MounTaIN
VIEWPOINT
Art Can Change the World
Something life-changing is happening at the As the Mountain View Conference emphasizes,
Charleston Boulevard church in West Virginia, and it’s there are many, many ways to tell somebody
through a very unlikely source—a simple art class! about Jesus!
What started in 2021 as a small art class com- eT TT PNY
prised of 7-10 members quickly blossomed into a EE a
60-70-person monthly event! The free class meets
one Sunday each month, bringing together a variety
of ages, denominations, genders and skill levels.
To start the class, Megan Garcia (below), a pro-
fessional artist and wife of Tony, assistant pastor of
Charleston Boulevard, gives a short devotional to
encourage the group and sew gentle seeds in those
who may never otherwise step foot in a church. Then
everyone enjoys a four-course meal with friendly
fellowship and fun giveaways. And lastly, Megan
step-by-step leads the art project of the month.
“Many have come to know the Lord for the first
time through this ministry, and there’s even Bible
studies taking place in different homes with those
who attend the class!” states Megan.
“One of my granddaughters who was raised in AF a = ——
this church recently started coming to the class Visitors Krista Chrispell and Keith Johnson attend
with me. It has been the right incentive to bring the art class for the first time.
her back through the doors of the church,” states
Peggy Koch, Boulevard Church member. “It's a
non-threatening way of inviting people to church /
activities without making them feel pressured. Now yy
she is bringing her 19-year-old son, my grandson, (lf /
with her. | am so excited about the prospect of her poy /[ J (
coming back to God through this ministry.” HA “7 /
Featuring Janet Salazar
Pastor’s wife, mother of two, teacher and
published writer currently living in Maryland.
& Mtn. View Gexjference >
Women's Retreat 2023
October 6-8 23 ~ Huttonsville,
ore information:
mtviewconf.org/ministries/womens-minigtiies
Mountain Viewpoint is published in the Visitor by the Mountain View Conference m 1400 Liberty Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101
Phone: (304) 422-4581 » mtviewconf.org = President, Tim Bailey = Editor, Liz Bailey
20 | VISITOR July/August 2023
PHOTO BY ETHAN GARCIA