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Your presentation of John Wesley was special. Our people enjoyed it and were educated in a most unique way. Anyone who is remotely familiar with Wesley's journals knows how accurate your presentation was to history. David Watson The play was incredible! I've seen it three times now and it's touched me and challenged me in my own personal life. * I love the way you interact with the audience. It draws in the crowd. The Jackson Academy secondary student body and faculty had the distinct privilege of having BJ Johnston present "THE MAN FROM ALDERSGATE." His powerful and dynamic portrayal of John Wesley is done with a passion for Christ and the Gospel and reflects the highest degree of historical accuracy. BJ truly captivates his audience by incorporating into John Wesley's spiritual journey humor, exceptional drama technique, and effective audience interaction. Jackson Academy felt as if John Wesley was a guest on our campus and was proclaiming boldly that faith in Christ is central to one's salvation. BJ Johnston's presentation of "THE MAN FROM ALDERSGATE" remains a blessing to our school family. I strongly suggest that schools as well as churches avail themselves of this marvelous aspect of ministry. Peter Jernberg I was very entertained and touched by the play and your performance. You acted out the role of John Wesley with such genuine talent, humor, and energy, and captivated the audience including myself. I found his life story to be very interesting as well as encouraging and humbling. I found myself examining my own life and it left me with a renewed joy in how wonderful and GREAT God is. Thank you for sharing his story with me. BJ, I have heard nothing but positive comments about your production of THE MAN FROM ALDERSGATE. Your portrayal of John Wesley was so authentic, that I almost expected to find a horse, tethered at the side door, waiting for you. It really spoke to me that the intellectual pursuit of divinity and scripture is insufficient. I was struck by the fact that it was after seminary that Wesley came to an understanding that he knew ABOUT God, but didn't know God. This was so relevant. Just about everybody I talk to (with a few exceptions) believes about God, but so few have that personal. life transforming relationship. I was struck by Wesley's zeal to preach the gospel. Iit stirred within my heart a deeper motivation to share my faith. Thanks so much for coming to Canada. We would love to have you back, Lord willing, for a future presentation…. Next time, with God's help, we'll fill the place. Greg Guthrie I found the presentation of the "Man from Aldersgate" most intriguing.
In particularly three areas of John Wesley's life became amazingly alive for me: I just returned from, and wanted to thank you for your excellent performance of "The Man From Aldersgate". I found it to be
very spiritually uplifting. Your play instilled in me that even though we are Christians, we are all still human
fighting though the same struggles and insecurities of life....even John Wesley.... Yet, we won't be successful in doing God's work if we don't allow God to be a part of everything we do and everything we are! We have to submit to God through faith, to enable Him to work
through us. My prayers will be with you and your ministry!!
To whom it may concern: I was especially pleased with the opportunity to bring our theological founding father to light in the lives of our students and congregants. All were helped to see more clearly into the life of this unique servant of God. I heartily recommend “Mr. Wesley” to you. Dr. Michael Wallace Benson, Chaplain What a special service we had with BJ Johnston as he presented The Man From Aldersgate. It was especially significant after we had spent three weeks incorporating various highlights from Susanna Wesley's life as well as John and Charles. I would recommend this play for any church. Whether you spend extra time before in preparation or not, it will benefit you people. BJ is a joy to have, and his presentation is indeed done in a professional way. Pastor Dennis Riggs
This performance was truly enjoyed by all ages of our congregation- this was an educational and inspirational event-Mr. Johnston became John Wesley for the evening. He interacted with audience and presented a wonderful presentation. Again, thanks for serving in this ministry. Dear Bob, I just want to take the time to tell you how much the congregation enjoyed your performance of “The Man From Aldersgate”. It was the talk of the church on Sunday morning and we are already looking for a time when we can bring you back for an encore performance. Not only was your performance stellar, but the overriding message was so powerful and timely. You can rest assured that I will be recommending you to other churches in the area as well as to my friends in the ministry. God is truly using you to deliver a much needed message in a manner that can be enjoyed by the young and old alike. Please feel free to use me as a reference at any time as it would be a pleasure to recommend you with my whole heart. I will be praying that many doors open for you, and others get to enjoy this tremendous opportunity. May God richly bless you as you go about blessing others. In His Service, Rev. Don T. Metcalf
Dear Dr Wesley, I didn’t realize John Wesley had such a great sense of humor or that he enjoyed children. After you left town, I felt like I really did know you, Dr Wesley that is. It is my hope to promote your good name in my circles of influence. Now, you can do something for me. If you ever run in to BJ Johnston, tell him I said hello. He was quite delightful at lunch but disappeared about the time you arrived. I never did get to say goodbye. Rev Jack McCormick Manteno, Indiana BJ, Manteno, IL BJ Johnston's production of The Man from Aldersgate is well worth seeing. Bret Kenyon
Thank you again for coming to Shiloh United Methodist Church in Pelahatchie, MS on Sunday. It was such a pleasure to meet you. Everyone has been talking about how much they enjoyed THE MAN FROM ALDERSGATE. BJ, please feel free to use this note as a reference for your work and for your presentation. If I can be of any assistance, please call on me. I look forward to seeing you again and am praying for God's richest blessings on you, your family, and your ministry through drama. In His service, Rev. Sam Dodd, Pastor First United Methodist Church
"The Man from Aldersgate" as performed by BJ Johnston is certainly a "must see" for Christians of all denominations. It challenges cultural Methodists in particular to get back to the core principles of their faith. The performance is inspiring, educational, challenging, and evangelical. Some comments from people in our congregation: "Outstanding!" "It was moving. Thank You. Praise God." "I really felt a part of the time that it was portrayed." I highly recommend "BJ Johnston as John Wesley" as one of the finest Christian performing artists of our time. Rev. Dr. Harvey K. Prochnau
BJ Johnston does an outstanding job portraying, Methodist Founder, John Wesley. He brings to life, the call to live a “Life of Holiness.”
It was truly a privilege for our church to host B. J. Johnston in the presentation of "The Man from Aldersgate." I was amazed at thow B. J. Held the attention of persons from every age and stage. It was a "heart warming" experience for everyone as B. J. Portrayed John Wesley as a man who was changed by Christ in order to change world for Christ. I strongly recommend this informative, entertaining and inspirational performance. Kelly E. Pope
Dear BJ:
"The Man from Aldersgate" engages and inspires listeners of all ages. As a professional actor who is also an experienced Christian missionary, B. J. Johnston brings his own unique sense to the life and mission of John Wesley. Devotion to his craft is matched by passion for his ultimate theme: The difference one human life can make when fully surrendered to Christ." Rev. James Matheny
Dear BJ, It was such a treat meeting and spending time with you. Bill and I feel really blessed. Your performance as John Wesley was riveting! The entire sanctuary was transformed into a time capsule where Wesley and his era came alive. All eyes and ears were eager to see what his next word or gesture would be. Bill and I have been spreading the word in the Delta about you and the "Man from Aldersgate". God bless you and your family. Fondly, Peggy Keady
In the production "A Man from Aldersgate" BJ Johnston is outstanding in his betrayal of John Wesley. The production is historically accurate, witty, charming, and thought provoking. BJ makes you feel as if you are traveling with John during some of his 250,000 miles of ministering, preaching, and teaching. Since John Wesley's theology influenced not only the Methodist Movement/Church but so many other denomination and non-denomination churches and the social setting of England this production would be great for any Church and community. I plan to have BJ as "A Man from Aldersgate" again for my Church and other ministries. Pastor Rick Malec
We at Vaiden United Methodist Church were captivated with the performance of B.J. Johnston as John Wesley. B.J. was entertaining, humorous, and informative. Everyone at the performance absorbed B.J.'s presentation with enthusiasm and excitement. Any church or civic group would be very fortunate to have John Wesley, as presented by B.J., perform for their Rev. Calvin Cosnahan
I rarely recommend speakers, but I’m sending this to a few friends who I know care about the message of Wesley, and might find the right fit for this presentation. BJ Johnston has been working with us for several years and was with YWAM before that serving with their Arts ministries. He left a year ago to tour full time presenting this drama of the life of John Wesley. The play is wonderful. We had him present it in chapel this spring, and students were captivated. This one man show is taken directly from the journals of John Wesley.
BJ plays Wesley at his age 70 in the year 1773 and the play can last
from 30 – 90 minutes depending on the setting. He has presented
it in all types of churches – Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian,
and Catholic — not just those from the Wesleyan tradition. Dr. Roger Parrott
The arts are able to transport us to other places and times through the power of the imagination. In this dramatic presentation of the life of John Wesley, BJ Johnston takes us to another country at another time in history, where we are introduced to this man who has profoudly influenced the cause of Christ to this day. Through a combination of period costume and props, and skillful acting that engages our imagination, Wesley's journey to faith challenges our own understanding of what it means to have an authentic reationship with God. Whether in a church or college setting, The Man From Aldersgate will be enthusiastically received by all who experience it. You won't want to miss this! Dr. Colin Harbinson
To Whom It May Concern: It was our privilege, at North Sound Church, to recently host B.J. Johnston in the production of The Man From Aldersgate. BJ did an amazing job of presenting the message of the gospel and Christian growth through the words of John Wesley. For the entire play, he kept the congregation in rap attention. Sometimes there was laughter; sometimes there was silence pregnant with thought and feeling. Not only was it great entertainment, BJÕs presentation was powerful in its spiritual content and effective in its ability to communicate to an audience that included children and adults. Barry Crane
It is with great pleasure that our church hosted B. J. Johnston in
his performance of The Man From Aldersgate. The life of John Wesley
as expressed through his personal journal is one of the great stories
of God's servants! In this unique presentation, B. J. brings to life
a man whose passion for souls changed England and the world. Wesley's
mother, his time in the "Holy Club," his conflicts with the
established church in England, and his decision to become a field preacher
all come to life in this moving adaptation.
I had the distinct privilege of attending BJ Johnstons portrayal of John Wesley in "The Man from Aldersgate". From the moment he enters the stage, until he ends the production by picking up his saddlebag to continue his journey, you find yourself transported to another time and place. From the set design to the make-up and period clothing, B.J. Johnston does a superb job at bringing this history-maker to life. I was drawn in to this altogether inspirational, informational and creative presentation. Dave Dickson
Dan Duggan, Bret Kenyon "Smashtacular job in chapel, BJ. 'Twas awesome.“
Sherry Murphy Daniel L. Burnett, D.Min. Belhaven College I would encourage you to consider Mr. Johnston’s Wesley as a
complement to your worship.
BJ’s presentation of John Wesley was wonderful - Very engaging! I was not real familiar with the story of John Wesley and after hearing BJ’s monologue, I now know more. I think any age would find BJ’s presentation enlightening, educational, and most entertaining. I would recommend him to any church or group! Director of College Admissions Great show today. Here are some comments I would share: I would strongly recommend BJ Johnson’s performance of The Man from Aldersgate. Through his suburb performance, BJ brings John Wesley to life in a most personal way. Regardless of one’s denominational affiliation…or none at all, the message is clear, easy to understand, and most riveting. I love the way that John Wesley comes to life and shares his passions and especially his struggles. You leave feeling as though you have had a one on one discussion with one of the greatest Christian leaders of all time. This show is great for the whole family! Great job! Kevin Russell
On Tuesday January 23, I was delighted by BJ Johnston presentation of “The Man from Aldersgate” which recounts the life of John Wesley, the great 18th century evangelist. Johnston has an extremely rich and resonant speaking and singing voice which he uses to artfully interpret a true and historical, yet delightful and creative script. This, coupled with this actor’s insightful dramatic sensibilities kept me engaged throughout the performance. The make-up, costumes, and simple set and props lend an authenticity to the production, but the unique talents of this theatrical artist kept the material fresh and alive. Respectfully,
To Whom It May Concern: The talent of acting can be best consummated in effectively transporting an audience to another age, using the body and the voice as instruments. B.J. has done this with THE MAN FROM ALDERSGATE. An event suitable for all ages and adaptable for churches, classroom use and public performances in special events, this work will enrich the lives of those who are engaging the eternal questions of faith, purpose in living and joy in all circumstances. I recommend Mr. Johnston to you with the respect for his efforts that
can only be summarized as extraordinary. Sincerely, Enclave of the Arts
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