Artist uses gift to glorify God

Ray Pezent is a living miracle. At the age of 13 months, he fell from a high chair, leaving scar tissue on his brain due to an injury on the temple area of his head.
   
From that point up until later in life, Pezent suffered from two to 15 seizures a month. But, as Pezent notes, he has been through many miracles.
   
During elementary and high school, art was Pezent’s number one desire and passion. In fact, his dream was to attend art school.
   
“I couldn’t think of a safer career than art for myself with epilepsy,” said Pezent, a member of First Baptist Church, Jackson.
   
“My parents were unwilling to send me to art school and I needed someone to coach and direct me at getting a government loan. But I didn’t know which way to turn.”
   
While in high school, Pezent painted his first baptistry mural — a river scene. He has since painted a variety of paintings for Baptist churches including stage sets.
   
He was honored as most talented at his high school awards day in his senior year of high school.
   
The next year Pezent worked as a draftmen’s helper in the textile industry. Although this was not his dream, Pezent was still totally committed to his work. “I prayed everyday that God would close this door in my life and open a door for me in the field of art,” said Pezent.
   
Eighteen years later, God answered his prayer. In December 1995, seven other employees and Pezent lost their jobs due to cutbacks. Pezent was sad for his fellow employees but was happy for himself.
   
“I knew God was in total control of my life and that He had my future in His hands,” said Pezent. “My faith was that God was preparing for my dream to come true.”
    
He recently finished a mural for James Chapel Church in Barlow Bend. Pezent worked for 530 hours throughout six months on the mural, equal to 13 40-hour working weeks. “During my 530 hours of time with the paintbrush in my hand and at work, one story about Jesus Christ right after another would enter my mind to express in this painting,” said Pezent.
   
Since a child, Pezent’s faith was one day God would heal him of his seizure disorder. In 1984 he said God led him to read Matthew 17:14-21, the story of a boy healed of epilepsy.
   
Eight years later, after reading the story daily, Pezent volunteered for brain surgery at UAB (University) hospital in Birmingham. After the surgery he fasted for two days. “Next, my doctor said, ‘Mr. Pezent, if you don’t eat some of this meal, we will begin feeding you through the veins.’ I knew then that God was telling me, ‘Ray, you’ve fasted and paid your price.’ “
   
Pezent realizes God gave him a talent, one which has reached the world for Christ. He teaches at his Jackson art studio and also instructs handicapped students.
   
He has been seizure free for eight years now. “How awesome! I promise you faith moves mountains and Jesus is the great Physician,” said Pezent.