In early July, Emmanuel Baptist Church connected with Horsforth’s annual ‘Walk of Art’ weekend in order to share the gospel.
Art of all types, from a variety of artists, was on display in over 50 locations across the north Leeds town.
This year Emmanuel Baptist Church hosted three events with Ross Wilson (BEM) of Northern Ireland. Wilson is an international painter and sculptor and his work is exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery.
On the Saturday afternoon, Wilson shared the story of Vincent Van Gogh: pilgrim, preacher, missionary and painter. He shared how Van Gogh was a man touched by God, who preached his first sermon aged 23, painted his first masterpiece aged 27 and died in obscurity aged 37.
After Van Gogh’s stipend was withdrawn by the missionary society for whom he was working in Belgium, he disconnected totally from the established church system. Yet there is evidence of his faith both in his art and letters to his beloved brother, Theo, who died aged 33 some months after Vincent.
On the Sunday afternoon, Emmanuel Baptist Church held an evangelistic event where Wilson was interviewed by the minister Wes Johnson about his art, life and Christian faith.
