I was born in May of 1984. In 1985
our family moved to Ghana, West Africa to do missionary work there. Over
the 14 years we spent there, faced by the unique stresses of a white girl
growing up in a West African culture, I spent a lot of
time in introspection. I would dream of being used by God in artistic
ways for His kingdom. I spent a lot of my time talking to Jesus and
trying to express what I knew of Him in my art and writing. I hoped that
one day these would be used to bring others into a closer relationship with
Him.
When we moved back to the United States, I
experienced deep culture shock. I was a misfit. My world had been turned
upside down. My relationship with Jesus carried me through many difficult
times of uncertainty and loneliness. I always knew that I was created for
adventure. The mundane, everyday life that many live wasn’t for me. Deep
down in my heart, Jesus gave me a peace in knowing that He had special things
planned for my life. Now in my 20’s, my focus has not changed – I so much
want Jesus to be the heartbeat of my world.
Recently the Holy Spirit has opened up
something wonderful to me. Now, instead of painting to please people, my
focus is on pleasing Jesus. I simply enter into His
presence where true inspiration lies, and then create pictures for Him, for His
pleasure, because He loves me and enjoys it when I love on Him. It is a new
adventure, as He shows me images, gives me the ability to express them in
picture form, and then laughs with joy at what I have created. I am extremely excited for the things He has planned for me.
My heart's desire is for people to know His wonderful love for them and His
purpose for their lives. May the Lord use my artistic expressions to minister
His passionate love to you.
Stephanie R. Schneider
