International Newsletter August 2023
Since Steiger began, we’ve been using the arts as a tool to communicate the Gospel of Jesus to young people who would never step foot in a church. We’re always humbled to see God use the talents he’s given us to reach the Global Youth Culture.
REVOLUTIONARY ARTS TOUR
Last month, our Polish teams put on a “Revolutionary Arts” tour across the country. They used music, theater, dance, costume and makeup design, and visual arts to clearly and boldly communicate the Gospel.
One couple stumbled upon the performance and stayed to watch. Afterwards the young woman shared, “My husband and I used to do shows like this with our church, but life, temptations, and our own doubts have made us walk away from our faith. Our marriage, too, was dying.
Steiger missionary Ania Greenwood connects with a young couple after the show.
“As we watched the show, I heard these words in my heart, ‘I am. You won’t accomplish anything on your own. Do you remember who connected you in the first place? I am love.’ This has been a huge sign for us from heaven and a message from God reminding us that He is!”
The Revolutionary Arts Tour put on 5 shows in which nearly 2,000 people heard the Gospel. They prayed with 130 of those people and exchanged contact information to follow up with 60 of them.
“THE KID” AT SLOT ART FESTIVAL
Meanwhile, Steiger missionary Philip Shorey was preparing for this year’s SLOT Art Festival in Poland, where he brought an 80-person orchestra to play music he’d written to accompany Charlie Chaplin’s silent film, “The Kid.”
Philip leads a Chaplin Bible Study for the Orchestra.
Because the orchestra was made up of believers and non-believers, it was the perfect place to build discipleship relationships. “We held ‘Chaplin Conversations’ in the evenings - spiritual discussions based on biblical truth. A few non-believers attended every time,” Philip shared.
“One girl started crying when I mentioned the awe of God’s timing in creating each one of us, at this moment in time and history. She couldn’t understand why she was so moved by this realization, but after I explained that God is pursuing her because of His love for her, she prayed to receive Jesus into her life! Other members of the orchestra are on the fence as well and we expect to see breakthrough soon.”
The performance broke attendance records for any opening night show at the festival.
Nearly 4,000 people showed up for the show. Philip shared afterwards that, like Chaplin in the film, God is the true good Father we all need. He was able to meet and pray with 15 audience members who wanted to know more.
Please pray for those who made decisions to follow Christ as a result of these efforts! And if you’re an artist yourself, we challenge you to ask God what He wants you to do with the gifts He’s given you.