“Your _____ will take you where the gospel isn’t welcome”
This blog post is going to be a little different than the previous ones…
This past weekend my Husband and I attended a gathering at the church we’ve been going to called “The Move out Gathering”. This event focused on the transformation, discipleship, leadership and mobilization. We talked about how God has created us for Kingdom Impact and that each and every one of us has a calling on our lives, we just need to be obedient. There’s were 2 speakers, Dave Nelson and Brian Peterson and a video interview with Danielle Strickland that we watched, we were also given the opportunity to go to a couple breakout sessions to learn more about topics we felt may be helpful as we move out. I want to share a little bit about what we experienced and learned while we were there, in hopes it inspires you like it did me!
First, check out this song!
One of the speakers that we were blessed by was Brian Peterson. If you are like me, I had never heard of him before. He was a car designer from Kia Motors who stepped out in faith after accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior and decided to make a difference in the lives of the homeless population where he lives in Santa Ana, California. Brian builds relationships with those living on the streets, eventually asks for permission to paint a portrait of them, and then sells the portraits and puts half of the proceeds into a “love account” for them that they are able to use however they wish, for food, medical equipment, art projects, etc. Brian unveils the portraits to the individuals and then has them sign their names to them. His work has expanded and now he’s creating murals, and he has also involved the local high school students in Santa Ana and they’ve painted portraits as well.
Brian has built relationships with these individuals. He’s made them feel known. He’s shown them the love of Jesus. Some of them have become like family to him.
Brian talked about how he had always loved drawing and painting. He spoke about how when his parents were going through a divorce he’s often retreat to his room and paint. Many years later, this gift of his is being used to help those in need.
He was told by a friend, “ Your paintings will take you where the gospel isn’t welcome”, and it sure has! The stories he had were encouraging and inspiring.
Here are a few of the portraits he’s painted…
One of the most incredible things about his story is that when this ministry began, he was a brand new believer. He had just accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He didn’t use that as an excuse. He stepped out on faith with what he had and made a difference. He said that recently one of his paintings sold for $15,000.
What excuses are you making? What is keeping you from stepping out of your comfort zone, and beyond the walls of your church building or home? I encourage you to think about your gifts. I hope that Brians story, and his ministry speaks to you like it did me. If you’d like to learn or hear more you can check out his website here and I’ve also attached a video below.