On April 7-9, 2011, one of America's favorite books came to musical life at Des Moines Christian School. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer the Musical is the beloved tale of a fourteen-year-old boy growing up in a Mississippi River town during the mid-1800s.

The phenomenal musical and theatre talent of DMCS students and the servant's heart of our parents and teachers was evident whether they were onstage acting, shifting the set, or applying make-up. Forty junior high and high school students used their God-given gifts to bless a total audience of over 700 people. Musical Director Sarah Selby conducted a live band (complete with banjo!) in almost nonstop accompaniment. Assistant director, former DMCS English teacher Emily Kothmann used her fantastic eye for characterization to help actors with their onstage presence. Parents donated props, built rocks, bought meals, took down the set, and repeated the wonderful words, "What can I do?" It's no wonder DMCS produces quality productions with such dedicated students, parents, and teachers! If you missed the show, next year's play is in April of 2012. See you there!

Prior to the team's arrival, the Dominican school had requested that Bible verses be painted on the school walls. DMCS students with no experience in teaching, prepared well-written English lessons, VBS, and dramas, incorporating the requested verses.

Through their interactions, DMCS students established loving relationships with the Dominican children. Two children who accepted Christ through VBS went out and brought back 3 of their friends who also accepted Jesus!

The Dominican school had been in desperate need of a play area; students were playing in the street or in tiny classrooms; however, the school had no funding for the project. The DMCS mission team raised $6,000 above their travel needs - within dollars of the final bid.

After constructing a playground on the school roof (they carried cement blocks, sand, and mortar up ladders from ground level to the 3rd story roof!), the DMCS team presented a musical drama for the Dominican students on their new rooftop playground. What a celebration of transformation! Small drab classrooms came to life with colorfully painted scripture, a bare roof was turned into a safe playground, and - Praise God! - souls were transformed from death to life! Finally, 15 DMCS students' high school curriculum transformed into a life-changing experience as they were used by God to change a little part of the world.