Mistress of Ceremonies

Three panelists: Mary, Martha, and Priscilla

Three women, all claiming to be Mrs. Trudy Hospitality

Arrange three chairs for the panelists behind a table, so their scripts many be read inconspicuously. The panelists may sit behind a table on the opposite side of the stage, with their names on cards placed in front of them. The Mistress of Ceremonies may stand behind a podium in the center of the stage, with a large sign announcing the program-"TO TELL THE TRUTH."

MC: We welcome you tonight to "TO TELL THE TRUTH." It is good to have you in our studio audience. Don't go away; we will be right back in sixty seconds. We will now have a word form our sponsor.

PASTOR: (Gives the commercial) "Be kindly affectioned on to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to hospitality" (Romans 12: 10, 13). "Using hospitality one to another without grudging" (I Peter 4:9).

MC: We will now meet our guests for the program. (Enter three ladies, each claiming to be Mrs. Trudy Hospitality.) Will you tell us your names?

Mrs. TRUDY HOSPITALITY NO. 1: My name is Trudy Hospitality.

Mrs. TRUDY HOSPITALITY NO. 2: My name is Trudy Hospitality.

Mrs. TRUDY HOSPITALITY NO. 3: My name is Trudy Hospitality.

MC.: Each of these ladies claims to be Trudy Hospitality. Actually, only one of them is Trudy Hospitality; the other two are imposters. Listen as I read this affidavit that will give some information as to the identity of the real Mrs. Hospitality. "I, Trudy Hospitality, have a servant heart. I believe that Martha was honored on the occasion when Jesus came to Bethany and visited in her home. The Bible says, 'There they made him a supper; and Martha served' (John 12:2). I try to be a gracious hostess, giving my guests a cordial welcome when they enter the doors of my home. I try to maintain a pleasant and sustaining environment for my family and my guest alike." Panel, you may now begin your questioning. Mary, you may start first.

MARY: Thank you. Mrs. Hospitality No. 1, I came by your house last week. I was so lonely that I wanted to spend a few minutes with you, hoping you could cheer me up. You seemed so cool toward me that I hurried away. Do you remember how you responded?

Mrs. HOSPITALITY NO.1: Oh, yes, I do remember. My house was a mess. The beds were unmade; the sink was full of dirty dishes from the night before' dirty laundry was scattered throughout the house. But, you see, I always lie down at that time of the morning on the couch, watch my favorite television program, and eat Ding Dongs. Sorry about that! Come by again when my favorite program is not on television.

MARY: Mrs. Hospitality No. 2, I came by your house last week, I was so desperately lonely-I really needed to talk to someone. You said that you were too busy at the moment. Do you remember?

MRS HOSPITALITY NO. 2: Oh, yes, I remember very well, I had just waxed the kitchen floor. I have a very limited time schedule, you know. If I had taken time to talk to you that morning, I would have messed up my whole day's planned activities. I just could not work a "talk with you' into my busy schedule. Sorry! Let me know about a week ahead of time the next time you think that you will be lonely. I really will try to fit you into my schedule.

MARY: Mrs. Hospitality No. 3, I was reading my Bible in my "quiet time" last week when I discovered a truth I had never noticed before. I became so excited over a new-found promise to God's children that I just had to share it with someone. I came to your house, even though I did not know you all that well. You were friendly, and you made me feel welcome. There was a certain glow about you and your whole home atmosphere. Do you remember how you responded to my unexpected visit?

MRS. HOSPITALITY NO. 3: Yes, I was greatly pleased that you chose to share with me your new-found promise in God's Word. I truly enjoyed reading God's Word with you. I was glad you had time to have a cup of coffee with me and to sample some of the chocolate chip cookies I had just taken out of the oven. Do come again, anytime.

MARTHA: Mrs. Hospitality No. 2, I am on a committee to plan meals for the evangelist and the pastor during our revival next week. Will you be able to have them in your home for a meal?

MRS HOSPITALITY NO. 2: I would love to have them in my home. You know that my husband and my children will not go to church with me; they are not Christians. I would like for them to meet the pastor and the evangelist. But my canary is shedding, and the evangelist might be allergic to feathers flying in the air. Oh, yes, I just thought of something else. My Johnny is so accident prone that he just might get hurt at ball practice. I would need to be free to take him to the hospital, in that case. Then, too, I am on a bowling league, and sometimes I have to stand in for one of my friends. I really would just love to entertain the preachers in our home, but you see how it is. Maybe next time.

MARTHA: Mrs. Hospitality No. 1, would you plan a meal for the preachers during the revival next week?

MRS. HOSPITALITY NO. 1: Mercy, no! Let the pastor's wife prepare all the meals. She doesn't have anything else to do.

MARTHA: Mrs. Hospitality No. 3, how about you? Would you prepare a meal for the evangelist and the pastor during the revival next week?

MRS. HOSPITALITY NO. 3: Yes, I was hoping you would ask me. I already have my menu planned. I always look forward to entertaining God's messengers. I would like to invite the pastor's whole family. Their children are always welcome to visit in our home. I can hardly wait; I will get out my best tablecloth, china, and silverware. I enjoy entertaining guests for my Lord. It will be a spiritual blessing to have them in my home.

Priscilla: Mrs. Hospitality No. 2, how do you feel about communication among members of the family?

MRS. HOSPITALITY NO. 2: Well, we yell a lot at each other. The television is usually on so loud that we hardly ever hear what is being said. My husband is coming home much later in the evenings than he used to come. We hardly ever talk things out like we used to do. The children never seem to understand what I say to them. They appear to be in a dream world. We just do not communicate very well with our children. Oh, well, I suppose it is just a generation gap. That's the way life is nowadays.

PRISCILLA: Mrs. Hospitality No. 3, how do you feel about the general atmosphere in your home?

MRS. HOSPITALITY NO. 3: I feel that our home is a little foretaste of heaven. Of course, we have our problems, but with prayer and Bible study together, we have always been able to work them out. We have family discussions and plan "fun things" for the whole family to participate in. I love to have the house clean and orderly. I teach my children to clean their own rooms and to help with the household chores. My children's friends are welcome in our home. I try to teach our children to be hospitable and to make our guests feel welcome. I want them to learn to be gracious hosts and hostesses, also. I love to prepare and serve attractive and nutritious meals to my family and guests alike. My family is very important to me. We work as a team to make our home more attractive and comfortable. As a family, we want God to be the welcomed, unseen Guest at all times in our home.

MC: Our time is up. You have all had the opportunity to decide which one is the real Mrs. Trudy Hospitality. We will ask the audience to vote along with the panel for No. 1 (let the audience clap for their choice), No. 2, or No. 3. Now, will the real Mrs. Trudy Hospitality stand up, please?

(No. 3 stands up.)

MC: Will No. 1 and No. 2 stand up and tell us what your real names are?

NO. 1: My real name is Mrs. Lazy Daisy.

NO. 2: My real name is Mrs. Hardy Hardheart.