May Art Night Photos Part II

Vision and Hope

For some time now, I've been processing the idea of running an art day camp for the children of Maskavas Forštate (Maskachka), then out of that have art centre open 1 or 2 days a week, throughout the year. It would become another facet of Impact Art (the name of the arts ministry in YWAM - Riga). This idea has developed through times of prayer (on my own, and corporately) for this region of the city. 

If the vision of Impact Art is to, through the visual arts, represent and translate truth - the truth of God's love, hope, redemption, reconciliation, forgiveness, etc., to a broken and hurting world in order to affect transformation in communities, then this is a key to seeing the 'most reputedly dangerous neighbourhood in Riga' change. 

In my mind's eye, I imagine children and youth, from this area coming for lessons to a safe place where they would be able to 'have a go' with art, express themselves, have fun, and perhaps discover that they have a great talent. They would have an opportunity for 'positive recreation', a place to hope, to dream...a place to experience the love of God and come to know Him. 

I envision both internationals (individuals and teams - like yourself) and nationals coming together to volunteer to teach art, teach Bible stories, and serve with practical helping, pray, etc.. I would like to invite local, well-known artists volunteer some time to come and teach on a specific technique, and have the children exhibit in youth events. (These last two for the long - term).

The vision continues to grow, and now I'm taking steps to see this vision become reality. 

Here's where things are up to:

• There is a possible place available to rent, on the ground floor of my building. It used to be a flower shop. I am waiting to hear back regarding the price.
• There is some interest from nationals being interested in helping. 
• In the process of sending invitations to some Discipleship Training Schools which are focused on the arts, to come and help.

 

Needs - 

• Finances for rental of the flower shop, soon to become the art centre. (Will need a name)
• 8 Easels - $80 US each
• Art Supplies  - $350 (Impact Art already has some supplies)
• Snacks - $100

Human Resource Needs - 

• Art Teachers - you don't have to be a professional teacher or have professional training as an artist. 
  
• Helpers - to aide the teachers, assist the children, and help with practical things.
• Translators  

There are different ways you could help make this vision a reality -

If you, your church, Bible study group, Sunday School class, etc. would be interested in supplying an easel, or donating toward rent, supplies, or snacks

If you personally are interested in a little trip to Latvia just to be involved in the camp for 2 weeks.

If you would be willing to pray for the planning and details of the camp, and provision for the things needed.

Until next week...

The School of the Most Unlikely

In the recent weeks I've lived in 'Maskachka', my prayers have been asking God to 'shake' all that can be shaken; all that doesn't reflect His character, or the economy of His Kingdom. And that shaking, so that there can be rebuilding, restoration, and redemption. I've asked to have my eyes opened to see Him in the lives of others, and encourage those in whom God reveals Himself.

...my phone rang, and upon answering it, I stood up to walk around my apartment. Walking over to the window, I saw a Russian babushka lying in the street with a small crowd of people around her. Many people were on mobiles, so the assumption that the ambulance was called was safe. 

To my surprise, those who were actively helping this woman were the community of Romani people (gypsy), who lived in the little shacks throughout the neighbourhood. A young girl quickly brought a jacket and gently placed it under her head. Her hand stroked her back, as she seemed to be offering words of comfort. A man brought a water bottle and gave her some water to drink. He too offered what must have been words of comfort.

In a matter of minutes, and just as I was heading downstairs to see if I could be of help, the ambulance arrived. The man who offered her water also helped the medics get her onto the gurney and into the ambulance. (In Latvia, there are 2 women and 1 man who work in the ambulance. Only the man does the lifting of the patient. Therefore, he needed some help.) 

This man who was so helpful, also happens to be the head drug dealer in the area. How interesting that people who had just come from the church just passed by, and the 'least expected' were the ones to help. 

At that moment, I saw God's character in the actions of this man and believe that this is a reflection of who God created this man to be. 

I didn't get to help this woman, but I told him he was a very kind man, with a servant - heart. I pray that these words sunk deep into his heart...and that they would be a part of giving life and hope to him. 

Proverbs 18:21 tells us that 

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

         And those who love it will eat its fruit."  

I pray with these 'words of life', that this man in encouraged, that a he moves a step closer to getting to know the God who loves him, believes in him, and longs for requited relationship from him; and that this is just the beginning of many more words to encourage him.  

...God continues to challenge me through the 'most unlikely'. And although my 'major' focus is in the area of the arts, God is teaching me much through the 'school of the unlikely'. I also believe His is establishing a level of authority for me to run an art day camp for children in this area. He is up to big things in my little neighbourhood. 

Bread, Chese, and Coke in Jesus' Name

"In the place of prayer, God allows us to co-create with Him. We are taking what is not and speaking it into being. We are creating new realities with God" - Paul Hawkins

A team of intercessors has come together from the US and the UK to join with God, following His lead in seeing the Kingdom more firmly established in Latvia.

For the last few days, we've been walking the streets of Riga praying as God leads us. Visiting different significant places, we've prayed into different spheres of influence. At the National Opera, National Theatre, and various galleries, we've prayed for the Arts, at the World Trade Centre, we prayed for Latvia's economy and righteousness in business practices, and at the Latvian University, we prayed for the education system, for truth to be the standard that would be a part of changing this nation. Why? Because according to Colossians 1:20, through Christ's shed blood on the cross, God wants ALL things redeemed.

Yesterday we entered 'Maskachka', my neighbourhood...

A group of 7 foreigners enters an intersection that is usually occupied by a few drug dealers. It's not your typical 'tour group' route. Whilst admiring the stunning Orthodox church which towers over the neighbourhood, we were soon joined by many others. One woman said, 'you have just entered a very dangerous area, you are in the wrong place'; to which we replied, 'no, we're okay'. With a rolling of the eyes and a doubtful smile, she said, 'oh, you think so?', and went on her way.

A few locals started to walk among us as we crossed the street. A young girl came up to us and began to cry. She said she was hungry. (It's interesting how, when we act as salt and light, some people are repelled and some drawn.) While some of the team went upstairs to my apartment, 3 of us stayed downstairs to talk with and help this girl. Taking her into a local shop, we bought her some bread, cheese, and bottle of Coke. (She really wanted Coke and we wanted to bless her...hmmm, a blessing???). It was enough to share with family or friends. With tears in her eyes, she hugged one of the women. In her broken English she tried to express her gratitude. 

Stepping out of the shop, we began to pray blessing over her. Tears were now streaming down her face. With another hug and 'thank you', she was off.

Did we do the right thing? Was this girl 'turning on' the manipulative tools to get something from the foreigners? Are we encouraging a welfare mentality? Or was she just a hungry, young girl that truly wanted something to eat, and we were a part of showing God's heart, His love, and kindness toward her? Only she and God know... As for me...I pray she saw a glimpse of who God is.  

I continue to pray for her and look forward to the next time we will meet. It's all a part of getting to know the people in my neighbourhood.

Until next week,

Elise