About Praise Prints, LLC

In 1976, one of Ralph and Kathleen Kozak's three children persuaded her parents to attend a David Wilkerson crusade at a Church of the Living God in Traverse City, Michigan. Attending that crusade brought life changing results to both of her parents. They were soon off to Kansas City for the Worldwide Charismatic Conference, a gathering of over 40,000 Christians.

Returning home full of spirit and enthusiasm, Ralph was invited to attend a prayer meeting. His host showed him a black and white line drawing called "The Laughing Christ." The unsigned drawing impressed Ralph; he took it home and pondered over it.

Ralph later discovered that the picture, "Jesus Christ Liberator," was created by Canadian Willis Wheatley in 1973. When Wheatley died, the United Church of Canada acquired rights to the drawing. They, in turn, allowed a group of Paulist Priests, in San Francisco, to produce it under the name of "The Laughing Christ."

A print of this line drawing found its way to the prayer meeting and then to the hands of Ralph Kozak.

In On Top of God's Mountain, a book which tells the full story of the life and art of Ralph Kozak, Vic Mars quotes Ralph as saying, "When I saw that line drawing, I wanted to re-draw it and add color to it. I wanted others to have it. I knew how I could do it, by making a screen print of it."

This idea came naturally, because Ralph Kozak spent his working years as a professional screen printer and lithographer, specializing in large banners. For years he also played accordian in a country music band. So Ralph set about the business of creating and spreading his illustration far and wide. When the Internet became accessible to the general public, Ralph was a Web pioneer, creating and launching his own Web site to help spread his artistic message.

Ralph believes that art is a way to transmit and to exchange thought. "I believe that the visual form of art is a valid expression of worship to God, and that it can minister to us, reflecting God's Love and Joy."

Ralph now practices his artistic ministry from his shop / retirement home nestled deep in the woods of Northern Michigan. The Kozak home sits high on a steep slope covered with trees and wild flowers. Views of Lake Leelanau's blue waters peek through trees and sumac bushes. In the winter, deer stop every evening to eat corn provided by the Kozaks. It is truly God's country.

Ralph loves to paint Jesus Laughing. All he needs is a brush, some paint, and a place to stand. His joy and enthusiasm are clearly visible as he paints the picture. Like a concert pianist who has no need of sheet music, Ralph does not need a picture reference to paint Jesus Laughing.

This unusual picture has blessed people of all faiths and all occupations for more than 20 years. There are close to one million copies in print.

Read the complete and true story of Jesus Laughing and The Painter in On Top of God's Mountain by Vic Mars

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Paper and Framed Prints, Postcards, Pocket Cards, Laughing Jesus of All Colors, Jesus Laughing in New Enhanced Colors.

Ordering by Mail
You may place an order via us mail, simply write to us indicating what you would like to order and where you would like it shipped. Include a check or money order for the total amount including shipping and handeling charges.

PRAISE PRINTS
2900 W. Armstrong Lake Trail
Empire MI 49630

Phone: 231-228-2334

Email: praiseprints@spectrum.net

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