Introduction to the What’s Done for Christ Story Adaptation
Hello, I’m Fred Passmore. In this collection of stories adapted from my Christian stage plays, I’m pleased to share What’s Done for Christ, a tender, short work that began its life as an intimate stage piece and now finds new life in prose. While many stories in popular culture portray puppets as eerie reflections of a ventriloquist’s troubled mind—or even as vessels of something sinister—this tale celebrates the opposite. For decades, a humble wooden puppet named G. Willikers has been used as a pure instrument of God’s love, bringing laughter, truth, and the Gospel to children and adults alike. Through him, the Holy Spirit often spoke in ways his faithful partner never fully realized at the time.
The story opens as elderly missionary Mary Hartt arrives at Shady Glen Rest Home. Frail in body but vibrant in spirit, she carries with her the faithful companion who shared her life’s greatest adventures: G. Willikers, her beloved puppet. As the sun sets on her first evening there, Mary and Willy reminisce about their decades of ministry—traveling the world, performing in churches, hospitals, and even remote jungle clearings. Their easy banter fills the quiet room with warmth and humor.
When young nurse Wendy Daye enters, she is stunned to recognize the puppet from her own childhood. A powerful memory surfaces: as a ten-year-old girl, she met Mary and Willy at a church revival, where the little wooden boy helped lead her to faith in Christ. What begins as a simple conversation soon becomes a sacred moment of reflection, encouragement, and gentle challenge. In the quiet of the rest home room, with the old puppet as witness, hearts are stirred and legacies are remembered.
Without revealing the touching conclusion, I can tell you that What’s Done for Christ is a beautiful reminder that no life spent in service to Jesus is ever wasted. You’ll smile at the playful exchanges between Mary and Willy, feel the weight of a life poured out for the Kingdom, and be moved by the quiet power of faithfulness across generations.
The central themes of this story speak deeply to me. It celebrates the lasting impact of a life surrendered to Christ—what we do for Him echoes into eternity. It honors the humble tools God uses (even a simple puppet!) to accomplish His purposes, and it shows how the Holy Spirit can work through willing vessels in unexpected ways. The story also gently explores legacy, the transition from this life to the next, and the beautiful truth that love never dies.
Scripture shines throughout. Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40—“whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”—capture the heart of Mary’s ministry. The promise in 1 Corinthians 15:58 that our labor in the Lord is never in vain brings comfort and hope. And the idea that the Holy Spirit speaks through us echoes John 14:26 and the many times God has used ordinary (or in this case, wooden) instruments to draw people to Himself.
My prayer for you as you read is that this story will stir fresh commitment to pour out your life for Christ, no matter how small or ordinary your “stage” may seem. For those in the twilight years of life, may it bring peace and joy in knowing your faithfulness has eternal fruit. For younger believers, may it inspire you to use whatever gifts or tools God has given you—your voice, your talents, your time—for His glory. And for all of us, may it remind us that what’s done for Christ truly lasts forever.
This little play has touched many hearts in performance, often bringing tears and renewed purpose. I pray that in this written form, it does the same for you—encouraging you to live with eternity in view and to trust that the Holy Spirit can still speak beautifully through willing hearts and humble vessels.
May the Lord bless you richly,
Fred Passmore Sheep Laughs Studios
Click here to view and download the story in PDF format.