You don’t have to know all the answers to life’s challenges when you have a God who does. Jermaine Jeffers rediscovered that lesson while co-writing Reflections at the Cross, a play he’ll also star in at First Church of God, North Shore tomorrow night.

Director Marsha Burrows challenged him to help her write the script for this year’s Easter programme.

“I took up the charge and brainstormed and prayed about it and this is what came into my spirit,” he said.

Reflections at the Cross is basically a compilation of the modern-day issues that we face today and how that compares to the issues they faced centuries ago back in Biblical days.

“The answers to these issues today are the same answers from before and for us as believers that’s Jesus Christ coming to the cross and asking him to help us.”

Mr Jeffers attended church as a youngster but, like many others, fell away from his faith in his teen and young adult years.

“Other things took my attention,” the 37-year-old said. “I didn’t have much to do with the church for a while and, through my own issues in life and going through certain things, I reflected back on what I had learnt from the church and what I felt was right and rededicated my life to serving God when I was about 33 years old.

“At the time I was having issues with my marriage and going through a divorce, so there was a breaking point where I said something had to change.

“It was a real low point in my life and a wake-up call when I saw my marriage going to hell.

“I knew I didn’t want to see my children grow up without me and I told myself I had to be the best dad I could be for them.

“Deep down I knew where the answer was. I was taught at an early age where to go and that the church door was always open. I thought there had to be someone there that would help me.”

He went to church one Sunday morning looking for a clear word and guidance from God. He hasn’t looked back since.

Hardships and trials don’t affect him in the same way anymore.

“Now I know the pain is only for a time,” he said. “I know at the end of the day everything will be all alright.

“It’s a major difference in my perspective when dealing with life issues and there’s a joy I feel that I didn’t have before.”

The experience taught him that God is in control and has his back — no matter what.

“I know that I can rely on Him to give me joy and get me out of any situation,” Mr Jeffers said.

“Sometimes it’s trouble you make for yourself, and other times it’s other people who make problems for you, but no matter what, God always provides a way out and takes care of it.

“That’s one of the most important things for me: you can never give up. You keep trusting God.”

Mr Jeffers has always been an entertainer at heart; over the past four years he’s been using his talents for various faith-based productions.

He’s part of the music and performing arts ministry at First Church of God.

“Growing up I always loved the stage and enjoyed public speaking,” he said. “People tell you what you’re going to be and prophesise over you at a young age. For me it was always thought I’d be an entertainer. I liked getting in front of people, talking and making people feel good.

“Acting is something that just came naturally to me. I also rap and write for various other people.”

Mr Jeffers has found church audiences to be kinder overall, but that doesn’t mean the pressure is off when he takes the stage.

“I’m not going to be involved in a production that’s not good or that isn’t up to God’s standard,” he said.

“So for me, no matter what, it’s important to do my best on stage to glorify God.”

Tomorrow night’s performance will be no exception.

Former Bermuda Idols Samantha Smith and Rickeesha Binns are part of the production, along with Lauren Matthew, Denniqua Matthew, Marsh Smith, Safiya Dyer and Cornell Fox. Mr Jeffers says he has loved working with so many top-notch entertainers.

“We have Bermuda’s best in so many different categories and, to me, that in and of itself is like, ‘Wow! God helped do that’,” he added.

“I have two former Bermuda Idols who are both very gifted in singing and dramatic arts and they don’t attend First Church of God, but still wanted to take part in this.

“Even people who are less well known but extremely talented are on this cast. We have lighting and studio people and a videographer, Jonathan Rogers, who is one of the best in the business.”

The aim is that people will feel entertained and enlightened when they leave the church hall.

• Reflections at the Cross takes place tomorrow at 6.30pm and is open to the public. There’s no cost, but goodwill donations will be accepted