Setting up a 40”x40” blank canvas was just the start of the fun for Mike and about 60 A-Team members one Sunday morning.  Mike painted Jesus in the middle of the canvas and asked each person to pick up a brush and paint what they saw in their minds, all while talking about Christ and his protection over us. Almost two hours later, the group had created a magnificent work, according to Mike, who is now adding the final touches.  “They added flowers, trees, sunshine, sheep and birds,” says Mike.  “Some painted Jesus’ clothing and face. It was a creative and spiritual experience.”

Mike, who left Egypt for London, then Paris, Chicago, New York City, San Diego, Virginia and now lives in Mechanicsburg, developed a love for the A-Team Ministry (a group of men and women with cognitive and multiple disabilities who gather each Sunday for worship and learning) began just before Christmas 2010.  Knowing of Mike’s background in art and theater, Director of Prayer Ministry Cathy Morgan asked him to direct the A-Team’s performance of “The Visitor,” the 2011 Christmas drama at West Shore.

“Everyone worked so well together and was truly committed to the play,” describes Mike, “that my role became minimal in terms of directing.  What I really did was develop relationships with people that changed me.” Actually, he describes his experience in “The Visitor” as one of “purity and love—the kind I learned I can’t offer anyone else at that level.” Mike wasn’t the only one weeping at the end of the drama. The congregation came to its feet and rhetorically to their knees.

This year’s A-Team Christmas drama, “The Celestial Toy Maker,” will be held December 4.  Be sure to check it out. And look for the team’s artwork to be displayed in West Shore’s hallways soon.