| Art classes will start tonight and we are expecting some fairly large crowds! |  |
[This letter was sent on Tuesday, July 1.]
Our host at the farm has many friends in the town we are working in, and he suggested we go to the mayor and tell him about what we would like to do (have the artists paint in public and invite people to the classes). Since we are foreigners, we cannot just appear and start doing whatever we like. So, yesterday, Chip and the farmer went to see the mayor, the vice-mayor, the police chief and the director of cultural affairs for the town. All of them were very enthusiastic and arranged all the necessary permits (for a public demonstration!) in two hours time (a minor miracle in a country known for its red tape!).
Later, Chip was interviewed on live radio for 20 minutes and the radio station has been broadcasting the art classes as a major news story at the top of every hour! The television stations have also gotten in on the excitement as Leah was interviewed last night since we had set up the artists in front of the busiest square in town. This morning, at 8:30am (1:30am for you) we are meeting another filming crew for more interviews. I’ve attached a few pictures so you can see what it was like last night.
Please pray that when the classes start that we will not be overwhelmed! Also, that people will be open as the artists share their testimonies. We have several folks from the church working with us and they will be sharing as well—pray for their words to penetrate the hearts of those who hear. Pray too that the relationships we are developing with the government officials will be good for the future of the work in Serbia. Also, please pray just for the physical endurance of our schedule—it’s been pretty intense the last couple of days and we expect it to get even more so!
We are excited about the opportunity God has provided for us and we want to use it for His glory—the events of yesterday are a real fulfillment of Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
We send our love and greetings to everyone and will see you soon!
Julie, for the art team
