THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 7, 1994 TAG: 9407060120
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
THE CONTINENTALS, a performance ministry of college-age youths, will bring its 1994 World Tour to Wilroy Baptist Church at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The group of more than 35 vocalists, instrumentalists, dramatists and technicians will present the award-winning musical, ``Dreamer,'' written by Cam Flora.
The 90-minute concert is suitable for audiences of all ages.
``Dreamer'' is based on the life of the Old Testament character, Joseph.
Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph survived to become Pharoah's appointed ruler of all ancient Egypt. His is a story of faith, courage and forgiveness.
In addition to ``Dreamer,'' The Continentals will perform a short program of contemporary Christian music featuring well-known inspirational favorites.
``I first heard The Continentals in Sunbury, North Carolina last summer,'' Wilroy deacon Charles Hearn said. ``I thought they were great, with a great ministry for youth, especially . . . That's the main reason I tried to get them.''
Hearn secured The Continentals' last open date on their 1994 summer tour.
All the college-age young people who are part of The Continentals are selected from among thousands who audition annually.
The program is fine-tuned during a rehearsal camp in Denver. The group breaks into touring companies, which spend three months performing throughout the United States and several other countries.
During the past 27 years, more than 14,000 young people have been a part of The Continentals, traveling to more than 70 countries and every continent but Antarctica.
In 1985, the organization, in conjunction with World Vision, raised nearly $2 million to fight world hunger.
Touring groups of The Continentals have been the training ground for many of those involved in the gospel music industry.
Some well-known Christian artists, including Wayne Watson, Paul Smith, Karla Worley, Steve Taylor and Jim Custer, began their careers on tour with The Continentals.
The youth ministry of Wilroy will help promote the performance. Several local youth groups plan to attend.
``This is just another part in our effort to try to minister to the young people of our community,'' said Gail Dey, Wilroy music director.
The concert is free and open to the public, though donations to help defray the cost will be accepted.
Following the program, members of The Continentals will give auditions to young people interested in joining this touring ministry. MEMO: The Continentals will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Wilroy Baptist
Church, 306 Williams Road. The concert is free and open to the public.
For more information, call the Rev. Carter Dey at 539-5658. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
The Continentals will present ``Dreamer'' at Wilroy Baptist Church
at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
by CNB