about September 11th in the beginning. The group discussed how we felt alienated for wanting peace. We also felt like the attack was getting too much attention. We decided that if this piece was really to be the story of our lives, the towers would only be a part of it.
That week we read our poetry, shared our favorite songs, and discussed the world’s view of us and ours of them. We came to rehearsal sometimes exhausted, sometimes late, sometimes stretched beyond the limit by the campers we were working with, and drama gave us a place to put that all aside and be heard. From that week, Ingrid took our stories, our poems, our lives and created a script. As we eagerly shared who we were, she listened and heard what we were really saying. She taught us theatre techniques, stage position and how to project our voices. The project has given us a way to make that voice heard. This is FUTURE.
Kirsten Wenger, summer camper and staff, attends North Bronx Mennonite Church in the Bronx. Written fall 2002 for the Camp Deerpark Newsletter.
FUTURE
The week of August 19–23 was one that would make or break FUTURE. It was our first time working on scenes as a unified group, and during that week we were presented with a script. We were really excited, but there were times we thought that making it all happen would be impossible. However, with the help of God and everyone else at camp, we were able to memorize our lines, gain confidence, learn transitions, and pull it all together into a one hour production which we now call: “WHAchaGONNAdu?”
During that week, our general audiences were the Bontragers and the Rodriguezes. We were fairly comfortable with them. But on Friday, August 23, we were led into the chapel, filled with about forty faces we had never seen before. We were all terrified; I know I was. But with Ingrid and Marisha helping us through each scene, we showed our first audience a great time.
Looking back, our first performance was trouble-free in comparison to what we would later face. In many of our following shows, we were confronted with difficult challenges. Once, we performed for a very large audience and had no microphones. Another time, we were on a stage that could barely fit us all. On another occasion we performed outside in the cold, and there were other times when we did numerous shows in one day. One of our greatest challenges was putting on a show without Hanna. When one person is missing, it throws the rest of us off. I remember when we put on a show without running through our lines first. We’ll never do that again! I’m astonished at how we got through it all. One thing’s for sure, all of these challenges increased our confidence and teamwork. They also taught us a valuable lesson: prayer works.
In spite of all of the difficulties “WHAchaGONNAdu?” has been a success. Every time we step on stage we have fun. Through our poetry, singing, dancing, rapping, hand-clapping and feet-stomping, we bring tears and laughter to our audiences. FUTURE has been a blessing for all of those who have seen us, as well as for those of us who perform.
We’ve come a long way since last summer, and we have a long trip ahead of us. New challenges with traveling, our schoolwork, our jobs, and every-day responsibilities have arisen. But surely, none of these things will stop us from going forward with our ministry. We are continually being blessed. God has brought us this far, and He won’t leave us now. God isn’t finished with FUTURE yet.
Celmali Jaime Okonji, program director in 2006–7, attended Evangelical Garifuna Church and King of Glory Tabernacle, both in the Bronx. Written fall 2002 for the Camp Deerpark Newsletter.
FUTURE Comes to a Close
There are certain truths we must learn to accept. Such platitudes would include that change is inevitable, all beginnings come to an end; and future, the future is not only forever but it has indeed taken over.
They graced us with a rich biblical medley, incorporated with spoken word, dance, song, and an array of other talents. Yes, I speak of the drama troupe formerly known as FUTURE. In 2001 nine extraordinary individuals were compelled to enter the world of theatrics by means of the drama troupe. They heard the calling, felt the spirit and went to work spreading the gospel. Under the direction of Ingrid De Sanctis, Hyacinth Stevens, and Marisha Joseph, the gifts and talents of these nine cast members were put into motion. Acts such as “If I ruled the world,” “Joseph,” “Job,” and an array of other scenes told a blended tale of the trials and triumphs of biblical times as well as contemporary times.
This troupe of youth were indeed the religious anomaly. They ventured out into new territory unsure of how their audiences would receive them, they took a gigantic leap of faith and God carried them. They have given so much of themselves in their performances and that is why they have touched so many lives and helped open even more hearts. They surpassed entertainment, they were inspirational. This incomparable drama troupe worked diligently at enhancing the creative means of which they displayed God’s love and power. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. They fulfilled their destiny, and with a joyful heart complied with God’s will and now they must move on, spreading the gospel through other modes of ministry.
Celmali Jaime, Ashley Smith, Hanna Misir, Jackie Fernandez, Nixon Fernandez, Richie Bernardez, Marin Wenger, Kirsten Wenger, and Devonne McMorris would like to thank all their fans and critics for all their support, encouragement, and time. As they have poured their hearts into you, they acknowledge and thank all of you for replenishing their spirits by being attentive and responsive. As they bid the world farewell as FUTURE, the members would like to share their highlights and closing remarks.
Devonne: My fondest memory is the positive feedback we received during post-performance discussions and being able to converse with the audience. Sometimes people were brought to tears because they could relate, and just knowing our ministry brought healing and encouragement.
Jackie: Now that Future is over I believe God is calling me to be a leader amongst teens in my church, and I know if I continue to listen it will expand.
Richie: I admire Hyacinth because of her patience and all the energy she poured into us. I know it took a lot and it took someone special.
Kirsten: “Lover of my Soul” was my favorite scene. I cried the first time Hanna sang it in rehearsal and it still tugs at my heart. It’s so real and the words so powerful.
Nixon: I know God is calling me to do something great, something majestic. It is a mystery for now, but I’m listening.
Ashley: I wish the best for everybody. We all knew God was moving but later on we will grasp the severity of FUTURE. It wasn’t us, it was God through us.
Veronica Dingwall, camper, counselor, summer camp director 2009, board member 2016–2018, attends King of Glory Tabernacle in the Bronx. Written winter 2005 for the Camp Deerpark Newsletter.
Clay: Beauty in Brokenness
This summer, four items lay side by side on the fireplace mantle in the chapel basement. They were carefully and strategically placed there by me, the summer camp pastor.
The first item: a lump of wet, formless, clay. Next to it: a beautiful clay pot, baked and hardened to perfection. The third item was the pieces of a shattered clay pot, stacked into a sad pile. And last, stood the fourth item: a mosaic picture frame, made of broken clay pieces that had been carefully cemented together. All items, a form of clay, were symbols of the processes we go through as God molds us into who we are meant to be.
This is the story of a group called Future. This is the story of our process.
The Clay.
It was us. We were young and unformed, full of potential energy. Of course we were a little bit rough and grimy on the edges, like the Bronx and Harlem, where we all hailed from. I was 17 years young. We were all in or fresh out of high school. We were excited to be working as summer staff at Camp Deerpark. To us, there were no boundaries. The world was waiting to be explored.
The Clay Pot.
We knew we were talented. So we spent our time perfecting our crafts of spoken word poetry, music, stepping, singing and drama. We would host open mics at our churches, youth group events; and, of course, Camp Deerpark. It was especially at Camp Deerpark, the place that we all considered home, that we solidified ourselves as young performing artists.
The Broken Clay Pot.
The towers came crashing down that fall. 9/11 was the final straw of the racial tension, crime, police brutality, and personal life dramas that had been building up in us, and in New York City for years. It was a tragic disaster that we knew would have permanent repercussions on us all. Scars would be left behind. Nothing would be the same again.
The Mosaic.
The following summer, Hyacinth, the summer program director, asked who was interested in being part of a drama troupe. The Mennonite Disaster Service was helping fund it as a post 9/11 peace initiative. It would be an opportunity to share our stories as Mennonite youth. I was all in. So were Devonne (Deedee), Hanna, Richie, Jackie, Marin, Nixon, Ashley, and Kirsten. We decided to call ourselves “Future” and the title of the piece was “WHAcha-GONNAdu?” We were like nine broken clay pieces, cemented together by hours of rehearsals, travel, bookings, mistakes, successful performances, forgotten lines, and unforgettable memories. It was the story of us growing up, asking hard questions, and making peace with the broken pieces of our lives.
These were some of our lines:
“WHAchaGONNAdu?” —I’m gonna change the world, so that maybe someday it can be a place I can bring my children into. —Celmali
I am a river with the desire to flow free / It’s scary not knowing where I’m heading / Or where I gotta be. —Richie, Hanna
How long have I allowed disrespect / And neglect to claim my name? / How far have I allowed my self-esteem to travel? / Little by little it deteriorates as it unravels. —Deedee
“WHAchaGONNAdu?” —I’m gonna use my gifts to bring people closer to God. —Ashley
If I ruled the world, no one would live and die for drugs / And white cops would be walking hand in hand with black thugs / Because / If the world were mine there’d be no such thing as hate crimes / No dead bodies in the gutter shot 41 times. —Celmali, Hanna
Who is the who? I don’t know. / When is the when? I don’t know. / Where is the where? I don’t know. / I. Don’t. Know. —Jackie, Celmali, Richie, Nixon
’Cause all I ever wanted was a little bit of love / But Mama never taught me what that’s made of. / Begging for attention in the clothes I don’t wear / ‘cause no one ever bothered to treat me with care / Until I learned to love myself, no one else would dare. —Kirsten
When will I realize that I am exactly how God intended me to be? / That the color of my skin fits beautiful on me? / But more so, when will I learn to appreciate me? —Deedee
Respect’s been twisted into ownership and fear / Property rights over my body? / Another girl, another year. / Devil’s sittin’ pretty till this line hits your ear. / Until we learn the lesson, stop messin’. / Reclaim love, abolish lust. / Turn to God; in Him we must trust. —Kirsten, Marin, Hanna
It’s like a pattern that goes from black to white / And white to black, until we hit our destination / Yet with all these questions in my head / I can’t seem to find a solution to this confrontation. / Who can I trust? / When the individuals around me treat the “I” worse than dust? / Why? / That is the question. / The question which each and every one of us wishes to request. / When? / Until “the who” comes at the end of time. / Who? / The one with the power. / The one with the light / Brighter than the sunshine. —Richie
Future toured the U.S. and performed “WHAchaGONNAdu?” over 40 times during the period of 2002–2004 under the leadership of Hyacinth Stevens, Marisha Joseph, and Ingrid De Sanctis. Many of their performances were at Mennonite affiliated schools, colleges, churches and events. Most members of the group are still affiliated with Camp Deerpark, the Mennonite churches, and still remain as friends.
List of Future Shows 2002–2004:
Saturday August 23rd, 2002—King of Glory Tabernacle—Bronx, NY
Saturday September 7th—On the street in front of King of Glory Tabernacle (Peace Day)—Bronx, NY
Friday September 27th—Community Church of Jesus Christ—Bronx, NY(Hanna’s Church)
Saturday September 28th—NYC Mennonite Convention (performed twice)—Westbrookville, NY
Sunday September 29th—Camp Deerpark community—Westbrookville, NY
Sunday October 27th—East Chestnut Mennonite—Lancaster, PA
Monday October 28th—Lancaster Mennonite School—Lancaster, PA
Friday November 15th—United Revival Mennonite Church—Brooklyn, NY
Saturday November 23rd—Bluffton College—Bluffton, OH
Sunday November 24th—Grace Mennonite—Bluffton, OH
Tuesday Dec 31st—Forest Hills Mennonite—Lancaster, PA
Saturday January 4th, 2003—Immanuel Community Church—Flushing, NY
Saturday March 1st—Compassion Works U.S.A.—Philadelphia, PA
Sunday March 2nd—Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship—New York, NY
Sunday March 9th—1st Mennonite—Allentown, PA
Sunday March 30th—Atlantic Coast Conference Bible Quizzing—Lancaster, PA
Saturday April 12th—Mennonite Secondary Education Council—Goshen, IN
Sunday April 13th—Assembly Mennonite—Goshen, IN
Sunday April 13th—College Mennonite—Goshen, IN
Sunday April 13th—Goshen College—Goshen, IN
Sunday May 4th—Children’s Village—Dobbs Ferry, NY
Saturday June 14th—Branch Church—Souderton, PA
Thursday July 3rd—Mennonite Convention—Atlanta, GA
Friday July 4th—Mennonite Convention—Atlanta, GA
Saturday July 5th—Mennonite Convention—Atlanta, GA
Sunday July 6th—Mennonite Convention—Atlanta, GA
Friday August 1st—Eastern Mennonite University (LEAP Training)—Harrisonburg, VA
Friday August 1st—Eastern Mennonite University (second show)—Harrisonburg, VA
Saturday August 2nd—Eastern Mennonite University—Harrisonburg, VA
Saturday August 2nd—Eastern Mennonite University (second show) —Harrisonburg, VA
Saturday September 27th—New York City Mennonite Convention—Friends Meeting House—New York, NY
Saturday November 22nd—Calvary Community—Newport News, VA
Sunday November 23rd—Calvary Community (second show)—Newport News, VA
Sunday December 14th—Woodstown Presbyterian Church—Woodstown, NJ
Friday December 26th—King of Glory Tabernacle (LEAP video release party)—Bronx, NY
January 17th, 2004—New Covenant Holiness Church (Ashley Smith’s church)—Harlem, NY
February 20th Eastern Mennonite University (sponsored by LEAP of EMU)—Harrisonburg, VA
February 20th Eastern Mennonite University (second show)—Harrisonburg, VA
February 21 Eastern Mennonite University (sponsored by the Multi Cultural office—shared stage with Cross Movement)—Harrisonburg, VA
Sunday April 25th—Full Gospel Christian Center (Celmali’s Churchwhile at college)—Port Jefferson Station, NY
Friday August 13th—African American Mennonite Association—Chicago, IL
Sunday August 15th—Camp Deerpark Teen Camp—Westbrookville, NY
So that is it. Just when we think we are done being molded; when we think we are complete and solidified into who we are; that’s when the shattering happens, and the breaking comes. With that also comes the uncertainty, the questions, the scars and chiseled edges. And just when we think that that state of brokenness is our new permanent reality, we realize that the Master is still, and always is, at work. He works in us, through us, despite us. God the Artist and Creator brings it all together, the good and the bad, and the ugly, into a beautiful symphony. God doesn’t always make the pain disappear; but there is beauty in the brokenness. After all, this is how a mosaic is made from what once was a formless lump of clay. This is how we became whom we were meant to be.
Celmali Jaime Okonji, served as 2018 summer camp pastor.