The Meeting Bell
Medium : Pen and ink On Bristol Board
Size : 11” x 15”
Year illustration was completed : 1987
This illustration was part of a collection of pen and ink rendering i did for a christian mission, for their pamphlet that was published to inform the community, surounding churches, and the military post near by, of the services they offered, and about their ranch. Their main ministry is to the military service personnel and their families. They offer a weekly dinner followed by a Bible study. They offer a place where service personnel could spend the weekend at the rach for free, with meals included. There would also be activies they could partake in , such as going to concerts, going to amusement parks, visiting national park for picnics and hiking. The ranch holds retreat for military personnel who are in training, who want to learn about the Bible , and enjoy good home cooked food, rest, and out door recreation in the country.
This ministry also lends it’s facilities too near by churches, and to the military chaplaincy, for luncheons. This ministry is a great work of God, share God’s word, and love through hospitality.
About the bell. I call this illustration the meeting bell, because it sat right out side the activity center, and when ever a retreat was being held, the bell was use to let the guess know when a meal was being served, or a Bible study was about to begin. If you study the bell you can tell that at one time it must have been housed in some kind of church or fire house, by the big wheel attatched to it’s side, so it can be rung by a rope. Then when it found it’s self at the ranch , they must have had a arm clacker manufactured, To strike the bell to sound.
Estelle O'Brien, 29 days ago
This is a very good drawing Stephen…and I enjoyed the desciptive piece you wrote with it. I love to hear of hospitality ministries…when we have home church at our farm it always includes a meal together with our Bible study and worship (and sometimes a bit of fishing on the river!) I hope you are well. I am praying for you and your work…God bless you, my brother.
Stephen J. Va... in reply to Estelle O'Brien’s comment, 28 days ago
Estelle,
Alway a pleasure to hear from you, and your encouraging words alway breath some life into my ministry. I hope you are enjoying my pen and ink collection.. I am puting up a little at a time because I am always running back and forth between three art communities, posting my work, to reach as many people with the gospel of Christ, by sharing my work. I thank you for remembering me in your prayer. Being single, and working hard at my job to make enough money to pay my bills, and deviding my time between posting my art and my writings on the internet ; and working on my art and writing, can be very lonely time. Pray with me , that God will help me find balance so that I will acomplish a lot in all areas, by not neglect any of these area of ministry.
I would like to say that i enjoye reading your testimony of faith.
Stephen
Estelle O'Brien, 28 days ago
I will pray for balance and energy and wisdom in your life. I could pray for a wife too…if you are interested in one! Never be discouraged by lack of comments Stephen, as long as people are reading and looking then you are doing what God has called you to do. Don’t forget to keep aside some time just to relax in His love. Blessings, Estelle.
Stephen J. Va..., 27 days ago
Estelle,
I thank you that you are are praying for me. I am not apposed to the idea of you praying for a wife for me, but you would also have to pray for God to provide the means to be able to take care of her, for i am very poor. I believe all wealth comes from God’s hand, but i don’t know if it’s His will for me to have a wife or money.
Stephen