Feedback - 9 Feb 05 - Redeeming the Arts

City Links hosted the third Redeeming the Arts prayer celebrations on February 9th.

Artists from across the North West came together, along with other Christians who want to see the arts redeemed and the Kingdom of God extended through the arts.

We were treated to performances by 2 Christian theatre companies: Rhema and In Yer Face and we also saw a short film showing the work of Act 4 Africa.

Other highlights included performances by Blaze dance group, TBC (a new Innervation Trust Band) and Positive Influence, a girl band from The Lighthouse Church.

We heard from Tim Owen about The Message Trust's new initiative called Genetik and from Emma Varnam, of Tameside Council, about Christians working in the secular arts world.

Paintings and mosaics by Jeni Entwistle, Helen Parsley and Patricia Lee were displayed on the screen and in the exhibition.

Andi Smith and a team of Manchester musicians led the worship supported by Asaph and Declaration drummers.

Comments and testimonies:

We were asked to pray specifically for God to raise up a small team of intercessors to lend support to BlushUK, a Message Trust girl band. Lucy Smith told us that the band have been under attack especially during their work in schools. As a result of Wednesday evening, 4 people have already responded and signed up to give Blush their prayer support!

Rhema Theatre Company, who take Christian theatre into primary schools, said that someone has offered to provide them with financial support.

 
Several people expressed interest in buying the art work on display on Wednesday, which is a great encouragement and support to the artists concerned.

One of the girls from The Lighthouse church told us how her dad, who was suffering from cancer, became a Christian following the last Redeeming Arts event in September and that Emma Mould from Positive Influence wrote the song ”I have to believe” for him. He has since gone to be with the Lord.

Becky Green received a prophetic word from Isaiah 52 and read during the worship time, into a time of prayer about God releasing new strength and passion into artists and enabling emerging artists to find an opening for their dreams to become a reality.

Testimony - Jeni Entwistle

The whole evening was an answer to prayer!

Every time I get despondant that I’ve done the wrong thing in wanting to be an artist for God, He turns around and shows me just how much support there is out there for people like me

So much of what was said, I really really really needed to hear it.  It’s so refreshing to have people actually supporting me, rather than saying how difficult it’s going to make my life if I want my “proper” job to be the artist thing.  I’m well aware of the difficulties, and don’t need to be reminded so often!!

Thanks to all you guys for being such encouragements, for providing such a place where so much encouragement can be given.

You’re amazing!

Thanks!

Testimony from Karen Arnold, In Yer Face Theatre co.

We have had some great answers to prayer.  A lady called  Susan Curtis has offered to give up to 15 hours a week to help in the office on a voluntary basis.  We have been promised a cheque for £5,000 which will clear our immediate debt and help the Company to be financially stable for the next few months.  A few people have expressed an interest in working with us as actors, even though we haven't formally advertised yet.  We know that these are all blessings from God and are grateful for the opportunity you gave us to participate in the Redeeming Arts Prayer Meeting.

 
This is what Redeeming the Arts is all about!!!

Future dates ...   Sat 18 June 05 - Musicians' Forum [details]   Sept 05 - Prayer Celebration

Thanks!

Our thanks to Cliff Allchin, Jonathan Wylie, Leigh Murphy and all those at the Salvation Army Centre in Sale for being such fantastic hosts to these events!!