The Call - Official Event Program
About The Call
Inspired by the true story of the five missionaries who gave their lives bringing the Gospel to the Waorani people of Ecuador, The Call portrays a remarkable story of faith, sacrifice, forgiveness, and God's redeeming grace. On January 8, 1956, Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Ed McCully, and Roger Youderian were killed on a remote sandbar along the Curaray River. Their sacrifice became one of the most influential missionary stories of the twentieth century, inspiring countless believers to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
This production tells the story through a focused cast of principal characters, following the journeys of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and Pete Fleming. However, Ed McCully and Roger Youderian were equally vital to the mission, and we gratefully honor their faithful service and sacrifice alongside their fellow missionaries.
Following Jim's death, Elisabeth Elliot remained in Ecuador with her young daughter, Valerie, and Rachel Saint, continuing the work God had called them to. Valerie spent much of her early childhood in Ecuador before returning to the United States with her mother. Elisabeth's remarkable journey of faith would later inspire generations through her writings.
May this performance remind us that God's call is still being extended today—to follow Him wherever He leads and proclaim the hope of Jesus Christ to every nation.
This production tells the story through a focused cast of principal characters, following the journeys of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and Pete Fleming. However, Ed McCully and Roger Youderian were equally vital to the mission, and we gratefully honor their faithful service and sacrifice alongside their fellow missionaries.
Following Jim's death, Elisabeth Elliot remained in Ecuador with her young daughter, Valerie, and Rachel Saint, continuing the work God had called them to. Valerie spent much of her early childhood in Ecuador before returning to the United States with her mother. Elisabeth's remarkable journey of faith would later inspire generations through her writings.
May this performance remind us that God's call is still being extended today—to follow Him wherever He leads and proclaim the hope of Jesus Christ to every nation.
Journey Through the Story
Prologue
Elisabeth Elliot, encouraged by her publisher, sets out to write the story of her husband, Jim, and the other missionaries who worked by her side.
Chapter 1: Love & Surrender
Elisabeth and Jim's relationship blossoms, but they struggle with whether marriage aligns with God's calling. Ultimately, they surrender their desires under the shadow of the cross, choosing obedience over romance.
Chapter 2: The Call to Ecuador
The missionaries feel drawn to the unreached Waodani tribe after learning of their violent ways. As a frightened member of the tribe named Dayuma leaves her people, new possibilities arise for outsiders to make contact—prompting plans to engage with the Waodani.
Chapter 3: We Go Not Forth Alone
Following the success of the first gift, the men return to camp with good news. In the joy of the moment, Jim proposes. After the wedding, the men fly out for their first in-person meeting with the Waodani tribe while their wives, back at home, pray for the men and wait for an update. But when the time comes, there is only silence.
Intermission
Chapter 4: We Rest on Thee
In the wake of their grief, two of the widows return to the United States, while Elisabeth, Rachel, and Dayuma stay with the Quichua people. Elisabeth continues to struggle with sorrow and doubt but ultimately lets her pain rest on God, choosing to trust Him and continue the mission.
Chapter 5: No Trial Wasted
Mentaka, a lone Waodani woman, is burdened by guilt for her tribe's violence. After meeting Dayuma, Rachel, and Elisabeth, she confesses the source of her anguish. With Dayuma translating, they learn the details of what happened to the men and are once again stirred to bring the Gospel to the Waodani.
Epilogue
Elisabeth returns home with Valerie, and after the publication of her book, she receives recognition and praise. Knowing those to be fading treasures, she gives them to God, the only One who will truly remain.
Elisabeth Elliot, encouraged by her publisher, sets out to write the story of her husband, Jim, and the other missionaries who worked by her side.
Chapter 1: Love & Surrender
Elisabeth and Jim's relationship blossoms, but they struggle with whether marriage aligns with God's calling. Ultimately, they surrender their desires under the shadow of the cross, choosing obedience over romance.
Chapter 2: The Call to Ecuador
The missionaries feel drawn to the unreached Waodani tribe after learning of their violent ways. As a frightened member of the tribe named Dayuma leaves her people, new possibilities arise for outsiders to make contact—prompting plans to engage with the Waodani.
Chapter 3: We Go Not Forth Alone
Following the success of the first gift, the men return to camp with good news. In the joy of the moment, Jim proposes. After the wedding, the men fly out for their first in-person meeting with the Waodani tribe while their wives, back at home, pray for the men and wait for an update. But when the time comes, there is only silence.
Intermission
Chapter 4: We Rest on Thee
In the wake of their grief, two of the widows return to the United States, while Elisabeth, Rachel, and Dayuma stay with the Quichua people. Elisabeth continues to struggle with sorrow and doubt but ultimately lets her pain rest on God, choosing to trust Him and continue the mission.
Chapter 5: No Trial Wasted
Mentaka, a lone Waodani woman, is burdened by guilt for her tribe's violence. After meeting Dayuma, Rachel, and Elisabeth, she confesses the source of her anguish. With Dayuma translating, they learn the details of what happened to the men and are once again stirred to bring the Gospel to the Waodani.
Epilogue
Elisabeth returns home with Valerie, and after the publication of her book, she receives recognition and praise. Knowing those to be fading treasures, she gives them to God, the only One who will truly remain.
Production Cast & Credits
Choreographed by Silas Fennema
Artistic Leadership
Company Artists
Apprentices
To learn more about the remarkable true story that inspired The Call, including the lives of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, the other missionaries, and their lasting legacy, please visit: ElisabethElliot.org.
Artistic Leadership
- Executive Director: Keith Thibodeaux
- Founder and Artistic Director: Kathy Thibodeaux
- Assistant Artistic Director: Silas Fennema
- Tour Director: Jeremy Brown
Company Artists
- Silas Fennema
- Cherie Pelser
- Blaire Shelton
- Arielle Smith
- Josie Hawkins
- Kathryn Paulos
- Aubree Recker
- Isaac Brackett
- Isabel Harris
- Isabelle Jimenez
- Hannah Phail
- Maya Voborsky
Apprentices
- Conrad Means
- Janie Pendleton-Brackett
- Elianah Vanderschoot
To learn more about the remarkable true story that inspired The Call, including the lives of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, the other missionaries, and their lasting legacy, please visit: ElisabethElliot.org.
More About Ballet Magnificat
Ballet Magnificat! Training Intensives
Ballet Magnificat! offers intensive training courses for students and teachers who wish to develop their potential and technique in a Christ-centered environment.
Programs Offered
Learn more at balletmagnificat.com/workshops
International Ministry
Ballet Magnificat! travels on mission across the globe each year to share Christ with the widest possible audience. That mission is only possible through the support and generosity of our friends and fellow believers.
As a group, we are working to raise an estimated $40,000 to cover our travel expenses as we share the Gospel in Europe this Spring.
To find out more or to donate, visit balletmagnificat.com/international-impact
Ballet Magnificat! offers intensive training courses for students and teachers who wish to develop their potential and technique in a Christ-centered environment.
Programs Offered
- Junior Dance Intensive (Ages 9–15)
- Summer & Fall Dance Intensives (Ages 11–24)
- Teachers Summer Workshop & Retreat (Ages 18+)
- Trainee Program (Ages 17–24)
Learn more at balletmagnificat.com/workshops
International Ministry
Ballet Magnificat! travels on mission across the globe each year to share Christ with the widest possible audience. That mission is only possible through the support and generosity of our friends and fellow believers.
As a group, we are working to raise an estimated $40,000 to cover our travel expenses as we share the Gospel in Europe this Spring.
To find out more or to donate, visit balletmagnificat.com/international-impact