Experience Mime4Him
Mime4Him
Born in January 1956, David Randell King—better known as Randy—grew up in the town of Russellville. This Southern upbringing in a close-knit community instilled in him a deep sense of faith and a love for storytelling, though he would later channel it through an unconventional medium. As a young man, Randy pursued his education and had an early interest in performance arts, but it wasn't until September 10, 1978, that he truly found his calling when he began practicing mime. This silent art form, with its emphasis on expression through gesture and illusion, resonated deeply with his Christian beliefs, allowing him to convey biblical messages without words. He adopted the stage name and ministry brand MIME4HIM, a clever acronym for "Mime for Him," symbolizing his dedication to using performance as a tool for evangelism in service to God.
In his early career during the 1980s, Randy honed his skills on local stages in Alabama and beyond, performing at churches, community events, and youth gatherings. His acts often incorporated elements of dance, illusion, and character portrayal, drawing from biblical narratives to inspire audiences. Mime, for Randy, was more than entertainment; it was a ministry that bridged language barriers and touched hearts in profound ways. This innovative approach quickly gained him recognition in Christian circles, leading to invitations for workshops and performances across the United States. By the late 1980s, Randy's passion evolved into a full-time commitment to missionary work, blending his artistic talents with global outreach.
The year 1989 marked a significant turning point as Randy embarked on his first international missions. He traveled to France and Spain, where he performed street mime in public squares, parks, and churches. These early trips were self-funded and challenging, involving long hours of travel and adaptation to new cultures, but they ignited his lifelong dedication to cross-cultural evangelism. Randy's silent performances allowed him to connect with diverse audiences, many of whom might not have engaged with traditional preaching. Encouraged by the impact, he expanded his reach, eventually focusing on Eastern Europe amid the former Soviet Union. In 2000, Randy relocated permanently to Ivanovo, a mid-sized city about 200 miles northeast of Moscow in Russia. This move was driven by a calling to minister in a region emerging from decades of atheism under communism. Initially serving as a youth pastor, Randy used mime workshops to engage young people, teaching them not just performance skills but also lessons in faith, compassion, and community building.
Life in Russia presented its own set of trials for Randy and his wife. They lived modestly, self-supporting their ministry without relying on external salaries, which meant balancing performances with odd jobs and careful budgeting. Randy faced cultural adjustments, language barriers, and the political shifts in post-Soviet Russia, including periods of economic instability. Despite these challenges, Randy rose through the ranks of local church leadership, organizing events, leading services, and fostering interdenominational unity. His work extended beyond mime to include event coordination for faith-based gatherings, where he emphasized themes of hope and resilience. In 2021, after more than two decades in Russia, Randy achieved dual U.S.-Russian citizenship, solidifying his commitment to his adopted homeland while maintaining ties to his American roots. This milestone reflected his deep integration into Russian society, where he had built lasting relationships and communities centered on Christian values.
Throughout his career, Randy has maintained an active presence in the United States, returning periodically for performances and to reconnect with supporters. Notable venues include The Island in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where he delighted crowds as a living statue during events, captivating families and tourists with his motionless artistry that suddenly springs to life. His website, mime4him.com, serves as a hub for his ministry, featuring galleries of past performances, booking information for workshops, and testimonials from those touched by his work. On social media—Instagram (@mime4him), Facebook (mime4him), YouTube (@mime4him), and X (@mime4him)—Randy shares glimpses of his life, from mime tutorials to updates on missionary efforts. These platforms highlight his ongoing global footprint, including appearances at conferences like the Flourish Arts Conference in Houston and dramatic presentations such as "St. John in Exile" at Branches Church.
As Randy approached his 70th birthday in January 2026, he reflected on a remarkable journey: 48 years in ministry since that fateful day in 1978, with 37 of those as a full-time missionary. This period encompassed nearly half his life dedicated to the mission field, a testament to his enduring faith and perseverance.
Randy's story is one of quiet revolution—using silence to amplify the Gospel's message. From the streets of Europe to the heart of Russia, his mime has bridged divides, offering hope amid hardship. Challenges like adapting to various contexts have taught him resilience, as shared by those familiar with similar missionary experiences in the region. Yet, through it all, Randy remains a beacon of compassion, proving that one individual's artistic devotion can inspire transformation across borders and generations. As he continues his work into his eighth decade, Randy King embodies the power of faith in motion, inviting others to join in his silent symphony of service.
