OHANA: No One Left Behind...Or Forgotten

 

For the first time in the history of the North Atlanta District Conference--and perhaps in African Methodism--churches from across the District will come together to present an original stage production!  “OHANA: No One Left Behind…Or Forgotten” is a thought-provoking story about love, life, faith and adoption. Written and produced by Danese Turner of Turner Chapel in Marietta, the play uses heartfelt testimonials to bring awareness to adoption and foster care within the African-American community, specifically in Georgia. The testimonials are given by both adults wanting to adopt or foster, as well as by youth in the system.

 

Ohana comes from Hawaiian culture and means family—blood related, adoptive, or intentional. Ohana became popular in the 2002 Disney movie, Lilo and Stitch, when Lilo proclaimed, “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind—or forgotten.”

 

The play will feature several actors, along with dance, mime, pageantry and step ministries within the North Atlanta District, as well as a solo artist. The participating churches include Christ Community Church in Decatur, Big Bethel in Atlanta, Allen Temple in Woodstock, Bethel in Acworth, Mt. Zion in Kennesaw, Greater St. Paul in Austell, St. Paul in Canton, St. Luke in Cartersville, and Turner Chapel. 

 

Mrs. Turner has written, produced, and co-directed major theatrical productions for the Worship Arts Ministries of Turner Chapel for over 10 years. The annual Spring Production, featuring over 200 cast members, has become a much-anticipated event throughout the metro-Atlanta area. After seeing the 2014 Spring Production, Last One Left©, which also highlighted adoption and foster care, Presiding Elder David Rhone, wanted to do more to "transform families and transform lives in our community." He decided to launch an initiative across the District and approached Turner to help him bring the message to life on stage.

 

The goal of the play is not just to entertain, but to stir hearts and start a movement to help find families and homes for children in Georgia's foster care system.

 

Come out Friday, June 27th at 7:00 and enjoy a heartwarming, dynamic stage show for the entire family!