The First Paint, Prayer and Praise Event

The very first Paint, Prayer and Praise event was a long time coming.

The idea had been stirring in my heart since November 2024, but between the holidays and other commitments I had already said yes to, I had to wait. I didn’t know exactly when the right time would come — just that I couldn’t shake the feeling that this gathering needed to happen.

Finally, I set the date for May 17th, and the planning began.

Wrestling With Purpose

There were so many moments where I wanted to cancel it all. I worried no one would show up. I questioned if I was even the right person to be doing this. A few weeks before the event, I hit a deep low. I felt lost, unsure of my identity or purpose. I kept asking God:
Who am I? Where do I belong? What am I even doing?

Even at church — where I knew so many faces — I often felt alone, invisible. Just me and my questions, sitting in a sea of people.

Then one day, about a week and a half before the event, I cried out to God again. This time, I heard Him speak clearly:
"You are who you are because of who I am in you."

In that moment, it all clicked.

My identity wasn’t in my doubt or insecurity — it was in Him. I was created to be an artist. That’s how I worship, how I give back, how I serve. My place is in the Kingdom, and this calling was not just an idea — it was a ministry.

The Morning of the Event

That Saturday, I woke up before the sun, packed up the car, and drove to the church in faith. I prayed the whole way there and simply trusted that God was going to move — because He wouldn’t let me cancel, no matter how many times I tried.

When I arrived, my incredible team was there waiting — faith-filled, dependable, and so encouraging. I’m beyond grateful for them.

We set up, prepared the space, and welcomed everyone as they arrived.

I explained that we’d be doing a guided painting, based on a piece I had created while reflecting on Psalm 23. We’d take our time — painting, praying, and listening to a curated worship playlist inspired by the passage. We paused throughout the morning to reflect, pray, and soak in the presence of God.

A Divine Interruption

About halfway through, something unexpected happened.

A young woman — someone who wasn’t aware an event was happening — walked up to the doors looking for help. She was in need. She didn’t know us. She didn’t plan to be there. But God did.

One of my mentors, who was helping that day, turned to me and said,
“This is your ministry opportunity.”

That sentence hit me like a wave. Ministry? Me? That word always felt too big. But in that moment, I realized: this was it. This was what God had been preparing me for.

If I hadn’t said “yes” back in November...
If I had let fear cancel the plan...
If we hadn’t been there that morning...
We would have missed the divine appointment God had written into that day.

He Was With Us

After the event, I spoke with some of the attendees and was blown away by their feedback. Some weren’t artists at all — but each person shared how meaningful it was to simply pause, get off their phones, and step away from the noise of the world.

They found rest. They felt peace. And more than anything, they encountered God’s presence through stillness, color, and reflection.

We were reminded that even in our mess, even in our imperfections, God is with us. He’s not asking for perfect strokes on a canvas — He’s smiling at His children as we make room for Him.

Just the Beginning

This was the first Paint, Prayer and Praise — but it won’t be the last. I now know more clearly than ever that this ministry is part of my calling. I’m honored to create for Him, to serve others, and to help others connect with Christ through creativity.

If you’ve ever questioned your purpose, your gift, or your place — I want to encourage you:

You are who you are because of who He is in you.

Let that truth anchor you the way it anchored me. And if you ever get the nudge to say yes to something bold for God... do it. You never know who’s going to walk through the door because of your obedience.

Stay connected to learn more about future Paint, Prayer and Praise gatherings — and if you’re curious about using your gifts for God's glory, there's a place for you here. 💛