Part of the training also used art to process the teaching, so each day ended with studio time, during which participants created artwork in response to prompts. This sculpture was a lament piece. The artist created the church in its usual shape, with a sanctuary and a side hall, but the side part used for “fellowship/community” is falling apart, as she laments that the fellowship aspect of her church is not healthy. May the people in her church rebuild their relationships just as they would rebuild broken walls!
One of the most exciting parts of the training was teaching the participants how to facilitate Creative Bible Studies (CBS). They explored how to use the senses and art to read and respond to different Scripture passages. One of our facilitators modelled the idea and had them take part in a tower-building competition as we learned about the Tower of Babel and the creation of all the languages. After they experienced CBS, we split the participants into two groups, each with a different CBS to lead. One group, filled with musicians, had the entire room dramatically read a portion of Revelation 21. Then, as a pianist improvised chords to provide a melodic base, each person sang or said two lines based on the verses—in their own language—as the Spirit led them. After that, we went to the prayer room, where one of the singers sang over us in a time of prayer.
We had a beautiful time at the end of the two weeks, anticipating the Wedding Feast of the Lamb and celebrating His “Bride of Nations,” during which the participants shared their ministry plans. The ministry plans varied from their home communities to the ship community and even to “those who reside but don’t belong”—bringing holistic development to refugee camps. Jenny, from South Korea, said she didn’t know why she was there originally because she isn’t an artist. (In her country, only the highly skilled and trained can call themselves “artists.”) By the end of the training, she had embraced the title. Her ministry plan is to use art journaling to share her story in her community and to help Koreans express themselves creatively.
After the training, the Logos Hope participants had the opportunity to put into practice what they learned in their next port, the Netherlands. They held an outreach for artists and had around 70-80 people attend. The group facilitated different work groups for different art forms as they learned how to share their stories and testimonies through the arts. Two of our team members were there and reported that it was very encouraging to see them use tools from the training to engage with the community and create. We rejoice in what God is doing in the lives of these individuals through our training!
Are you interested in attending a training like CETA? Check out our Incarnate Pathway page to find out what trainings we have available!
