Our Faith Was Stretched Like Never Before: A Kravis Center Testimony!

On June 7th, something extraordinary happened!!!

We took a huge leap of faith and accepted the invitation to bring our hit gospel stage play, “It Don’t Hurt No More Part II,” to the world-renowned Kravis Center stage. This wasn’t just another production—it was the biggest step we’ve ever taken as a ministry.

But here’s the truth: one week before the show, we had only sold 60 online tickets… total. For both shows combined. We were stunned.

We cried out, “God, now what?!”

In full transparency, we had a moment. We panicked. We questioned. Then, we prayed. Mark and I fell to our knees, reminding God of the promises He gave to ChichiMa Productions. We had never been in this place before—60 seats?! We were used to selling out 600-700 seat venues! All we had was our faith, the lyrics of James Fortune featuring Monica echoing in our spirits—“Trusting God”—the very song I played almost every morning during production. And so we cried out again: Now what, God?!

When Faith Is All You Have

Our cast had rehearsed until they couldn’t rehearse anymore. The board had fundraised with everything they had. Most of the production expenses had already been paid. Countless prayers had gone up on behalf of this moment. And yet—some of the very people we thought would join their faith with ours were completely silent.

We were in uncharted waters, treading carefully, clinging to God with everything we had. This was the biggest test of faith we’ve ever faced. Launching into the deep for our Kravis Center debut was a move of radical obedience. We stepped out of the boat like Peter—and we didn’t sink. We kept our eyes fixed on God.

We cast the first net and caught only 60 fish… and we cried, “Jesus, this is your ministry. This isn’t on us—it’s on YOU.” We put our faith to work because faith without works is dead. So we showed up. And we trusted God to do the rest.

“What Are We Doing?”

At one point, Mark and I looked at each other and said, “What are we doing?”

Let me tell you: going to the Kravis meant surrendering total control. It meant walking by faith, not by sight. We were used to sold-out shows and controlling every detail. The Kravis didn’t make it easy either—every corner came with adversity. But with every challenge, we responded with God at the center of what we do.

If life feels too comfortable and you aren’t being challenged, check your walk with God. Growth requires pressure. 

The Weight of Obedience

We sacrificed so much. We chose our cast without auditions. We combed through over 100 former performers—considering attitude, attendance, professionalism, and spiritual alignment—and narrowed it down to 17. Some were upset. Some blocked us. Some stopped speaking to us. But when you follow God’s call, don’t expect everyone to celebrate. If they talked about Jesus, they’ll talk about you. Elevation brings elimination.

Sometimes, God has to remove the ones you think are with you so He can bring the ones He knows are for you.

The Day of the Show…

On performance day, I asked the house manager for the 2:30 PM numbers. It was “better” but still concerning. Then—this little lady in a green usher coat walked over to me like an angel. She looked me in the eye and said, “They always wait until the very last minute. They always come to the box office the day of the performance. A lot of them are coming.”

I said, “From your mouth to God’s ears.”

And guess what? THE PEOPLE CAME FROM NOWHERE, YA’LL!! Both shows turned out to be an amazing success for our Kravis Center debut. I looked out at the 6:30 PM show—and there were people everywhere.

God Was Glorified!

The cast showed out in both shows. The production was unbelievable. And most importantly—God was glorified.

Let this be a testimony to you: when you trust God, even when you can’t see the outcome, your faith sees the increase. The Kravis Center debut of ChichiMa Productions is one for the books.

If we can kick down the doors of the Kravis Center and still hold firm to our brand, our name, and most importantly, God’s ministry—then truly…

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!