One of our fresh, exciting productions here at the Holy Land Experience comes straight from the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. This beautiful four part series presentation, “God With Us” tells the story of tragedy, pain, devotion and, ultimately, Redeeming Love.

In Peter’s first account during God With Us- Redeeming Love, we learn of Naomi, a widow, who has lost both of her sons, left living in the strange land of Moab with her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah. Naomi decides to return to Israel, the place of her birth and pleads with the two women to stay in Moab. Orpah stays but Ruth refuses to leave Naomi.

Naomi and Ruth return to Israel and God begins their amazing journey.

Two of Holy Land’s many talented, inspiring actors, Melody and Cheryl, take on the roles of Ruth and Naomi. We’ve asked them to share their thoughts as to what it’s like to bring this beautiful story to life on stage. Here’s some of what they had to say.

Q:  What is it like to perform on stage as Naomi?

Cheryl: It is such an honor and a blessing, to be able to share one of the most well-known women’s stories from the Bible.  For people to feel the pain & sorrow Naomi felt, sacrificing her own feelings of love for Ruth and Orpah, for what she felt was for their own good.

Q:  How did Ruth’s love touch Naomi’s heart so deeply?

Cheryl: Ruth’s decision to stay with her, gave Naomi a renewed faith in God, and His infinite love.  She needed Ruth, even more than Ruth needed her. Ruth’s sacrifice and love brought her back to her loving God, and her faith in Him. Ruth, showed faith, love, kindness, sacrifice and commitment.  Ruth’s Love for Naomi, not only changed Naomi, but was rewarded by God, by her relationship with Boaz.

Q: How do you relate to being “just a girl from Moab” and still be chosen by God to be in the lineage of Christ? 

Melody: Like Ruth, I sometimes see my weaknesses as reason enough to not do something. But the Bible says,

  “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”  1 Corinthians 1:27

So what we think disqualifies us actually qualifies us for the job.

Instead of viewing my weaknesses as a dead end, I’ll be grateful for them.  It means God can choose me for something significant just like He did for Ruth.

Q: What are some of the keys from this performance that you want the audience to take with them?

Melody: From this performance and everything I do, I want to point people to the Father. No matter where you are in life, know that God deeply cares about you & is in the business of getting you to fulfill your destiny.  Despite Ruth’s past and weaknesses God chose her for a great purpose.  That same God who redeemed Ruth also sent His only son Jesus Christ to redeem all of us.

As Cheryl and Melody have shown us, this inspiring story comes to life on stage in a unique way. Through music, choreography and beautiful scenery you will be swept away as God shows us His Redeeming Love.

This story is one of many you will see as you spend your day with us here at the Holy Land Experience. You will have the opportunity to see the Bible come alive, and you will never be the same.

Our thanks to Melody and Cheryl for sharing with us. They are a part of an amazing, talented team that is being used by God to spread His love to the world.  Come join us in Orlando to see for yourselves how God is moving.