Drew Baker, 20, is a young man going places.
Baker, who now lives in Tyrone, is traveling to various churches, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and to meetings of various groups, taking with him the message of Jesus Christ.
Through Faces and Places Ministries, a ministry founded by Baker, he and other cast members present original scripts, written by the production company members, about Jesus and other Biblical characters.
Faces and Places Ministries is the “umbrella” of Noahlot Productions, a production company started in late summer 2000 when Baker and several of his friends thought it would be “neat” to travel around the countryside sharing the gospel in a creative manner with folks of all faiths.
It began with a Christmas show in December 2000, “The Journey,” a production that concentrated on the faith of Joseph and Mary as they contemplated the impending birth of the Messiah to them — earthly parents — was a success .
“Through the Years” followed during the Easter season in 2001. A powerful look at the pain, hurt and joy of Mary, the mother of Jesus, experienced as she watched the ministry of her son evolve into His death, was also a success.
At the end of 2001, Baker was accepted to perform at Sight and Sound Theaters, Lancaster. He began his professional acting career in January 2002 but his career at Sight and Sound was short-lived. Although Baker enjoyed what he was doing, he said in October of that year, while he was at work, God spoke to him, telling him to go out on his own, performing and preaching in various churches through the creative talent given by God.
It was then that Faces and Places Ministries was conceived. Through drama, music, dance, clowning and portrayals of Biblical men, the production company has something for everyone. “We try to stay as scriptural as we can,” Baker said. They do add some characters to help clarify the message.
Baker, along with other members of the production company, read four different versions of the Bible to research for their productions. The scripts are a collaborative effort by several members of the company.
Available for Sunday morning worship services, Baker, alone or with others, can present Peter, Paul, Jacob, David or another “Bible-to-Life” character to a congregation. Baker’s one-man presentations run from 15 minutes to an hour.
The company is currently working on “Thy Kingdom Come” its annual Easter presentation. They rehearse at the First English Lutheran Church in Tyrone and have even enlisted the pastor, the Rev. T.M. Talbot-Moses, as the character of Martha. Her husband, William, also plays several characters in the production of 20-25 cast members.
The program starts with Jesus in the temple at 12 years old, looks into the heart of Mary and Jesus as He finishes His last piece of carpentry and goes into the last three years of His life — His baptism, the Sermon on the Mount and the story of Lazarus. It ends with the portrayal of Jesus’ last week — the familiar story of Palm Sunday, the Last Supper and the crucifixion.
Although Baker said they are not taking any more bookings of the Easter show, other shows and presentations are available during the Easter season or at any other time.
He said he does not charge churches a fee but does accept “love offerings.” However, when he travels a long distance, he does ask for enough to cover his travel expenses.
In addition, Baker performs as Dr. Fun E. Bone, a clown with turquoise hair, a big grin and purple spectacles. By the way, the hair matches his scrubs. The doctor visits hospitals and nursing homes, bringing humor to patients and staff as well. Dr. Bones has been well-received at Epworth Manor and Tyrone Hospital, both in Tyrone; J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital, Huntingdon; Centre Community Hospital, State College; and the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Altoona.
The doctor is not Baker’s only clown persona. He also performs as Skeeter, a happy clown; Woesme, a hobo clown; a Christmas elf and many other seasonal characters.
In addition to Faces and Places Ministries, Baker is a member of Cheerleaders For Christ, World Clown Association, Happy Valley Alley and Isaac’s Alley.
Faces and Places offers workshops in clowning, puppetry, drama and other subjects that can be tailored to fit your particular congregation, organization or ministry and can help you to reach your audience in a creative way.
Baker remarked, “I really feel like this is what I’m called to do. Creative ministry is my main goal.
“I like creative ministry because it lets you be all denominations. There’s no dogma versus doctrine. You’re not dealing with someone’s rules; it brings everyone together for the common purpose of Jesus Christ — in a creative way.”
Although it is not a large group, Faces and Places Ministries has a large message.
At this point, and in future, Baker still wants to take the productions to others instead of having people come to the production because he says that is how God is leading him.
As the company grows, a rehearsal/storage/office site would be ideal. The company currently can not afford to buy or rent such space but would be amenable to a site in northern Huntingdon/northern Blair counties if someone has a building that could be donated for use by the troupe.
Anyone interested in learning more about Faces and Places Ministries for a church, organization, Vacation Bible School, church camp, camp meeting, etc., may contact Baker by mail: Faces and Places Ministries, c/o Drew M. Baker, 1054 Lincoln Ave., Tyrone, PA 16686; by phone: 814-684-6069 or 814-932-4085; or by e-mail:Droopy0183@aol.com.
