Nicky Chavers: A Life of Obedience

 

   In June of 2021, Dr. Nicky Chavers had just celebrated his 52nd anniversary with his wife Sheri, when his body succumbed to a physical battle that had lasted for several years.

 

   The great sadness felt by those who must now be without Nicky until the return of Jesus Christ, is surpassed only by their joy in his victory. They know with full confidence that Nicky Chavers is a man who surely heard that most glorious commendation;

   “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

 

   I can’t claim to have known Nicky Chavers well. We exchanged a handful of wonderful conversations and friendly greetings, but in his expansive circle of influence there are many more who knew him far more intimately than I.

   Still, I have felt a firm prompting in the Holy Spirit to write what I do understand of the testimony of Nicky Chavers. My hope is that my audience, whoever they may be, will be driven to further the Kingdom of God because of what they read here. Because that, more than anything else was Nicky Chavers’ dream and mission; to further the Kingdom of God.

 

   Though he was a man of many virtues, I believe one in particular well-describes the total character and great value of Nicky Chavers’ life on this earth. That virtue is obedience… Rare, genuine, and wonderful obedience to his Lord and Savior.

 

   Throughout the course of his life, Nicky Chavers often heard the call to serve, and chose to obey. Such callings from the Lord rarely come with all of the answers we as men desire before embarking on ponderous efforts. Far more often, a calling from the Lord requires that we obey through faith; trusting in the Lord to provide and guide. I believe Nicky leapt willingly with that same faith into his callings, and that it was his genuine joy to do so. 

 

“Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall I send,

and who will go for us? Then said I, here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8 KJV

 

   Nicky Chavers’ obedience to God became the cornerstone of a movement that has grown far larger and greater than any effort of man can account for. In the early 1970s, along with his wife, Nicky Chavers founded The Logos Theater and The Academy of Arts Ministries.

   A professional theater, and a school of arts; The Logos Theater and The Academy of Arts work to serve many purposes in the expansion of God’s Kingdom here on earth. Their efforts and successes are made clear in their motto and mission; to “Make the Bible Come Alive.”

 

   It was God’s will that Nicky should work to “Make the Bible Come Alive” for generations of people, in the hope that they will see Truth in a truthless world, and discover the life and love offered by Jesus Christ. Nicky sought to use the incredible power of storytelling to change people’s lives and hearts. His ministries deliver strong Biblical truths through the theatrical arts, and I bear witness that they have been blessed to succeed in this endeavor.        

 

   While I didn’t know the man Nicky Chavers as a close personal friend, I have known his work at the theater and academy, and it has been nothing if not personal.

   My own calling mirrors Nicky’s in many ways, as I want to share truth and encouragement through telling stories. I believe that good stories have the power to change lives through the deep truths they can convey. Jesus himself most often taught and ministered through storytelling.

 

   There exists a beautiful function of the human spirit and mind; that makes us feel, and deeply understand ideas when they are shared through a great story. That understanding is most often difficult to express or explain in other ways. It is often interpreted as an emotion or inspiration.       

   All art-forms have some measure of this ability when utilized skillfully, and for good purpose. In fact, it is this distinct value that drives mankind to create art in the first place. There is romance and heartbreak that drives us to make poetry and song, awe and wonder that make us paint and sculpt. Are you even now beginning to understand the elusive and abstract phenomenon I’m referring to? 

 

   Take time to think of a moment in a book, movie or song that made you feel a strong, positive emotion you couldn’t fully understand. If the beauty of a moment in those mediums has ever driven you to unexplainable tears and a moving of your heart, you know of what I am talking about.

   It is those moments of truth that make the best stories so precious. Sadly, these glimmers of truth are rare in the stories and art-forms of the modern world. Most modern arts merely aim to amuse. Amuse takes its root from the word “muse” which means to ponder. “Amuse,” means literally: “not to ponder.”

   Nicky Chavers built his ministry out of a desire to share stories that don’t simply amuse, but instead, inspire. The word “inspire” means to fill someone with the urge or ability to feel, believe, or create something beyond themselves.

   The only true and valuable inspiration is the inspiration to serve the Kingdom of God. By Nicky’s mission of “Making the Bible Come Alive,” he has inspired many to cast aside the false values of this world, and be awakened into the true world of God’s dominion. The sovereign and invincible truths of the Bible have been revealed and shared through Nicky’s productions, by way of those wonderful moments of inspiration in great stories.

 

   As I said, most modern art-forms fail to convey Truth, but I have never visited The Logos Theater for a production and not been moved powerfully in my soul. This consistent ability of The Logos Theater to share Truth is a key part of the victory accomplished through the life and effort of Nicky Chavers.

 

   Though the temporary loss of Nicky Chavers is painful, I have witnessed a monumental and miraculous victory for the Kingdom of God that could only be revealed after Nicky’s parting.

   The Bible teaches us that man’s mortal life is a vapor. It is dust that blows away; here for a moment, and then gone. It seems logical then that a man’s life’s work would drift away on the breeze as easily as does his life. For most men this is true. If the work we strive for is not the work of God, it will not remain. Even the most famous men of our age will eventually be forgotten. But Nicky Chavers’ work was for the Kingdom of God, and his victory is eternal. The hearts he has touched are forever changed, and his ministries burn even still with passion for the service of God.

 

   The Logos Theater is currently running a production of “Prince Caspian” one of the stories from The Chronicles of Narnia. Its cast and crews are populated by many first-timers. Young people and adults who are striving to “Make the Bible Come Alive” by sharing a story that overflows with Truth. I am honored and greatly humbled to be serving this ministry for my very first time as well. During the opening night showing of this run of “Prince Caspian,” I stood backstage listening to a story that mirrored my heart, and I was greatly moved by the Truth being ministered to me. For the first time I also felt the great joy of being part of the workers sharing the story to others.

   A fantastic realization swept through me then; that Nicky Chavers’ work continues even still.

 

   I am amazed at the talent and passion invested into The Logos Theater and The Academy of Arts. Nicky’s own son-in-law and daughter oversee the operations of the ministries, and Nicky’s spirit of obedience and servitude to the Kingdom of God thrives within them.

 

   Nicky has gone on, but so many more have taken up his mantle through obedience at God’s command.

 

   The true power of what God has done through Nicky’s life is made clear, because his legacy will not fade like vapor. It continues to grow and bloom with a wondrous fury and dedication to the Kingdom of God.

   All ministry is part of a great battle to save the souls of mankind, and to glorify The One True God. The works God began in Nicky are continued faithfully, and they accomplish everlasting victory by bringing truth into the lives of those who draw near to them.

 

Prayer for Nicky Chavers

   “God, thank You for the obedience of Nicky Chavers. Thank You for his lifelong dedication to You and Your Kingdom. God bless Nicky Chavers and his family. God bless their work to convey Truth, and bring light into the darkness. Faithfully guide those who continue the work You began in Nicky Chavers life. Encourage them with the memory of a great man’s obedience, and his zeal. In Your name, let it be done, Amen.”

 

   Until I myself visited The Logos Theater for the first time I would have claimed that Liam Neeson provided the greatest vocal performance of Aslan, the great lion of the Narnia universe who represents Christ. However I will never imagine Aslan’s voice again without hearing it as Nicky Chavers’ voice. Even now as I remember Nicky, I hear again that beautiful quote of Aslan’s in Nicky’s voice:

 

“Well done, last of the Kings of Narnia who stood firm at the darkest hour.” -The Last Battle