Menu
Dear Friend,
Belóved Gallery is excited to announce a new curated collection of stories of faith inspired by the Prince of Peace painting that explore how we are all known and loved by the Creator. These personal stories, which come from all over the world, are the heartbeat of our mission to inspire faith through art and our goal of one million people seeing the Prince of Peace painting face to face. Look for these stories in the coming months across multiple platforms with the hashtag #iam_beloved. Keep an eye out for ways you can share your own #iam_beloved stories, too!
Pradeep Thorat was shopping in Goodwill when he came across a print of the Prince of Peace painting and purchased it for four dollars. “I knew it was the painting of Jesus,” shared Pradeep. “I brought it home, and Fabiola and I hung it on the wall, right in the middle of our wedding photos.”
Born and raised in India, Pradeep saw people have profound experiences and revelations of Jesus who weren’t born into traditional Christianity and didn’t know God.
“I grew up in a country with many religions,” Pradeep said. “But, there are stories of Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus having dreams and encounters with a man named Jesus. Some felt peace they couldn’t understand. One man that was dead for 40 minutes came back and said, ‘I’m not afraid of death now, because I know where I’m going.’ Most described Him as light and immense love.”
Fabiola grew up in Mexico, where her family struggled under the weight of having an alcoholic father. Then, when Fabiola was seven, her dad met Jesus.
“It was a complete transformation,” she shared. “My dad is a pastor now. He’s 83 and says he will never slow down.”
Compelled by God’s goodness, Pradeep and Fabiola have traveled the world doing missions work. Between the two of them, they speak five languages. They are also raising two children.
Then, this past spring during their 15-year wedding anniversary, the couple recognized the portrait of Jesus driving past Belóved Gallery’s billboard and came immediately over to take a tour.
“When I saw the original, I had absolute peace that Jesus is revealing himself to us… to people all over the world. To children,” shared Pradeep with team Belóved.
We already know that God is with us, He is for us, He’s our father. But when you see that painting, you feel like it’s real,” Fabiola added. “It’s beautiful the way Akiane shows Heaven through her paintings.”
Not long after, the Thorats returned with their church group and even translated the tour for some of the guests. They also attended the Belóved Gala, where Pradeep prayed on stage in his mother tongue of Marathi. The couple continues to be huge advocates of Belóved Gallery’s mission.
“It’s remarkable the way Akiane created the painting. The hairs on his chest, the detail. She genuinely had an encounter with Jesus,” Pradeep reflects. “People all over the world are seeking answers, seeking Jesus. They enter into His presence, and something changes in the human heart the moment that happens. When people come and stand in the room with the Prince of Peace, I know they can have that moment.”
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
INVITE 50
Continue to partner with Belóved Gallery by telling 50 of your friends and family about your experience! Invite them to make a reservation for a tour of Akiane: The Early Years.
SHARE
Post your favorite moments from Belóved Gala and the Fall Affair on your social media account. Tag Belóved Gallery so we can share your stories, too!
INSPIRE
Let us know how the Prince of Peace has inspired your faith. Use #iam_beloved to tell your story.
DONATE
Partner with Belóved Gallery with a one-time or recurring gift in support of one million people viewing Akiane: The Early Years exhibition at no charge.
Belóved Gallery is a private operating foundation designated as a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization providing you a tax-deductible donation benefit (Tax ID # 87-4045476).
VOLUNTEER
Want to join the mission? We are currently looking for volunteers to help lead tours of Akiane: The Early Years. Volunteers have a special front row seat to the many exciting things happening at Belóved Gallery and represent Belóved’s mission to the public.
Do you want to share your story? Use #iam_beloved to share how your faith has been inspired by the Prince of Peace painting, and tell your own personal story of how you know you are beloved!
We await your arrival,
Team Belóved
Founded to amplify the work of extraordinary artists, our mission is to inspire faith through art in people of all backgrounds.
Copyright © 2024 Belóved Gallery