Malipayong Pasko! (Merry Christmas) and Happy New Year 2011 to you! I know I’ve been quiet, so I thought it was about time to you update you on the ministry of Agape Art. Agape Art has been through lots of changes in the last couple years. Our 2009 trip was very successful! The artwork was better than ever, the teamwork and team relationships were truly blessed, and there was even fruit (one of the girls on our team, Kelly Sankner, was actually saved on our last day there)! I had the honor of baptizing her at the Vineyard in August of 2009 and now she's quite involved with the 20 something group there.
Last Fall within a few months after our return (2009), I got some news from Rainbow that a lot was changing. 8 of the 13 Agape girls had moved on from Rainbow. Some ready to be on their own, others reunited with family. It really changed the tune of our trips there and was suggested that it may not be the best time to bring a team for 2010. I was encouraged that it would be a better year to come with my family, as my heart had really been growing toward serving in the Philippines for a longer term after the 2009 trip. James and I were working on that idea of going there to visit this December, but it didn't really work out or make a lot of sense. As of now there is only one Agape Girl remaining in the Agape program at Rainbow. Two other sisters live there as boarders, but will be moving on when they graduate college in March.
Although we did not travel in 2010, and we do not have plans for a 2011 trip, we were able to focus on a few art shows this year in which we sold a lot of great artwork created from the 2009 trip. In October, Agape Art sent $865 to Rainbow as proceeds from what was earned at art shows this year. We had displays at Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton, and Starbucks at Harper's Point. I still have a great deal of artwork remaining that I have collected over the past few years. I will continue to find ways to display and sell these artworks as I find venues or events that are fitting. We will most likely not be having any independent Agape Art events anytime soon. Although attendance has been disappointing at our last couple of events, it was beautiful to see that the spirit of the local Agape Art community still exists.
I think the prime of Agape Art has passed, but God has not yet told me that it is over. Perhaps this is just a quiet time and perhaps He has other plans for this ministry in the future. Personally this has become a time that I need to be focused on securing a steady income and getting settled with and growing my family. My step-daughter, Caitlin, started college at Univ. of Dayton this Fall. My husband, James, and I moved in with my mom this summer to save up while trying to buy a house. We have decided to build a house in Maineville which will be ready for us to move in in April. I am currently on the hunt for a full-time job with good benefits and growth potential before we start growing our family.
As far as ministry, the Lord has taken James and I on a different path this year. After tragically losing his older brother to suicide in February of this year, James' stirring to create a mentoring ministry for fatherless boys has grown. Together, with the support of our church (Northstar in Loveland), we are launching a men’s mentoring ministry called Pathfinders in January 2011. I believe this is where God wants us to be focused now, but someday maybe He has a plan to bring the ministry of my heart (Agape Art) and the ministry of my husband's heart (Pathfinders) together in some way.
Thank you for all your support and your continued interest in Agape Art, Rainbow Village, and my life of ministry. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and let me know if the Lord stirs anything in your heart that you think I should know;)
Much love,
Becky Palmieri
Founder/Director of Agape Art
Find Agape Art on Facebook and become a fan!
Comments