Write the vision. And make it plain on tablets.
That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an
appointed time: But at the end speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it surely will come,
It will now tarry.
Habakkuk 2: 2&3
“The Coming King”® Sculpture Garden
A Unique, Minimal Manpower, Self-funded, Evangelical Outreach Using Monumental
Sculpture & Scripture To Bring the “Lost” To Christ.
A Proposal By Christian Artist/Architect
Max Greiner, Jr. ©
The Coming King Foundation
A
"On that day I will raise up the Tabernacle of David,
which has fallen down, and repair its damages.
I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old,
that they may possess the remenant of Edom, and
all the Gentiles who are called by my name,"
says the Lord who does this thing.
Amos 9: 11 & 12
“THE COMING KING”®
A Project Proposal by Artist/Architect, Max Greiner, Jr.©
(Updated April 27, 2005)
INTRODUCTION
In July of 1989, God placed in me a burning desire to bring the “lost” to Jesus Christ. It’s difficult to explain, but somehow after praying for God to use me as His servant and empower me with His super-natural Gifts (1 Cor 12), I felt a new burden for the “lost” which I had never experienced before. Since that prayer it has become obvious to me and others that God has called and gifted me to be more than an Artist or Architect. He has also called me to be an Evangelist. However, I am “under-cover!”
God has ordained that I remain in His “Secret Service” and continue my career as a professional Artist. This is so He can use my art and testimony to lift up Jesus Christ wherever I go, unrestricted. God has made it possible for me to cross all cultural, political, religious and denominational barriers, which normally stop “official” members of the clergy. I am viewed as a “harmless” Artist. This assumption has allowed me to share my art and testimony for Jesus with large secular audiences, and across the entire body of Christ, from Pentecostal to Southern Baptist, Catholic to non-denominational Charismatic. I have witnessed nationally at meetings, churches, colleges, and seminaries, in newspapers, magazines and books, on radio and internationally on television.
I have realized that God has given me a very unique means of introducing Christ to the world through my art. Almost everyone is curious about art and artists. Historically, artists have provided unique insights and new perspectives to the world. Since 1989, I have used this normal human curiosity to lead many to Salvation in Jesus, when the Holy Spirit drew them in with my art. No matter where I travel with my 24’ sculpture display trailer, crowds form when people see my large bronze sculptures. This provides the perfect opportunity to tell people about Jesus. I know this evangelistic method works because it has been working since 1989!
We know from Bible stories about the “fishes and loaves” (Mt 14:13 & 15:29) and the “talents” (Mt 25:14) that God desires we each use our “gifts” to multiply “good fruit” for His kingdom. Jesus said if we would “lift Him up” all men would be drawn to Him (Jn 12:32). The proposal you are reading is about lifting up Christ and using our gifts as members of His body, to multiply “good fruit” for God’s glory.
We live in a unique time in human history, possibly the beginning of the end. Good is now called evil, and evil is called good (Ish 5:20). Everywhere we look, Satan is attacking Christians and Jews, trying to remove from public view all references to God, Jesus Christ, and the Christian faith. This is a crucial time in world history, when God is calling His children to “Raise up a Standard” for Christ against the backdrop of this ever-darkening age. God wants us to tell the world it has a choice and a Savior.
In contrast to this darkness, God has given me a “vision” of beautiful Sculpture Gardens, which honor Jesus Christ, built along the highways and byways (Mt 22:8) of our world. I believe God wants to use these Gardens in these “last days” to bring tens of thousands, possibly millions of souls to Christ at locations around the world.
We believe God will place the first Garden, as a prototype, near my hometown.
These
In 2002, God gave me a “vision” that uniquely uses my existing large Christian sculptures, and Scripture verses to bring people to a “Salvation” experience with Jesus. No missionaries, pastors, evangelists, or other human beings are required, only the artwork, the Word and the Holy Spirit. I am convinced God will move on the hearts of thousands of unsuspecting people around the world, when they simply view the sculptures and read the Gospel in their own languages, as they quietly walk through the Gardens. These
My five Christian sculpture compositions, which have taken me a lifetime to create, visually communicate major themes of the Gospel, which can be quickly understood, without language or race barriers. However, when this artwork is combined with Scripture, a new more powerful “anointing” will be released, which I believe will bring multitudes to Jesus. This evangelistic method is also unique in that it can be perpetually self-funded, once initiated! I believe these Gardens will someday become a major means of funding for many existing ministries around the world.
On May 6, 2004, we established a 501(c)3 non-profit
However, this “vision” is bigger than our family can accomplish alone. We must have the supernatural intervention of God and the help of the body of Christ to make it happen. I ask you now to prayerfully consider if God wants you to help us build the first Foundation owned Garden, or build a Garden on your own site at your ministry headquarters, church, college, seminary or business. Please ask God if He wants you to be a part of this unique “last days” outreach to the “lost” world. Your contributions, whatever they may be are appreciated and will reap benefits for the
Yours In Christ,
Max & Sherry Greiner
The Coming King Foundation
Email: tckf@ktc.com Website: www.thecomingkingfoundation.org
“The Coming King”®
A Project Proposal
By Max Greiner, Jr. © 2005
PROPOSAL CONTENTS:
A. OBJECTIVE
B. PURPOSE
C. MEANS
D. GOALS
E. PROJECT HISTORY
F FUNDING
G. ADMINISTRATION
H. DESIGN
I. MONUMENTAL SCULPTURES
J.
K. MULTI-USE OPPORTUNITIES
L. FUTURE IMPROVEMENT OPTIONS
M. PUBLICITY
N. LEGACY
“THE COMING KING”®
A. OBJECTIVE
To build
B. PURPOSE
To bring “lost” people to a “Salvation” experience with Jesus Christ, while inside the Gardens; and to bless, encourage, inspire and educate all visitors. I believe God will bring tens of thousands of people to Christ, possibly millions, as a result of their visits to these
C. MEANS
A new, unique “last days” method of evangelism will be pioneered using large outdoor sculptures and Scripture. Five Greiner monumental Christian sculptures and modern translations of the Bible will present the Gospel in a non-threatening
Key Scriptures will be engraved into 16” x 16” floor tiles every 12 feet, forming a “Pathway to Heaven.” The Gospel will be clearly presented in a logical progression. Adjacent tiles will feature the same identical Scripture in other languages, to the right and left of the majority language verse. Additional Scriptures will also be carved into the masonry bases of the sculptures, describing what is being depicted in the artwork.
I am confident that the Spirit of God will move on people while inside these Gardens. Since 1990, I have personally watched the Holy Spirit profoundly touch thousands of people, (some to tears), as they simply viewed my large Christian bronze sculptures. In these Gardens, each visitor will have the opportunity to casually read a complete presentation of the Gospel in their own language, at their own pace. This can lead to a genuine Salvation experience. At the Garden exit a “Sinner’s Prayer” will be inscribed on the wall, with a preceding statement such as:
If you don’t know if you will be in Heaven when you die, give your life to Jesus now, before you leave this Garden. “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10: 13.
These
The names of the different Gardens can vary, however they should not deter curious non-believers from visiting the parks. The idea is to attract the unaware tourist with a free display of high quality monumental sculptures, in a national park/museum type setting. Once inside the Gardens, the Holy Spirit will take care of the rest!
Millions of people will see these Gardens from the highways. As a comparison, the giant 66’ tall concrete statue of “Sam Houston,” visible from Interstate 45 near
D. GOALS
1. To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ using the timeless medium of art, which instantly communicates in all languages, primary themes of the Gospel.
2. To use the Scripture itself, (in a modern translation, in various languages) to simply present the Gospel Plan of Salvation.
3. To provide a new evangelistic “vehicle” that God can use around the world, to bring the multitudes of people to Jesus, that will literally last and function until Christ returns. This unusual method of evangelism requires minimal maintenance, minimal manpower, and minimal operating expenses.
4. To make the
5. To make the Gardens available to the local Christian churches, ministries and pastors, where they can meet, fellowship, hold special functions, have joint outreaches to the community, take or give tours of the Garden.
6. To make the Sculpture Gardens available to local secular organizations for special short-term functions or tours, so that they may be exposed to the Gospel in a subtle, non-confrontational way.
7. To draw millions of visitors off the highways of the world after seeing the sculptures from a distance, or after seeing well-done signs along the highway. I recommend that highway signs be designed in the same style and format as state and national park signs. People already associate free or inexpensive high quality, public owned parks and monuments with these simple brown and green signs. Ideally, the Gardens should be located at “easy on and off “ exits along major highways. Locations between major cities, in rural areas would be ideal. The Gardens would not have to compete with the visual confusion of cities, and rural land will be much less expensive to acquire. Highly visible, elevated sites would be perfect.
8. To create numerous, “free to the public”
9. To provide a means of perpetual funding so the operation and maintenance of the Gardens can be self-supporting forever. This is to avoid the constant need to search for money, which virtually all ministries must do to function and continue.
10. To use excess funds generated by the Gardens to make additional park improvements, acquire a additional sculptures by other Christian artists, develop additional Gardens, or to support other existing local, national or international ministries and charities.
E. PROJECT HISTORY
On Sunday, December 9, 2001, Sherry and I were visiting at Pastor Bill Hart’s church, “Cathedral of Praise” in
Then, seven months later on August 22, 2002, a believer named Marlon Quibodeaux emailed me regarding a “vision” God had given him. This total stranger, who was a businessman and lay evangelist, was looking for a sculptor to create a 77’ 7” sculpture of Jesus nailed to the cross. Marlon wanted to erect the giant crucifix along Interstate 10 near
In the past 10 years I have turned down numerous “funded” commissions worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, because God wanted me to use my creative time in other ways. However, to my surprise after praying with my wife, Sherry about my involvement, we both sensed God’s hand in this particular project, despite the fact that the project was not funded. When I prayed, God gave me a new design for a cross sculpture and a new concept for an evangelistic
At that meeting, I revealed to Marlon the new designs God had given me. Instead of a giant sculpture of Christ hanging on the cross, God gave me a “vision” of a hollow, or empty cross design which communicates that Jesus had risen, and is alive (Mt 28:6). After drawing out the composition, I realized it was an architecturally unique version of the cross, which I had never seen before in sculpture. Light would actually pass through this cross symbolizing the “Light of the World” (Jn 8:12). It would also symbolize the “Open Door” (Mt 7:7) Christ invites each of us to enter. Finally, the sculpture represents the Resurrection itself, clearly communicating Jesus had risen.
Instead of cars simply passing by a giant crucifix, I envisioned them actually entering this Garden. God would use the large sculpture of “The Empty Cross”® to first catch people’s attention and draw them into the park. The central, evangelistic Garden itself would be in the shape of a giant cross, about 75 x 100 yards in size. It would use Scripture and my five existing monumental Christian sculptures to visually present the Gospel to all visitors.
After Marlon left, I continued to pray, asking God to confirm if this “vision” really was from Him. On October 3, 2002, I shared the “vision” of the Beaumont Garden in a letter to our Prayer Intercessors, who numbered about 40 people at the time. Everyone had a positive response. However, John Meder of Dallas immediately wrote back and said he thought God was going to place the first Garden in Kerrville, not Beaumont. At the time I didn’t “hear” this “Word”, because we expected the Beaumont location to be quickly funded, and there was no funding for a Kerrville Garden. John would later prophetically write, “The Prayer Garden, starting with one will become a reality, and then others will follow.”
Then, on January 8, 2003 a total stranger named Walter Reed walked up to me at my sculpture trailer on temporary display at River Hills mall in Kerrville. He asked if I was the artist and then said: “Have you ever considered making a Prayer Garden here in Kerrville with all of your large Christian bronze sculptures?” Without interrupting, I let him explain his idea realizing this was another “confirmation” from God. After describing our Sculpture Garden “vision”, he offered to help raise the funds for the project, if it was built near Kerrville. I then explained the “vision” God had already given us, and we prayed for God to place a Garden in Kerrville.
Later on May 2, 2003, as I delivered some artwork to our local Christian bookstore, a customer named Cathy McKenzie came up to me and introduced herself. She explained how her family had been given one of our audio testimony tapes, which God used to greatly bless them, she said. After praying together Cathy announced, “ I’m sorry, but I have to leave. For some reason that I don’t understand, God wants me to drive up and down Interstate 10 and pray between the Kerrville exists. Does that sound crazy to you?” I smiled, knowing that the Holy Spirit had prompted Cathy to pray over the future location of the first Prayer Garden, though she new nothing about the God ordained project.
The next major confirmation occurred on November 22, 2003 as I was touring the Conyers, GA estate of art collector and businessman, Jeff O’Neal. He was purchasing one of my life-size bronze sculptures of “The Coming King”®. Jeff showed me his site, near Interstate 20. He explained that God had called him to build a Garden and lift up Jesus Christ with my bronze sculpture. Then, he prophesied that God had brought us together, like Moses and the Old Testament artist of the Tabernacle, Bezalel (Ex 35:30). As we rode around his estate, praying for discernment of God’s exact plan, Jeff announced that God had also told him to “rebuild the Tabernacle” on that site, and that I was to help him!
At that moment, I believe God spoke to me, in His still, small voice. The Holy Spirit said, “The entire Sculpture Garden is the last days Tabernacle.” The Tabernacle was the place where God’s people first worshipped in the wilderness, and encountered the Spirit of the living Lord. I immediately told Jeff what God had said. But, it wasn’t until later that night, that God reminded me of Mahesh Chavda’s prophecy, spoken almost two years earlier, that I would literally be involved in the “restoration” of the Tabernacle, as the Bible predicted in the Book of Amos!
“On that day I will raise up the Tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, and repair its damages: I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old, that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,” Says the LORD who does this thing. Amos 9: 11 - 12
Then, on March 3, 2004, my friend and employee, Jose Mendoza said God gave him a “Word” for me, as he was praying about the future Sculpture Garden. God said to Jose, “Tell Max if He will plant the first seed in the Garden, it will bear fruit.” That “Word” resonated in my spirit. Therefore, in December of 2004, Sherry and I “sowed” the first major “financial” seed into the Foundation. We are now trusting God to make the Gardens grow!
Other confirmations have come in from numerous Christian friends including, Richard Schumann, James Barnett, Clifford Reeh and Frank Clark. In the months since, I have continued to pray daily about the Sculpture Garden “vision”, asking God where, when, and how He wants to bring them into existence. We believe God has clearly shown us the exact location of the first Garden, which will be here in Kerrville, as the model for all future Sculpture Gardens.
F. FUNDING
On May 6, 2004, we established “The Coming King Foundation” as a non-profit, 501(c)3 Texas corporation, to establish and facilitate the creation of these Gardens around the world. This Foundation will build, own and operate some Gardens. However, it will also assist others in developing their own evangelical Sculpture Gardens. The existence of these Gardens at any location will quickly attract commercial land development. Christian entrepreneurs will be especially interested because both spiritual and financial rewards can be reaped.
Thousands of people will be drawn into these Sculpture Gardens by curiosity and the Holy Spirit. As a result, the surrounding land will increase in value and can be developed for commercial purposes. Even though admission should always be free to the evangelical Garden, owners can generate sizeable income from leasing or selling adjoining land to restaurants, shops, motels, hotels and businesses, which depend on a steady stream of people to be successful.
Therefore, I believe God has shown us three distinct ways to provide both initial and long-term funding to establish and operate these Gardens:
1. Donations: First, funding for the Gardens can come in through the standard contribution method, which is used by virtually all-charitable organizations. In addition, because of the non-profit, educational and evangelical purpose of these Sculpture Gardens, individuals, companies, ministries and organizations will donate land, architectural features, or sponsor individual sculptures. If a 501(c)3 tax-exempt ministry owns the Garden, all donations and contributions will be fully tax-deductible. The gifts of individuals, families, businesses and ministries can be gratefully acknowledged on a “Servants Wall”, as a lasting memorial. This wall would be a reminder that the Garden was the result of many members of the body of Christ coming together to honor Jesus (I Cor 12:12-31). Cash contributions can be used to pay for items, which are not acquired through donation. Individual “Scripture Tiles”, smaller those in the Garden, could be given to donors as Thank You gifts. My less expensive artwork could also be given to donors, in appreciation of their contributions.
2. Gift & Art Purchases: Tourists can also provide funding if a Gift Shop/ Art
Gallery is established near the Visitors Center. My business, Max Greiner, Jr. Designs, agrees to allow all Garden operators to purchase my artwork and gift line at a reduced, wholesale price. For example, the sale of one of my life-size “The Coming King” ® bronze sculptures at the full price, would generate a profit of $82,500 for the operator. As an example of funding by low priced gift items, the “Cracker Barrel” restaurant Gift Shop, near Nashville’s Opryland Resort, reported over one million dollars in gift sales in 2003.
3. Pad-Sites: In addition to the previous standard methods of funding, God has provided another way to pay for these Gardens. God gave us this idea through our prophetic friend and Prayer Intercessor, Jim Beard of College Station, TX. Since these Gardens will be located along Interstate highways, and at other high traffic locations, thousands of people will be stopping at the Gardens. Depending on the available land, one or more “pad sites” (building sites) inside, or next to the Sculpture Gardens can be sold, or leased to fund the Garden construction and operation. The sale of just one pad-site could pay for the cost of building the Sculpture Garden itself.
Family restaurants, motels, shops and Christian bookstores would be very interested in these prime locations. For example, franchise “fast food” restaurants and up scale restaurants like “Olive Garden,” “Chiles,” “Applebees,” “T.G.I. Friday’s,” “Outback”, “IHOP,” “Cracker Barrel,” “Cheddars” or “Red Lobster” pay up to a million dollars for a one acre pad-site. Sites inside or next to the Sculpture Gardens will be ideal because people will actually be stopping their cars and walking in the Gardens for an hour or more. Restaurant, motel and hotel locations near theme parks are always excellent locations. Plus, this tourist attraction will be free, leaving visitors with more money to spend with nearby merchants.
It would be best to locate restaurants that serve alcohol outside the Gardens. Also, it would be wise for Garden owners or friends to acquire additional surrounding properties, as an investment. Profits from the sale of these adjoining properties can be used to establish other Gardens, or support other ministry activities or as regular income for a business developer.
Christian entrepreneurs take note: prayerfully consider buying suitable land and donating at least 10 acres to The Coming King Foundation for a Garden. If the site is accepted the Foundation, it will pay the entire cost of building the Garden. Your gift will be fully tax-deductible and you could then develop your adjoining properties, as a profitable business venture. The Garden will turn low value land into valuable property, while bringing thousands to Jesus. What a deal!
G. ADMINISTRATION
The Sculpture Gardens can be owned and operated by private individuals, companies, churches, colleges, or any non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. Ministries should have volunteer Boards of Directors to administer the fund raising, construction, maintenance and operation of the Sculpture Gardens. These people should include dedicated Christians with skills and talents required for successful operation, including local ministry and community leaders. The ethical management and operation of these Gardens is imperative, since they will be a reflection of Jesus Christ.
H. DESIGN
The basic architectural designs, drawings and wisdom developed from the construction of the first Kerrville Garden will be made available to all other Sculpture Garden operators free, or at cost. I will also personally donate my time, as the Artist and Architect, to assist in the initial architectural design and master planning of each Sculpture Garden. However, once the preliminary master plan is conceived, local professional architects, engineers, landscape architects and contractors should be selected to create the actual working drawings for each unique site. Some professionals may be willing to donate their services to the Gardens, because of their faith and the positive local, regional, and national publicity that will result.
The cross-shaped, evangelical Sculpture Garden itself measures about 75 by 100 yards in size and requires a minimum of three acres of land, not including parking areas or building sites. If The Coming King Foundation builds and owns the Garden, at least 10 acres is required so that at least three pad-sites can be made available, to provide the funding to build the entire project. More land is desirable to allow for aesthetic beauty and future expansion.
To insure the evangelical purpose of the Gardens is achieved, I strongly urge all owners to built the cross-shaped Garden exactly as I believe the Lord has given it to me. The original Tabernacle and this modern day Tabernacle have a very specific design layout and symbolism. The relationships between the sculptures, the Scriptures and the logical presentation of the Gospel must be maintained to achieve the desired evangelistic results.
I. MONUMENTAL SCULPTURES
The five large Greiner Christian sculptures featured in the cross-shaped Garden are:
#00609 “Divine Servant”®, Life-Size Bronze (105%) $80,000.00
#00358 “Fisher of Men”®, Life-Size Bronze (105%) $60,000.00
#02385 “The Great Commission”®, Bronze w/48” globe $44,000.00
#02520 “The Coming King”®, Life-Size Bronze (105%) $250,000.00
#04078 “The Empty Cross”™, Corten Steel, (18’ to 77’7” tall) $100,000.00 & up
Note: These are current Retail prices. If my sculptures are purchased for use in these evangelistic Prayer Gardens, even by “for profit organizations”, my company, Max Greiner, Jr. Designs will reduce the normal price by 33%, for this ministry purpose. Therefore, all of the monumental bronze sculptures can be acquired for $290,780, not including shipping or “The Empty Cross” TM. The cross sculpture can be constructed in any size. However, keep in mind that the larger the cross, the more attention it will attract. If the largest 77’7” cross is installed, the Garden is sure to become a national landmark.
J. VISITORS CENTER / MUSEUM
The purpose of the Visitor Center / Museum is to assist in the evangelism, education, and inspiration of the guests and to provide another source of funding. The Visitors Center / Museum should be built near the entrance of the Garden. This can be a single structure, or multiple buildings. The basic design should be similar to other Visitors Centers found at state and national parks. However, the overall design of these exhibits should be coordinated to give God all the glory and encourage people to follow Jesus.
1. Art Museum
The Art Museum section could feature my original artwork, historical photography and artifacts. Video, and still photography of each sculpture’s creation process and photographic tours of the Artist’s studio/home and bronze foundry could be presented. The Art Museum section could also show the design, and construction of the prayer Garden itself, using architectural drawings, photography and models. However, unlike secular museums, the “Artist’s Personal Testimony”, about God’s existence and power could be presented in a variety of forms, including video, audio, and written testimony. Greiner evangelistic tracts, “Where Will You Be In 1000 Years, Salvation tracts, Bibles, and New Testaments should be available free of charge to visitors. Audiotapes and videotapes of my testimony could also be available free, or at minimal cost.
2. Biblical Evidence Museum
This section would explain why the Bible is the inspired “Word of God” and why it is reliable. This museum section could graphically present facts and artifacts from history, science, archeology and mathematical provability documenting the truth and accuracy of the ancient Scriptures. Video taped presentations could also be provided in a small theater.
3. American Heritage Museum
This museum section would explain God’s role in the founding of the United States. The true Christian heritage of America could be graphically explained, using copies of historic documents, letters, and actual quotations from our founding fathers. Quotations from other famous American heroes could also be featured including presidents, military leaders, astronauts, and movie and sports stars. For example, the testimonies of people like President George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush could be featured next to basketball star, David Robinson and movie star, Mel Gibson.
4. Gallery / Gift Shop
This commercial section could offer Christian art and art gifts for sale at normal retail prices, to generate ongoing operating funds for the Garden. The work offered for sell could include both large, expensive sculptures and inexpensive Christian gift items. Every piece of my artwork, sold since 1986, has included a personal testimony for Christ. Beginning in 2001, my personal evangelistic tract has also been included with every piece of Greiner art sold.
5. Rotating Guest Artist Gallery
If space allows, a separate Gallery section could be created to feature high quality artwork of other serious Christian artists. The world needs to see that professional quality art is being created today to rival any in the secular art world. This artwork could be available for sale to generate additional revenue for the Garden and for the Christian artists, themselves. Large, outdoor sculptures by other Christian artists could also be permanently displayed on the grounds, in adjoining Gardens, if sufficient land is available. It is my opinion that these Sculpture Gardens should only showcase the high quality work of artists who are genuine Christians. There are literally tens of thousands of places where the secular artwork of non-Christians can be displayed and sold. This is not the case for Christian artwork. Artists represented in these Gardens should also agree with a basic “Statement of Faith” and be willing to witness for Jesus.
6. Christian Book Store
A “full service” Christian bookstore could be located next to, or inside the Visitor Center / Museum, to provide new believers and other visitors with quality Christian resources such as Bibles, books and music. This store could be leased to an independent Christian bookstore operator, or owned by the Garden.
7. Public Facilities
Public facilities, including restrooms and water fountains should be available in the Visitors Center / Museum. A large map of the local area could show the Sculpture Garden and local Christian churches, ministries, camps and Christian children’s homes that wish to be identified on this tourist map. A brochure rack could also be available to area ministries for approved literature, and Salvation tracts. A large bulletin board could be made available to local Christian ministries to promote their own special functions and events. Only genuine, orthodox Christian ministries should be allowed to use these free services. No other religions, or cults should be allowed to display literature, proselytize, or hold functions at the Garden. Remember, these are privately owned Gardens, not public parks. God is a jealous God (Ex 20:5) and does share His glory. However, secular non-religious organizations such as the “Lion’s Club”, Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, school classes, garden and art clubs should be invited to use the facilities and schedule tours so they can be exposed to the Gospel.
8. Caretaker’s Apartment
An apartment could be built inside, or near the Visitors Center, which could be made available free of charge to a responsible couple. This couple could oversee and manage the Garden. These caretakers could be retired missionaries, pastors, evangelists, or lay people interested in serving God in this unique capacity.
K. MULTI-USE OPPORTUNITIES
At times, portions of the Gardens could be made available for meetings, private parties, music concerts, Bible studies, special services, revivals, weddings, Christian art shows, and secular events. A reasonable fee could be charged for these events, which would be another source of income.
L. FUTURE IMPROVEMENT OPTIONS
If funds and land are available, other ministry opportunities should be considered:
1. Adjoining Gardens, with intimate spaces for large, outdoor Christian sculptures by other Christian artists. Also, “secular” sculptures by Christian artists could be exhibited, if appropriate.
2. Garden Trails could link these adjoining sculptures in a circular path so all are seen.
3. Christian Holiday Pageants could be given by local churches, either outdoors or indoors, at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. Outdoor plays could be stationary or presented to “walking guests” using the existing sculpture trails.
4. Outdoor Amphitheater, with a campfire pit, could be used for plays, music concerts, special services, speakers, outdoor movies or Bible studies.
5. Picnic Areas with tables, BBQ pits, and campgrounds could be added when appropriate.
6. Play Grounds with parental seating nearby so children could be constantly monitored.
7. Open Air Pavilion with restrooms and a kitchen could also be used to host secular and Christian events, like auto shows, art or garden club competitions, or Christian movies.
8. Hiking and Nature Trails on suitable land could be built eventually leading to the main Garden.
9. Wildlife Observation Deck, using feeders to draw wildlife in close. Special elements could be installed to encourage squirrel and bird acrobatics, for example.
10. Guest Houses, studios or cabins for visiting missionaries, evangelists, pastors, Christian artists, writers, and music composers could be build adjacent to the Garden, in quite, non-public areas.
11. Chapel for special community services, weddings, funerals and other events. If a Wedding Planner is retained, considerable funds can be generated though this service alone.
12. Auditorium with a stage for indoor events, plays, speakers, movies and concerts, etc.
13. Conference Meeting Room could be made available for pastors and community use.
14. Artist/Craftsmen Exhibit Space could be made available on a temporary or permanent basis. Permanent 10’ x 10’ spaces inside an open-air pavilion, or tents could be leased to local Christian artists to display and sell their work. There would be no “quality” restrictions in this area, but I recommend that each artisan still agree to a “Statement of faith” in the lease and only display suitable work. Their work would not necessarily need to be “religious”, but each artist should have a personal commitment to Christ and a willingness to be His witness.
15. Commercial Leases to private businesses such as Christian Bookstores, art galleries, compatible shops, restaurants and motels, inside the Garden property, or on adjoining land could generate substantial funding.
M. PUBLICITY
The Sculpture Gardens can be promoted locally through all possible avenues, including the local Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau, restaurants, motels, art galleries, museums and Christian bookstores. Nationally, the Gardens could be promoted through websites, free articles in newspapers, travel publications, art publications, Christian magazines, newsletters, radio and TV shows. Sculpture Garden brochures could also be widely distributed and provided at state “Ports of Entry”. In addition, as the Artist/Architect of the Gardens, I will constantly promote the Garden sites at my art shows, during radio and television interviews, and in interviews with magazines and newspapers. I will also publicize the Sculpture Gardens in my own internationally circulated art literature and website. Currently, I have collectors in all 50 states, and more than 24 countries.
N. LEGACY
In February of 2005, in New York City’s Central Park, an artist spent 21 million dollars to put up a temporary modern art display of 7,532 orange fabric sheets blowing in the wind, as a “creative statement”, which lasted for only 16 days! While other artists, parks, museums and monuments “lift up” art, people, science, animals, ideas or nature, “The Coming King”® Sculpture Prayer Gardens will clearly honor the Creator of the universe. And, these Gardens will last forever! “The Coming King”® Sculpture Gardens will function and be self-supporting until Christ returns! They will boldly, without apology, lift up Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world, in a quality, timeless presentation that will not be “religious”, “camp”, or “kitch”. If well done, people will travel great distances to see these “Gardens of God”.
CONCLUSION
All of us who contribute to this unique evangelistic project will eventually die. However, our combined efforts will leave the world with a special gift that will continue to bless and draw future generations to the Lord. How much is that worth?
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Ti 6: 19).
These Sculpture Gardens will actually be here to greet Jesus Himself, when He returns on His white horse! Fortunately, the ultimate success of these Prayer Gardens is not dependant on us, but on the Holy Spirit’s desire to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I believe if we are obedient and do our part with excellence, the Holy Spirit will bring thousands and possibly millions of souls to Jesus using these Gardens!
In the past, people have traveled halfway across the world to see just one of my large bronze sculptures. These Sculpture Gardens will be places where people can actually see all of my monumental sculptures in one location. This artwork points people directly to Jesus and represents my life’s work. Ask God what He would have you contribute to this evangelistic outreach, as a lasting memorial to Jesus.
Right now, the best way to help is by joining us as “Founding Sponsors” in the building the first Garden in Kerrville. It will launch the “vision” and serve as the model for all other Gardens to come. In December of 2004, Sherry and I have made the largest single financial gift to the Foundation that we have ever given in our lives. In addition, our business, Max Greiner, Jr. Designs, will be donating all five monumental bronze sculptures, at the actual foundry cost and will not be profiting from the use of my art in this Garden. Finally, I am donating my professional time as an Artist and Architect to the Foundation. I felt compelled to provide you with this personal information, since I am asking you to give to this worthwhile project. Please pray and see if God would have you contribute something to the Kerrville Garden, or build a Garden in your own community. Our desire is to bring people and glory to Jesus. Please help us do that. Thanks for your prayerful consideration.
In Christ,
Max Greiner, Jr., President
The Coming King Foundation
P.O. Box 290555, Kerrville, TX 78029-0555
Phone: (830) 367-7874 Fax: (830) 367-4002
Email: tckf@ktc.com Website: www.thecomingkingfoundation.org
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