A Clearer Picture

A friend of mine who helped run the photography department of a Christian organization recently lost his job because of the economy. I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts with him and his family about what to do next. After a great deal of prayer, they decided to become full-time media missionaries, just like I am.

I wanted to share their latest newsletter, because it is so encouraging to me. It communicates the importance of our new kind of ministry, and I hope it helps us see the value of what we do. From my friends:

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,
We are excited to report our most recent ministry activities. A growing young church in Geneva, NY invited us to share what God is doing in our lives. They were excited to hear our vision of using photography and media technology to help missionaries tell stories of God’s work all over the world. The pastor made a great illustration by getting people to recall the most memorable photograph they can remember seeing. He then explained that such images become emblazoned on our brain and are remembered longer than the best sermon you’ve heard, or the most eloquent speech. The power of visual images is critical to missions communication, and the role God has put us in is vital to missionaries being able to tell God’s stories.

Our next journey will take us to Indiana and Michigan for meetings, starting September 27 at First Baptist in Bristol, IN, where Becky grew up. We will end at a missions conference at Twin Branch Bible Church in Mishawaka, IN on October 7 before heading back to Pennsylvania.

Please pray for:
· Visits with supporters and potential supporters to share our vision
· Wisdom as we prepare presentation materials
· Travel safety
· Our young children, will be away from home for 2 weeks

Jeff and Becky Raymond
http://jeffandbeckyraymond.shutterfly.com/

Las Cruces Wildlife

I find myself in the "Land of Enchantment". That's the official motto of New Mexico, and I find it to be so true! From where I am sitting, I have a wonderful view of mountains, hummingbirds, and cactus. Not to mention the roadrunner I met on the front drive this morning. He was enjoying a worm from the garden!

But even more interesting is the fact that I've been having a great time working on video here, and getting to know the people. It has been a blessing, and a time of renewal for me. It's easy to get lost in God's creation here.

So, I am busy working on video and print for Global Outreach's upcoming conference on East Africa. In addition to that, I am working on several other videos from my recent trips. It's nice to be blessed with such a great place to work in. Here are a couple of photos from the yard outside.

From New Mexico

I have been traveling this past week once again. First to Las Cruces, New Mexico by air, then to Hobbs by car for Labor Day weekend. It's been a great weekend here with my Mom. She's been beating me at all the board games we've attempted!

Mom invited her Sunday School class over for a lunch to thank them for their support of my ministry. I am always blessed by all the ways that people support me in my ministry. It always shows me how God is watching over me.

I am heading back to Las Cruces today to spend a week or so working from the home of Jeanne Gleason, a new friend who is very interested in future possibilities of media missions work. I also booked a trip to Togo (that's in Africa for those of you who... don't worry, I had to look it up too!) I will be taking photos for a new hospital that is opening up there.

Meanwhile, I have many video projects to finish, and will be working diligently to get all of them done by the time the missionaries need them. I am looking forward to working while in Las Cruces, the home I am staying in has a wonderful view of mountains and many hummingbirds that hang out at the balcony feeders. It's a charming place to think! And ponder God's creation.

Today in Maryland

I spent the day wandering through photographs after having gone out for coffee and some catch-up shopping this morning. I kept trying to step on the clutch in my little black car, only to let out a happy little sigh because I realized that I no longer have to shift gears in that old truck I've been driving the small winding roads of Spain! It's surprising how much I appreciate the little things when I get back home.

Although I have my photos organized, I need a software update before I can post them. So, I'm checking out for the evening, and will get back to posting later.

I have to admit that Spain, Uganda and Costa Rica have worn me out! I'm glad not to have to leave the country for a while.

My Last Week in Spain

Being at camp for four weeks for four different kinds of camps has been tougher than I thought. Sleeping in a teepee with new people each week, walking around up and down for electricity, food, bathrooms, or anything else I need has reminded me how grateful I am for a relatively care-free life in America. I can't even count how many different kinds of bugs there are here, most of which reside in my tent! I am so ready for my homeland.

But even as I think of all the struggles that come from living here these weeks, I remember that Spain has less than one percent of a Christian population. And the ones who do believe face ridicule and temptations from every quarter. This camp is one of the few ways that the youth of Spain, and most of Europe, can even be reached anymore. They no longer value the religion and churches of their forefathers, it has not worked for them. So they are looking for new answers.

For the short time we endure the inconveniences, the heat, the bugs, it's worth it. To see the lives of young people strengthened, and new answers given, that's worth it all.

I admit though, that I have to remind myself of this over and over, each time that I find a new species of bug in my tent that has just shed it's skin.

Blessings as you go, and remember that all the world was made by God, and we are all His children.

Kampala traffic is on my mind!!!!

Our short term team here has been praising me for my adept abilities in this amazing tangle of transport, but they don't see the concentration and reflexes that seem to drain me of every bit of energy! All I want to do is get to the destination without harming anyone!

Joy and Pain

Driving in Kampala was a BEAR today! And I am worn out. So, I leave you with a couple of images from the orphanage we went to yesterday. Forever burned in my memory -- the cry of a child abandoned left wondering why, and the joy of a child remembered by God.