What is Fields of Boaz?
Fields of Boaz is an international, inter-denominational Christian 501c3 dedicated to using the arts as powerful catalysts for good in communities both here and abroad.
In The Beginning
Fields of Boaz was conceived almost seventeen years ago when I first arrived in the village of El Vado de San Pedro, in Nayarit, Mexico. Its six cobblestone streets crisscrossed each other like a game of tic tac toe. I can still stroll down them in my mind. The adobe houses on the street furthest to the east gazed out over the placid San Pedro River. The street furthest to the north was overshadowed by “el cero”; which was a cross between a mountain and a hill.
"There was so much that was charming. Still, I saw the needs and wanted to do what I could to help."
It didn’t take long for me to adjust to life in El Vado. I loved how the breeze parted the lace curtains by my bed at daybreak and how the cowboys herded their cattle across the river. The fresh eggs and beans were delicious. So were the “churros” with a cup of hot coffee on Sunday mornings. There was so much that was charming! Still, I saw the needs and wanted to do what I could to help. That is why when I returned to the United States I incorporated a non-profit and christened it “Fields of Boaz”
A Mission of Helps
At the start “Fields” was a Ministry of Helps and we brought down everything from backpacks and books to walkers and wheelchairs.
However another president took office in México City. From that time on, new federal regulations made it extremely difficult to transport any donations into the country. Many items were confiscated at the border. We adapted by changing the focus from providing material resources to providing educational scholarships for high school students.
A Common Thread
From the beginning of Fields, the arts had always played a role. The first year we were there, we started a reading club for children called “Granitos de Arena” (Little Grains of Sand). The name was their idea. Although reading was the main focus, I couldn’t resist teaching them some songs which we sang for the senior villagers at “La Tercera Edad”. We soon had a program for “Granitos on the local radio station, and the children recorded its theme song! There was an old school building which had been abandoned after the villagers burned out a swarm of killer bees. We received permission to clean it up and it became our temporary classroom. Some red plastic chairs lent to us by Coca-Cola, completed the project. Our first classes included beginner’s guitar lessons and drawing with colored markers. Looking back, it was a lot of hard work, but so much fun!
I also spent a lot of time with the Cora and Huichol artisan women, several of whom became dear friends. It was an amazing experience to watch them create their beaded jewelry, stitch their bags and weave the straps with their portable looms. I felt as though I’d been taken back in time as they wound wool from their own sheep on small spindles. In exchange, I encouraged them to gauge their time, calculate their expenses and price accordingly. I also challenged them to use their own creativity and to experiment. It wasn’t easy, but it was exciting to see the results!
Transition
Then five years ago I had an accident and life took some unexpected turns. During this time, “Fields” was still able to provide some scholarships thanks to faithful donors, but otherwise remained dormant. I asked the Lord if “Fields” should even continue. He answered by showing me a mental picture of a stump with new sprouts coming up out of it. It was a very difficult time but the Lord used it for good.
During those years after my accident, I realized that although I had been celebrating and encouraging the talents of others, I had given up on mine. I finally discovered that my abilities as an artist and psalmist were valuable to God and He could turn them into a source of great blessing! Not only did the stump with the new shoots represent “Fields”; it represented me!
Future Goals
Future goals of Fields of Boaz include holding workshops that will inspire creatives of all ages and walks of life. Their purpose will be to help others discover their own God-given creativity and and enable them to prosper in their own unique calling. It also involves using our abilities to enrich families and communities and to help address needs that require attention.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming events include an exciting invitation to exhibit my drawings of the indigenous peoples of Ruiz, Nayarit extended to me by the University of Vera Cruz (La Universidad Veracruzana) in Mexico. The event will be facilitated by the renowned National Geographic Photographer, and member of the faculty, Hector Montes de Oca. Since the University is dedicated to improving the lives of Mexico's indigenous tribes, He plans to arrange a time for me to meet other NGOs that share that concern. The date is pending and I have begun work on the drawings!
I have also received a wonderful invitation to have an exhibition in Bogota, Colombia this coming fall, featuring the important role of children as they develop their talents and become living examples of their faith in the marketplace. I will additionally have the opportunity to have some art workshops for the children.
I'd like to invite you to follow my artistic journey as I prepare for these two special opportunities to serve others! I'll be posting my progress on this website and also provide more information as things develop.