So Send I You

A moving tribute to the missionary call—past, present, and future.

Written for the 1996 National Assembly of the Canadian Christian and Missionary Alliance, this deeply stirring drama honors the legacy, sacrifice, and enduring call of global missions. Through a series of monologues, songs, and spotlighted moments, the script weaves together the voices of veteran missionaries, modern-day servants, and a hopeful child—each one echoing the timeless words: “So send I you.”

From A.B. Simpson’s powerful opening vision to the heartfelt reflections of missionaries from different generations, this 20-minute presentation brings to life the cost and calling of evangelism. The emotional weight is enhanced by the haunting solo performance of the hymn “So Send I You,” which acts as a sacred thread connecting the lives on stage.

Adapt script to local location.

Cast: 8

• A.B. Simpson
• Lois Thiessen, female missionary
• Chris, male missionary
• Nicole, 10 year old girl
• Lorraine, retiring missionary
• Eileen, middle aged woman
• Mabel Francis, missionary from early 1900’s
• Female soloist

Bible Reference: John 20:21

Set: blank

Sound: wireless mics

Song:

• Solo a capella: “So Send I You”, E. Margaret Clarkson, John W. Peterson
  Hymns of the Christian Life, Copyright Christian Publications Page 467
• Coda to be used only at very end

Lighting:

• With the exception of Nicole, spotlights will be very narrow, highlighting the actor’s head and upper body, with only hint of lower body evident.
• None of the actors will move, therefore spots will be very location specific. Nicole’s spot will illuminate an area approximately 6’ around her. In the final scene Nicole will move somewhat, however only within the 6’ illuminated area.

SFX: none

Props: large rag doll

Costumes:

• All actors, with the exception of A. B. Simpson and Mabel Francis, will be dressed in normal attire. Simpson and Francis will be in early 1900’s costumes

Special Instructions:

• All actors except Soloist will perform from stage level, spaced as much as possible so spotlight will be on individual actor when speaking.
• Soloist will be on a small acting area, raised approx. three feet above stage level.

Time: 9

Sample script:

[Lights: Stage is in total darkness. Simpson stands at upstage center.]

Simpson (voice heard in darkness):
I, Albert Benjamin Simpson, was awakened one night, trembling with a strange and solemn sense of God’s overshadowing power.

[Lights: Slowly come up on Simpson as he continues.]

On my soul was burning the remembrance of a strange dream. In my dream I had been sitting in a vast auditorium. Millions of people were there, sitting around me, wringing their hands in mute anguish, and on their faces was an expression that I can never forget.

As I awoke with that vision on my mind, I did tremble with the Holy Spirit, and I threw myself on my knees, and every fibre of my being answered, “Yes, Lord, I will go.”

[Lights: Fade to black on “Yes, Lord.” Darkness holds for a moment. Then spotlight comes up on Soloist.]

Soloist (singing, a cappella):
So send I you, by grace made strong to triumph
O’er hosts of hell, o’er darkness, death and sin,

[Lights: Spot down on Soloist. Spotlight gradually up on Chris.]

Chris:
Lord, it’s starting out to be a brutal day! Brutal!

[Lights: Spot reaches full brightness at “brutal day.”]

What next? My car is dead, that’s what! Dead! Me, all alone on His mission field, and now without a car! How do I get around? Makes me wonder about my future here! Why Africa, Lord? Why did You lead me here?

I wonder what they’re doing at home right now? It’s, let’s see, eleven hours, makes it evening, ‘bout 10:30, I guess. 10:30, in Canada, in Regina. Regina! Home! I can see it! Cool evening breeze. Sun’s gone down now. And here? Early morning, but already the heat is overpowering, like a hundred million blast furnaces! I shouldn’t feel this way, but Lord, it truly is turning into a brutal day.

[Lights: Spot gradually fades until “turning into” is spoken, then goes fully dark. Spotlight back up on Soloist.]

Soloist (singing):
My name to bear, and in that name to conquer.
So I send you, My victory to win.

[Lights: Spot down on Soloist. Spot slowly rises on Lois, reaching full at “good day.”]

Lois:
This has not been a good day for me, Lord!

Nothing seemed to go right. First there were scheduling problems with the prenatal classes I am teaching. And then, as frequently happens here in Peru, we were without electricity for a good part of the day.

If only Duane had been here. I felt so alone. And, I missed my kids. My kids in Quito, in school. And me, alone, by myself, here in Arequippa. The separation—it’s been four months now. It’s hard. They’re my babies. They act so grown up, but they’re my babies. Yes, I admit it! I was lonesome. I, Lois Thiessen, I, who has always prided myself on being in control.

But I wasn’t in control today, Lord. I needed my kids today. Sometimes I wonder, even with all my training, my preparation and my prayer, was I really equipped for the harsh realities of being a missionary?

Oh, no! Not my best day!

[Lights: Spot gradually fades out on “Oh, no.”]

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