«He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them» (2 Corinthians 5:15, NLT).
Tulaga Aiolupotea is a minister and urban artist from Samoa, Polynesia. During the seventies, his parents immigrated to New Zealand in search of a better future. However, immigrating was not easy at all for their family because they did not know how to speak English and the neighborhood into which they moved had many gangs. Crime became a daily reality in Tulaga’s life.
In time, Tulaga started getting involved with gangs, stealing and using drugs. He was also part of a rap band and was renowned for his graffiti. Surprisingly, one day God called him to become a pastor. Then, Tulaga left it all to attend Avondale College, Australia’s Adventist university. «That was the last place in the world where I wanted to be,» Tulaga said, as he told me his story. «l hated studying Greek and Hebrew. One day, during my last year, I was in my room, frustrated with my studies, thinking there should be a better way to present the gospel beyond traditional methods…. At 2 AM, I drew graffiti on a piece of paper. I remember looking at it and thinking: ‘Imagine if we used graffiti to preach the gospel!’ »
It took him several years, but one day Tulaga had the chance to put that idea into practice. He began working with at-risk youth, teaching them to create graffiti and talking to them about Jesus. They began using graffiti—which are generally associated with vandalism—as a tool to convey hope. That is how the gospel works! God takes a cross (an instrument of torture) and turns it into the greatest symbol of hope. God takes our scars and turns them into avenues. God takes our past and redeems it for His glory.
«Speak to Jesus, give Him your passions and talents, and He will use them.»
Lord, You are the best artist! You are painting a great work of art with my life, using even the things I thought were useless, even the things I thought were trash. I surrender everything I am to You once again. Thank You for receiving me and using me for Your glory!
#WomensDevotional
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Take From: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2022
«NO FEARS»
BY: VANEZA PISSUTO
Collaborators: Alexandra Pérez & Angelica Cuate.
