Southland Christian has announced another expansion that will extend their facilities out of Lexington. But they’ve also been making room for another exciting addition, SHAMU!

The Church has been in negotiations to purchase the license for the Seaworld Orca Whale show for over a year. Pastor Derrick Purvis stands on the edge of a 20 foot platform holding a loaf of bread. He speaks into his headset, “This is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” On cue a 3,000 lb orca whale bursts from the water below him. The two toned aquatic mammal accepts the Eucharist in its mouth before falling back into its tank, splashing the nearest churchgoers wearing plastic ponchos in the bleachers. “Amen.”

“The splash-zone is reserved for our biggest tithers as well as some spots for newcomers,” says Purvis. “It’ll be open for baptisms as well as birthday parties. Anyone coming to see a loved one give their life to Christ should dress like they would for a Gallagher show.”

The multimillion dollar investment includes a 2,000,000 gallon show pool inside a 5,000 seat amphitheater with retractable roof. It’s also required the hiring of an additional staff of aquatic trainers.

“A big part of ministry is listening to the needs of your community,” says Purvis. Like the rest of the staff he’s dressed in a wet suit logoed with an Ichthus symbol. Behind him the show’s lead trainer practices standing on the Orca as it glides through the water. “Lexington was completely devoid of any aquatic based gymnastic performance show.”

The church plans on dramatic reenactments of Jonah and the Whale but are currently ramping up rehearsals for their Christmas show.

The Christmas show will include the Church’s prized soprano Angela Lambert. Lambert will be singing “Mary Did You Know” on top of a faux ice float while Kotaku, the star orca of the show, guides her to the shore. It will also feature a handbell performance of “Carol of the Bells” by a quartet of trained seals.