A portrait of limitations

Phil Hansen's piece will be created using only the text of personal stories sent in to him (Photo: Phil Hansen)

An exciting art project is drawing on people's personal stories of inner resolve and breakthrough in times of difficulty.

Phil Hansen is inviting people around the world to submit their stories, which will then be written onto a huge canvas.

The project is all about the limitations people have experienced in their lives but Phil wants the work to be a "public dialogue".

One person shared with him: "I grew up with alcoholic, neglectful parents who beat each other up every day. People have told me they're shocked I turned out so well - I owe it to my faith in God."

Another says: "I just got back from three months of awesome service and deepening my relationship with God in New Zealand. Now I am back in the USA, and it is difficult to adjust back to my home culture. I am a different person, and this 'new me' is finding it hard to fit back into an old life. I feel stuck in the suburbs, and life seems to be at a standstill. One thing I do know: God is faithful and He will take me great places wherever I am."

His Kickstarter fundraising campaign was a huge success. He aimed to raise $8,038 but in the end reached over $20,000 from 482 backers.

"This project gives us the opportunity to reflect on our limitations and to be part of something bigger than our own struggles," he shared.

"Hopefully, in the end, we can gain new perspectives about our limitations through this shared art experience."

Anyone can share a story about a limitation at www.philinthecircle.com

News
Indian families' homes destroyed for refusing to renounce Christ
Indian families' homes destroyed for refusing to renounce Christ

As often happens, the police sided with the persecutors

Middle East Christians warn rapid growth in faith is outpacing discipleship support
Middle East Christians warn rapid growth in faith is outpacing discipleship support

Christian leaders working across the Middle East say a surge in spiritual openness is leading thousands to explore faith in Jesus, but warn that a lack of local discipleship structures risks leaving many new believers unsupported.

Young adults driving renewed interest in Christianity, research finds
Young adults driving renewed interest in Christianity, research finds

A new set of supplemental reports from the Evangelical Alliance suggests that young adults are emerging as a significant group among those coming to Christian faith in the UK, with authenticity, Scripture and community proving decisive factors in their journeys.

CofE earmarks £22m for outreach in three dioceses
CofE earmarks £22m for outreach in three dioceses

Most of the funds will go to the dioceses of Manchester and Exeter.