"WORKS OF HeART"

 “WORKS OF HeART” “STONE ART MINISTRY” 

Uplift and inspire spreading kindness and hope through Stone/Pebble Art. This “Work of HeART” movement is dedicated in loving memory of Karen Burger (18/08/66 – 20/12/20) and to all loved ones lost through the Covid 19 virus; to all the health care workers, Dr’s and Nurses, who tirelessly continue to provide loving care and service to hurting and needy families and communities. To the many businesses, churches and communities who despite all the odds stacked against us continue to protect, help, assist, uplift and inspire each other. 

  I have been friends with Rita Kruger (George, SA) and her daughters Karen Burger (Gouritsmond, SA) and Nicky Potgieter (USA) for many years. The friendship continued with Karen and her Husband Hugo Burger and Karen and I communicated regularly in a special way with our love for art. Through visions and dreams I paint “Living Word Art” from the Bible and Karen called her art “Stone Art Ministry”. Her love for Jesus and her painted rocks and pebbles were well known throughout the Cape.

 Sadly Karen passed away after being infected with the Covid 19 virus in December 2020 and Hugo working abroad in Ghana critically ill in hospital, infected with the Covid 19 virus himself could not be with her or his family in South Africa.

 My sister Cathy le Roux (Mosselbay, SA) also paints pebbles/stones and after complete recovery Hugo returned to South Africa. Hugo contacted Cathy and left all Karen’s craft paint, brushes and some unfinished pebbles with Cathy. Cathy was so touched by this that she started the “Works of HeART” group in memory of Karen and to continue to carry Karen’s torch of spreading love and joy far and wide with worldwide kindness rock art projects. Karen is a true Disciple of Jesus and although she cannot now speak the Gospel herself, her “Stone Art Ministry” will continue to speak. 

 “I tell you that if these (disciples) should keep quiet, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:40 

 Karen is an example to us all in daily working hard and continuously for Jesus. Through her “Stone Art Ministry” she showed her love for our Heavenly Father and continued to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to all. Her hands were never idle, a true disciple. I miss the times when we shared art ideas, advice and encouragement with each other. The photo of Karen working with stones on the beach reminded me of the profound and inspiring verse in Ecclesiasties 9:10-12 

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” 

I have now also added Karen’s “Stone Art Ministry” to my “Living Word Art”. It is very humbling and a blessing to see people’s reaction and gratitude when receiving a painted pebble or stone with a message of hope and encouragement. Some of the stones we hand to struggling businesses or leave them in gardens or on park benches. 

Why we hand out painted stones or pebbles? You can start your own Stone/pebble art group. Painting rocks or pebbles is relaxing, its therapy, and it’s good for the soul. Painting rocks/pebbles allows us to be creative without any pressure. We use our imagination and creativity. Handing out, hiding or leaving painted rocks on a garden or park bench gives us a reason to get out, it gives us reason to get out of the house, get some fresh air and some exercise. Most of all handing out, hiding or leaving painted pebbles is a random act of kindness to bring smiles to others. It’s about sharing a little message of encouragement, faith, hope and love to someone who may need it. You never know what a small painted rock/pebble can do to someone’s day, outlook, or even their life. So keep on sharing those smiles one rock or pebble at a time.

 Residents at Poinsettia Park, Amanzimtoti Welfare Organisation for the Aged, KZN, SA, have started there own "Works of HeART"  group in memory of Karen, family and loved ones lost through covid.

Please feel free to contact me and share pictures of your rock/pebble art and encouraging stories.

 Email: roamafrica365@gmail.com WhatsApp: +27 79 605 1049 Blogspot: www.MartinErasmusArt.blogspot.com