I am now 48 years old and married to a beautiful Christian woman named Wanda. We have four daughters, three in college (Alicia, Brittany, Brianna) and one (Missy) in high school. My family and their support is very important because of the sacrifice’s that are involved and for the encouragement they give me to keep pursuing my dream of proclaiming the gospel through the ministry of the arts. I believe it is important for me to better define the word ministry as I am proclaiming it concerning the work that I do. 

I am not a theologian in any sense of the word nor have I ever desired to be called one. I graduated from High school in 1979 and I went on to college and received a degree in Visual Communications in 1981, from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I freelanced several years doing portrait work after college but through fate and circumstance, I ended up in the health care field in 1987. I found myself working with mentally and physically challenged individuals for the next 13 years. It was during these years that I truly learned how to care for anyone but myself.

On May 5^th 2002 I took my first huge step of Faith. I became involved in full-time ministry. I was asked to become a part of Discipleship Ministries of Farmington PA, under the direction of Pastor Terry Collins. We were involved in many outreaches including revivals, visiting homeless shelters, and an overseas missions trip. In November of 2002 we also traveled to the former Soviet Union. We ministered to orphans, we taught in the high schools and colleges, and most of all we shared the love of God through the artwork with people who never heard the gospel message before.

My artwork continue's to be used in many ways including book covers, ministry promotion’s and in featured print articles. We have also ministered at many conferences and done several radio interviews during the past few years. I have had the Honor to meet some very influential people in this walk of Faith and the art has touched many ordinary lives through its message’s. Many doors are still being opened to us by the grace of God and all the honor and glory belong to Him. 

I feel I am now moving into a new season of ministry and purpose because my worldview has changed dramatically over these past several years. I want my art to better reflect the human need to feel wanted and loved. To know that each individual life is meaningful and has a purpose. A divine destiny that begins at our birth. This is the meaning of the word ministry that best reflects my heart. Ministering hope and meaning through the simple images of my art to further express my belief that the true kingdom of God is to be experienced now. Experienced now through relationship and love and always with an attitude of mercy and grace.  

Yes, Because of Him (Jesus Christ), I live and I breath and know my life has a purpose. My art doesn't define who I am. My right or wrong actions towards others does that because through them my heart is revealed.  I know my days have all been fashioned by God's hand and his words that we can live this life abundantly now makes better sense to me. Abundant living means accepting who you and knowing there is a purpose and a meaning behind all you do. so chose to do it well and if you make a mistake, rise up and try again.

Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

James Robert Kessler

Because of Him Art Ministry 2009