Missions Photos with a Purpose

MISSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES ~ PART ONE: 

Pictures Speak in Ways That We Cannot.

Several young men in South Africa waiting to have
their eyes checked at a free clinic with Blessman Ministries. 

The following situations may apply to you: You plan for months to leave on your first missions trip with the idea of changing the world. Or perhaps this has become an annual event and you can't get enough of it, or you have taken the steps to become a career missionary. What does photography have to do with reaching our world for Jesus? And how can you best utilize this tool? Some of you may be amateur photographers but desire to become better, others have an iphone and are not afraid to use it, and still others are wondering how to become a professional in this area?
    This is a summer blog series on the many aspects of Missions photography. Every Monday morning for the next several weeks, many more topics will be explored: from relationship-first photography to using your camera as a witnessing tool, what equipment to use, to cultural sensitivity and any questions you may ask in the process, but today, let's look at purpose. 
    First a little introduction. I have had the privilege of traveling in over 30 countries, doing ministry in at least 19 of those to date with the hope of doing much more. For me, photography has opened many doors of opportunity. Having a camera in my hand has emboldened me to step out of my comfort zone and talk to others I might not have otherwise. Telling stories through visuals has helped to inspire others to reach out. And most of all, it has allowed me to tell the stories of hope of those who cannot speak for themselves.

(Left) Dr. Blessman and his Des Moines, Iowa team greet local volunteers from Mokopane,
Limpopo, South Africa. (Right) Lisa works to get this young mans prescription just right.

Purpose One: Communication. 
If you are going on a traditional missions trip, then you are being sent-out by your donors: your church, friends, and family. You are their hands and feet extended. As part of the process, you will need to report back on the work that they have partnered with and what better way to do that than visually. It is a fact that images make any presentation, whether in print, web or multimedia much more impactful. Visuals of the people you meet and the places and cultures you visit give your audience a framework to build upon and a more memorable point of reference. 
     I know for a fact a few friends and family will never travel to the places I've been (they've told me so). Taking photos has been my way of taking these places to them. There have been a few times when I have been somewhere encouraging others and the faces of those back home flood my mind, and I have been overwhelmed with emotion knowing that my words and actions also represent theirs. It makes me realize that the love of God that is extended not only pours from me but everyone else back home so much so that I have to share the experience and blessings the best way that I know how --visually.

(Left) Ann counsels with this young girl about AIDS prevention and then gives her a
copy of the Book of Hope. A book that she can now read thanks to her new glasses. 

Purpose Two: I call this "pay it forward". 
Visually telling these stories helps future endeavors. This is two-fold. It helps you with your fundraising because people now have a visual reference of what God has done through you and the possibility of what can be. This makes the fundraising process flow a little easier. But the most important are the souls that will be reached. Showing photos of what God has done perpetuates giving to reach more people, both on an ongoing organizational level for those entrenched in various areas of the world and for those at the grassroots level. 
     Okay, the question can now be raised, is this emotional manipulation? This depends on your approach. I believe using photos should be purposeful but never take advantage or exploit another's misfortunes. I prefer the "stories of hope" approach. Yes, you will probably be presented with scenes of starving children, of misery and depressed conditions and abject poverty. I've seen my share of it first-hand. But to only show that is skewing the picture. A more balanced approach works best. Be real about the situation, but make it a point to show those who are making a difference, how they are doing it and what you can do to partner with them. This way people are part of a solution and not just a cause. Show how the proven methods are really making a difference. This is transformational story-telling at its best.

(Left) Most of these children have never had their eyes checked before. Many will leave with a new pair of glasses. They will not only have physical sight restored but spiritual sight as well. (Right) the rugged beauty of South Africa and a bit of hope for many many students who won't be left out due to eyesight issues.

Purpose Three: Story-telling images can bring the world closer to God.                  When Jesus was on this earth, he used word pictures when speaking to the crowds. If he had a camera and the ability to show visuals, I'm sure he would be using that as well. By capturing another person's story especially in a missions setting, you are bringing their transformational story to light for others and showing God's power and love at work. Now, I have also heard how images of starving children have caused people to doubt God's existence, but that is where "stories of hope" are different. I've seen the incredible changes of God at work in this world through obedient hearts and to not show that would be a travesty. All good story-telling shows the conflict, transformation and the solution not just the conflict.

My favorite example is a photo I took of a young boy of eight worshiping in the midst of chaos in a very difficult school in Cape Town, South Africa where drugs and rape are common even in ones so young. I could have easily shot the problems only, but it was his peace and serenity that caught my eye. Six months later while teaching a photography class in Russia, the photo wound up deeply impacting a 20 yr old girl who had to know why his hands were raised and why he looked so peacefully. Since then I have heard stories from other people how this one photo gives them hope. To see what God sees in desperate situations and to be able to capture redemption is a honorable calling, one that I hope many of you aspire to as well.


Next week I will go more into what types of images you should be making to be an effective story-teller.


PS. Wow, this is just the first post in this series and it has sparked so many more ideas. Please ask questions or comment. I'd love to have dialog, different opinions are welcome, just keep your comments civil. If you have tips feel free to share. 

Unplanned Ministry

Shot in South Africa a couple of years ago. A not so fun situation made good. Just now put it together with imovie.

Culture Shift

I said to this little guy, "Que es?" (What is it) and in the cutest little voice responds, "Libro de Vida" (Book of Life)

What do you call it when you are sitting in a very Latin Church service in Honduras but your mind is thousands of miles away thinking about the very African service you were in just a few weeks before? Or you are ordering food for the group in Spanish but a few words of French keep popping out of your mouth because your next French speaking destination is already in your thoughts. Then you come back to America and wonder, “What side of the road should I be driving on?”, “Where is my plug converter?” or you have a moment of panic because you can’t find your passport only to realize you no longer need these things and you’d better be on the right or else. It’s not really culture shock because all these places are familiar but the more I think about it I realize it’s more of a culture shift. Traveling from one place to another can be exciting but it also carries with it constant change, adjustments, language and protocols.

I returned from a three-month stay in South Africa the end of May, and you know, some places just make such an indelible mark on your life that take a while to readjust. I can’t complain since I chose this life, but there are days that make one wonder, where I am I today? I recently spent 10-days in Honduras with a large team and ministry was great but the whole time I could not shake Africa from my very being. Which leads me to wonder what is it that has captured me so? It’s true; nine of the last 18-months have been spent in Southern African countries. Is it the relationships? The beauty in the landscape and wildlife? The freedom and ease in bringing the gospel? I don’t know. But what I do know is that I am thankful for these opportunities and while it isn’t always easy especially in the transition times between culture shifts it is a road that I’ve been called to travel. I’m also thankful that I have supporters like you that travel with me in your prayers, giving and words of encouragement…keep them coming.

This image from a primary school in CapeTown South Africa gets me everytime. The school only went up to 3rd grade but as the principal told us the young ones knew first-hand about violence and rape and drugs already. This is why I continue...to break the cycle, to make a differance.

Next: Onto Pignon, Haiti July 21-Aug 6th

More Photos @: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimart4ch/ and http://www.facebook.com/kimart4ch

April Days in South Africa

For my friends not on Facebook: here is a running commentary on the kinds of things I comment on which pretty much sums up my days since I last wrote. A couple of things to note: Betty Lou is a beat up VW van that should have been retired a long time ago, the Grannies are a OneHope 10-day team that is an annual event to South Africa made-up of Grandmothers, the Nomads are OneHope’s three-month ministry internship team and if you can’t tell, I live on a game farm and my current assignment has me taking lots of photos and doing quite a bit of writing—but I manage to get in a little bit of ministry now and again.

Lizzy praying with the kids that live on the farm after a teaching on the true meaning of Easter.

April 8, 2009 ...hanging out with the Nomads.
April 11, 2009 ...woke up to the sound of monkeys on the roof. (tin roof, 6 am, Sat. morning)
April 12, 2009 ...Happy Easter ...a service and dinner on the farm and then drove to the Jo'berg airport to pick-up some friends. There where monkey prints on the car!
April 13, 2009 ...praying for the situation in Thailand and friends who are there.
April 14, 2009 ...finishing up my photo project. OneHope teams media internship project is next...
April 16, 2009 ...said goodbye to the Nomads today. The grannies come tomorrow. But for me its writing, writing, writing...and watching the horses, kids, dogs and monkeys out the window.
April 18, 2009...Betty Lou, you make me blue...broke down at a toll booth...thank God for His protection and 24 hour mechanics.
April 19, 2009 ...tin shack church in the middle of a corn field. God showed up and so did a lot of people.
April 19, 2009 ...the sound of children praying never gets old...in any language.
April 23. 2009 ...South African elections today...pray all goes peaceably...
April 23, 2009 ...last night was quite cool (winters coming) and dark but I sure could hear the wildebeest snorting in the back field...I finally got to see the baby giraffe...still writing, writing, writing, we have our first media interns...
April 25, 2009 ...is extending my stay in South Africa another month...and driving the Grannies around this weekend.
April 27, 2009 ...learned two new things yesterday...where to park an oversized vehicle with a trailer at the Johannesburg airport and where to check the oil in a Toyota Quantum (under the passenger seat).
April 28, 2009 ...being stocked by a Gemsbock (pronounced Hemsbuck as known as an Oryx) & a family of Warthogs every time I go for a walk...

Giraffe family at the farm....look at the baby!

Photos: www.flickr.com/photos/kimart4ch/

"The Learners are All Right"

South Africa--It was a full school assembly and the teacher chants to the crowd, "What's wrong with the learners", the students chant back, "The learners are all right". He then chants, "What's wrong with the teachers?", they answer, "The teachers are all right". Then he says, "What's wrong with the guests", they answer, "The guests are all right". (It's a good thing because I was one of them).

The morning started off by attending staff prayer and then we proceed to a full presentation about how the Book of Hope has effected their lives. Learners read from the book, sing, dance and recite original poems. My favorite was entitled, "I am a book of hope". This was truly a school that had embraced the message of hope!

But were these learners all right? It was a black township school with a village of shacks where the illegals lived on the outskirts; joblessness greatly effecting the community. There were six confirmed cases of HIV in this primary school of 783 as well as several orphans and rape victims. Kids trudging to school through thick mud, a constant fear of fire because when one house goes so does the whole block. Life is not easy in a township, but at this school they knew who brought hope. At this school the learners are all right, at this school the teachers are all right, at this school the principal is all right...but what about the rest of the schools? Not everyone is all right...

I've just returned from a whirlwind photo tour of South Africa in effort to see where transformation is taking place through the ministry of OneHope (our new name). I've attended Life Orientation classes in Rustenburg and Welkom in the middle of the country, interviewed students on the southern coastal towns of George and Mossel Bay, and followed an evangelist around some rough schools in Cape Town. It was a joy to see students using the Book of Hope as well as a companion book created for Southern Africa called I-Matter. These scripture based books are being integrated into the classrooms to help teach good moral values as well as addressing some of the issues that face South Africans today. I got to speak to many classes as well as address whole schools. I spoke with small groups of kids even leading a few to the Lord and praying with several for various needs. All of them seemed pretty hopeful about their future.

I learned much about the educational system in South Africa and while I do not want to bring criticism or judgement there is a great disparity. Some of these learners are all right but not all of them. Which is why we work so hard to bring transformation everywhere we go, through every open door possible.

Pray for South Africa. Elections are April 22nd and much could be determined for the future of this country and even continent. The world economic situation effects the poor more that you could imagine.


Photos posted at:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimart4ch/
Check often as many more will be posted in the coming weeks.

The Road to Hope

Travel with us as bump along on a dusty gravel road out to the rural townships of South Africa. See the multitude of children streaming down the roads towards their school among the goats and cows. Watch the lines of children all wearing the colors of their school uniform in various conditions. See the ones with beautiful weaves and others with their head shorn close and sores upon their bodies. See their smiling faces and hear the laughter when we introduce ourselves in a humorous manner. Look into their eyes edged with pain as we talk about our lives and how they relate it to theirs. Listen to their questions as they come up to us after a presentation asking for answers to some of life’s tough questions. See the look of gratitude when we give them God’s word, an encouraging word and our prayers. Travel back down those bumpy roads to the next school and the next and the next. Chug on some water in the hot sun, wipe the sweat from your brow, pray for the children you’ve touched that day and know that God’s word does not return void.

We as Book of Hope Missionaries travel the road to hope every day. God’s Word, Every Child is a reality. I wish I could take you with me. It is quite the sight to behold. I love it when the children get it. When a young girl can relate to our stories and can find hope in our message. When a young person finds the courage to make a change in their life, to stand up to what they know is right and make the difficult choices. When a rowdy crowd of teenagers silence their shouts and strain to listen to our words. I love it when a team member completely surrenders themselves to the Lord and the words that come out of their mouths speak more than they ever would on their own. We are tired at the end of the day, but it the happy kind of tired, one of thanks to God for the privilege of carrying his word to the nations.

Pray for us as we travel around Namibia the next several weeks. We will be working on a research project that will help serve several ministries in the future. This survey will help target the real needs of that country.

Don't forget to visit our team site @ http://www.nomadsouthafrica08.blogspot.com/

Speaking with the Learners

One of my favorite parts of this experience has been speaking with the learners (the South African term for students) one-on-one or in small groups. We started our ministry on the West Coast in the town of Vredenburg (A fishing town on the Atlantic side). Among our regular schools we were able to visit and then follow-up at a boarding school for troubled kids. We got to listen to, speak the word over and pray with several of the young girls and boys. The first night only four of us went to meet with the boys. We thought we were going to just video tape a few testimonies, what followed was a God-sized encounter. The next thing we knew the four of us were speaking to a group of 150 boys. The things that were coming out of our mouths amazed even us. 120 of those boys made commitments to change their lives. The next night we all went to minister to the girls. After 80 of the 90 or so girls prayed the sinner’s prayer with us, we had a time of one-on-one prayer. We prayed for at least a dozen girls each. Their stories were devastating, but it was a blessing to leave them with the one thing that could help them….Jesus. We returned again just to hang out with the girls and love them and pray with them some more. Soon some of the regular schools were inviting us back to talk to the students in small groups. We were able to speak specifically to their questions about life and the God we serve. It was great to encourage them.

We then drove back to the East-side of the country to a town called Phalaborwa. It is on the outskirts of Kruger National Park (Mozambique is on the other side of the park and the Indian Ocean). We have seen a lot of wild animals…hippos, crocs, warthogs, monkeys and elephants from a distance. But the most precious thing in this area is its children. We got to spend some extended time in one such school, where an unfortunate but common harassment incident happened, speaking with the seventh graders in small groups. We spoke about our presentation, the Book of Hope, issues they face, their lives, and of course they are always interested in our travels, America, and how many famous people we have met.

Pray for these children, they are the future of South Africa and this world.

More photos can be found at www.flickr.com/photos/kimart4ch

South Africa_The Farm

What a beautiful country! We arrived after a very long flight and have been spending the last few weeks at Shikwaru, a game farm near Mokopane (in the Limpopo province, NorthEast corner of SA). We are a team of ten: Jeremy, Ashley, Kate, Andrea, Jen, Jade, Jessica, Drew, JP and myself. Half of us are Response Team leaders (a few of us in training) and the other half are Nomads or Interns.

The last few weeks, we have been training at the “farm” for our ministry as well as doing a lot of spiritual discipleship, but all that will come to an end as we head out to the Eastern Cape for a few weeks. We will be in schools in an area two hours north of Cape Town. It will be a two day drive to get there with two vehicles, one pulling a trailer. Later we will be going to the NorthEast Cape and then over to Namibia for ministry. (Yes, that is a lot of driving, pray for safe travels! However, we do have six drivers.)

Living on a game farm has been an incredible experience. The night skies are amazing! Daily seeing herds of Impala, Wildbeast, Blessbuck, Zebras, Giraffes, Warthogs and more. The rains have made everything very green. The grasses are high making it hard to see a lot of game, but not impossible.

We had a once in a lifetime experience our first weekend here when we got to help move their two Cape Buffalo (one of the big 5) from one area to another. A helicopter herded them to the fence where they darted them. Once they dropped we got to see and touch them up close. A vet checked them over (the female is with calf) and then they partially woke them up and literally pulled them across to the other fenced area. Later in the day they wanted to try and herd some Blessbuck and Impala over to a different area. We all hid in the tall grass as the helicopter herded them to a channel area between fences, then we were to close in the area like a human net, but they would not pass the fence line. However, the helicopter pilot blessed us all with rides over the farm, two at a time.

We have an official web site that will contain some video:

www.nomadsouthafrica08.blogspot.com

And now the ministry begins, we are ready…