Dave Nevard's Comments

Oh yes, we are now doing art twice a week with the homeless, although it is more us doing the art and talking with the homeless. They love having their portrait done, and the fact that we go to the same park and eat the same food they do is a real way to build friendships. WE also now take seats and they come and sit and chat, some talk about God and others have their own beliefs, but we are firm and caring. We have seen a community spirit start to be apparent when we go, which is great to see. Praying for more understanding how to make more of an impact.

Hi Dave, Every couple of years YWAM Perth sends all its team to a megacity. the city for 1012 is London. I usually work on taking a team of artists for three weeks some time during that year. Since you are already involved in using art in England, I wondered if perhaps we could link up for that time? Not sure of dates yet, but thought I would ask if it seems like an idea to you?

Hi Dave. Great to hear from you.

At the moment Art Refuge is working once a week in a women's refuge, where most of the women have experienced domestic violence. It is a chance to breath some of God's peace into their lives, and give them a chance to talk. I am hoping that as they open up, God will also use the art to bring inner healing, and chances to pray for them.
We hope to do art around the local city in Perth, and will be doing art with some homeless each Saturday evening where a church is providing meals. Seems to work well, with sometimes children and sometimes adults coming and doing art with us. We were trying art on a Wednesday morning with homeless last year, but what we were doing didn't work. They are happy to do it, when they are being fed, but not when there is really no food involved. Any ideas you may have there would be greatly appreciated. We are considering perhaps offering workshops on specific subjects.

Your art on cardboard is inspiring, especially the large ones that are hung. They are beautiful and I like that they are on what is available to everyone. They show the people so well.

The picture you like is of a girl I met in a slum in Jakarta in November 2008. We spent three weeks in three different slums using art to just touch the lives of the children and their parents, and teach a little of who God is and His immense love for them. We had a chance to pray for them, and they were great - so happy, and caring towards one another. The first time we went to her slum we talked about butterflies and suggested that we all draw one - but none of the 60 children knew how to draw a butterfly - blew my mind, and then we taught them. The funny looking butterfly in my pics is one of the ones drawn that day.

What you are doing sounds great. I would love to know more about what they are doing in Leeds. You seem to be preparing well for wherever God leads you and your art.

Please keep in touch.
Narelle

Hey mate, let me know if I can help in any way.. God Bless!

Hi Dave.. love your art, heart and vision. Truly exciting! Thanks so much for your contributions.. stay connected.

Hi Dave. My name is Narelle, and I lead a ministry in Australia, Art Refuge, that uses art to reach out to the lost and hurting. I've not heard of the school in Leeds, but it sounds great. Your vision is amazing. Justice issues are such a large and also important area. Do you know what you plan to do in the future? Or is it a learning at this point?
It's so good to have a place where we can share what we each are doing, and find out what is going on around the world. Narelle

Great vision mate and excited for all the things ahead for you..