NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Millions of people have been moved by Ron DiCianni’s messages — messages he brings straight from the Bible, staying true to the text.
DiCianni works on each message for months, even years, because each must bring glory to the kingdom of God.
However, instead of using words, DiCianni delivers his messages on canvas using powerful, emotional images that communicate Bible truths. His images appear on best-selling books by such Christian authors as Frank Peretti and Joni Eareckson Tada.
Broadman & Holman Publishers, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, has teamed up with DiCianni to offer his artwork on bulletins, stationery and envelopes, bookmarks, postcards and certificates.
Even before he dedicated his talent to God some 15 years ago, DiCianni said he knew God had a plan for his life, “a God-given mission.”
His mother, DiCianni said, was planning to abort him.
“It was on the doctor’s table she decided she couldn’t go through with the procedure because she felt the Lord’s presence assuring her that he had a special plan for me.”
DiCianni said there were many other instances when associates and friends would encourage him by affirming that God did have something special for him to do.
However, others were telling him that religious art would not sell.
“I knew I had to find out what God wanted me to do. I discovered that if you delight yourself in him, God is delighted to give you the desires of your heart.”
DiCianni’s greatest desire, he said, is to serve God using the talent given him.
“When I paint, I may put down the colors, but it is God who is responsible for the brush strokes.”
The first set of three B&H church bulletins, released Sept. 1, include DiCianni’s paintings — The Servant, Simeon’s Moment and Heaven’s Loss. Stationery with the Heaven’s Loss painting also is available.
Matt Stewart, manager of the B&H’s church supplies team, said the other products in the DiCianni line will release over the next two years.
“We’re very fortunate to be able to provide to churches these beautiful products featuring Ron’s messages,” Stewart said.
Stewart explained that the bulletins feature not only a DiCianni image and Scripture verse on the front, but the author’s insight into the painting on the back.
No one could be more surprised by his success than he is, DiCianni said.
“I’m just doing what God has called me to do,” he said. “I can’t take any of the credit, because I’m just returning to him the imagination and creativity he gave to me.”
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