Mime Minitry

By gmwells in Uncategorized

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The Origins and Development of Mime and Mime Ministry
The language of gestures was born with man and is reborn every day as part of his need to express himself. Before the human voice developed, gestures served not only to communicate but to aid in the development of vocal sounds. Later they were incorporated in the first forms of written language of, for example, the Egyptians, the Aztecs, and in the pictographic writings of the Hebrews. Gestures and expressive movement were also utilized in ancient religious dances and ceremonies. And from the ancient ceremonies in China, Japan, India, and Egypt emerged the actor, who was at once a dancer, singer, and mime.

 

The following article was excerpted by Annette Lust from her book
From the Greek Mimes to Marcel Marceau and Beyond:
Mimes, Actors, Pierrots and Clowns: A Chronicle of the Many Visages of Mime in the Theatre

The Word and Mime
In the Old Testament, Ezekiel was a prophet that was called to announce God’s judgment on Israel, and other nations, and to proclaim restoration for God’s people. His preaching was not well received by the Jews who were with him in captivity, Chapter 3, so God gave Ezekiel many methods, illustrations and demonstrations to help get the message across to the Jews, Chapter 4,5. Ezekiel acted out most of the methods, and did illustrations for Israel. Israel later became restored again and God renewed the Temple and a New Jerusalem, Chapter 40.
Ministering Mime is interpreting gospel music, using illustrations and non-verbal methods to allow the congregation to understand what you are doing, just like Ezekiel demonstrated in the Old Testament.

The History of the Creative Expression Mime Ministry

Mrs. Donna Darwin Ilochi, a Born Again Christian from the north side, was lying on her bed one evening meditating upon a talent she could do for Parent’s night at the Christian Temple Academy. While listening to a Gospel tape by Larnell Harris and praying, she saw a vision of a person doing creative movements to a gospel song with a white pained face, flowing black clothing loosely fitted and white gloves. She also saw a spotlight upon the person. This was the vision for the mime ministry, but not the same as Marcel Marceau, the founder of mining. Instead, the Lord showed her a mixture of sign language and mime. It was similar to a Hawaiian dance, telling a story with your hands. It was the acting out of words to a song, giving the visual effect. We have been Traditionally preached to and sung to so much, but she saw a need for a different way of communicating the gospel through creative worship called miming.

After viewing Mrs. Ilochi’s performances during the year of 1982 at Christian temple church in Pittsburgh, Rev John T. Davidson Jr. who was the Youth Director at Christian Temple church, caught the miming ministry as a tool of ministry for the members of his youth church. With the assistance of Marie Jones, Tracey Williams and Dorian Thomas, Rev. Davidson developed a mime ministry which he later called, The Creative Expressions.

Before Rev. Davidson received the call to pastor in McKeesport, Pa, The Creative Expressions Mime Ministry of Christian Temple made several appearances including two television recordings. Rev. Davidson continued his vision for miming in McKeesport, PA.