By Sheraz Khan —
In a nation where Christians are a small minority, a powerful theatrical movement is using the arts to proclaim the message of Christ to thousands. The Othniel School of Biblical Art (OSBA) is preparing to stage the 2026 season of its flagship musical production, “Journey to Salvation”, a sweeping Bible-based theatrical experience tracing the story of Jesus from Creation to the Ascension in the Pakistani southern port city of Karachi.
The production will run March 7–15, 2026 at National Academy of Performing Arts Karachi’s auditorium, following an exclusive Media Night on March 6, offering journalists and community leaders a preview of what organizers describe as one of Pakistan’s largest Christian theatre productions.
Scripture brought to life on stage
What sets Journey to Salvation apart is its unique script — composed entirely of Bible verses, carefully compiled to present the redemptive narrative of scripture from Genesis through Christ’s resurrection and ascension.
“Our goal is not just entertainment but devotion,” organizers said in a statement. “Art, the greatest tool to share the gospel, speaks in a simple way yet leaves a profound impact.”
The script was compiled by Shahzad Raaz and proofread by Fr. Benjamin Shahzad, ensuring theological accuracy while maintaining dramatic storytelling.
A growing Christian cultural movement
Since its early beginnings, the production has grown rapidly: In 2023, OSBA staged 10 shows, reaching more than 2,500 people. In 2024, some 37 performances were attended by 11,000 audience. In 2024, OSBA also launched a Christian Art Gallery, highlighting emerging Christian artists and encouraging creative expression within the faith community.
In 2025, 26 stage shows attracted 8,000 audience. At least 110 actors have performed in the theatre shows.
God Reports understands that for 2026, organizers plan to stage 28 performances, expecting more than 8,000 attendees and a projected media reach of 10–12 million people across Pakistan.
The production features an entirely Christian cast and showcases local talent drawn from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds — from underprivileged communities to professional artists — reflecting the ministry’s emphasis on unity and inclusion.
Mission beyond performance
Founded with a vision to spread the Gospel through creative expression, OSBA aims to bridge denominational and cultural divides through the universal language of art.
“Our vision is to create a world where people from diverse backgrounds experience God’s love and grow spiritually,” the organization states.
The ministry partners with churches, schools, colleges, and community groups across Karachi, integrating faith-based arts into educational and spiritual settings. Workshops, worship concerts, multimedia experiences, and biblical art exhibitions complement the theatrical performances.
Reaching new generations
A key focus of the initiative is outreach to young people and underserved communities. Sponsors are invited to fund theatre access for students from low-income schools, allowing them to experience the Gospel story through immersive performance.
Organizers believe theatre can communicate biblical truth in ways that resonate deeply with modern audiences.
“Through shared artistic experiences, we are strengthening faith, building unity, and inspiring hope,” the ministry said.
Faith through creativity in a challenging context
Christian artistic expressions in Pakistan often face logistical and cultural challenges, making productions of this scale especially significant. Yet OSBA leaders say the growing attendance demonstrates a hunger for creative Christian witness.
By combining professional theatre with Scripture-cantered storytelling, “Journey to Salvation” seeks to create what organizers call a “transformative encounter” with the life and message of Jesus.
As preparations continue for opening night, the production stands as a reminder of how faith communities around the world are finding innovative ways to share the Gospel — even in places where Christians represent a small minority.
Samantha Francis Chawry, the head of marketing and outreach at OSBA told God Reports that she felt motivated to join OSBA because, “It wasn’t just another church sermon or a routine gathering — it was a movement. It was an experience. It was faith expressed through art, worship, music, and storytelling in a way that deeply transformed my perspective.”
Speaking of the impact “Journey to Salvation” has made on her and those who watched the theatre performances over the years Ms Chawry said: “Many of us have heard about the crucifixion story countless times.”
“We have watched films like The Passion of the Christ and listened to sermons throughout our lives. But witnessing the story unfold live on stage — through music, drama, emotion, and worship — is a completely different experience.”
“This production allows people to feel the story, not just hear it. It is not just a play it is an encounter [with God]”, said Ms Chawry.
Ms Chawry praised Nigel Bobby the founder of OSBA, and the director and producer of“Journey to Salvation” while also crediting the entire OSBA team, however, she said that while the production is high-quality, professionally executed and spiritually impactful OSBA struggles to find sponsors willing to invest in this vision. 
Ms Chawry said: “We especially hope that Christian leaders and professionals working in strong corporate positions will come forward to support this movement.
“Events like this require significant resources — stage production, costumes, music, venue, and logistics — and while the passion is abundant, financial backing is limited.”
Reaffirming OSBA’s commitment to continue staging “Journey to Salvation despite financial constraints a resolved Ms Chawry said: “We continue with faith and perseverance, believing that if the vision from God, provision will follow.”
OSBA is looking for philanthropists from Pakistan and around the world to sponsor Journey to Salvation. The theatre organizers can be reached by e-mail: [email protected]
Sheraz Khan is a Pakistani-British journalist. He lives in Scotland. He holds an LLB (Hons) Scots Law degree and a post graduate diploma in professional legal studies. He has previously worked for ASSIST News Service as its Special Correspondent in Pakistan and as its Asia Correspondent after moving to the United Kingdom. Sheraz has recently re-joined ASSIST News and is working as a Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News and God Reports (www.godreports.com). Sheraz can be contacted by e-mail: [email protected]
