Special Focus

	Montana is a vast mission field. The majority of Montanans have never heard the gospel. Montana has seven urban areas where 47% of the population lives and the remainder of the population travels to shop, conduct business, and participate in cultural events. In Montana, the economic impact or the nonprofit arts industry exceeds $25 million in revenues. One in every 80 Montanans is a practicing artist. Billings, Montana’s largest city, is the region’s cultural hub.		Pray: That God will open doors to build strong, positive relationships with members of our influential arts community Montana Southern Baptists and Billings area churches will shape a positive image within the community For revival to spread throughout the city of Billings and our state

	Just as in other cities and towns, the local cultural, historal and business venues unite together through the Chamber of Commerce. Our chamber has recently rennovated and has a new motto, "It's in Billings."		Pray: For the Chamber of Commerce to continue to favorably promote Southern Baptist Churches and meeting times For Christian members of the Chamber of Commerce to see the need to share their faith with local businesspeople.

	Originally named the Fox Theater and opening in 1931, the Alberta Bair Theater has the distinction of being the last art deco style theater built by 20th Century Fox. The Alberta Bair Theater presents a full spectrum of arts including chamber and popular music, theater and drama, jazz, comedy, broadway musicals, dance and opera. The Theater also offers specially designed matinees to public, private and home school students.		Pray: For opportunities to host events at this pivotal arts venue For the theater staff, that we would have the chance to meet each one personally and find out if they know Jesus

	The Billings Studio Theater produces plays on radio and stage and conduct workshops in radio production, makeup, accents and other phases of the theater. The theater offers Mainstage events and Growing Stage youth performances to the community.		Pray: For the youth learning the art of performance, pray for talented Christian teachers to share with the students they spend so much time with teaching For the professional performers that those who do not know Christ would recognize what is missing in their lives

	Galleries throughout the city such as this one, Far West Gallery, display work of regional artists including paintings, prints, drawings and photos. Many are home to extensive collections of Native American and Western Art.		Pray: For gallery owners to be presented with the gospel of Jesus Christ For Christian artisans to express their faith through their artwork as a public statement of their changed lives For creative ideas to develop strategies to reach the artists, collectors and exhibitors

	Venture Theatre provides artistic talent with a place to train and create performances, offering a variety of opportunities for all students of theater. This venue provides tap and modern dance lessons as well as acting lessons for adults and children.		Pray: For theatre staff as they teach and coordinate performances For students and performers For attendees to recognize their need for the Savior as they take in performances reflecting societal challenges

	Billings Depot is an historic city site, the former downtown train depot of the Northern Pacific Railway. Today it is once again alive with activity as a cultural venue, hosting art exhibitions, music groups and other public events in the heart of downtown.		Pray: For our churches and ministries to select secular venues for performances when appropriate to meet the unchurched in a familiar setting

	The Lincoln Center is home to Billings Public School District #2 as well as the area Adult Education Center. Public schools provide choir, band, orchestra, theater, and art education to the next generation. The Lincoln Center's auditorium is a venue for community musical events throughout the year.		Pray: For our public school administrators, teachers and children For opportunities to share our love and support of their work For the April 28 concert we will be hosting here

	West High School serves students on Billings' West End of town. West offers		Pray: For high school students in art, choral, and music classes For the high school band and choir directors For art and theater teachers as they instruct the next generation

	Rue d'Artistes is a 15 section mall in the heart of downtown with a cultural flair. Seven galleries house original art by local artists. The rest of the mall is filled with cafes, shops and studios.		Pray: For Christians to frequent cultural crossroad areas such as this one, to enjoy the cafes, frequent the shops and appreciate art as the develop relationships with business owners.

	The Yellowstone Art Museum houses the premier collection of contemporary art in the Rocky Mountain West. The Museum annually produces 12 to 15 exhibitions and companion publications.		Pray:

	Local music stores maintain constant contact with current and future performers. They sell sheet music, rent and sell instruments and support local events and performances.		Pray:

	Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale provides quality symphonic and choral music for both traditional and new audiences. The symphony annually performs concerts and educational services throughout the region. As the regional sources of professional musicians and teachers, the Billings Symphony significantly impacts the children and cultural activities in Billings and surrounding communities. Economically it has an impact of $1.5 million.		Pray: Several members of the Symphony are Christian. Pray that they would catch God's vision of sharing their faith through their musical talent with their colleagues For opportunities for the Symphony to participate in public events that have a Christian dimension

	The Toucan Gallery represents work from 75 different regional artists. The exhibit space allows display of contemporary work including two dimensional wall pieces and floor sculptures. The gallery welcomes artists desiring their work to be displayed, art afficionados who come to look at the work and collectors coming to purchase the pieces.		Pray:

	Another facet of the Billings Arts Community is the Rimrock Opera. The opera is dedicated to developing and growing the arts and cultural fabric of our region. The Rimrock Opera began in 1997 and is establishing a presence in our area. The Opera reaches 17, 000 people annually.		Pray:

Special Focus: Billings Arts Community