Bringing Beauty to Joplin: A Night with the Naz Shelter Discipleship House

Hope in the Naz Shelter

Last week, Majesty Project had the honor of being part of a beautiful night in Joplin, Missouri, where the Nazarene Church came together to help launch a new chapter of hope in their city.

We were invited to a fundraising event supporting the Naz Shelter’s new Discipleship House, a home they recently purchased to house up to 10 individuals and help them rebuild their lives through the love of Christ. During the evening, we auctioned the original acrylic painting “Walking On Water” to help raise funds for the home—and also donated a print of “Encamped Around” to be hung within the House itself. The Discipleship House will celebrate its official Open House on November 9th, marking the beginning of a powerful ministry in the Joplin community.

My husband, Casey, our three sons, and I had the privilege of attending the dinner and meeting many of the people involved in this incredible project. Among them was Missy, whose story touched us specifically.

The One on the Bench

Missy shared that years ago, she had lost her eldest son and discovered him on the floor—a tragedy no mother should ever face. The pain led her down a difficult path of addiction and homelessness. When we met her that night, she was just two days sober and officially beginning her journey toward healing and redemption.

When Missy saw “Encamped Around”—a painting depicting the Angel of the Lord standing guard over someone sleeping on a bench—tears filled her eyes. She kept returning to the piece throughout the evening, and later told me, "this piece - this is a powerful piece. I've been there."

Later, she and several others spent time in prayer in front of the painting. Watching that moment unfold reminded me why Majesty Project exists: to bring the presence of God and His beauty into places that need it most.

Though we received many kind words and heartfelt thanks throughout the evening, I can honestly say that we were the ones who left changed. Being part of something eternal—something that brings light into darkness—is a blessing that never grows old.

As Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” I am truly beginning to glimpse the depth of this verse as God uses Majesty Project to touch lives in front of our very eyes.

Help Us Bring More Hope Like This

Moments like Missy’s are made possible because of people like you. Each donation helps Majesty Project create, frame, and deliver Christ-centered artwork to ministries, shelters, and public spaces across the nation—transforming hearts through beauty that points back to God.

If you’d like to be part of bringing the presence of God through art to more places like the Naz Shelter, you can give today at www.majestyproject.org/donate.

Together, we can keep surrounding people with the light and love of Christ—one piece of art at a time.