By Amy Roe, International Ministry Director & Laura Arthur, Communications Director at St. Matthew, Walled Lake
Chalk Artist Ben Glenn came to St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Walled Lake, MI on Sunday, March 30, to share his amazing chalk art talent and to inspire us with his own emotional story of overcoming ADHD, Dyslexia, and other learning disabilities.
Watch the Easter Celebration
Ben Glenn begins his performance near the 18:23 mark.
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His Visits to St. Matthew, Walled Lake
His first visit to our church was in 2010, when he was invited to perform for our International Friends‑a ministry at St. Matthew that reaches out to hundreds of our international neighbors to provide help and friendship. All nationalities from all religions are welcome. Ben’s art was a great match for our audience, who could enjoy his artistic performance regardless of their English proficiency. Ben’s testimony, which was also translated into Japanese, was a gentle way to present the Gospel to a largely pre-Christian audience. Nearly 200 people were touched through Ben’s presentation, while another 130 international children heard the Gospel in our Kids’ Easter Party. Now, we pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to water the seeds that were planted on that day.
Ben was such a hit; we had to have him back. He performed once again for our International Easter Celebration on March 30. When word got out about his return, our Children’s Ministry team jumped on board and eagerly requested to host an additional performance that same day during the 9:30 Bible Study hour. Hundreds came and sat in awe while Ben took a plain six-foot black canvas and transformed it into an inspirational message from God.
He spoke again about how he overcame significant obstacles in his own life: diagnosed with Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities as a child, diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and how these conditions led him, by God’s grace, to this place of artistic accomplishment and effective witness.
After the presentation, a Japanese attendee said, “I’m not taking any classes right now, but I’m interested in taking a Bible class next year.”
A Japanese woman stated, “This is exactly what I needed right now.” (Her grandmother had just passed away in Japan a month earlier)
Ben’s story is an emotional inspiration for adults and youth everywhere. You can learn more about Ben at simplybenglenn.com, and more about our International Ministry at smifriends.org.
