Becky Introduces Agape Art

In June of 2004, I traveled to Dumaguete City in the Philippines to spend a month serving at an orphanage called Rainbow Village.  It was there that I seem to have left my heart.  In the three years since, the Lord has continuously affirmed in me a desire and passion to return.  Through patience and perseverance, over time the details have been revealed to me.  It eventually became clear that an art ministry camp for the Agape girls was the context in which I was to return.  The Agape program has been designed as a place of refuge, healing, and growth for these teenage girls that have been removed from their homes due to sexual abuse.  During our visit, we were simply amazed by the creativity of the girls.  Much of our time was spent making bracelets, weaving palm branches, creating flower arrangements from our surroundings, and designing stationary.  It was in this context that we were able to develop trust and intimacy with these girls.  The memories and mentor-like relationships developed with these young women in the 4 short weeks of my original visit have grown into continued friendship through letters and stories even years later.  It is through the sale of artwork from local artists that we will return, and through the sale of the artwork created by the Agape girls that we hope to continue this program annually.   As we begin with our first camp in May 2007, I am excited to motivate these young women in their creativity while teaching them a way in which their gifts can contribute to sustainability in their futures.  To see some pictures and read some of our journal entries from my initial visit with a team from Bethel University, you can check out www.bethelteamphilippines2004.blogspot.com.