Art that speaks life

“In 2013 one of our volunteers heard we were looking to partner with an artist, and she introduced us to Jim McMahel. He painted a piece for our very first event and his heart to use his gifts to help others was instrumental in helping to shape The No More Orphans Experience, a mobilization event we’ve now hosted close to 100 times across the country, inspiring thousands, and moving more than 7,000 families (and counting!) to foster, adopt, advocate, mentor, and serve children and families in need.

Jim faithfully served for over 13 years with our Presenting Team at the Declare No More Foundation, donated over 60 pieces of original art and from those paintings over $100,000 was raised to send kids to camp, to give scholarships to kids aging out of foster care, to fund adoptions, to provide safe and loving homes for kids.

Every story, every step of obedience, every act of generosity doesn’t just impact today, it shapes tomorrow. By using his gifts to help tell the story, Jim is helping to write a brighter future for children and families in need across the globe.”

“Disney taught me that truly exceptional creative talent is rare, even when you’re surrounded by some of the most creative people in the world. Jim is one of those rare talents. We worked together in that demanding environment, and I saw firsthand his remarkable artistic ability, imagination, communication skills, and commitment to excellence. Add to that a deep and abiding faith that grounds who he is, and you have someone very special. If you have an opportunity to hear Jim speak, learn from him, or work alongside him, take it.”

“When I moved to Central Florida to work in the city-reaching space, one of my first priorities was to identify key faith leaders in each of the seven major arenas of influence in our community. As I began asking about leaders in the arts and entertainment community, one name kept coming up: Jim McMahel.

I reached out to Jim, and he immediately welcomed me to the city. I quickly discovered why so many people spoke so highly of him. Jim is a man who genuinely loves God, his family, and his community. He is deeply respected by creatives throughout Central Florida, not only for his considerable creative gifts, but also for his character, integrity, and leadership.

Whether through the organizations he leads, the boards on which he serves, or the relationships he has built across the community, Jim consistently uses his influence to serve others and make our city better. I am grateful to call him both a trusted leader and a friend.”

“Jim to me is a mentor, a brother, and a friend. I’ve known Jim for the past 6 years and he has been the one person that Jesus has used the most in helping me and molding me into the filmmaker I am today. Working with him is more than just about work, is about ministry and pouring into the next generation.

What distinguishes Jim is his love for the Lord Jesus Christ and how that love impacts his entire art and career. His art is real, honest and personable. It makes you think and reflect on where you are going in life and on what truly matters. His real distinction though is how much he loves on people as he is teaching and mentoring them.

If you have a creative project that you need help with, a book, movie, art, etc… Jim is your guy! He’s patient and loves to teach and encourage others towards the true meaning of life found in Jesus and how to use your talents for His glory!”