Tag Archives: prayer

UNDERSTANDING

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NYC

Hello Friends and Family:

Michael has been photographing for a book called ‘City Green’, on NYC parks and gardens, and he came across an art piece by London based artist Martin Creed called ‘Understanding.’ The piece is located in Battery Bridge Park on one of the reclaimed piers now reclaimed for a park. The word ‘Understanding’, spelled out in 10 ft high letters, is lit by red neon lights and rotates on an eye beam at changing speeds.

It is of course begging the question of, ‘Understanding’- what? The artist leaves that to the viewers designation.IMG_2739

In this time of access through the internet to amazing amounts of knowledge it seems as though to have ‘understanding’ is a comfort and necessity for people. People tend to seek to understand God, rather than believe in God. Our rational minds demand understanding before we will allow belief. God, however, is in a spiritual world as well as the physical world we are conscious of through everyday life, he does not call us to understand him but he does call us to believe in him.IMG_2826

Jesus came that we could, through faith in Him, have a relationship with God.

Michael has made a short video which explores these ‘Two Worlds’. Our lives can be so busy that we often forget there is a spiritual world in action all the time and we are participants of that world, whether we are conscious of it or not. The video is intended to open up questions for people about the spiritual world and what Jesus Christ gave to each one of us by his willingness to go to the cross.


Christine led an icon writing retreat at Holy Cross Monastery which was very fulfilling for all the participants. The retreats are full of learning not only about how to write [paint] an icon, the symbolic aspects to the different steps in the ancient process but also to undergo a personal prayer journey while immersed in the creative process. People came considerable distance for the retreat and the monastery was the perfect location to remain in an atmosphere of prayer. photo 2

Here’s a video he made that weekend:

The artists dinner continues to be a wonderful opportunity for artists to share their lives and experiences. Our ministry, Kingdom Arts Ministry, is involved with the creative nature of God and of man, how creativity is part of God’s heart and can open doors for us to be in relationship with him. This month we celebrated the artist dinner with a cake, inscribed ‘We Are Art’. Artists often have to live on the outside of society even though in the truest sense the artist’s role is to reflect or guide culture.IMG_2750

We ask for your prayers for artists and their role in our culture.  We need your prayers and support so much and are so grateful we have that!

Sending you our love,

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Michael and Christine

www.halesart.com

 

April Action

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Dear Friends and Family:

This is such a beautiful time of the year with the trees leafing out in chartreuse green.

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Michael has been photographing for a book of NYC public gardens and the tulips are out in force. Such a wonderful array of colors. One can understand how in 1637 Holland underwent tulipomania where a single bulb would go for the equivalent ten times an annual income. The joy of seeing vivid color after the grey colors of winter is especially welcome in the North East.

Christine delivered her two large icons [8 by 3 feet] to the Graymoor Friars of Atonement in Garrison, NY. They depict the founders of Graymoor, Lurana White, SA and Paul Wattson. SA. They will be installed in a new chapel for the friars. Father Richard Vosko , of St Vincent De Paul’s Church, Albany, assisted with liaison for the commission and was there to help with the delivery.

See a short video-  or use this link  


Michael has been working on another  short video about how God sees and is active in cities, especially in New York City. It is good to remember that Jesus’s heart is for all people and He especially enjoys seeing how people use the gifts that He has given them.

I think it must take a lot of courage to take a musical instrument down into the subways and perform on the platforms. The musicians, of all kinds and cultures, step out boldly and perform as a way of earning a living, using the gifts God has given them.

Check the video out and please share it with friends. (Link)


We are also involved with a group for intercession for Albany and the region which is meeting weekly and listening for God’s direction.

Michael has been doing some street praying in connection with that intercession particularly at seven different sites in the city.IMG_2406

Albany is a city without a heart, and it desperately needs it to be restored. Between 1962 and 1964 1,200 houses and other structures were taken by eminent domain and destroyed; leveling 98 acres of the heart of Albany. That was to create the Empire State Plaza which can be described in architectural language as Modernist, Brutalist and International. The great plan put forward by Governor Nelson A. Rockerfeller was completed between 1965 and 1976 costing around two billion dollars, as well as much anguish and back biting.

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Albany is the political center of New York state and sits as the center of a wheel of political strings which go to each corner of the state. New York City being the financial capital of the country and some might argue high on the list for the world, has a push/ pull relationship with Albany. Politics and all that the ‘spirit of politics’ carries is strong in Albany.

 

These are just two of the issues we are finding to pray into to have the Holy Spirit move powerfully in Albany. We believe the Lord is wanting that to happen, so please pray with us that Albany would have a powerful move of God, which would change the state and the nation.

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One of the words Michael got when praying on the ‘God in the City’ video was- ‘pure love is always more powerful than pure hatred.’

Believe it.

And here’s one of my recent prophetic  paintings “New King”IMG_1594

We miss you all and look forward to hearing from you!

Love and prayers,

Christine and Michael      www.mickhales.com    www.christinehales.com

Joseph’s Inspiration

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Dear Friends and Family:photo

Spring is valiantly trying to arrive and we send you our love and prayers, waiting for it’s signs to confirm the faith we all share that it will, indeed come! The last few months I’ve been re-reading the story in Genesis of Joseph, Jacob’s son.  Adversity and seemingly hopeless life circumstances repeatedly plagued him, however his faith never left him.  Because of their jealousy, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, but God’s plans for Joseph were for good, and each step of Joseph’s journey, God allowed the tables to be turned. Slavery turned into authority and power, jealousy and competition turned into love and forgiveness, separation turned into reconciliation, all through Joseph’s ability to stay connected with the power of God’s love and the faith that His will for us is for good.

Such a good story to remember at a time when our country is polarized politically, religiously and spiritually.   Our God is the God of unity and by activating our faith in adversity, we release God’s true purpose and destiny into our worlds.

“Ye may have meant it for evil, but God turned it into good.” Genesis 50:20photo

May we help each other to remember the way with, God’s help, through the difficulties and challenges and keep a positive vision for our country.

Michael has been working on some new videos – not finished yet, but beautiful as always.  He’s in Alabama right now photographing a book.  We will be exploring more in April the possibility of finding work in Florida for the winter next year. We will do a bit of traveling and visiting to churches, galleries, and possible clients. Would love your prayers to cover all that!IMG_1053

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I’ve finished the Graymoor Icon commission- two eight foot by 3 foot egg tempera Icons.  Quite a lot of physical and artistic and spiritual work, but it’s what I love to do.  Here are a few photos of the oiling process which is the final sealant and causes the layers of egg tempera to fuse in a jewel like surface.photo

Also I’m excited about my contemporary painting – it is getting closer to being able to express the Divine in a secular language.  I hope to find some new galleries for it soon.

“Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they walk in the light of your presence Lord…You are their glorious strength. Our power is based on your favor.” Psalm 89:15-17

May God continue to bless you with His love and favor.  Let us know how we can pray for you and thank you for your prayers for our ministry of God’s presence through the Arts.

Love and prayers,

Michael and Christine

www.halesart.com      www.mickhales.com    www.newchristianicons.com     www.americanassociationoficonographers.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artist and the Creator

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Greetings Friends and Family:

Michael’s latest video called ‘Artist and The Creator,’ explores the ways people come to find God, especially artists.  Here is the link and what Michael has to say about it:


What we have found is the conventional ‘church’ is not the doorway that a lot of people come to know God. In fact there are a lot of people who come to know God through a 12 step recovery program without ever hearing a pastor preach. Perhaps it is the rigorous self honesty of the recovery programs that enables people the opportunity or the desire to seek God. Some might say there is more ‘church’ going on in the rooms of recovery than in “church proper’.

In terms of artists, which is who quite a lot of our ministry opportunities come from, often they are exploring creative gifts they have been given without making a connection that they came from a creator, or God. In our society where every thing points towards self- achievement, as the standard of success, there is little reason to give credit for our abilities to an outside body like God. However, for many artists who are involved with creating and creativity on a daily basis, there is a constant dialogue as to where their creative gifts came from, often on a subconscious level.

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The county we live in, Columbia County, NY, is the third highest county in the USA for people working in the ‘creative economy’. There are a number of reasons for that, but certainly one of them is the incredibly beautiful countryside that we live in and for those who are able to see it, God’s hand is evident in creation all around us. After all this is the area where the Hudson River School of painters in the mid -19th century embodied the romantic vision of creation in their landscape paintings.

So the point is that there are many ways for people to come to know God and certainly He is yearning for us to find Him. Unfortunately, for so many people it stays in the subconscious, not coming to the front burner. Whether it is through a crisis in our lives which pushes us into recovery or the every day work of artists creating, God is there waiting for us to find him and His purpose for our lives.

WOW!  Great video Michael! I hope you all let him know your thoughts about it – I love seeing him grow in film making!

I’m just working everyday on finishing up the wonderful Graymoor Icon commission- Mother Lurana White and Fr. Paul Wattson, here are a working progress snap.  They are eight feet high, so the camera distorts the length here!

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Also the artists potluck dinner is getting better and better and really functioning more as a community all the time.  Thank you all for your prayers- you are faithful companions on the journey and we love being part of yours too.

Let us know how we can best pray for you in the month ahead.

Love and blessings,

Michael and Christine

www.mickhales.com

www.halesart.com

www.newchristianicons.com

New Beginnings

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Hello Friends:IMG_1301

Michael and I spent last month exploring the warm weather of Florida while we also reached out to local communities to share our art and prayers.  We have had a rewarding and healthy time and have come back refreshed and ready to try again to bring Revival to our area of New York.  Yikes. We have noticed the extreme difference in the faith climate between New York (Albany area) and Southern Florida before, but this time we were just so grateful to have so many people open to receiving prayer and teachings about Icons.  It certainly is a lot easier to minister when there is a large population of believing Christians of all different denominations.IMG_1253

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy until the end of our lives.” Psalm 90:14  I gave an Icon lecture at Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota that was very well received.

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The lifestyle of an Iconographer involves, among other things, a disciplined practice of fasting, prayer, Scripture reading, and spiritual direction.  Sounds ascetic but in reality, the joy we experience by such frequent association with God brings so much joy and happiness, that it’s a wonder more people don’t live that way! 🙂  This year I plan to intensify my research, writing and teaching of Iconography. Particularly writing – I want to articulate in writing what I’ve learned is important in Icon Writing teaching and I plan to offer 5 day Icon writing workshops in different parts of the country, with God’s help.

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The Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis is using my Stations of the Cross Icons for lent this year, praise God. Our Icon class is starting up again next week with a celebration of Shrove Tuesday!  Such a great group of people praying and writing Icons together. I am so blessed!

Michael has made three new videos that I will put as links here.  Really worth viewing!  I love the way he interviews people and they open up their hearts to share their testimonies. It is so encouraging!

Love Came Down from Michael Hales on Vimeo.

The purpose of making these videos was to develop a variety of styles to illustrate what can be created with really basic equipment. The videos are short and quite different but each has a message which glorifies God. Each video comes out of prayer and either relates to scripture or what Michael has discerned God is asking him to focus on. The titles: To know the love of God, [from Ephesians 3:17-19], Return to First Love: [Revelation 2:2-5.], and Love Came Down, each in its own way illustrates how God loves us. These are part of the ‘video project’ to teach and equip people, especially the youth, to create videos which glorify God in their local communities, which Michael is offering churches in the region. Part of the beauty of the ‘video project’ is that it gives people a ‘bridge’ through the act of videotaping and opens up opportunities for people to examine their faith and how God has worked in their lives. If you are interested in more information about the video project please let us know and please hold it up in prayer.

To Know the Love of God from Michael Hales on Vimeo.

Return to First Love from Michael Hales on Vimeo.

“You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest.  Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.  You both precede and follow me.  You place your hand of blessing on my head.”  Psalm 139:3-5

We pray a blessing on each one of you. to receive all the love God has always wanted to give to you. May this next month especially blessed,

Love and prayers,

Christine and Michael

www.mickhales.com       Christinehales.com   www.newchristianicons.com

 

 

Thanksgiving

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Hello Friends and Family:photo

I know you all join with me in giving thanks for a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving for our country and our families.  In these times our prayers are more important than ever, I believe.

“If you make the Lord your refuge, If you make the most high your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling.“Psalm 91:9

Michael and I are praying daily for peace, safety, and protection for this country and for all the refugees to find good homes.photo

I listened to an excellent interview with Krista Tippett on her program “On Being” and the interview was with Jonathan Sacks, former chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations in Great Britain for 22 years.  In this interview he explains how religious ideas can help inform modern challenges. In his book “The Dignity of Difference” he speaks about how we are enlarged by the people who are different from us- not threatened by them.  Another paraphrased quote that I love, “By being true to your faith, you will be a blessing to others, regardless of their faith….and it is in my uniqueness that I can contribute that something of value to the universe that no one else can give.”

These quotes are helpful when seeking to understand how to minister to our everyday world around us, to people who have no interest and often even an aversion to God. But we are called to be a light in a dark place, and Rabbi Grant shed light on exactly how best to do that in our contemporary world.smallfile

The artists community potluck dinner is going incredibly well – a growing number of artists in the area regularly come each month, and a community is starting to happen.  Last month we had about 60 artists, and many others emailed that they were sorry they couldn’t make it, but they will come next month. So glad it’s a potluck, because I never know how many people will come! :).  Our ministry sponsors and runs the dinner and it is held in the basement of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Hudson, NY. The above photograph Mick took of the “Key in the Hand” by Chiharu Shiota at the Japanese Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. I made a short video that included this art work and several others that I showed at the artists dinner. So, please keep that in your prayers, for God’s blessings and hand to be on it in an abundant way.photo 1

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I have a large Icon commission for the Graymoor Monastery in Garrison, NY that could use prayers for God’s lavish creativity, and blessing too.  The above drawings  are part of my daily drawing series.

Michael has been traveling quite a lot this last month and working on photographing a book in the New York City area for Rizzoli. One of the great things about New York City is how diverse it is, how many different cultures are gathered together. It is wonderful to see a group of children sit before the Franklin D Roosevelt’s classic speech of the Four Freedoms set in his commemorative park on Roosevelt Island. One of the freedoms he called for is “the freedom of every person to worship God in his own way- everywhere in the world.”  In America there are incredible opportunities and with that come overwhelming questions of which direction to take and what doors to go through._MG_4002

God loves all of his church and it is good for us to see the good in all the different denominations. I have been reading The Healing River and its contributing streams by Dr. Randy Clarke which outlines how healing prayer has been viewed by the different Christian streams. When we recognize we have many differences but the same purpose we can be so much more effective for the Lord. When the different streams start to flow together that is when we will really be pleasing to the Lord.

We are very grateful for the foundation which we hold on to through our belief in God and the directions we receive through His Holy Spirit. Sometimes we have to wait for the next step to be made clear, in the mean time we realize how important it is for every person to worship God in his own way- as much here in America as in war torn Syria.

We have so much to be thankful for!  Sending you love and prayers,
Christine and Michael

www.mickhales.com

www.christinehales.com

www.newchristianicons.com

www.americanassociationoficonographers.com

 

 

 

Healing Prayer Day in Philmont, NY

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Dear Friends and Family:  photo

This past week we had a week’s holiday at the beach – God blessed us so much! We have made some good friends there and feel like we are becoming part of the beach family. Yay!  Now we are back at work, and today I’ve been working since 5:30 am (it’s 5:30pm now), just so you know :).  Seriously, working refreshed is a lot better than working stressed out, praise God!

I’m working on developing my oil painting right now, as well as a new Icon of Saint Brigid that I am excited about.  But this coming Saturday is the Healing Prayer Day in Philmont that Michael is organizing and we want to tell you about it and ask for your prayers to cover it from now right up through the event.

Michael has invited Rick Cecil, one of the team of praying in the streets in Baltimore, MD, to come as well as Stephen Stewart to play guitar for worship.  We will be offering free hamburgers, hot dogs and cotton candy, but the emphasis  will be on healing prayer.

John 10:10 “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill,  and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.”IMG_5345

We’ve been asking for your prayers for Philmont for some time. There is an epidemic of heroin use and child abuse in the village.  We can’t silently stand by without raising the call for healing and prayer. Will you help us?  If all of you prayed, it would move mountains.  We ask for your prayers especially this week, that all those who need God’s healing will come, and that God would raise up a mighty army that will give His victory to save His children from destruction, poverty, and abuse.

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We pray that  Philmont will be a drug free zone. That workers will rise up to create educational programs for the youth, that Godly employment will be found for them, and small children will be protected from predators of all kinds.IMG_3113

Lord, God, we thank you for protecting us from every form of evil and bringing  us the gift of your divine health. We thank you for breaking the chains of oppression and delivering us from every form of sin, addiction, sickness, disease, and lie of the enemy, and we ask this in the name of Jesus.

We love you all and are so grateful to know that we can count on your prayer support.  And please keep us aware of how we can pray for you!  The gathering is Saturday, August 1, 2-5PM at the Claverack Town Park. Free and open to the public!

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June Flowers

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Dear Friends and Family: photo

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

Here in Philmont, NY, there is a heroin epidemic among the young and poor. This is a small village – maybe 700 people, and yet our youth are living with such low hope.  It’s generational here.  When you drive into town you see the 20 and thirty somethings on their front porches, little children running around, glazed looks in the parents’ eyes.  It’s so sad and seemingly unstoppable.  As I describe this, I want to also describe “the future we have not seen”.  I have a vision for Philmont becoming a safe place for children to grow up, with no drugs allowed in the area.  A drug free zone.  Won’t you join us in prayer for the youth of Philmont?  We know that prayer is powerful, and God can change the destiny of a place and its people.  In the weeks and months ahead, please pray some time each day for Philmont to be drug free and a safe place for children to grow up. photo 3

I’m working hard on painting- I have three galleries now that I have to bring in paintings, take back paintings, etc.. The exhibition in Chatham at the Bookstore sold three paintings! Praise God!  Also have a new Icon commission so am busy trying to stay organized. Please pray for me to find a good computer person to help me with the administrative tasks. 🙂

I’m taking a break from the Artists & Friends Community Potluck Dinners for July and August, hoping to get someone to help with it all. We’ll start back again September 19.

“One out of a hundred will read a bible. The other 99 will read you and me. Hopefully we are an accurate translation.”  Dutch Sheets

Michael has his Healing Day in Philmont on August 1 where we’ve rented the town pavilion for the day. Please keep that in prayer, that miracles will happen and people will get set free:    photo

That day is one of five dates set for different outside activities scheduled by a group of pastors from Columbia County joining together under the heading, ‘God Belongs in Our County’. They are set to take place in Claverack Town Park, Chatham, Greenport and Hudson. Michael has asked an evangelist from Baltimore, Rick Cecil to be among the speakers for that day and is expecting  worship music from past Kingdom School students. There have been so many predictions and words about the train coming in or the big wave moving through the Hudson Valley of God’s presence I found this picture at the Hudson Railway station particularly appropriate. Please keep this area in your prayers.photo

We love you all and keep you in our prayers, May God continue to bless you and your families, keep you safe from all harm and provide for a surplus of all your needs.  Help us to be mindful of the needs of others.

Christine and Michael

May Blossoms

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Dear Friends and Family:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.  Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.  Romans 13:9,10″

This spring we are reaching out into the community now that the grip of winter is over.  Our monthly Artists + Friends Community Potluck Dinner has been growing in many ways.  Each month we have 45-60 people coming to share a potluck meal and art work with each other. There are performers, visual artists, ceramicists, writers, poets , and we all gather to share our true selves with each other and celebrate what joins us together._MG_3602_MG_3617

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Michael and I also met with some of our former students from Kingdom School for dinner and prayer: 8 adults and 5 babies under the age of 3!  So much fun!

The Icons for Saint Vincent’s Church are completed and will be dedicated on Pentecost! May 24th 11:00 am service you’re all invited!  It will be an exciting moment to see them unveiled!

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Michael is going through a period of intense discernment to see where the Lord is leading him next. He has been exploring the opportunity for further training in Chaplaincy and is applying to Albany Medical Center to join the excellent program they offer there for Chaplains. He is also exploring the Lutheran denomination to see whether the Lord has a place for him in that stream. In the mean time we are beginning to see that our role within the artist community  is really laying a foundation for ministering to a group which has often rejected Christianity but are seriously searching for a fuller meaning to their creativity and life. God has extraordinary ways of weaving peoples lives together after long intervals of time, so we connect again in a different context for another opportunity to be in relationship. As we know God is all about relationships, with Him and with other people. We seem to be in a season of growing many new relationships and it is very life giving especially in the artist community.

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We feel an excitement that God is forming a cohesive plan, we do not see it clearly yet but it is as though it is being created around us. The former students from Kingdom School are all on new and exciting paths, many of them are going through interior growing and healing. God has a plan and we are so excited to be just one part of what he is doing in the Hudson Valley. Please keep us in your prayers and let us know how we can pray for you.

Love, prayers, and blessings from us to you!

Christine and Michael

www.christinehales.com

www.mickhales.com

www.americanassociationoficonographers.com 

www.newchristianicons.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Videos in February

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Hello Friends and Family:station1

Where we live is reminiscent of Siberia now – snow lasting for days, a brief respite then starting up again. Snowfall is now measured in feet and icicles are measured the same.  Single digit temperatures.  All of you in South Africa or Southern states, bask in your warmth and pray for us!

But we hardy ones in the North are working indoors on computer based activities :). Michael has completed two neat videos.  The first one is called “The Armour of God”, made with our friend Tyler Slade. Here’s the link: 

Michael feels like he is getting called back to working with video for the Lord. Particularly using the visual image with scripture in a contemporary style. There are many people who have not read the bible and really have little chance of coming across God’s word in their lives. Somehow, we need to make it available to them in a way which is dynamic and memorable, but not diluted. The visual image is  powerful, so combining it with the word of God can cut through the tendency to reject the Bible as irrelevant in todays world. For ‘the Armour of God’ video he feels like it is for intercessors, prayer warriors as well as those who have never heard of the passage from Ephesians before. It reminds us that we are in a battle all the time and we need to use the protection God has given us toSerenity declare who He is- Lord of this nation.

We ‘ve also just returned from an Immanuel Retreat in the Washington DC area, hosted by our friends the Stalcups from ANGA and the Acanforas at Church of the Apostles. It was called  The Immanuel Approach. It was great and our friends George and Jane Conger prayed us back home through a snow storm!  We are excited about what God is doing in the Baltimore and DC area and hope to go down there again soon.

My exhibition in Lancaster PA was fun -God is always showing me what comes next! I’m looking forward to the Icon Retreat in NYC later this month and the Hillsdale Icon class is going well- the Albany class hasn’t met for over a month due to snow cancellations!

The second Video Michael has made is for my Icon writing classes. Here’s the link for that one:

 

We so much appreciate your prayers.  We particularly need prayers for finances, good sales and commissions for me and for Michael, and a church we can be planted in.  Our ministry has three community outreaches this spring and summer and we are praying about offering a weekly course as well.  Our monthly prayer group is a good prayer furnace and we lift all of you up in prayer, that God blesses you with more of His love and kindness and safety in travel.

Until next month,

with love and prayers,

Christine and Michael