Becoming an Artist Missionary: Jin's Story Part One
Written by Wenjin Wang
Photo by Joelle Erwin
Wenjin Wang is an artist serving the Lord in Hong Kong. Recently, she had the opportunity to share the story of how the Lord called her to be an artist on mission. In a beautiful series of events, Jin learned not only how the Lord had asked her to serve Him but also who He had created her to be. Read below to find out more about Jin's story!
Within Inspiro, we talk a lot about artists. On the ‘Who We Are’ page of our website, we state, ‘We cultivate and empower artists globally to spark beautiful worship and witness among the least reached.’ We are a ministry comprised of artists that ministers to and through artists who seek to fulfill the Great Commission as artists. However, we realize that the term ‘artist’ can mean different things depending on your cultural context. We never want anyone interested in serving with us to be hindered by a misunderstanding of this term. In an effort to all be on the same page, here are some reflections on what it means to be an artist.
The Crown of Creation: Camp NEON and Redemptive Love
Written by Hensie van der Merwe
This week, we took some time to talk with Hensie van der Merwe in the Ukraine about her work with the immersive drama camp, Camp NEON. Read below about the beautiful and transformative work God is doing among teenagers with a history of trauma through the art of theatre!
Artist Mentor: An Interview with Geinene Carson
Written by Geinene Carson
Inspiro Arts Alliance offers artists the opportunity to be mentored by a high caliber artist in their discipline. One such Artist Mentor is Geinene Carson, who has also served as an Artist in Residence at the Incarnate training program. Read below to learn more about Geinene's story!
Fencer's Skill Turned Into Performing Art for Jesus
Written by OM Arts InternationalCharlie Wolcott is a fencer. He has a vision to use his knowledge and expertise in the sport for God's glory. Charlie's vision is to use fencing as a ministry tool - an art form that visually communicates Biblical truths. Through the techniques, tactics, and even equipment used in fencing, Charlie is able to visually bring alive spiritual lessons from the Bible. With sword fighting and drama, Charlie has a dynamic performance that communicates practical lessons about spiritual warfare, the armor of God, and the Christian faith. Charlie has had to overcome a lot of trails and storms in his life which provides him with a gripping testimony of the power of God.
Dance Warrior
Written by Sara Ying of Taiwan, Interviewed by Lauren O'Shea
When I was a little kid, God spoke to my mom’s friend He told her that I am a ‘dance warrior.’ I didn’t know what that meant, and to be quite honest I thought it was strange. I hadn’t even started dancing yet. During the first week of Incarnate, OM Arts Director Bill Drake told me I am a ‘dance warrior’ and I was shocked! I think that was a long-awaited confirmation of my identity.
Photography: Garrett Nasrallah
A Christian Artist's Response to a Missionary Martyred Saint
Written by OM Arts InternationalIs what you're living for worth dying for?
...and then the angry man punched the Bus Driver in the face...
You know, there is only one thing in life that we can control - only one. And when things don't go the way we like, we still have control of that one thing. And this became so apparent last Saturday as we prepared to take Incarnate 2016 into Rome for the day.
Heart Sounds International Songwriting Workshop - Belgium
Marc is a retired Belgian pastor who came to the songwriting workshop with his daughter. Speaking with him and watching his part unfold over the weekend was a personal delight. He arrived Friday with great anticipation. He admitted that he wasn't a musician and didn't see how he could personally contribute, but he had a passion for young people and in particular, had a great desire to see the Belgian church find its unique voice in the Body of Christ, and rise up and take its place in forwarding the Kingdom of God in the world. He spoke with great passion of the history of Belgium and how it has been overlooked and even trampled on by the surrounding countries. (Belgium as a country is quite new; it only became a nation in 1831 after the Belgian Revolution, but it has always been a centerpiece of conflict and occupation.) Friday night's teaching was on heart worship and why we should write new songs, and after, Marc shared with me how excited he was for the weekend and how much the Flemish church needed this teaching and opportunity to write Flemish songs to the Lord.
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Heart Sounds International, a ministry of OM Arts, was recently in Mongolia to record Christian songs composed by one of the nation’s leading Christian songwriters. For one of the songs, the team needed a man’s voice. They knew that Tumku, who had recorded previous projects, was up to the task. He sang into the mic with conviction. The lyrics were written to reach deeply into the souls of Mongolians, recalling a time of fierce pride when warriors on horseback rode in the conquests of Genghis Khan.
One of my favorite exercises that we do here at Incarnate is the worship session that happens right before we unpack the concepts of Unity and Diversity. The Students sit around tables in groups of three, and have to work together to paint, pastel, pencil, marker, whatever (!) on pre-drawn ancient symbols of the Trinity. The artwork that gets produced in this just over 30 minute collaboration is inspiring, even if is is Dancers and Musicians doing the work as well as Visual Artists!
Dustin Kelm has perhaps the most unusual form of ministry within OM Arts. He performs for crowds around the world as he rides a unicycle--usually a very tall one. Dustin, a two-time world champion unicyclist, draws crowds who come to see his amazing stunt, then he uses this opportunity to give a clear Gospel message. His recent tours have included outreaches in Egypt, Turkey, Switzerland, and Kenya.
