Exciting Missions Training and Trips for Creative Types!

Ooo la la, do you want to go on a missions trip to Italy? Europe: A needy mission field. Italy especially. The church is in decline in Europe and people like you can go and use your skills and talents to reach people with the message of hope through Jesus! Watch the video for more information and be inspired! Then pray about your next step!

Everyone Loves to be Entertained.

Every culture since the beginning of time has enjoyed entertainment. Even Jesus Christ was an entertainer. Sure, he was much more than that, but in his ministry on earth, he also knew that people had various motives for following him. He didn’t mind, for he knew that there were various methods to reach the hearts of people. The common form of entertainment of the day was storytelling. (This art form still exists today in the public squares of cities like Marrakesh, Morocco.) People would crowd around storytellers who captivated their imaginations. Remember, there weren’t any books for the common man, no TV, internet, movies, etc. So when a new storyteller came to town, everyone talked about him. But this storyteller was different. He did miracles too. Really serious miracles like raising people from the dead! And if you followed him, you might even get to see people get healed and maybe even a free meal! Jesus was the best storyteller to ever come to Israel! He would have won the academy award for storytelling!

Music, paint, dance, video, illustration, song writing, and many other art forms can be used to impact communities around the globe through the arts. Cutting edge overseas missions trips exist to use your gifts as a performing, technical or visual artist. You can go short-term or for a year or longer to proclaim the name of Jesus through your art form. Artists with different backgrounds, styles and experience can participate. Recent trips include: North Africa, Spain, Belgium, Hungary, Turkey, India, England, Central Asia and the Middle East.

For more information on the web, go to:  arts.om.org

International Short Term Missions Trips for Artists!

Operation Mobilization has short-term missions trips designed especially for visual, technical and performing artists. Using artistic skills, one is able to work with a team to bring the Gospel message to those who don’t know Jesus. Consider going on one of these trips or referring them to someone you know.

Transform North Africa:  July 4th-26th 2011
Come for the Transform conference in Rome, Italy, then fly to North Africa to form relationships with the local arts community, experience life in an Arab nation, and encourage long-term workers to reach out to others with the Gospel through art. Will include studio and gallery work, culminating in an exhibition.

Baja, Hungary:  July 9th-26th, 2011
Prepare to let Hungary inspire you! Lead art workshops at the English art camp and reach out to the local community by creating relevant artwork and seeking God’s heart for the area.

Germany:  July 25th- Aug. 7th 2011
Serve teenagers and encourage them by facilitating the Artzone at TeenStreet, OM’s international youth congress. Artzone is a place where teens can express themselves through art, learn new skills, and worship God.

Christmas Outreach in Belgium:   December 2011
If you have a couple of weeks free in December, why not pray about joining us to experience the Belgium culture and create some inspired artwork to exhibit at a Christmas market.

Further details about all of these outreaches and application information should be posted soon at: OM ArtsLink.  Please note that your portfolio and artist statement will be required as part of the application process. Any questions, email: portfolios@omartslink.org

More information about arts in missions at: www.arts.om.org

The Impact of Music in Christian World Missions.

When reading through the Psalms, it becomes obvious that there is an inextricable link between music and missions. The Psalms are a collection of God-breathed songs. And these divinely inspired musical pieces are filled with lyrics that express through the songwriter God’s desire to be known and worshiped among all the nations in the world. Therefore, God Himself has created music as a way to mobilize His people to engage in worldwide missions.

Creative Arts Team Impacts Kyrgystan Through Music, Dance and Drama.

Recently a creative arts team made up of OM Arts International’s musicians, dancers, and dramatists, toured in the country of Kyrgyzstan. As a local friend told the team, “The people here have seen a lot of trouble recently. They’re tired of the fighting and problems. They’re weary and they’re open. We want to bring them His peace.”

Despite the still somewhat unstable political situation in Kyrgystan, the arts team were able to perform in many memorable places. One such place was a facility for disabled men that – while improving – has seen years of total neglect and decay. Just last winter 70 of 300 men died of exposure to the cold. Now God’s Word is spreading, there are about 30 believers, and the physical conditions and atmosphere of the facility are changing. It was a great joy to share about God’s goodness and have the resident men dance for joy with the team’s music. Elsewhere, in prisons the team shared an original drama illustrating God’s forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation; and at one university, the arts team’s concert helped a local ministry gain 496 new contacts with whom they can follow up and share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Read how to pray for the country of Kyrgystan.

OM Arts International

Excelling in arts in missions

imagine – illuminate – impact!

Bill Drake Band Celebrates the Christmas Season in Lebanon.

“I enjoyed tonight. It was exciting to play on board Logos Hope. The audience’s reaction was fantastic,” said musician Bill Drake after a Christmas concert in the Hope Theater. Keyboardist and singer Bill and his band played a set of Christmas carols and other numbers to a mixed audience of ship’s company and local Lebanese. In between songs, Bill shared about his own life. He told the audience how after a troubled upbringing nearly caused him to commit suicide, he had found peace by getting to know God. He introduced one song by talking about what the first Christmas would have been like. “I love Christmas as it’s such a natural message. To encourage Lebanese people with their Christmas celebration is a dream come true,” Bill added.

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Portraying Christ Artistically in Christian Missions.

Ashley, a dancer and painter, returned recently from serving two years as a Christian missionary in Western Asia with a traveling performing arts team. She journeyed across the region, taking part in performances that shared stories of God’s transforming power and love. She also held her own art exhibition, showing paintings that portray redemption through Christ.

She wrote about her experience, saying, “Visual communication seems to simplify things while explaining difficult concepts. Having an extended period of time to learn about the people and the culture allowed for my paintings to portray specific aspects of their lives, while showing Christ as the solution. I often approached a piece not knowing how I wanted it to look, but knowing what concept I wanted to portray. I needed to release my grip on my work and learn to trust God to work through what I created. Results weren’t always tangible, but God’s peace came through the work and the surrounding atmosphere and was seen and felt by the viewers.”

Ashley also spent time learning the local language, choreographing dances and drinking tea. The OM Arts team is grateful to God for Ashley and her heart for world missions. Please pray for more like Ashley to serve God in missions through the creative arts.

More information can be found at: OM Arts International or Operation Mobilization.

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Thousands Find Christ at Sports Festival in Egypt!

An estimated 22,500 visitors made the journey to the KDEC Sports Ministry festival held outside Cairo Egypt this past week. Over 20 performiers dazzled the audience with their unique talents and then shared the Gospel during this three day event. World champions and talented Christian performing artists and sportsmen in events such as skate boarding, jujitsu experts, extreme power strength artistry, a unicycle stunt artist, freestyle motocross, a billiard trick shot artist, an illusionist, musicians, and many more worked along side Arabic translators presenting the Gospel during the day leading up to a large stadium worship service each night. Evangelists and pastors presented Gospel truths touching the hearts of the many thousands that were in attendance.  Over 6,000 people accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior! The event was broadcast via satellite TV throughout the Middle East and North Africa!

Dustin Kelm of UniShow, a ministry of OM Arts International, performed twice daily and along with the other sports artists, considered it a great privilege to bring the Gospel to the people of the Middle East. Praise God for the way He prepared hearts and harvested many souls into His kingdom during the event!

the crowd worshiping in Arabic!

Unishow before

and after, and ready for the show!

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Watch the Performing and Technical Arts at Work on OM’s Ship, Logos Hope!

http://www.youtube.com/v/xhCZhJSdXMk?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0

For more information on how you can be involved in the arts in missions, visit OM Arts International. For information about doing ministry on board Logos Hope, go to OM Ships International. You can also watch a video of life on board Logos Hope. You can join the ship for 2 weeks or longer! No prior ship experience necessary! Go to Logos Hope opportunities.

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Share the Gospel in Beirut this Christmas

Did you know that you can be a part of bringing the Gospel to thousands of young people in the Middle East this Christmas?

Through music, the Word of God, storytelling, and other art forms, the Gospel will be brought to Lebanon this December. The Bill Drake Band, a ministry of OM Arts International will have the opportunity to minister to thousands of young people in Beirut.

Working with local churches, the Gospel will be presented in schools and concert venues around the city. This is an unprecedented opportunity!

$12,000 needs to be raised to cover airfare, food, lodging and transportation for the team of 8.

Will you pray and partner with us to help illuminate the truth of Christmas for people who so desperately need to hear this message?

For residents of the USA, give securely online by clicking here.

Or give a support gift through your local OM office with the notation: OMUSA-9071BDBL10   Click here for your local OM office.

 Using the Arts to Spread the Gospel

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Rapper for Jesus Has High Hopes

Abel Fokoe is 18 years old and was born in Liberia. During the civil war in 2006, he was separated from his biological mother while fleeing to Ghana with his siblings. He now lives in Sweden with his father where Abel attends high school.  “Sometimes I feel bad at school,” says Abel, “as I haven’t seen my mother since the war, and really miss her.  I return home to read the Bible and relax.  I sometimes go to a Christian friend to talk and pray things through, or write songs to express my feelings and pain, and what God has done for me.  It’s a good alternative to cursing,” he adds.

Abel started listening to hiphop and Christian rap when he arrived in Sweden, and decided to try his hand at writing his own songs. He is often invited to sing at churches or youth events, and is able to explain his life story through songs he has written himself. “I like to go to church,” says Abel. “I’m a Christian and I love God. Even if I have other problems in my life, I love to be in the presence of God.”

Although Abel was baptised as a child, he asked his friend Martin to re-dedicate him to God two years ago. “After the service,” continues Abel, “I decided to write music as a means to tell the world of God’s love, because that is what He has told us to do. There are many Muslims where I live, and rap is a great way to communicate in a way they can understand.”

Many people have commented on Abel’s talent, and say he should pursue a career in Christian music. Abel’s father wants him to live with his uncle in the States, but Abel is not sure whether he wants to make music his lifestyle. It is hard to live on! Abel still has a photo of his mother, and hopes to return to Liberia one day to find her.

Artistic Missions Team Reaches Out to Earthquake Victims in Italy

One year after an earthquake hit the town of L’Aquila in central Italy, citizens remain angry, depressed and frustrated. Except one.

A student asleep in her dorm when the earthquake hit, Antonella flew out of bed and cowered under a table, crying out to God to save her. In those horrifying moments, she gave her life to Christ—a true ‘foxhole prayer’, bearing fruit a year later. Miraculously, Antonella escaped; the stairwell in her dorm collapsed, but she found herself outside the building, running up the street away from the crashing structure.

Behind her, a human pyramid formed to rescue those trapped on the dorm’s upper floors. Several students died, but most made it out to safety. If you ask most Aquilinos about the earthquake, they will share their grief, their anger and frustration. If you ask Antonella, she will answer that it was the day her life truly began.

An OM ArtsLink short term missions team visited L’Aquila with the desire to bring a message of healing, salvation and hope. A local pastor introduced the team to Antonella.  Her joy, energy and laughter were infectious. Antonella became the team’s inspiration as they began to sketch, photograph, and paint her story.

“Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” (Ps. 127:1)

While the goal was to bring a message of hope and restoration, God seemed to continually point to the corruption. That had to be dealt with first; if the city was to be rebuilt, its citizens would have to rebuild their hearts. Not an easy message to deliver! But in Antonella, a person whose heart had been radically changed, we had a compelling story. Rather than succumbing to the fear and blame, Antonella found her hope, strength and joy in Christ. The OM Arts team focused on that, producing 40 pieces of artwork that captured her story, and called the Aquilinos to examine their hearts. An exhibit was created in the town square and the final section portrayed the refreshment and healing that can come when God renews the heart.

The international OM Arts team literally created an outdoor gallery out of the rubble, fencing and scaffolding that surrounded them. They created a circular gallery, surrounding Antonella’s “foxhole” table. On the table: her story, with a stone sculpture of the cross, created from the rubble by our artist from Hong Kong. Hundreds of people filed through, reading her story, or hearing it personally from Antonella, studying the artwork, reading the artists’ statements, talking with OM Arts team members,  responding with written prayers on paper bricks, and posting them on our simulated “brick wall”—symbolizing a rebuilding of the walls of the city. Many lingered for over an hour.

Countless conversations and scores of books and Bibles went out to the hundreds of visitors that were welcomed. Antonella’s story also went out in the form of 500 printed brochures. Seeds of hope and truth were sown and will hopefully be watered by our loving Heavenly Father, who desires good things for the people of L’Aquila.

On the cover of the brochure of Antonella’s story was the following scripture.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”—Isaiah 54:10

Shortly after the OM Arts team visited the city, two more earthquakes hit. You can find dramatic photos of the earthquake here: L’Aquila earthquake.

Below, you can watch a short video of the short term arts missions trip to Italy.

http://www.youtube.com/v/C8yh7Wml4gU?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&border=1

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

UniShow and Creative Arts Ministry in Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon, Bulgaria & Kosovo

UniShow, a ministry of OM Arts International, recently ministered in Turkey. Dustin, a world champion uniclyclist, performed shows in a plaza outside the largest shopping mall in Bursa (population 2.5 million). Two shows were performed and very well attended and the trial run of the different performance elements (music, dance, drama, unicycling and fire poi) flowed surprisingly well. Members of the show had lots of good conversations with people about the Gospel after each show and got contact info for follow-up from many more.

Next stop was Izmir where UniShow performed in a park, on top of a fountain. The fountain had just been turned off so it took the staff a while to dry it with fans, brooms and squeegees. It turned out to be a nice venue even though it was surrounded by water and had a water pipe in the middle of the stage.

The touristy city of Kusadasi was the next stop with a night show on the seaside at the Peace and Friendship Square. Dustin shared that because of God’s love for us we can have a friendship with Him that will bring peace to our lives.

UniShow was challenged on this tour to make the most of every opportunity to share Christ. Thus, at a gas station enrout to Antalya, Dustin pulled out a unicycle and did a demonstration for the employees and we gave them Dustin’s cards with his testimony written in Turkish.

UniShow performed for two nights during Antalya’s Ramadan Festival at a seaside park. There was a very enthusiastic and loyal crowd that even silenced a protester who shouted that we had no right to come during Ramadan and tell them how to know God better. The rest of the crowd said he was acting shamefully and cheered for Dustin to continue his program. After the events there were many meaningful talks with people wanting to know more of our message of Love, Hope and Life.

Do you think this is a good way to share the message of truth about Jesus? Post a comment!

You can follow Dustin and UniShow on his blog: UniShowWorld
He is on tour August 10-Oct 21 to Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon, Bulgaria and Kosovo

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Fencer’s Skills Turned into Performing Art for Jesus.

Charlie 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.

Charlie was born premature, and his first battle took place when he was just 4 months old. The doctors told his parents that Charlie was not expected to live. Following a call to prayer by a lot of people, Charlie pulled through. As a child, Charlie was not able to run or walk. He was not able to talk properly. He could not sit up and eat at the same time. He did not respond emotionally as most kids do. He struggled enormously in school. Doctors were puzzled, but when Charlie was 18, they finally had a label for Charlie’s condition: Asperger’s Syndrome, a mild form of autism.

Due to the Asperger’s, Charlie didn’t really understand sports, but he loved trying them. As Charlie grew older his muscles and coordination began to develop. As a result of watching the movie The Princess Bride, Charlie was inspired to try fencing. He enrolled in fencing lessons and began competing. The sport unlocked all kinds of things in Charlie’s brain and muscles that he never had before. Over time, fencing did more for Charlie’s physical development than all the occupational therapy he had before. Specialists now refer a lot of young patients with similar needs to the sport of fencing because it is an individual sport that does not require teamwork and the person can focus solely on his own actions. About the time Charlie was diagnosed with Asperger’s, he graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA.

Charlie was raised as a missionary kid through International Family Missions and has impacted hundreds of lives in Mexico through his Gospel fencing presentation. Now his desire is to expand his ministry in order to reach more people with the message of eternal hope that can only be found through knowing Jesus. Charlie’s life story that accompanies his Gospel fencing presentation is one that is full of battles with a dark enemy but also one of joy, victory and an ongoing acknowledgment to the Lord Jesus Christ that He loves mankind. Currently Charlie is writing a fiction novel about spiritual warfare.

OM Arts International seeks to encourage and mobilize Charlie and others like him that have a unique visual, performing, or technical skill that they want to use to tell others about Jesus. Charlie is looking for someone who can assist him with his ministry and help him produce an even better Gospel presentation. If you are interested, please contact OM Arts International at: info@arts.om.org

You can also read more about Charlie and his ministry at his blog:  Fencer for Jesus.

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Creative Ministries Draw Big Crowds.

Steve Lillis is a world class billiard player. In 1997, Steve formed Gospel Trick Shot Ministries to use the sport of billiards to present the Gospel to people. By doing trick shots on the pool table and applying them to Biblical stories and truth, Steve captures audiences everywhere he goes and presents the message of salvation. Steve has performed all over the world and hundreds of people have made decisions to follow Christ as a result of this ministry. A recent trip to Tanzania resulted in crowds of people wanting to see his Gospel Trick Shot show. They also heard the message of truth, just like in Jesus’ day.  When Jesus was on this earth doing his ministry, people came

to be entertained by a good story teller. Jesus used the performing arts as a platform to present his message of truth. How cool is that?

If you are a Christian artist and you are looking for an opportunity to use your talents to spread the Gospel message, OM Arts International is a Christian mission organization that mobilizes visual, performing and technical artists into world missions. Whether it be short term missions trips or career missions, OM Arts, a ministry of Operation Mobilisation, empowers artists to engage their creative gifts in exalting God and extending His kingdom among the nations.

Bill Drake Band Concert in Europe Touches Hearts

“Are you stealing from Jesus?  Did Jesus get what he paid for?  Is what you’re living for, worth dying for?”

About 10,000 people were asked these three life challenging questions during concerts by the Bill Drake Band as they toured 12 cities and towns over a two and a half week period in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Secular Europe needs to be challenged by such questions. Through the concert message, people gave their lives to Christ or were provoked to live an uncompromising life of Christian service and Love.

OM Arts offers opportunities for visual, performing and technical artists in Christian missions. Contact us for more information.

OM Arts International

Excelling in arts in missions
imagine – illuminate – impact!

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Artists in Christian Missions using Music, Dance, and Visual Arts

OM Arts International  is a family of ministries that exists to empower artists to engage their creative gifts in exalting God and extending His kingdom among the nations.

Read on for a list of these exciting ministries!

OM ArtsLink                omartslink.org

OM ArtsLink has a passion to see visual artists get involved in the Great Commission by uniquely impacting communities around the globe. Short term Missions trips to different countries around the world provide opportunities for visual artists to serve the Church and make Jesus Christ known amongst the unreached.

OM DanceLink          omdancelink.org

OM DanceLink desires to train, mentor and send dancers of all skill levels to use their gifts to minister and further God’s kingdom by proclaiming His name while on international short term missions trips.

Heart Sounds International              heart-sounds.org

Heart Sounds International exists to help ignite culturally relevant and Biblically appropriate worship especially in places where followers of Jesus Christ are restricted, persecuted or unknown.

Bill Drake Band                       billdrake.com

Bill Drake and team present multimedia concerts with a unique focus. The concerts are not simply about music, but about God and experiencing the reality of Jesus in your life. The latest release is the “Crowns Experience” which will take you on a journey to find what you are willing to give your life for.

 

Unishow                     unishow.org

World champion unicyclist Dustin Kelm performs and speaks at youth events, outreaches, retreats, camps, festivals, corporate events and school assemblies around the world.  With extreme unicycling as his tool, Dustin’s one-of-a-kind performance captivates people of all ages.  He challenges his audiences to have the character to make good choices that change their lives.  In venues that permit, Dustin integrates his personal faith story and the impact that has had on his life.

 

OM Arts International

Excelling in arts in missions

imagine – illuminate – impact

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

“Would You Like a Spiritual Reading?”

“How about a dream interpretation?”

While these words might scare off the traditional evangelical Christian, they draw in people who are spiritually thirsty and searching.

After a number of training sessions, and many weeks of prayer, an OM Arts team member along with members of her church, set up a booth in local parks and fairs, with a sandwich-board sign inviting: “Spiritual
Readings & Dream Interpretation.” Dropping all “Christianese” language, and encouraging guests to share a dream or request they had, team members then shared what they believed God was saying to them.

Simultaneous prayer teams were both on-site, back at the church, or praying at home. And the lines started forming. During Gay Pride Weekend, we had several tables full for hours, with a line outside. During a neighborhood street fair, despite torrential downpours, we had three tables with a steady stream of spiritually hungry people—everyone from a lapsed Episcopal bishop to a woman practicing a form of spiritism.

A couple, during Gay Pride weekend came in and one of them was in obvious distress, the other a bit distant.  The troubled man asked if we could help him – he was dreaming of demons chasing him.  We could indeed help!  As we talked, issues came up: of spiritual abuse in the church he had been part of, and a fractured relationship with his father, who was now in the hospital.  We led him through some forgiveness, adjusted some faulty thinking, and prayed for him.  “He did not want to let go of my hand”, said the OM Arts team member. He thanked us profusely, and didn’t want to leave the tent. 

At one venue, over 100 visitors came to the tent and signed our guest book with positive testimonies of their encounter: “You looked into my soul and saw me.”  Hugs, tears and profuse thanks were the typical response. Only God knows the full impact of these attempts to reach those who came.

Click to find answers to YOUR spiritual questions.

imagine   illuminate   impact

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Artists’ Gallery an Inspiring Place of Restoration and Hope

 “Wow!” exclaimed Fetiha as she stepped into the door with two other North African friends. She walked around, a hot glass of mint tea in her hand, and took in the transformation of the warehouse-turned-
art-studio.  Artwork from a mixture of local artists and immigrants graced the walls of the lively-colored space. Some sat on modern couches and talked about the work while others milled about and chatted with artists. Several children, paint brushes in hand, added their personal touches to the mural, a work in progress. The images in the mural illustrated life, love, community, and freedom. Bright colors and a splash of graffiti lettering reminded guests that art is for everyone.

After much prayer, dreaming, hard work, and messy hands, the opening night of the art studio and gallery in Spain was quite an event.  The place heated up as a mixture of people from various cultures and backgrounds took in the art and toured the new space. One believing artist whose work was exhibited noted that interest in her work spawned several conversations about birth and rebirth, loss and second chances. She found a natural way to connect with viewers and plant seeds of hope.

Pray that workers at the art studio will be a positive spiritual influence in the city. As they live out a community of Kingdom values, pray that others would be drawn in by their love and joy. Also pray for financial sustenance from the workshops and events they will offer at the studio.

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Dustin Kelm – Champion Unicyclist: More than Just a Show!

http://www.youtube.com/v/l-z2aI4GwRE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0

“OMG, he is soo cool.
He came to my school.
Which is so cool.
I cant believe he came.
I got a high-five from him.
That was fun.
There was this thing for kids here.
He was there all weekend teaching kids how to unicycle.
Except the farthest someone could go was about half the gym.
But thats good because we have a big gym.
I called my friend down from the audience,
And [Dustin] JUMPED over him
While on the unicycle.
It was very cool to see.”

For more information about UniShow or to book him for your school, youth group, church or group gathering, contact Dustin Kelm via his web site:  www.unishow.org   or  email: info08@unishow.org

http://www.youtube.com/v/w38W8HzAMyc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0

Also check out Dustin’s blog!

http://www.youtube.com/v/aAD2FjaWMBA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0

UniShow is a ministry of
OM Arts International

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Finding Jesus Through Dance Worship

Linda is a part of the creative ministries team of OM Arts International called DanceLink. She travels to many different countries teaching men and women to share the Gospel and worship God through dance. During a recent trip to India, Linda met a woman named Esther who had a life of forced prostitution and Hinduism. Linda felt a special burden for Esther. Out of all the dancers, Esther was the most disruptive and unhelpful. Linda felt the need to confront her, but before she could, Esther asked to give her testimony.

“When Linda asked us to dance and listen for the voice of Jesus, I felt sleepy and giggly. Suddenly a voice said to me, ‘You belong to Me now. Stay awake, listen, and learn.’”

Linda took the opportunity to explain that the enemy wants to prevent us from hearing the voice of Jesus in our lives. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).  The enemy wants to rob us of our spiritual hearing, but God has given us the strength to be still and listen to His voice over all the distractions in our life. Esther took Linda’s words to heart and is continuing to grow in the Lord and in her new faith.

Esther Finds Jesus Through Dance Worship

For more information about dance in missions, go to: OMDanceLink.org or email:  info@arts.om.org

Dance for Jesus on Missions Trips!

As a part of the creative ministries team of OM Arts International called DanceLink, Linda travels to many different countries teaching men and women to worship God and share the Gospel through dance worship. During a recent trip to Asia, Linda met a young woman named Esther who had a life of forced prostitution and Hinduism. Linda felt a special burden for Esther. Out of all the dancers, Esther was the most disruptive and unhelpful. Linda felt the need to confront her, but before she could, Esther asked to give her testimony.

     “When Linda asked us to dance and listen for the voice of Jesus, I felt sleepy and giggly. Suddenly a voice said to me, ‘You belong to Me now. Stay awake, listen, and learn.’”
     Linda took the opportunity to explain that Satan wants to prevent us from hearing the voice of Jesus in our lives. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).  Satan wants to rob us of ability to hear the Holy Spirit minister to us, but God has given us the strength to be still and listen to His voice over all the distractions in our lives. Esther took Linda’s words to heart and is now growing in her knowledge and love for the Lord Jesus.

Esther Finds Jesus Through Dance Worship

Here is more information about DanceLink

www.omdancelink.org

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

OM Arts International Provides Christian Missions Opportunities for Artists

OM Arts International, a ministry of Operation Mobilization, has the vision to engage, empower, and mobilize professional creative artists to impact the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Enoch from Korea, performing Gospel Magic show on board OM’s ministry ship Logos Hope.

OM Arts has a vision in:
Articulating God’s heart for the world
Resourcing the church for creative communication
Training Christian Artists for Ministry
Serving the church and creative arts ministries around the world

Arts is a universal language through which perceived “truths” are received and embraced in most cultures. Redemptive art taps deeply into many of the major communicative themes of the Bible. It engages the imagination when creatively expressed Biblical themes intersect personal lives and world views. To the extent that the body of Christ engages in using the arts in communicating the Gospel, it not only mirrors God’s creativity, but also identifies with his missional heart.

For more information on the arts in missions, contact OM Arts International.     info@arts.om.org  1-800-899-0432
Arts in missions – imagine, illustrate, impact!

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Use the Arts on Missions Trips to Share the Gospel

Professional artists are effectively sharing the Gospel with people around the world. They go as missionaries using their artistic talent. Whether it be visual arts, performing arts, or technical arts, God is using them in a mighty way to proclaim the way of salvation to the nations. Operation Mobilization has a pioneering initiative called OM Arts International which exists to empower artists to engage their creative gifts in exalting God and extending His kingdom among the nations.

When art and art forms are used alongside translation and presentation of the Gospel into a culture, the Gospel is absorbed faster. The Gospel is often more clearly understood when it is sung, drawn, dramatized, or danced. There has possibly never been a time in which a biblical understanding of how to creatively communicate truth is more needed than in our visual, image-soaked world. To reach this generation we must go to another level of vision, artistic excellence, leadership training, international structure, and partnership.

The arts and entertainment industry understand the power of the imagination. They are molding the hearts and minds of this generation on a global scale with an unbiblical worldview expressed through the arts. The arts shape culture. They are doing to today in unprecedented ways. Today the proclamation of biblical truth can be initiated, heralded, and embodied through artists and the creative arts. We need to reclaim imagination and engage it in the proclamation of the Gospel. Inspired by our creative God, we can fulfill our part in His purposes for our visual generation.

If you would like to know more about how you can get involved in using the arts to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, contact OM Arts International.  email: info@arts.om.org

Short term missions trips for artists

Longer term missions trips

OM International

OM USA

Creative Arts Opens Hearts to the Gospel!

OM‘s creative arts ministry, OM Arts, recently finished a tour in a country in the Near East with a two time world champion unicyclist, an illusionist and a dancer. They were an unstoppable combination, performing in several cities. The unicyclist, Dustin, shared his testimony and the Gospel from his six-foot unicycle. Craig, the illusionist, shared from his bag of tricks and gave his direct Gospel “magic ball” message as the team handed out cards with a Gospel message to the gathered crowd.

In one city in a prominently Muslim country, they partnered with a local church whose enthusiastic leader said, “From the afternoon outreach, 25 people came to see the Jesus film in the evening. Of these, 19 stayed to discuss more.” Dustin, also appeared live on national television. He performed, and during the program he was able to share briefly that God is the only one who can fill the emptiness in our lives.

Dustin has also performed and shared the Gospel message in Egypt, Kenya, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iraq and other countries. Venues have included universities, elementary schools, prisons, parks, arenas and stadiums. OM missionaries, working with local churches, help arrange the permissions, ground logistics, follow-up and discipleship.

If you are a professional artist and have skills in performing, visual or technical arts, and you would like to use them to reach the nations for Christ in short or long term missions, please contact us at: OMArts 

email: info@arts.om.org

See specific short term trips: Arts in Missions

More about Unishow (click on the links below):

Unishow

Unishow blog

Dustin using performing arts to present the Gospel in Iraq! 

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Arts and Missions: Take a Trip of a Lifetime!

Are you a visual, performing or technical artist that wants to use your artistic skills and talents to spread the Gospel and tell the world about Jesus? Do you want to become a missionary short or long term using your art?

OM Arts is an arm of Operation Mobilization which has been mobilizing people into world missions for more than 50 years. Currently they have over 5,500 missionaries serving in over 110 countries and on board a mission ship.

OM Arts International exists to empower artists to engage their creative gifts in exalting God and extending His kingdom among the nations.

Need to know more? Go to Arts and Missions.

Or phone OM Arts at: 1-800-899-0432

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Impact the Mediterranean through Transform 2011

“There’s a big mobilization plan for the whole Mediterranean area. Pray about getting involved- these are some of the most unreached nations in the world!”

– George Verwer Founder, Operation Mobilization

450 Million people live in the 21 modern countries around the Mediterranean Sea.
Christianity’s roots lie in the Mediterranean region, yet many do not know the story of Jesus Christ or who He is.

Imagine hundreds of people from all over the world coming together by the Mediterranean Sea for a week of worship, training, and teaching. Imagine these same people going out together in teams to reach the Mediterranean nations with the Gospel.

Conference – July 2011
Transform 2011 will host thousands of people joining together in Rome, Italy for 5 days of teaching, worship, prayer, and training.

Outreach – 2 weeks or 6 weeks or “GAP” 1 year
Everyone will split up into teams and spread out into the countries surrounding the Mediterranean. Types of ministry teams will include sports, arts, immigrants, traveling teams, 24/7 prayer teams, and teams working alongside long-term missionaries.

For more information, click here.

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org

Use Your Skills on International Missions Trips!

Are you interested in any of the following types of ministries? Click and research!

Go short term or long term.

Audio video and Multimedia

Children’s Ministry

Church Planting

Church Mobilization

Communications

Community Development

Computers

Construction/Technical

Creative Arts

Discipleship

Education

Evangelism

Finance

HIV/AIDS Ministry

Humanitarian Aid & Relief

Indigenous Worship Development

Literature Production & Distribution

Marine

Medical Ministries

Micro-business

Muslim Ministry

National Believers Leadership Training

Publishing

Radio Programming

Sports Outreach

Teaching

Vocational Training

Women’s Ministry

Click here for a good resource for mission trips all over the world.

Albania, Angola, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Moldova, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Yemen, and countries in the Arabian Peninsula.

Get involved in:

1. Cross cultural evangelism

2. Discipleship training

3. Church planting

4. Mercy ministries

5. Literature distribution

6. Missions mobilization

7. Creative ministries

OM Arts International

Imagine – Illuminate – Impact!

Short term and career missions trips for visual, performing and technical artists!

http://www.arts.om.org

info@arts.om.org