What people are saying about AWAKEN...

Awaken…was both powerful and inspiring…The audience was drawn in and captivated by the action. Our people were excited to see and hear God’s story in a whole new way!Pastor Mark Holmes, Grimes, IA Read more...

Who We Are :: Our Story

Drama has always been an important part of the evangelical nature of Ingham, Okoboji, and Riverside Lutheran Bible camps, as well as many others throughout the country. Awaken grew out of that long tradition of “clown services” and “mime dramas” particularly at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp in Story City, IA. Through the 80’s and 90’s the drama at Riverside continued to develop into more and more of a passion play than simply a clown service, eventually depicting scenes from throughout the entire Story of God. Various groups of former staff members over the past 25 years have presented the “mime drama” through their college campuses and youth groups. Many campers have taken elements of the “mime” and performed their own dramas at their local congregations throughout the Midwest. Staff members participate to this day in the “mime drama” each Thursday night as a part of the weekly programming during the summer months at Riverside.

  • Awaken officially began in September 2005 as an extension of Riverside’s ministry. In response to the popularity of the mime drama during summer camp, Jon Anenson (Staff member ’01-‘07), proposed a vision in December of 2004 for a year round ministry based on the drama, but also including elements of discipleship and community for those college students and young adults involved. The groundwork was laid as visioning and preparations began with the directors and full time staff at the camp.
  • From October ’05-January ’06 Awaken officially began at Riverside as group of approximately 15 young adults and college students (predominantly former and current Riverside staff members), met for 4 retreats at Riverside and local churches for community building, worship, bible study, prayer, outdoor challenges, teachings, small groups, and drama rehearsal.
  • From February-April 2006, the drama was presented at 13 locations in 7 weekends across Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Due to the tremendous response of audience members and impact on the team members themselves, it was decided to continue the ministry for another year.
  • Year two of Awaken saw more growth as the size of the team grew to approximately 35 members from over 10 campuses and 4 states. The team met for 4 more retreats from October 2006-January ’07.
  • From February-May ’07, the team toured the drama to 17 different venues over 9 weekends, with great responses from each audience, bringing the two year total to over 10,000 people witnessing the Awaken drama.
  • Riverside provided a place for this ministry to grow and blossom and the means to do that. With growth (and all its demands) and the desire to see Awaken carried out with it's heart intact (all the things that make it unique and dynamic), as well as Riverside needing to stay true to its focus and vision, it was decided in the Spring of 2007, that the best scenario for both Awaken and Riverside was to allow Awaken to grow and flourish as its own separate ministry.
  • Awaken has experienced tremendous growth over the past two years. What started as a vision has become a reality which God has led and guided every step of the way. We've seen Awaken blossom as both an effective tool in ministering to approximately 60 college students and young adults through our retreat and discipleship ministry, as well as an outreach with the drama to approximately 10,000 audience members in 35 venues across the Midwest. Not to mention countless volunteers offering their time, resources, financial and prayer support. We've seen the value and effectiveness of a life-giving community of authentic relationships with a purpose greater than themselves. In essence, many of us would say that we've experienced a new way in which Christ's Church takes shape. The demand from churches and other host venues remains quite overwhelming as God has been extremely generous providing places for the Story to be told, even to the point where we can't come close to making it to all of them. Yet the numbers don't mean a thing unless God is behind the whole thing and being glorified in everything we do. We’re a community of young adults on our knees, trusting God each day.
  • This ministry has grown into something very special for all involved. It’s been a church for people. It’s been a family where it’s been needed the most for others. It’s been a place for people to come alive, use their gifts, and share their passions. They’ve rallied around a vision greater than themselves.
  • Awaken, now lead by a community of leaders from throughout the Midwest, is looking forward to many great years ahead and the opportunities that will arise to share this great Story again and again!