2 Corinthians 4:7 describes the gospel as a “treasure” in “clay jars.”

These humble vessels bring to mind the Japanese tradition of kintsukuroi that creates (or recreates) pottery from broken pieces. Damaged vessels are put back together, often with gold binding, to create a useful object once again.

The new piece tells a story about the past and is infused with glory that is greater than the former, as in Haggai 2:9.

As a community, try out this form of art.

• Go throughout your neighbourhood, collecting rubbish, and cleaning up.
• Find broken vessels (e.g., dishes or vases).
• Clean the broken items that can be reused.
• Work together to piece them back together, not into what they were but to create (or recreate) something new and beautiful.

For example, see the pictured cross constructed from broken clay jars. Iglesia Cristiana Menonita Centre de Fe, Anolaima, built this park “Igleparque” in their town about 2 hours’ drive from Bogotá. It is open to the public. Church members guide visitors through to view its many features and to share the message of the gospel. 

With permission, send your story and photo to photo@mwc-cmm.org to share with the global Anabaptist family.