The New Zealand Bible Society distributed a 'free art resource' to more than 12,000 youth at Easter Camps through the Kiwi Isles.
A fresh perspective and some unique artwork are the hallmarks of a new resource specially designed to encourage youth to engage with the biblical story of Easter.
The five panelled creative resource told the Easter story from the perspectives of four lesser-known characters – the servant girl who caught out Peter in the courtyard, Pilate, the Centurion at the cross and the doubting disciple Thomas.
New Zealand Bible Society Programme Director Stephen Opie said, "Interacting with the Easter story through these creative reflections and unique pieces of art, youth were able to develop a 360 degree view of what the biblical scenes might have looked and felt like. It helped them imagine themselves in the story, to see and feel what was going on."
One of the four artists, Morgan Lee, shares what it was like coming up with her design for the servant girl, who witnessed Peter's denial of Christ. Although Morgan was brought up with Christian faith she says her experiences and situations in life led her away from God. Yet in working on this design she found a connection in the Bible story, and particularly her character, that relates to life today.
Impact
"Working on this illustration for Bible Society has made me more aware on the impact of God in peoples' lives, especially the younger generation. Initially working on a Bible story was a little difficult as I found I needed to really examine something I hadn't focused on in many years. Yet after talking to friends and family who were aware of the Bible story, I was able to reflect on and relate to how the servant girl was feeling."
The lines emanating from the servant girl represent the "disarray of thoughts and emotions she would have been feeling at the time." Morgan believes the servant girl's story and the confusion she felt could help youth connect the story to their own lives and deeper inner emotions within themselves.
New Zealand Bible Society's new Easter resource were distributed for free at three main Easter camps - Baptist Central (Fielding), Baptist Northern (Mystery Creek, Hamilton) and Canterbury Youth Service's Southern (Christchurch).
It was also be given to youth at the nine Presbyterian Easter camps held around the country and the Central Division Salvation Army Easter camp at Silverstream, Upper Hutt.
Media enquires: please contact Sarah Richards
Bible Society Communications Specialist
Phone (04) 550 0855 or 0273 701 460
Email: sarah.richards@biblesociety.org.nz
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html