Austria’s elaborate concert halls, famous opera houses and stunning cathedrals readily attract tourists from around the world. However, despite its rich musical, cultural and church history, the country today “feels spiritually empty,” according to Operation World. Though 84 per cent of the population believe in God, very few people have a living relationship with Jesus.

Professional musician Rachel Olney, who lives in Austria and serves with OM’s culture and arts team there, has developed a concert to bring the greatest story ever told to life through music.

Incorporating a variety of musical genres including bossa nova, Viennese song, gospel, ballads, Latin and film music, the concert is designed to entertain multigenerational audiences and to engage both Jesus followers and those who do not yet know him. The title neust.Art (new start), hints at the transformational message proclaimed throughout the programme.

Rachel and other talented musicians debuted the neust.Art concert last May, continuing with additional performances in January. After one of the concerts, a non-believer commented on their rendition of “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” saying: “I know that song, but the way you played it was real music!”

Because of your partnership, Rachel received an OM Inspiro Arts “Alliance Grant” this year. Thanks to your generosity, she is now refining elements of the concert to help it flow even better for future performances. Each concert provides an opportunity for believers to invite their non-Christian friends and sow the seed of the gospel, reaching those who do not yet know the Lord.

Because of Jesus’ arrival on earth as a baby in the manger, we all are invited to receive a ‘new start’ with God through His death and resurrection. Your gift will enable more people — like those in Austria living without hope in Christ — to hear and experience the transformational gospel message for the first time.

The Christmas Appeal