Touching lives through the creative arts: Kosovo

Country Profile

Touching lives through the creative arts

Kosovo | OM International

The Word of God touched many lives in Kosovo through the creative arts this summer. Thirty-eight events spanning every major city on four tours were organised by OM Kosovo-Pristina team leader through OM Arts International. They also hosted a music night at a café with artists from Kosovo and Albania.

Follow the torch

No Longer Music, a rock band that incorporates video, fire, theatrics and other elements, created a multi-media performance to illustrate the message of the Bible. At the end of their shows, the crowd is invited to follow the burning torch to the side of the stage if they want to hear more about Jesus.

In Gjakova, Kosovo, around 150 people immediately responded to their challenge and many prayed to receive Christ on the spot. Many of them now attend the local church.

Speaking to a packed house

During a separate tour, a band from Turkey called Storybox appeared with a hip-hop dancer, fire eater and a drama based on the story of the prodigal son. One time the band played to a packed house of Roma people from Fushë Kosovë. At a follow-up meeting the next day, initially only three men appeared, but soon the size of the crowd forced the leaders to go inside the café so all could join in the conversation.

Before they knew it, all the patrons in the café—the owner, servers, and many from the show—had gathered to listen to the message. Everyone in the café heard about God's redemptive power. Since then, eight people have started going to the local fellowship and 18 have been meeting at the church for soccer every weekend.

Painting with music

A Transform team with musicians from various countries, a dancer and a professional performance painter also attracted much attention. The performance artist painted while the team played music, and at the end of each show she shared about the inspiration and meaning of her painting, before giving the painting to an audience member.

One painting was given to a principal who said he would hang it as a centrepiece in his school; the painting conveyed hope in eternity and pointed to the Author of that hope. The team was encouraged to later hear that the painting was on display in his school.

"God overcame every obstacle, including some major technical problems," said the team leader with OM Kosovo-Pristina. "God accomplished many wonderful things; a lot of good truth has been planted in the hearts and minds of thousands across Kosovo. Please pray for them, and for the tours we are planning for 2012!"