Special storytelling show Sept. 22
The Red Oak First United Methodist Church is hosting a special performer for a one-day show later this month.
At 2 p.m. on Sept. 22, Susie Boer, of Bow, Wash., will bring her special show, “Faith Heroines Alive,” for residents of Montgomery County. Boer, who is a former schoolteacher, said she was inspired by a higher calling to create the show.
“I have been a storyteller for my church children’s ministries for a number of years. If there was a youth camp or vacation Bible study that lasted more than a day, I would tell a continued story over the days, and pick out an inspirational story with a type of cliffhanger to bring the kids back for the next installment. In 2007, I was asked if I could tell the story of Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch woman whose family sheltered Jews and members of the Dutch Underground during World War II. I studied her story and decided I would re-enact it. That’s how it all started,” Boer said.
After performing for the children, Boer said she was invited to tell the story to the congregation as a Sunday morning message, and the adult members of the congregation enjoyed the story as much as the children.
“I started getting more and more invitations to speak, and people would ask me if I told any other stories, and so I started adapting all my stories for adult audiences. Most of the time I perform in Washington, and I have friends in other parts of the United States, so if I can afford the airfare, I travel to their cities and towns and perform there as well. I enjoy telling the stories very much. It builds faith in a way that’s very remarkable. They are modern-day stories of very brave people,” said Boer.
In addition to Ten Boom, other characterizations performed by Boer include Darlene Deibler Rose, Gladys Aylward, Ida Scudder, Dr. Margaret Brand, Lilias Trotter, Betty Ann Olsen, and Mary Slessor. Boer said there are a number of factors that led to their inclusion as part of her performances.
“Every one of the women featured in the stories I tell lived out their faith. No one intended to be a prisoner of war, or even do anything particularly great, but circumstances led them into making difficult choices. All the women represented made those choices and sacrificed their own safety out of a love of others. They are stories of bravery.”
Boer said a friend in Nebraska saw her show and invited her to Nebraska a year ago. A return trip this year helped bring her to Red Oak.
“Jan Burnison is a friend of my friend from Nebraska, and Jan heard about me, so I’m doing the show in Nebraska, and then also doing the show here in Red Oak,” commented Boer.
She added, the characters she’ll be bringing to life are Corrie Ten Boom and Darlene Deibler Rose. Boer was invited to stay at the Heritage Lodge and said she’s been very humbled by efforts to make her stay in Red Oak comfortable.
“Jan Burnison has been so gracious. I have not yet even met her in person, but she has said they’re treating me like I’m visiting royalty, and I am very honored.”
More information about Faith Heroines Alive can be found at faithheroinesalive.com.