Bethany dinner theatre tells Ruth Graham’s story

Bethany College presented a unique intercultural experience Nov. 5 and 6 that raised the bar for theatre productions there.

“Footprints of a Pilgrim: The Life and Loves of Ruth Bell Graham” told the story of Ruth Graham’s relationships with parents, evangelist husband Billy, children and her Saviour. Ruth, the only character on stage for most of the play, was represented by five cast members each reflecting a facet of her personality.

Ruth Graham grew up in China to missionary parents. She went to college in America, where she met William Franklin Graham in 1940.

His evangelistic calling strained their young marriage. In 1950, the goodbyes “came one upon the other” as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was born. Yet Ruth remained true to her conviction that God was in control.

Interspersed through the story, Bethany’s instructor in Ministry Arts, Susan J.S. Goerz, sang Ruth Graham’s favourite hymns. Kitchen staff presented a meal of roast beef, with traditional and Asian side dishes (a nod to Graham’s early years in China).

—Connie Jones