Fix Your Eyes

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 11/26/12

This photo of Tokyo Tower was taken in Tokyo, Japan, on a rainy and foggy winter day. In the hustle and bustle of city life working among one of the world's largest unreached people groups, ministry in Japan can be discouraging.  Just as the fog hides part of the buildings here often our eyes fix on what is seen and we miss the opportunity to see the unseen, eternal work that God is doing amongst us.

Keep 'em coming!
We have 49 more slots to fill for Picture Praise in 2013. 

We need your great global shots and verses.

We're inviting all women serving cross-culturally to participate in submitting their photography and verses to be considered for use for Picture Praise this year.

Picture Praise goes out to over 2,000 subscribers weekly and has become one of our most inspirational and easily sharable publications. This is an opportunity to put your life on the field and the people you serve in front of many believers. Often times it is an initiator for prayer to those who receive it.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg) and verse (not on the photo) to: editor@womenoftheharvest.com 

photographer:  Lori Harms, Japan.  “Lori is a Converge Worldwide missionary working as a teacher at Kansai Christian School in Nara, Japan.  Her blog is  HYPERLINK "http://www.tckteacher.blogspot.com" \o "http://www.tckteacher.blogspot.com/" \t "_blank" www.tckteacher.blogspot.com.”

Jesus

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 12/24/12

My husband and I saw the Lord moving in the prisons in Thailand when we were there on a mission trip about 8 years ago. We felt the Lord inviting us to join His work there, so we did. We stayed in Bangkok studying Thai and doing prison work for 6 years. 

I thought I was going on the mission field as just my very talented husband's wife. Painting was always just a hobby, it kept me sane particularly through nursing school, but God used it to reach into prisons and draw people to Him through art classes. Who knew?  I am a very ordinary looking American grandmother, but I can say that I have hung out with tattooed drug lords serving life sentences in Thai prisons. 

Recently my husband had a business trip to the UK.  As we drove around we spied this cross outside a little church in Wales. This cross has stood there for a long time and has weathered many storms.  But the cross of Christ for which it stands has endured even more yet stands glorious!  It is so amazing to see God at work wherever you go! I edited the photo to focus just on the cross and blur out the rest.  I want to live like that too - just focus on the cross. If I look at all the stuff around the edges, if I get caught up in the peripherals, get distracted with the busy things and loose my focus on the cross, I burn out, get discouraged and get worn down. Got to keep my focus on the cross!

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Charlotte Blanford, USA

Unfading Beauty

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 12/17/12

My husband and I arrived in Northwest Cameroon at the end of rainy season. The hills and trails were still a bit slippery but we enjoyed hiking on them, the dog often leading the way and pulling us along. We soaked in the beauty as we hiked and learned our way around.

As the rains ended, the trails improved. The grass had one last growth spurt, went to seed and then began dying, its beauty soon fading away.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Chris Van Weerdhuizen, Cameroon, Africa “My husband and I serve as part of the support team for Wycliffe. Over the years (20 years in the Philippines and the past year in Cameroon) I’ve been privileged to do a variety of practical helps to support the Bible translation task. God has not gifted me in linguistics, but I can provide hospitality, be a listening ear, and encourage and pray for those who are. Together we can bring God’s word to the Bible-less people of the world.”

His Ways

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 12/10/12

Here is a picture of a Tanzanian man, in a suit, standing on a truck, refueling a 12 passenger plane.  This picture prompted me to think of Isaiah 55:8.  Sometimes we think our western ways and ideas are superior to those of our countrymen on our field of service.  This picture is a reminder that different doesn’t mean inferior.  Just as God loves us despite our shortcomings, we should embrace and understand the differences we encounter on a daily basis.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Kimberly Hodgson, Mbeya, Tanzania  “Kimberly and Cory Hodgson have been serving in Tanzania, East Africa with Grace Ministries International since February 2006. They have two sweet children, Naomi (8) and Elijah (5). Kimberly is primarily a wife, mother, teacher (for her children), and hostess. Her husband Cory’s primary ministry is a Bible correspondence program. They work together to provide hospitality to the many guest who pass through their home.”

Clothe Yourselves

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 12/03/12

During a kids' teaching time in a language this little girl did not understand, she picked flowers when no one was looking and "clothed" as many girls as she could with them.  It was precious!  We long to see all these children understand what it means to be clothed with compassion, kindness and so much more through Jesus.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.


photographer:  Heather Hahn, Mexico  Heather is the director of Brave Heart ministry in Mexico City.   

Saved

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 11/26/12

Salvation is a costly free gift. Remembering the price that Christ paid on the Cross is of great value to us. This past summer, God saved me again. Not that I doubt my salvation, but in that, I had my gallbladder removed.  It was asymptomatic and I could not have told you that I had a 2.8 cm gallstone. When I visited the doctor afterwards, he told me that if he had not removed it, cancer would have appeared in 1 to 3 years. Saved again! God has more plans for my life than I know of. 

The story of the dogwood tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I was glad to have been able to be in the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee to take this picture. 

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Jayne Russell, Ukraine. “I Teach Christian Education and Women's Ministry at Kremenchuk Regional Bible College. I am embarking on my fourth term with a goal that more Ukrainains will be teaching my courses…soon.

Hold Me Fast

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 11/19/12

This picture was taken during a very special sunrise worship time on Easter morning. I was on a trip with 60+ students from a school in Southeast Asia. This was their senior trip; one last time for them to make memories with each other before scattering across the globe for the next step in their faith journey. Even though they are from many different cultural backgrounds, they have one thing in common: their parents serve overseas. There are many advantages and disadvantages to growing up as a TCK (Third Culture Kid) and they are often the "forgotten people group" that need spiritual guidance and investment just as much as the people their parents serve. Armed with a broad worldview, a Biblical perspective, a desire to serve, and a faith they've made their own, these students look to their Maker and Savior for guidance and strength. As the sun illuminates the beautiful creation in this photo, for me, it also symbolizes the Son, whose light illuminates this world and if allowed, will shine through a surrendered heart.

Picture Praise goes out to over 2,000 subscribers weekly and has become one of our most inspirational and easily sharable publications. This is an opportunity to put your life on the field and the people you serve in front of many believers. Often times, it has become an initiator of prayer to those who receive it.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Jeannie, Thailand

Glad Service

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 11/12/12

We were invited to a church gathering in one of the many bush churches out where we live. The ladies in the picture were in charge of doing all the cooking. They were also slated to sing a choir song with some others. So they were taking a quick break to freshen up before their debut. All went well, then the skies opened up and it began to pour rain. Thus saving us from having to try matumbo, (goat intestines), for lunch.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Vera Steury, Kenya

Burst Into Song

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 11/05/12

Over the Christmas holidays we got to go away for a few days to a National Park in the bottom corner of Niger called Parc W. There is an amazing Ecolodge on an island, filled with Baobab trees, monkeys and amazing places to enjoy the sunset and sing Praises to God!

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Chantelle McIver, Niger. “I am the Director of a Girls School in Niger that focuses on girls at risk of early marriage and prostitution. You can check us out at  HYPERLINK "http://www.nvoc.ca" \o "http://www.nvoc.ca/" www.nvoc.ca”

My Fortress

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 10/29/12

The tower keep at Manorbier Castle in Wales is hundreds of years old, but the sea behind it is so much older.  I get too focused on what man has done and forget to marvel at what God has done. That tower is touchable and strong, but one day it will finish crumbling and fall into the sea. I would never want to rely on it instead of God of all strength!  Lord, You are my fortress and to You I run!

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Charlotte Blanford, USA

Stronghold and Refuge

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 10/22/12

I took this picture at Sunset Cafe on the banks of Lake Atitlan in 2009 with a dear missionary friend from Bolivia that made a special trip to visit us in Guatemala.  My friend, Virginia, was returning back to her field of service where I first worked with her for 15 years.  She spent 10 days with us to relax after completing her 1 year furlough (home assignment).  We enjoyed our time together reflecting on God's goodness.  Several days later, Virginia continued her travels to South America and most recently completed her term of service and is now entering her retirement stage of life.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Judy Stewart, Guatemala. “Judy captured this photo of a late summer sunset at Lake Atitlan in Panajachel, Guatemala, during the rainy season.  The Moody alumna, who comes from four generations of Moody alumni, lives in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and serves in pastoral care with Camino Global (formerly CAM International).”

Living Hope

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 10/15/12

The hope of the resurrection of Christ is a blessed gift to the believer. My dear friend, Annie, lost her battle with pancreatic cancer this past summer. Because Christ has defeated death and hell, I will see Annie again. It is a blessed hope! 

As a symbol of immortality (even St. Augustine believed the peacock’s flesh to have "antiseptic qualities" and that it didn't corrupt), the peacock became a symbol of Christ and the Resurrection. Its image embellished everything from the Catacombs to everyday objects, like lamps, especially in early Romanesque and Byzantine churches. (The peacock, for obvious reasons, was also used as a symbol for pride, too.) [*definition from internet].

This peacock was preening his feathers and turning in circles when he did. I was glad he continued turning so I could get more shots. I have always wondered why people were in awe of them here in Ukraine and Europe. Now, I know.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Jayne Russell, Ukraine. “I Teach Christian Education and Women's Ministry at Kremenchuk Regional Bible College. I am embarking on my fourth term with a goal that more Ukrainains will be teaching my courses…soon.

Consider the Birds

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 10/08/12This picture was taken at our home in the US.  My husband was feeding the hummingbirds and as I was trying to get a picture of the fast moving birds the following verse came to my mind to remind me that the Lord is sufficient to provide for all of our needs, not to be anxious but to trust in Him.  

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Catalina Tate, Ecuador. “My husband Jim and I are missionaries in Guayaquil, Ecuador.  At the moment we are in home ministry assignment, reporting to our supporting churches and raising funds.”

Joyful Dancing

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 10/01/12

Everyday during the class break, our afternoon class of Zarma girls break out into dancing. The joy fills their faces and the dust starts flying, creating a cloud around them.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Chantelle McIver, Chantelle is the Director of the Niger Vocational Training School for Girls at Risk.www.nvoc.ca

Firm Foundation

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 9/24/12

These are the feet of street children along with Thai/Burmese border.  They are sent out by parents, grandparents or other relatives to beg in the streets every day for a variety of reasons.  Most of these children have been abused emotionally, sexually, and physically.  But God has sent an amazing man with a heart to see them lifted out of their despair.  Together with an awesome Burmese staff, he is providing food, schooling, and hope to these forgotten ones.  It was my privilege to bring a Hip Hop instructor up there to teach them dance using praise & worship music!  They did an incredible job remembering the "pops" (I forget all the terms) and are using their dance to glorify God!  I love the way the Lord works.  He's the best!

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Julie Smude, Thailand. The Director of Deeper Still Ministries, International, Julie is a single-parent who knows how powerful and compassionate our God is. Throughout her life, He has performed miracle after miracle to get her to where she is today.  Julie knows without a doubt - that "No matter how deep the pit, God is deeper still" (quote by Betsie TenBoom, The Hiding Place).

Wider, Higher, Longer, Deeper

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 9/17/12

We recently took a break from ministry in Tokyo, Japan to visit our family and friends back home in Australia. While we were there we hired a motor home and drove into the centre of Australia to see Uluru (Ayers Rock). The distances we travelled were immense (8,000km). Even though my husband and I had known (and seen photos) of this part of our home country, it still amazed us to see it. As we drove hour after hour through places where there was little evidence of human habitation, we couldn't deny how tiny we were compared to the huge land of Australia. 

When we came back to Japan I had coffee with my best Japanese friend. She'd travelled in outback Australia as a young woman and remembered the same impression. She said, "We get the feeling in the city that we are pretty big and strong, but out there you realize that we really aren't large at all." 

In Tokyo we can't see the horizon unless we climb a tall building. In outback Australia it is so flat that we could almost always see the horizon. This photo was taken while driving in outback Queensland. We only saw this type of sky once in our trip, my husband called it a "mackerel sky". Whenever I look at it, I'm reminded of these verses in Ephesians that describe our God and his love which is so large that it is beyond our ability to understand or even describe. These clouds, though so high, pressed us down and made us feel small. Yet our creator's love presses down and surrounds us with love that is far wider, longer, higher, and deeper than we could ever see.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Wendy Marshall, Japan

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 9/10/12

One of the Steury family traditions is that the child we are taking to the US for college gets to pick the country we fly through.  Now, before you get a jet setting image in your mind, let me explain, there are rules.  We have to be traveling towards the U.S (which is a bummer because I want to go to Australia), and it has to be a country not currently at war.  This year, our last born, chose Israel.

Now I love all the places we visit in our missionary travel, but there is something bizarre that transition does to me. As soon as I get familiar with my surroundings, as soon as I can recognize a familiar landmark, I want to live there.  No more packing, no more goodbyes, no more living out of my suitcase.  We stayed longer inIsrael than the other places we had traveled.  I was so sold on the idea of living in a little apartment outside the Damascus Gate that I even had my fantasy self buying figs from the same seller and leading him to Jesus.

So, that said, transition and the lack of a home feeling, make me take pictures of others having a life. I have tons of pictures of people pushing life. That's why I love this picture. I have a feeling I am not the only one that transition does a number on.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: info@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Vera Steury, Kenya

Rest

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 9/03/12

This week, our "Story Behind the Photo" goes untold.

However, we'll use this opportunity to extend an invitation to all women serving cross-culturally to participate in submitting their photography and verses to be considered for publication for Picture Praise this year.

Picture Praise goes out to over 2,000 subscribers weekly and has become one of our most inspirational and easily sharable publications. This is an opportunity to put your life on the field and the people you serve in front of many believers. Often times, it has become an initiator of prayer to those who receive it.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: editor@womenoftheharvest.com.

photographer: Charlotte Blanford, USA

By Candlelight

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 8/27/12

As my family and I walked through the hotel hallway one night in Ollantaytambo, Peru, we found ourselves surrounded by complete darkness.  The power in the whole city had gone out in an instant, leaving us with feet firmly planted in one place, unsure of what to do or how we were going to get to our rooms.  As we fumbled around for our keys, we were met by a gentle light coming towards us.  The hotel owners had lit candles and brought them to us; relieved, we laughed at our feeble attempts to find our way in the dark and rejoiced that we finally had light to guide our way back to our rooms.  We spent rest of the evening snuggling under warm blankets and chatting by candlelight; we laughed and shared many memories by the light of these candles. 

There are times in my life and ministry when I feel like I am walking in the dark, confused or unsure of my next step, just like the dark, hotel hallway in Ollantaytambo; but in the midst of the darkness, I am greeted by a welcome light.  Although I was once in darkness, I am no longer in that place; I am now in the light of the Lord (Ephesians 5:8).   He is my light and salvation, and when I follow Him I "shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12).  Even when I feel the weighed down or do not know where to take the next step, I have no reason to fear or worry, but just trust that He is my faithful guide, illuminating my heart and leading me in the light.  This is true for you too!  Even in the midst of trouble, darkness, or confusion in your life, set your eyes on Jesus--the light of the world--and let Him guide you in the light! 

photographer: Stephanie Rushing, Peru.

Be Refreshed

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 8/20/12

Over the past few years my husband and I, through work and circumstances, had reached burnout and took a long break for rest, reflection and renewal.  Our times walking along beaches and through national parks were great times of refreshment from the Lord.  This photo, taken at Knoll National Park on Mount Tamborine in Queensland, Australia, still speaks to me, reminding me of God’s  love and presence that sustains me as I walk with Him.

photographer: June Sparks, Australia. "My husband and I have been serving in Australia over the past 20 years."

Shine Like the Sun

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 8/13/12

What a joy when my young friend from Madagascar recently visited me on her way back from a three month trip to Australia.  I was privileged to see God start a wonderful work in her life ten years ago (she was only 15) when we lived on her island. She helped me to learn Malagasy, while any visit to my home was a good excuse for her to practice English. Today, she has a BA degree in teaching and is doing an honors degree with English as her main subject.

More precious than her academic work is how she is flourishing in her walk with God. Three months with outspoken atheists away from her own country solidified her testimony as a Christ-follower. I “stole” this photograph of her on our favorite beach just before she left to go back to her country in political turmoil. While my heart was heavy for her, God assured me of His amazing work in her, and on her behalf...Our God is not watching us from a distance, but is lovingly at work wherever we are. 

photographer: Cecile Sander, Indian Ocean Island.

Joyful

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 8/6/12

This picture was taken in a public school in the town of Sousas in Brazil where I have been teaching Bible for around 43 years.. yes… I started early! Growing up as an MK, at the age of 13, my mother would take me along with her to help give Bible classes in the public schools and soon after that I was teaching myself. I thank the Lord that this door is still open and that we have this wonderful liberty to do this in this country.

This June I was blessed to be able to give Bibles to all of my students that didn’t have one; that is, over 300 of them, in the three public school and at the NGO Grupo Primavera. I am grateful to my commending home assembly in Los Angeles, CA, that gave me this special gift to purchase the Bibles. It was such a blessing to see the children's excitement while receiving them, what a privilege to be able to plant the precious seed in precious hearts!

photographer: Jeanne Lipsi, Brazil.

My Rock

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 7/30/12

This picture was taken while my husband I were house-sitting for family friends who live right on the beach at Pointe Aux Cannoniers – a popular destination in Mauritius for many tourists from all over the world. As holiday makers were going out on 30 feet catamarans daily to pass the view of the spectacular Coin de Mire Island, I sat in the garden and gazed on this rock in the ocean.

In the midst of uncertainty and turmoil in my heart around the yearly re-application of our work permit – God whispered words of security into my mind. Indeed, He is our Rock and our Fortress. He will lead and guide us for His Name’s sake. Even if the authorities refuse us permission to stay on this little island – God will continue to build His Kingdom. I realized anew that whenever we are faced with troubled waters, the Mighty Hand of God will sustain His own. There is safety and security in His Presence.

photographer: Cecile Sander, Indian Ocean Island.

 

 

Who Sees Me?

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 7/23/12

I took this photo as the sun was coming up along the shore of the Arabian Gulf.  It made me think of the loneliness of Hagar, her sense of the unfairness of Abram sending her and her son away, and then her amazement that Abram’s God would look down on her and rescue her. She named God El-roi, “the God who sees me.”  God knew Hagar’s plight and watched over her.

In the same way, we can pray for God to hear and see the many women born into Islam, without any chance of learning about Jesus, God’s Kinsman-Redeemer. Surely God watches over them too, and is ready to reveal Himself to any who truly seek Him.  

photographer: Sue DeVries, Cypress.

For Now: A Glass, Darkly

 STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 7/16/12

My husband took this picture last fall while taking part in a famine-relief outreach to Samburu, Kenya.  We live in the western highlands of Kenya and have not been affected by the drought that has caused famine in so many parts of Africa's Horn. 

We have always been involved in development work in our area.  Relief work was not something we were well acquainted with. But after a successful harvest in our area, it was in our hearts to get involved in the relief efforts.  My husband partnered with several organizations to take a semi-truck full of maize to Samburu.  He came back feeling a bit discouraged as he knew that what they had done was not a long-term solution. 

As he shared the pictures with me, this one stood out.  This young girl is waiting for food to be unloaded so that she can take some back to her family.  The verse that struck me was "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" (I Corinthians 13:12, KJV). 

I particularly like the King James Translation as it talks about a seeing through a glass darkly.  It's like holding up a thick stained glass and seeing how everything is tinted and distorted.  I realize that there are things on this earth that will never make sense to me.  How fitting that this verse would be placed at the end of one of the most famous writings ever on the topic of love.  I know that God loves each of these precious children who suffer around the world.  And when I can't make sense of it, I take comfort in knowing that right now I am just seeing that poor reflection through the dark glass.

photographer: Michelle Kiprop's husband, Kenya. Michelle is a Family Nurse Practitioner serving with Empowering Lives International in Eldoret, Kenya.

To Russia with Love

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 7/9/12

This picture was taken in Tikhvin, Russia, of the church within The Great Monastery of Our Lady. The monastery houses a famous icon which is supposed to have healing power, and many make pilgrimages to see it. In most Russian Orthodox churches, the Bible is read in Old Church Slavonic, which means that most who call themselves Orthodox do not have a relationship with Christ. I pray that God will send the breath of His Spirit into the dry bones of this church, that her people will come to life!

photographer:  Anonymous, St. Petersburg, Russia.

Cute Shoes

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 7/2/12

I took the photo of the felt shoes in Pushkin, Russia, during a Russian festival called Maslanitsa, which celebrates the beginning of spring, and is observed by eating as many blini (crepes) as one can hold! Although these traditional felt shoes were too costly to allow me to shod my own feet with them, they reminded me of the verse in Isaiah 52:7:

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!''

May there be many beautiful feet proclaiming God's reign in Russia!

photographer: Anonymous, St. Petersburg, Russia.

Red Gate

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 6/25/12

This narrow entrance in an old Atlixco, Mexico building immediately brought to mind the verses about the narrow way of life. May we continue to be diligent in helping others to find and enter the narrow gate, in order to avoiding destruction while living abundantly!


photographer: Debbie Murphy,  Mexico. "I am serving with Crossworld, working with a church in Puebla, Mexico, focusing on their outreach ministry in a nearby neighborhood and discipleship of new believers, as well as discipling and encouraging the women in the church."

My Portion

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 6/18/12

In Mexico and probably other places, many people do not have cars, and sometimes no refrigerator. They buy what they plan to use for the day at a corner store or market. They often buy just for the day. I’m thankful for the luxury of living in a city (after 8 years in the jungle) with a refrigerator and a car which allow me to shop occasionally, stocking up on what I might need. But as I watch some of my neighbors and friends do their shopping on a day-to-day basis, it reminds me to trust in God’s provision, one day at a time, and not grow confident in my ability to store up for the future.

photographer: Debbie Murphy, Mexico. "I am serving with Crossworld, working with a church in Puebla, Mexico, focusing on their outreach ministry in a nearby neighborhood and discipleship of new believers, as well as discipling and encouraging the women in the church."

Splendor

Picture Praise, 6/11/12  |  photographer: Linda Collins

Due to security reasons, our "Story Behind the Photo" goes untold.

However, we'll use this opportunity to extend an invitation to all women serving cross-culturally to participate in submitting their photography and verses to be considered for publication for Picture Praise this year.

Picture Praise goes out to over 2,000 subscribers weekly and has become one of our most inspirational and easily sharable publications. This is an opportunity to put your life on the field and the people you serve in front of many believers. Often times, it has become an initiator of prayer to those who receive it.

We'd love to see your corner of the world and the people who live there...so please consider submitting your photo (jpeg, at least 600px x 400px) and verse (not on the photo) to: editor@womenoftheharvest.com.