Covenant News

Missionary Helps Artists Reflect God's Beauty

PARIS, FRANCE (April 23, 2005) - When Christianity Today (CT) recently ran a lengthy article on the stirrings of evangelical renewal in France, it mentioned The Foundry (La Fonderie), a ministry established in part by Covenant missionary Francisco Ramos to reach and inspire artists in their faith.

Each week, between 50 and 100 artists gather to share their works, worship and encourage one another. Most are Christians while others are seekers, says Curt Peterson, the executive minister of world mission, who visited The Foundry recently. "It was inspiring to see this effective outreach among artists who have not always found connection in the church but who have found community and faith encouragement in the arts," he says.

As a new believer years ago, Ramos struggled with his passion for art, feeling that he was misusing his time and energy in creating graven "images." At a recent gathering Ramos testified to discovering that God desired him to use his artistic gifts to glorify God and integrate them into his ministry.

France is a country suspicious of evangelicals, and yet renewal is taking place. The CT article told the story of Marc Clementin who left his job in a leading architectural firm to live off his paintings. "When you identify yourself as a Christian, some galleries don't want you around," Clementin told CT.

Artists of many disciplines from around the world participate in the weekly gatherings sponsored by The Foundry. Recent meetings have included painters, hip-hop artists, sculptors, singers, instrumentalists, and composers. They have come from Europe, Asia and France. A meal from a different culture is served each evening.

Speakers have included a composer addressing perfectionism, and a director discussing his work leading a choir of young people, many of whom have come from difficult backgrounds.

Ramos says he hopes that the meetings will encourage the artists to continue to reflect the beauty of God in this world.

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