In God’s Image
A Global Anabaptist Family

the Global Prayer Garden

In 1999 Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery curator Ray Dirks sent out a notice to all Mennonite and Brethren in Christ conferences around the world. It asked for people interested in contributing a square to a global Anabaptist quilt – one that said something about themselves or their church communities -- to do so. The quilt was to be born out of a traditional Mennonite art form but was to reflect where the worldwide Anabaptist family resides today. The hope was for something nontraditional to come from a traditional base. Squares began to slowly trickle in from many countries.

As time passed and Dirks waited for at least a few squares to come from every corner of the world, he began to realize he did not know what to do with the growing pile of quilt blocks. Winnipeg artist Agatha Doerksen was invited to take over the project. She plunged in with great energy, enthusiasm and imagination. Months of planning and cooperation from about 40 quilters and artists in Winnipeg led to the Global Prayer Garden. Without Doerksen’s vision and drive this project would have never come together, and would have never come together so well.

Each of the 16 quilt panels comes with a corresponding basket to be set directly underneath. The panels are each hung from one point, so they can gently turn, and are spaced so people can wander through “the garden” -- creating a tranquil, worshipful atmosphere as viewers look at quilt blocks from throughout the globe.

Host the Prayer Garden

If you are interested in having the Prayer Garden come to your church, please, contact Ray Dirks at (204) 888 6781 or email: . A tour of North American churches is being arranged. Shipping and insurance costs must be covered but no other fees are asked for to host the Prayer Garden.

Prayer Garden Picture Gallery

	Prayer Garden designer Agatha Doerksen receives a hug for all her hard work. Doerksen spearheaded the project, putting in hundreds of hours and organizing 40 women to bring it all together.
Samples of quilt blocks sent in from around the world.
	Left and right, the Prayer Garden on display at the assembly of Mennonite World Conference in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in August 2003. The display spent 2004 in Europe and began touring in North America in 2005.