Jonathan and Tina Bailey
Location: Southeast Asia
Commissioned: 1995
Jonathan and Tina encourage Christian artists to stay connected to their cultures, using the music, dance and visual arts of their native community to express Christian faith. They hope that these expressions will help remove the walls between communities and local churches.
“To follow Christ doesn’t mean that you leave your culture behind and accept Western culture, but that you could live out your faith in your local community wearing your traditional clothes, playing your traditional instruments, and that is valid," said Jonathan.
Jonathan and Tina provide support and encouragement to other artists as well. They facilitate visual art exhibitions, teach music and dance classes, work with local musicians to create compositions for worship and provide training to seminary students.
They encourage churches and individuals to partner with Christian artists and communities around the world. They hope Fellowship Baptists with skills in music, dance, painting, drama and other art forms will share their gifts.
Video:
• Gamelan for Christmas: Indigenous Music in the Tropics
Audio Journal:
• Crescendo: A Christian exploration of art
• Standing in the midst: A temple dedication
• Christmas art performance in Southeast Asia
Related stories:
• 2011 December/2012 January fellowship!: Christ is present in all cultures
• 2011 February/March fellowship!: When you give
• Field personnel minister to artists through international organizations
• Field personnel encourage artists in Asian communities