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The Troupes: From The Top and Keneesis

From The Top Arts was founded in September, 1992 because of a need for an itinerant arts ministry team with unique specialties. It was registered as a Canadian charity in 1996.  Keneesis was established as a physical arts ministry team (a small group) of Riverwood Church Community in 2019.  The two troupes - From The Top and Keneesis - specialize in (French Classical) Mime, (The Wood Method of) Musical Sign, Worship Flags and Drama.  From The Top and Keneesis strive to Educate, Exalt and Encourage through the physical arts.

Led by founding President and Artistic Director

Kev W Wood,

performance, teaching and other ministry

is carried out by Kev

and members of the troupes

'Keneesis' (of Riverwood Church Community)

and'From The Top' (left to right):

Amanda Sherman [nee: Ching],

Edith Chan [nee: Lai],

Becky Linde [nee: McDonald],

and others.

In the past the troupe From The Top and/or its members have performed in church worship services and events, schools (post-secondary, secondary, elementary), residential and day camps/VBSs, a federal penitentiary, hostels, a home for abused women, banquets, picnics, weddings, malls, arts festivals, youth clubs, events and retreats and at other venues such as parks and on the street. In 1995 From The Top was invited by the Crusade team to perform outside the Rogers Centre in Toronto during Mission Ontario with Billy Graham. Since then From The Top has ministered at March for Jesus (Toronto - Closing Rally), Missionfest Toronto, Missionfest Manitoba, Missionfest Vancouver (workshop), The Peoples Church in Toronto, and with International Teams of Canada during the '96 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. In the summer of '97 From The Top toured Canada, coast to coast, for five months. Members of From The Top have also ministered with Youth For Christ in Northern Ireland and Ireland. The Troupe has led three short term missions to Cape Breton where less than 1% have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

"deeply worshipful impact"

From The Top and/or Kev Wood have performed in nine Canadian provinces, approximately 35 U.S. states, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Australia.

From The Top, led by Kev Wood, is highly professional and conveys the message of the gospel in a most effective manner.

In the past the members of the performing troupe From The Top have displayed a wide range in ages and have represented different ethnic groups, churches, denominations and ages.

My wife and I had the privilege of sharing in this ministry at Jacksons Point Camp. To say that we were deeply moved is to greatly understate the experience that was ours. On many occassions during the evening, we were lost in wonder, love and praise.  Without hesitation, I endorse the ministry of From The Top. It will provide you with an experience you will never forget.

From The Top and/or Kev Wood have shared the stage with such people as Tony Campolo, and with such Juno Nominees and Award Winners as Mark Masri, Jon Buller, Kelita, Deborah Klassen, and others.

Not only is the group performing at a professional level, but the deportment and Christian witness of each member speaks of the faith in Christ which motivates this ministry.  Kev Wood, the President, is an outstanding Christian gentleman whose mission is to use his life talents and those of the group to encourage, educate and evangelize all who come within their sphere of ministry.

I have found this to be a unique and effective means of reaching people for the Lord, and of encouraging Christians in the faith

This physical arts small group - Keneesis - learn and practice such areas of the physical arts as Musical Sign, Physical Theatre, Drama and Worship Flags.  No previous knowledge of sign language needed.  2 age groups: ’12 and Older’ (including adults) and ‘Under 12’ (Grades. 1-6).  Members may have opportunities to minister with Keneesis at Riverwood services, events and programs.

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