Mime team ‘Christ in Action’ dramatizes the gospel
By Amy Zillner
Apple Valley Review
The team members of Christ in Action are Christians from various denominational backgrounds whose ministry couples drama, mime techniques and sign language with songs to “present the gospel message” according to Kim Doemner.
The founder of the High Desert group, Doemner, who lives in Apple Valley was intrigued when she saw a group miming on television at Magic Mountain in Los Angeles 14 years ago.
“The main mission of Christ in Action is to equip the kids for leadership skills for their future,” Doemner said.
Currently, the group has 18 members from ages 12 to 19 and requires a four month long commitment in which CIA events take priority in their lives, aside from school, she said.
“You’re a vessel being used to portray the gospel — it’s not your story, it’s the story,” said alumnus Jessica McEwan, 18. She said that portraying someone else makes an impact on the audience.
“The presentation ends with why we should follow Christ,” said Chelsey Olson, 17, with the team presenting the message of salvation through songs that portray temptation and the crucifixion.
Cynthia Salazar’s children, John and Taylor, have wanted to be in a miming group since they were young she said. It’s something they can do as a family with Cynthia Salazar participating as the bus driver for the group.
The group does more than teach members how to be leaders.
Members have a list of 20 standards they have to uphold, as well as, “core values” that come from the verse 1 Timothy 4:12, and has members focusing on speech, life, love, faith and purity, according to Doemner.
“Christians can set an example for you — you become the influence,” Taylor Salazar, 14, said of a time when she told her friends not to show her inappropriate pictures.
“Now I’ve got a better relationship with God and a better walk with Christ,” John Salazar, 13, said. Even though he read his bible and went to church before, he said now he has a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian.
The group also goes on mission trips and supports other ministries with service projects such as food banks, Voice of the Martyrs, Zoe Children’s Homes and Micah House, Doemner said.
CIA will hold a fundraiser on May 11 at Church of The Valley, 14933 Wakita Blvd. Cost is $12 per person or $80 for a table of eight. There will also be a collectible doll auction according to Doemner.
For more information about the group and upcoming events, check out CIA’s Facebook page, their group has a yellow cross in the profile picture. The team will also be available for event bookings in September, contact Doemner at 760-985-8729 or email her at Kym4Him@aol.com.