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RELEASING CREATIVITY
walk across on dry ground. Given to Renee and Kenelm, it ended up in the hands of Cass Langton who used it to frame a sermon for the Hillsong Creative Team inspiring creatives all over the world to reflect on how God makes a way through the impossible. It’s just one story of how the underground church is using their creativity to not only claim back their voice, but also to let God speak through them.
Despite hundreds of small churches being shut down, Renee says the Chinese community continues to look for ways to bring hope to other people. The western world might see them as the ones in need, but she says that’s not how they view themselves.
“They never see themselves as the ones being persecuted. They always just see it as like there’s going to be challenge — there’s going to be difficulties. But they see themselves as blessed, so they want to actually bless others.” In contrast to previous generations, Renee says there has actually been an influx of Chinese missionaries being sent out into Europe and the Middle East. Kenelm is excited about this as he reflects on how much the Chinese creative community has imparted into him and the uniqueness of what they can continue to share with the world.
“I’m hearing the songs that they’re writing. I’m seeing the art that they’re drawing, and what’s coming out from there.... Art will create that avenue for them to create it in their way — in a way that works for Chinese churches.... Who knows the worship expression, the art expression, the music expression that’s actually going to come from this? And it’s going to be in their way, their flavour, their ability.”
And that’s what Renee and Kenelm are so passionate about — the potential of creativity being released out of a country that has traditionally seen others sent into it. So, while the logistics of constant new locations, limited resources, and uncertainties rise, they continue to create for the glory of God, knowing He will provide everything they need.
“It’s such an encouragement and reminder for us now,” Kenelm reflected. “God creates ways for them. Never have I heard them say, no we can’t, but rather, let’s find a way.”
