May 2004
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Dear Family and Friends,
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27, KJV). How can art play a part in reaching people for Christ? We, believers and non-believers alike, are all walking creations of our God and Father in Heaven. If we are each created in His image, then this same creativity lies within us. So maybe we are not all Michelangelo’s, Bach’s or Shakespeare’s, but we are all influenced by the art that surrounds us through music, writing, painting, and even architecture.
Following are some words from missionaries of Agape Europe:
"Agape is a movement…and art is a part of any movement.” “Through art, we are showing secular artists that Christianity is integral to life.” – Joel Wilson, Throwstar, UK
"We make a mistake by not focusing on the arts, because nothing else influences society as much as the arts and media. They have more influence on the way people think, act, speak and dress than either politics or the world of business.” – Donald Malcolm, Agape Italy
"Music is an international language. Musicians are forerunners of new cultural trends, and they play an important part in conveying values, and as role models.” – Beat Rink, leader of Crescendo and the Agape Art Network
From creative church services to art galleries, and even dancing to graphic design, Agape Europe is reaching Europeans in fresh and exciting ways. Hearts are being renewed, souls are being won, and faith is growing while the hand of the Lord works through both visual and performing arts. Ministries such as Crescendo, Throwstar, Kirche Kreativ and many more actively work among their surrounding communities to bring people to Christ, encourage them and strengthen their faith. To learn more about the individual ministries (some may be highlighted in future letters), please visit the links section of our website. It is truly amazing to see how the Lord is working through these unique and exciting ministries.
As you can see, art, especially in Europe, plays an important role in reaching people for Christ. I am thrilled to not only be a part of and see first hand how the Lord is working through these ministries, but also at further realizing the role He has specially designed for me in being a part of this movement.
The most well-known piece of art from the Renaissance period is the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo himself said that “fine painting is nothing other than a copy of the perfections of God and a remembrance of his painting …” He put forth tremendous talent, effort, and faith to complete this brilliant and vast painting. And amazingly, what are thousand upon millions of people viewing when looking at this piece of artwork? The creation of man…
In Him,
Jana
