www.aContextForHope.blogspot.com
Check out Matt's blog. He is a brilliant writer and gifted photographer. He is traveling with me through Thailand as we document hope in the dark places.
www.givelighttomyeyes.blogspot.com/
8.14.2009
8.13.2009
Hope in Despair
Images of Violence, drugs, theft and poverty portray Mexico as a lost cause.
In the face of such vast social injustice, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. These issues seem so far beyond us that any hope for justice looks bleak. Yet, as statistics become personal stories, individual needs provoke us to action. That is exactly what happened April 2009 in Ensenada, Mexico when a group of young people made a lasting impact. Here are five instances where a broad social issue became the context for hope, through personal relationships.
The rampant injustice in Mexico paints a desperate picture of brokenness. If we only look at this big picture of the social issues in Mexico we may feel helpless. Millions are impoverished, overlooked and oppressed. The sheer magnitude makes it seem that the need for help is beyond us.
The big picture seems impossible to change, yet here are some instances where few individuals made lasting impact.
In the face of such vast social injustice, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. These issues seem so far beyond us that any hope for justice looks bleak. Yet, as statistics become personal stories, individual needs provoke us to action. That is exactly what happened April 2009 in Ensenada, Mexico when a group of young people made a lasting impact. Here are five instances where a broad social issue became the context for hope, through personal relationships.
The rampant injustice in Mexico paints a desperate picture of brokenness. If we only look at this big picture of the social issues in Mexico we may feel helpless. Millions are impoverished, overlooked and oppressed. The sheer magnitude makes it seem that the need for help is beyond us.
The big picture seems impossible to change, yet here are some instances where few individuals made lasting impact.
6.23.2009
cloud & fire
{this ended up being a mouth full}
I am currently in Lancaster, PA and began interning with a christian photographer. It has been a privilege to work with such talented professionals with such similar vision.
I spend my mornings here studying light, and photography {the art of writing with light} from a biblical perspective. My studying has changed from seeking strategy to seeking the lover. As I have looked into spiritual heroes of mine I have seen a common tread, intimacy, love and action. Abraham trusting, Nehemiah diligently pursuing hope, Daniel's discipline, William Wilberforce's dedication to the slavery abolition, and many men who were despised because thy spoke God's truth- love & hope.
All these men knew their God. They knew His heart, what pleased Him and what grieved Him. They were all men of discipline {which is an area I feel challenged in at present} They all pursued their lover not out of duty, but sheer delight. They found something in the fathers heart that created acceptance, fullness, and Passion to explore this abyss of love. They discovered the light, which unveils purpose, gives definition to existences and a context for love to exist. They found their lover.
Because they knew Him they understood the His desires for people. He longs for intimate union with His bride {The Church} He desires for widows, orphans, and the oppressed to be loved cared for and freed. He is a God of justice, and at the heart of justice is reconciliation with Him.
In this studying I too feel the desire to act out what I see my father doing on earth. To love, to hope and to act accordingly. "If your presences dose not go with us, do not take us up from here" Moses begged of God as they Him into the wilderness.
With so many issues in this world how dose one choose to act? I feel that we are to respond. We go where He gos, and we do what we see Him doing. We are to know the Father, and as we learn his heart and desires we then choose to respond by partnering with Him to see His will on earth just as it is in heaven. We get there by seeking Him, reading His word, communicating with Him, and seeking His will and not our own.
In my recent death resistant struggles, I've clung to what it is I desire for my life (occupation, location and possessions) I see more and more that all those will in fact vanish. Yet I am learning {very slowly} that every moment, effort, and penny spent sowing into the Lord's harvest will in fact bring forth a vast profit.
Imagine stepping into eternity starring into the fiery eyes of Jesus, and saying to Him I knew it! I knew you would look like that, I saw you, I knew you on earth! Entering into heaven with street orphans, HIV positive outcasts, the overlooked refugees, trafficked women and children would be more than worth the minute sacrifices during our stay on earth.
My response: I am going to Asia.
For three months I will document lives, and stories, which I believe have the power to end social issues. I will document:
Thailand
- Human sex trafficking (and ministries working to end it) - Bangkok
- Akah refugees from Burma - Chiang Rai
- HIV/AIDS refugees with no health care - Chiang Rai
Bhutan
- Underground Church
- Bhutanese refugees
Kyrgyzstan
- Homeless {often living in sewers to escape the cold}
I will put together video and photo documentaries revealing the reality of these issues. What it will take to put them to an end, and how we can be a significant part in doing so. I plan on holding photo exhibit/art shows to express these issues, and again show the action steps.
I covet and rely partnership. God has called me to partner with Him to see his desire for His children established on earth. This is not my ministry. I would love to invite you to join in this vision, which is so much larger than myself. If you feel a desire to partner in this vision in any way please email me.
Needs: Many many people to stand with in prayer, with logistics, creativity using their gifts talents and abilities to partner with this vision, by coming with me, or financially supporting the vision. Please here me, it is so not about giving me a check, but standing together in a vision and a goal to partner with God's will on earth just as it is in heaven.
I am Blessed to be a part of your life, and thank you for reading,
Billy
I am currently in Lancaster, PA and began interning with a christian photographer. It has been a privilege to work with such talented professionals with such similar vision.
I spend my mornings here studying light, and photography {the art of writing with light} from a biblical perspective. My studying has changed from seeking strategy to seeking the lover. As I have looked into spiritual heroes of mine I have seen a common tread, intimacy, love and action. Abraham trusting, Nehemiah diligently pursuing hope, Daniel's discipline, William Wilberforce's dedication to the slavery abolition, and many men who were despised because thy spoke God's truth- love & hope.
All these men knew their God. They knew His heart, what pleased Him and what grieved Him. They were all men of discipline {which is an area I feel challenged in at present} They all pursued their lover not out of duty, but sheer delight. They found something in the fathers heart that created acceptance, fullness, and Passion to explore this abyss of love. They discovered the light, which unveils purpose, gives definition to existences and a context for love to exist. They found their lover.
Because they knew Him they understood the His desires for people. He longs for intimate union with His bride {The Church} He desires for widows, orphans, and the oppressed to be loved cared for and freed. He is a God of justice, and at the heart of justice is reconciliation with Him.
In this studying I too feel the desire to act out what I see my father doing on earth. To love, to hope and to act accordingly. "If your presences dose not go with us, do not take us up from here" Moses begged of God as they Him into the wilderness.
With so many issues in this world how dose one choose to act? I feel that we are to respond. We go where He gos, and we do what we see Him doing. We are to know the Father, and as we learn his heart and desires we then choose to respond by partnering with Him to see His will on earth just as it is in heaven. We get there by seeking Him, reading His word, communicating with Him, and seeking His will and not our own.
In my recent death resistant struggles, I've clung to what it is I desire for my life (occupation, location and possessions) I see more and more that all those will in fact vanish. Yet I am learning {very slowly} that every moment, effort, and penny spent sowing into the Lord's harvest will in fact bring forth a vast profit.
Imagine stepping into eternity starring into the fiery eyes of Jesus, and saying to Him I knew it! I knew you would look like that, I saw you, I knew you on earth! Entering into heaven with street orphans, HIV positive outcasts, the overlooked refugees, trafficked women and children would be more than worth the minute sacrifices during our stay on earth.
My response: I am going to Asia.
For three months I will document lives, and stories, which I believe have the power to end social issues. I will document:
Thailand
- Human sex trafficking (and ministries working to end it) - Bangkok
- Akah refugees from Burma - Chiang Rai
- HIV/AIDS refugees with no health care - Chiang Rai
Bhutan
- Underground Church
- Bhutanese refugees
Kyrgyzstan
- Homeless {often living in sewers to escape the cold}
I will put together video and photo documentaries revealing the reality of these issues. What it will take to put them to an end, and how we can be a significant part in doing so. I plan on holding photo exhibit/art shows to express these issues, and again show the action steps.
I covet and rely partnership. God has called me to partner with Him to see his desire for His children established on earth. This is not my ministry. I would love to invite you to join in this vision, which is so much larger than myself. If you feel a desire to partner in this vision in any way please email me.
Needs: Many many people to stand with in prayer, with logistics, creativity using their gifts talents and abilities to partner with this vision, by coming with me, or financially supporting the vision. Please here me, it is so not about giving me a check, but standing together in a vision and a goal to partner with God's will on earth just as it is in heaven.
I am Blessed to be a part of your life, and thank you for reading,
Billy
3.16.2008
2.16.2008
A place of Prayer
Before
After
I arrived safe in Maui to find a storage shed with potential to be turned into a prayer room. For the last three days my friend Ryan and I have spent about 30 hours painting, reorginizing and decorating the shed, utilizing every inch to create a comfortable enjoyful atomosphere dedicated to pray.
After
I arrived safe in Maui to find a storage shed with potential to be turned into a prayer room. For the last three days my friend Ryan and I have spent about 30 hours painting, reorginizing and decorating the shed, utilizing every inch to create a comfortable enjoyful atomosphere dedicated to pray.
Ryan and I found a rug for the prayer room, which was to expensive, so we prayed for it through out the day yesterday. Today at Home Depot we found a nice new carpet of a $70 value as a worker walked up and told us "I'll make you a deal... how about $10" to which Ryan and I thanked the Lord, bought the rug and split the cost. Praise God, who hears and meets wants.
Today we were able to spend time in the room, and it has been such a blessing to have a place on base dedicated and devoted to prayer, worship and studying.
Praise God for His goodness, and provission.
Billy
2.08.2008
Next Steps
After a three week stop at my home base in Maui to reunite with old friends and serve in the YWAM kitchen preping meals and cooking for staff and students. I will embark on a new jurney at yet another base.
As of March 7th I will be official University of the Nations staff. University of the Nations is the YWAM University in Kona Hawaii.
I have been accepted to staff the PhotoGenX DTS and possibly the two year around the world passionate thriving school focused on ending injustices and making the needs known.
Using photography as a tool, and creativity as a way to shine light in the darkness, we will scream at the top of our lungs with all our might to be a voice for the voiceless.
Thank you for your partnership and please continue to pray for me.
Billy
Sea Foam fo sho
As of March 7th I will be official University of the Nations staff. University of the Nations is the YWAM University in Kona Hawaii.
I have been accepted to staff the PhotoGenX DTS and possibly the two year around the world passionate thriving school focused on ending injustices and making the needs known.
Using photography as a tool, and creativity as a way to shine light in the darkness, we will scream at the top of our lungs with all our might to be a voice for the voiceless.
Thank you for your partnership and please continue to pray for me.
Billy
Sea Foam fo sho
1.10.2008
Waiting on the Lord...
I am still planing on heading to Kona, HI early March, but I continue to wait for my application process to go through.
I am also waiting on what the Lord has for me in the time I am at home raising support and preparing me for the next two years. This PhotogenX school involves two years of traveling around the world photographing injustices in order to make them known as well as put an end to them. We will also work to equip the Church with the means to stop injustice and meet worldwide needs.
The Lord is doing a lot of exciting things inside of me, and I continue to seek eagerly all that He has called me to.
I expect exciting news to unfold in the coming months.
I greatly appreciate your partnership with me through prayer and support, and ask that you would continue to pray. Please pray for:
Billy
I am also waiting on what the Lord has for me in the time I am at home raising support and preparing me for the next two years. This PhotogenX school involves two years of traveling around the world photographing injustices in order to make them known as well as put an end to them. We will also work to equip the Church with the means to stop injustice and meet worldwide needs.
The Lord is doing a lot of exciting things inside of me, and I continue to seek eagerly all that He has called me to.
I expect exciting news to unfold in the coming months.
I greatly appreciate your partnership with me through prayer and support, and ask that you would continue to pray. Please pray for:
- Guidance-That God would continue to make His will for my life known.
- Finances-I need to raise $1,400 per month in order to staff the next two years.
- Spiritual Growth-That God would continue to mature and teach me as He transforms me into His likeness.
Billy
10.29.2007
PhotogenX
PhotogenX is a school, which teaches and involves photography, studying the Bible, studying world culture not out of books but in the nations themselves. This corse teaches Christians how to use a camera as a weapon to defeat injustice, oppression, and change the course of history, while serving the neediest and the poorest through the art of photography.
...fitting eh?
I am in the process of being applying for staff with PhotogenX in Kona HI. I am praying about staffing the 2 year around the world Track. The school start April 2008.
more later...
Please keep praying with me.
Thank you!!!
As always, Billy
10.19.2007
Hungry
FATHER HELP!
My mind is messy, wisdom hidden.
Clear communication.
Tune my ears to the soft sound of heaven;
make clear to me your sweet direction.
You've given me a choice, impowered me to make it,
but I run back to you and ask you to take it.
Rescue me Lord come in a hurry. You are my comforter in you will I find LIFE.
My mind is messy, wisdom is hidden, my comminsence void, and I have no vision.
"When I thought how to understand this,
It was too painful for me-
Until I went into the sanctuary of God,
then I understood their end." -Psalm 73:16,17
I understand that I can't understand you.
Your ways are higher then my ways, your thoughts higher then my own.
I want Your will father, and yours alone.
Teach me to abide, show me rest.
I am hungry for you, longing for more.
This I know YOU are faithful and you are good.
9.26.2007
Direction
I am heading back to Sacramento California on October 30th. After that... only the Lord knows.
What I do know is that: I will be meeting and making known both physical and spiritual needs through photography for the rest of my life. And I will be going to some sort of training for photography, journalism and media in the near future to equipt me with the tools needed to make needs known through photography.
If you would like to pray for direction for me, I would greatly appreciate it
thanks
What I do know is that: I will be meeting and making known both physical and spiritual needs through photography for the rest of my life. And I will be going to some sort of training for photography, journalism and media in the near future to equipt me with the tools needed to make needs known through photography.
What I don't know is: Where or when any of this will happen. I am looking at YWAM schools in India, South Africa, Brazil, and Kona Hawaii
If you would like to pray for direction for me, I would greatly appreciate it
thanks
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