My First Ministry

Back to the Quiet Place

Hey friends,

For the past few weeks, I’ve been off social media — not because I needed a break from people, but because I needed to reconnect with my first calling. My relationship with Jesus and my ministry at home as a husband and father. In the craziness of the world we are living in we seem to forget that we are called to serve our family well. This is not flashy and there is no clapping for a job well done, but it is the most important work. We are called to make disciples and share the good news.

When you slow down, you remember what actually matters.

Not the noise.

Not the numbers.

Not the next algorithm tweak.

But Faith. Family. Truth. Peace. Presence.

from that quiet place, two paintings emerged both full of depth, and both resonating more deeply than I expected.

My faith walk and my artist life seem walk in parallel with each other. My children see their father as a man that is trying but is in full submission to Jesus to lead our family. My wife sees a provider that is in full submission to the will of God. They see my failures and shortcoming but more importantly they see the leader of their household fully dependent on God. That is simply the message. The message of my work and the message of my life are the same.

Jesus is everything

“Grace”

A portrait of Jesus in profile — still, strong, and overflowing with mercy.

Within His mind, you’ll see three crosses and branches reaching out like neural pathways that are intertwined in a spiritual battle reminding us that grace is costly but freely given.

I didn’t create this for the applause. I created it because I felt God pressing it into my heart and the messages I’ve received since sharing it have stopped me in my tracks:

“Saved”

This second piece is quieter but just as bold. You’re looking through the opening of the grave and Jesus is reaching directly for you.

It’s about resurrection, But it’s also about the personal nature of salvation.

He didn’t just walk out of the grave… He reached back in for us.

You can’t unsee it. I hope you never want to.

With so many people asking already, I’m prayerfully considering offering limited edition prints of both of these pieces.

“Grace” and “Saved”

But I want to hear from you first.

Thank you for your encouragement, your patience when I go quiet, and your shared love for artwork that points to something greater.

I’ve never felt more clear, more grounded, or more ready to create from the right place.

I also want to encourage you to take a break and spend time with those closest to you. That is our first ministry and what a beautiful thing it is to hear your kids talk about Jesus.

1Timothy 3:4-5

_{“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?”}

Gratefully,

Vandermissen Fine Art