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.”