Not only does our work in Sri Lanka involve music, but God is also using Grace’s skill and training as an artist in service to the proclamation of the Gospel. For the last few months, Grace has been working closely with Dr. Edward Naumann, another missionary here (theological educator to South Asia). He and his family live near us in Colombo. One important aspect of his work is managing publications. Currently, he is working on having the book of John translated into simple, readable Sinhala and Tamil for children. He is enlisting Grace’s help for the illustration of the book.

The John book will contain around thirty illustrations. Grace is providing Sri Lankan painters with descriptions and sketches of the illustrations. Then they set to work on large acrylic paintings that will eventually be photographed and incorporated into the book. These paintings may also be framed for use as decoration in sanctuaries. The first few paintings are complete now, and more are on the way. We hope we will get to see the finished book before we return to seminary, but it’s been fun seeing what the artists come up with. Not only will the book be a blessing for the South Asians who read the words of John’s Gospel, but also for the local artists who are encountering God’s word as they work.

Vicar Benjamin and Grace Vanderhyde serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as missionaries in Sri Lanka. In his role as vicar, Benjamin trains up musicians to serve the Ceylon Evangelical Lutheran Church while assisting the other LCMS missionaries serving in Sri Lanka with their work and learning from them. You can read more about the Vanderhydes at www.lcms.org/vanderhyde.