Why is there a troubadour on our blogpost? Because CBF's Silent Art Auction starts this Monday, August 23. Our Dutch friend Arie Pothoven* donated this painting plus two other watercolors to the annual Silent Art Auction.  

You can read--and hear--more about the Art Auction here: CBF Silent Art Auction. The pieces of art come from around the world. Funds raised from the sale support different missions projects. Arie's paintings will go towards the Offering for Global Missions, the fund which keeps all CBF field personnel--including us--in the field.  

Arie's art work has extra meaning for us. He painted musicians, he was a musician, but he can no longer paint and no longer takes part in the church's music teams. He has Parkinson's. His faith remains strong even as his muscle control becomes more limited.

Thank you, Arie, for your donation. And thank you, all those who will bid on the artwork for sale. 

*Details from auction website:

Water color, 45x45 cm., including mat 

 Arie Pothoven (Ah-ree POT-hoe-ven) was born in 1948 and began painting in 1992. He is largely self-taught. After a few lessons, he won the Talens Drawing and Painting Competition for his region in 1994. Topics have focused on architecture, biblical scenes, flowers and portraits. In addition to painting, he regularly did calligraphy, particularly for “trouwbijbels” (Bible traditionally given in the Netherlands as a wedding gift from the church). Arie now has Parkinson’s and no longer paints. On Ascension Day in Deventer, The Netherlands, the time is turned back to the Middle Ages for one day. In the city center, a colorful group traipses through the narrow cobblestone streets with dance, music, and various activities from that era. This troubadour played solo on several different instruments, including the lute, the flute and the drum. 

Mary Van Rheenen and Keith Holmes work with Romany across Europe. They have lived in The Netherlands for the past 20+ years. Arie Pothoven is a friend from the Dutch Baptist Church they attend.

The Offering for Global Missions ensures the long-term presence of CBF field personnel among some of the most neglected people both here and around the globe. Long-term presence allows field personnel to bear witness to Jesus Christ, seek transformational development and cultivate beloved community. This offering provides for the compensation, benefits, housing, and children’s education needs for CBF Global Missions field personnel. 

Proceeds go to support the Offering for Global Missions