In Belgium, a powerful project to share the Gospel is underway - using the arts. Several years ago, Gerdine Baaj moved to Belgium and visited an exhibition about Flemish painter Jan van Eyck. Shortly after, she discovered a labyrinth in a local Catholic church and her creative process started. 

Jan van Eyck's most famous painting is 'The Lamb of God,' depicting the scene in Revelation 5 in which the lamb of God is worshipped in Heaven. 

This painting is the centrepiece of the Arts Experience Labyrinth, setting the theme for the entire experience. The labyrinth is made from portable panels that can be set up wherever the exhibition travels. Each panel tells a piece of the story, printed in vivid colour, and every element is important in Flemish culture. 

In addition to van Eyck's painting, the labyrinth also features works from the Flemish primitives. These painters worked between the 13th and 14th centuries, and their pieces are inspired by biblical texts. Interspersed with the historical paintings are contemporary works collected specifically for this exhibition. 

To guide people through the exhibition, the team created Pepjin the Flemish Giant rabbit. A cartoonist brought the breed to life along with other characters, one of whom is a giant - an often-seen character in Belgium. 

Special music was also composed to play in the background while people walk through the labyrinth. There is also the ability for other art forms, such as dance, to be incorporated if the venue allows. All the elements come together to create a stunning experience that leads people to encounter Jesus in a unique way.

They are arranged in such a way that they walk visitors through the metanarrative of Scripture, touching on creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration. 

The hope and prayer for this exhibition are that people will come and be moved by the story of the Lamb of God. The Gospel is presented without overtly evangelising those who come, but rather by allowing them to experience the story themselves in a novel way. Those who may not be willing to talk about Jesus otherwise may in this way hear the truth.

The project has also brought together the Protestant and Catholic churches in the area. Historically they have not worked together, but the labyrinth has provided a way for them to collaborate.

The team had a test exhibition to see how things would go and what needed to be improved, and they now have a full exhibition that started in June 2022. Entry to the entire exhibition will be offered for free wherever it travels, as the heart of the team is to honour the Flemish culture and give the people something beautiful.

The Lord has already worked mightily to bring this project together, even in spite of the pandemic. The lives of those planning it have been greatly influenced and they are eager to see how the Holy Spirit will move as the exhibition travels. The Gospel is beautiful, and it is showcased in this fantastic work of artistry. 

By experiencing the beauty of the art in the labyrinth, people will experience the goodness of the Lamb of God. 

May He be honoured and glorified, and may many hear of His love through this exhibition! 

You are uniquely shaped with gifts and skills, all of which God can use for His glory. Are you an artist, dancer, or someone who enjoys other forms of art? Explore our upcoming creative outreaches by clicking the button below and filtering ministry type by 'creative ministries.'

Creative Outreaches