How it all started...
StoryTellers is a convergence of paths, weaving lives together. Founder Israel Nelson was born into a musical family. His mother wrote hundreds of songs and several musicals, which his family performed in churches across the U.S. After moving to Israel, he married Cindy, who had a strong theater background. Together, they began producing musicals with their congregation’s youth group.
In 2007, Israel, Cindy, and their children relocated to Arizona, where they joined Bethel Church, led by Pastor Mike and Julie. Years earlier, a prophecy at a pastors’ conference declared that Bethel would have one of the valley’s leading creative arts programs—despite the church having no such program at the time.
Settling in the area, Israel and Cindy brought their passion for musical storytelling to Bethel. They created The Story of Israel, a production exploring the history of the nation, which was met with overwhelming praise. Encouraged by its success, they went on to produce Ruth: A Musical, a biblical epic that was equally well received.
In 2007, Israel, Cindy, and their children relocated to Arizona, where they joined Bethel Church, led by Pastor Mike and Julie. Years earlier, a prophecy at a pastors’ conference declared that Bethel would have one of the valley’s leading creative arts programs—despite the church having no such program at the time.
Settling in the area, Israel and Cindy brought their passion for musical storytelling to Bethel. They created The Story of Israel, a production exploring the history of the nation, which was met with overwhelming praise. Encouraged by its success, they went on to produce Ruth: A Musical, a biblical epic that was equally well received.
While grateful for the community’s enthusiasm for wholesome entertainment and honored to bring kingdom messages to the stage, Israel and Cindy found the greatest blessing in their productions to be the relationships formed and the creative outlet they provided for those longing to be involved in theater.
Meanwhile, on the East Coast, Hannah Larum was working in Virginia’s Hampton Roads area as a full-time storyteller in theater, film, dance, vocal performance, and coaching. From a young age, God instilled in her a passion for reaching hearts through the performing arts. She pursued education and a career as an artistic missionary, working both nationally and internationally. Within her community of passionate storytellers was a Regent University student named Maggie Nelson—yes, the daughter of Israel and Cindy Nelson. Coincidence? We think not.
In 2022, Maggie invited Hannah to Arizona to assist with Ruth: A Musical during production week. The show had a successful run, and after returning to Virginia, Hannah continued her theater and film work. However, her connection with the East Valley community only deepened as she witnessed God’s blessing on the vision to build a creative community dedicated to telling stories that glorify Him.
Meanwhile, on the East Coast, Hannah Larum was working in Virginia’s Hampton Roads area as a full-time storyteller in theater, film, dance, vocal performance, and coaching. From a young age, God instilled in her a passion for reaching hearts through the performing arts. She pursued education and a career as an artistic missionary, working both nationally and internationally. Within her community of passionate storytellers was a Regent University student named Maggie Nelson—yes, the daughter of Israel and Cindy Nelson. Coincidence? We think not.
In 2022, Maggie invited Hannah to Arizona to assist with Ruth: A Musical during production week. The show had a successful run, and after returning to Virginia, Hannah continued her theater and film work. However, her connection with the East Valley community only deepened as she witnessed God’s blessing on the vision to build a creative community dedicated to telling stories that glorify Him.
Our Mission
The mission of StoryTellers is to cultivate a community of creatives who will tell meaningful stories that glorify God. We are not bound by any creative mediums! Whether it be film, original music, street performances, workshops, writing, live theater or art — StoryTellers will reach the masses with its unique approach to parabolic missions in Arizona and across the globe.
