Award-winning Professor Zimou Tan has completed a painting project that portrays Isaiah 56:7, which is one of the lead verses that has inspired the vision for the World Evangelical Center: “These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
Zimou began working on the project in January 2023 with the aim of capturing the hope of WEC to serve as a ‘house of prayer for all nations.’ This week, he completed the work and handed it to the WEC leadership that installed the painting at Bethel House, which is located at the top of the hill on the golf course where many visitors and guests will be able to admire it.
The painting portrays the World Evangelical Center from the east side to the west side. It depicts people from all nations, showcasing their different ethnicities, nationalities, traditional costumes, professions, age groups, and activities, emphasizing the unity of all nations coming together to worship the Lord.
Zimou shared his reflection on the completion of the project and said:
“Being asked to create this artwork for WEC is a great blessing. God’s overwhelmingly generous love has surrounded me during the entire creative process.
“I pray that this piece of art may act as a door opener, inviting people worldwide to the House of the Lord. May it compel them to offer their whole selves in prayer for His kingdom and seek our Heavenly Father’s forgiveness.
“I’m just a little tool in the great tapestry of God’s designs, tasked with using art to share His love and grace. With the most profound humility and thankfulness, I present this creation as an act of devotion, urging everyone who sees it to accept the limitless love that our Lord bestows upon His faithful and to experience the transformational power of prayer.
“Considering this unique chance, I am overcome with a deep respect for the Creator who bestowed this gift. I hope this painting will act as a light, leading people to our Heavenly Father’s eternal embrace and kindling their passion for prayer and desire to commune with Him. Glory be to God for all eternity. Amen.”
Zimou is a respected artist whose paintings have been exhibited in prestigious galleries such as the New York Portrait Society Gallery, the American Artists Professional League, the de Young Museum in San Francisco, the Asia Society of Arts of America in San Francisco, the Pasadena Fine Art Museum, and many others. Notably, in 2023, he won the ‘Best of Show Award’ at the Arkell Art Museum Annual Juried Art Exhibition and was invited as the sole juror for the ‘National Juried Figurative and Narrative Art Exhibition.’
‘House of Prayer’ was Zimou’s first project for the WEC, with more paintings on various themes expected to follow over the coming months and years.