‘This is My Story, This is My Song’ at Bible Conference 2026
By Kristin Mudge /
“There are some things worth singing about forever.” This is what husband and wife duo, Jeremiah and Vanessa Gamble, firmly believe and proclaim through their musical production, “This is My Story, This is My Song.”
The talented couple, also known as “Theater for the Thirsty,” has been sharing their creative ministry with audiences all over the country for nearly three decades, bringing Bible stories and Christian values to the stage in tangible and memorable ways for all ages. And now, they’re bringing their message to The Salvation Army Southern Territory Bible Conference.
Their newest production, “This is My Story,” delves into the true stories and backgrounds behind some of the greatest hymns of the Christian faith, including some that are specific to The Salvation Army, breathing new life and understanding into some of our most beloved hymn tunes. “It’s a great theater production,” says Bethany Farrell, territorial creative arts director. “It is very informative about the origins of a lot of the songs that we sing in the Church.”
This year’s Bible Conference will include a special Friday night full production of the musical, featuring the Gambles as main characters and supported by members of the Territorial Arts Ministries team as an expanded cast. The Territorial Youth Band, a string ensemble, and a choral ensemble will provide musical support for the production. All participants will be preparing on their own ahead of time, before coming together during the week of Bible Conference for a few joint rehearsals and the final performance.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Kelly Igleheart shares that this production may be especially significant for the Bible Conference audience. “These are hymns that the majority of people in that space will have grown up with, will have intimate experiences with, that will resonate with them.”
“It’ll be good to see some of the backgrounds of these stories that we’ve known and sung for so long,” Farrell says. “Maybe we didn’t understand where it came from and the deeper meaning behind it.” Knowing what lies behind what we sing can provide a closer connection to the words, in turn fostering a deeper connection with our Lord as we worship Him in song.
Commissioner Igleheart adds, “It deepens and broadens your understanding, and that makes those songs not just come alive, but so much richer when you learn about the hearts, and sometimes the tragedy, behind the roots of a song.”
Commissioner Igleheart also shares that creative arts is a beautiful way to learn, to worship, and to express and deepen our faith. “It just seems to be something with no limitations, which is exactly the definition of my God. So, I think in so many ways, it illustrates His capacity for ingenuity and thought, it breathes ingenuity and creativity, but all with the foundation and baseline of worship.”
“Performance is nice, but it stops being just performing when it has purpose,” he continues. “And when that purpose is all pointed to the King of Kings, that changes it all.”
In addition to this incredible musical theater experience on Friday, August 14, the week of Bible Conference promises to be filled with great Bible teaching, fellowship, and worship. Guest speakers Commissioner Israel Gaither, Dr. Ellen Marmon, and Dr. Thomas McCall will provide daily scriptural instruction, focusing on “Radical Faith: Not by Might,” and special musical guests Karl and Lauren Westwood, from the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, will bring Spirit-filled worship every day. Additionally, GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award-recognized worship band, Leeland, will be presenting a special opening night worship concert on Sunday, August 9.
“The number one reason to come to Bible Conference is just to be inspired by the Word of God, the living Word of God, and to separate yourself from the mundanity of everyday living,” Commissioner Igleheart shares, “to go into this glorified space where God just shows off His creation story. It’s just a beautiful space and time to go deeper into the Word.”
Join us August 9-15, 2026, at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina for a transformative, educational, and inspirational week with fellow Salvationists, officers, family, and friends. Registration and additional information can be found by visiting southernbibleconference.org.
