Jesus and the Children Painting for TeensOpposingPoverty.org

"The Orchard"

Well the next stage of  the TOP (Teens Opposing Poverty.org) painting is finished. I have about 20 more hours of work to complete on the 24 by 36 inch painting.

The story background is that of how TOP impacts the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Bringing in Teens from all over and teaching them to share compassion for disadvantaged and homeless people one individual at a time.  This original composition actually illustrates several aspects of the worked that TOP does. The first is that they act as emissaries for Christ sharing his compassion with people of all races colors religions and cultures. The children's song Jesus Loves the little children is one of the basis for the Subject matter. Each child is precious in his sight. Not only are they precious but the way that God looks at people as well. I chose Jesus and the Children to illustrate that God expects each of us adults, children, or teens to come with the faith of a little child and that he will not deny any child access to himself or his promises.

Teens Opposing Poverty is a valuable work not only that it helps so many people that are homeless and in crisis through out the Region of Virginia and Washington DC, but it teaches young people that the homeless are individuals with a name, a history, dreams, and hopes just like everyone else. Truely Teens Opposing Poverty isn't just an organization that lets more fortunate kids go out an do something that will make them feel better;  it gives them an opportunity to find out what people want and then learn to meet them at their need. In this way  Teens and Young adults working with Teens Opposing Poverty have an opportunity to learn how to show true compassion while helping meet basic needs, and  treating people with respect and dignity.

Steve Jennings,Executive Director of TOP, messaged me today that the painting will used as greeting cards, and limited edition prints designs to raise money for the organization. And that eventually the painting its self will be offered for sale. The proceeds of this painting will help TOP fund its outreach Programs

To read more about this organization go to http://www.TeensOpposingPoverty.org

You can see all the stages of the painting thus far by going to my website www.LLMartin.com and clicking on the  The Orchard update.