Meet the Family
Jai Crick
Hi, I am Jai. I am the Artistic Director for Manna.
This is a calling from a dream.
I have been involved in dance and theatre from a very young age, attending dance school throughout my childhood and teenage years.
I volunteered at many Christian camps and events as an artistic lead and performed in numerous theatre productions myself, both as part of the chorus and as a lead. I have worked in the world of performance arts for over 18 years and have been a freelance tutor with Trinity College London, mentoring both young people and adults on a weekly basis.
Manna was born in our hearts nearly 30 years ago, when we pioneered a performing arts ministry in East Sussex that produced musical theatre productions and involved children from various churches and denominations.
I (Jai) then had to step back 17 years ago, as I was bedridden with a serious illness called PoTs and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which left me in 24/7 pain.
It was during this time that the Lord gave me the desire for Manna, a Christian arts mission that would be accessible to all, regardless of financial status, and that would enable the Word to speak in our communities and in the marketplace.
It remains a walk of faith for me, as I trust in my complete healing and take each day one at a time.
I am so blessed to write the musicals, and I always give all credit to the Lord for the inspiration and ideas He freely provides. He is not only my Musical Director but also my dearest friend.
As the artistic director, I happily oversee and create all the content for our mission. I am also proud to be the mother of four wonderful children- they are my constant inspiration and cherished friends. Together, we form a true team, affectionately known as Team Crick!
We are deeply grateful for the love and support from our four miracle children, who are so courageous and inspiring.
Their joy and laughter fill our home with warmth, humour, music, and liveliness, making everything brighter and more joyful.
During the week, Gary and I happily serve as volunteer wardens at the Christian Retreat house in the scenic Staffordshire Moorlands, where we enjoy reaching out to the local community. On weekends and during special events, they lovingly extend their ministry alongside their four wonderful children through the dedicated work of Manna Family.
I have also authored and continue to write and self-publish, and my books can be found on Amazon.
To learn more about the conditions I have walked through, please follow these links.
Read Jaime's testimony by clicking the button below
Gary Crick
I had a military background, and when I came to find Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, it was through a praying mother! Laying down my sergeant stripes in the TA, I knew God was asking me to make room... for more of Him.
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I never realised it would involve a wife and four children and cats and dogs, and a hamster. Having started in Eastbourne just after we were married in 1997, the Lord moved us to Hertfordshire, where we spent two years training children and young people weekly, putting on performances in local YWAM facilities. We have always loved the Creative Arts; we ran a creative literacy business in primary education together as a couple before Manna started. Through many seasons, we were led eventually to where we are now. Manna Family.
A family of six and with one in Heaven waiting for his parents. ( Victor). So 7.
I am such a blessed father to have all our children involved in what we do; we never realised that they would inherit, as it were, the love for the arts in quite the way they did, and they really have!
I enjoy watching old movies, watching my family perform, eating curry, camping with our kids, and our dogs! And of course, working with my Gorgeous wife. Not in that order!!!
We are honoured to be Christian workers supported by the charity 'Stewardship'. This is an exciting journey, and God has done so many miracles for us as a family!
Jai and I oversee the whole mission with a support group around us for wisdom and advice.
We often wear many hats, from those of the props team to the driver, administrator, and teacher, and that is in addition to being a father, husband, and disciple.
Noah Crick
Hi my name is Noah, I have 12+ years experience in live theatre and teaching, I have loved working in this industry since a young age. My job within Manna is the media and production manager, I love it!
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I am also a professional photographer
and videographer. You can see my work and available services at www.njd.photos
Arialle Crick
With five years of vocational training in teaching speech and drama through Trinity College London, as well as seven years of vocational training in teaching dance, I am a Christian author and a passionate lover of all things creative, wildflowers, and sheep. I am one of four children, with three brothers, a dog mum, and soon to be the wife of my amazing fiancé.
Oscar Crick
My name is Oscar and I am 18 years old. I’ve been involved in manna in some way for pretty much all my life and it’s a huge privilege to be part of a family in ministry. As part of the ministry, I get to create songs for our productions, write and help produce audio dramas, and be an actor in the productions too! Apart from doing those things, you may find me doing bible school, leading worship, playing instruments, and writing songs, baking, or cooking, playing with my little brother or listening to old fashioned vinyl's on my record player.
Eli Crick
Hi I'm Eli, I love to be on stage with my family. I especially love playing with my dog and making puppet movies.
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I have been acting on stage for 4 years and acting up at home since I was born.
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I love to tell jokes and make people smile.