Nearly 350 people distracted from their shopping expedition and
attracted into an exhibition called ‘Pictures of Love’!
The reason
for this phenomena? – A normally empty shop that for one week was transformed
into an oasis; a haven; a tranquil corner of grace, peace and love. The format was simple – written words,
photographs, art and craft activities all focussed on the theme of love: the
opportunity for shoppers to drop in, browse, chat, enjoy a cuppa (free), to
paint and display their very own ‘picture of love’ or simply to take time out.
What a
remarkable week it was. Sitting near a
window, doodling with some woodwork, it was possible for me, out the corner of
my eye, to see people in the mall as they stopped, looked at the posters, peered
through the windows, paused and considered, then took the plunge and came
in.
It was
remarkable how the exhibition triggered the desire for so many people to enter
into conversation about a particular craft activity, and then ask questions
about faith. What a privilege it is to
be allowed into their lives, to share in their story and in some instances, to
listen as they acknowledge that their lives are diminished by lack of personal
faith.
In these changing
times, when churches seem preoccupied with statistics about dwindling
congregations, it came as a stark reminder that people who do not attend church
can still be hungry for a personal experience of God’s unconditional love. My/our challenge is to find new ways to stand
alongside and engage with them, wherever they are on their journey of life to
enthuse and encourage each other in the good news of God’s love.
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