Right or Left

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 6/27/11

This was taken at Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge near Vancouver, Canada when I was there visiting my brother in January 2010. He took the picture of me without me knowing – and I like the way it looks like I am walking into the unknown, and that there is only one way to walk... it reminded me of this verse in Isaiah.

photo submitted by: Belinda Chaplin, Bosnia. "I am a South African, working in Bosnia with YWAM. I am involved in English teaching and Humanitarian aid and work with the local Protestant Church. I have been here almost 10 years now."

from the pages of the May/June '11 issue of the WOTH onlineMagazine:

It's the season of travel: furlough, vacation, re-locating. Read the article, "Easing Airport Stress: 7 Great Tips to Emotions from Taking Off" by Gwen Klontz, Bolivia, and experience a new [peaceful] way to glide through the airport as you head to your next destination.

Never Thirsty

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 6/20/11

We were headed up there to visit when we had to stop and assess the condition of the 'road' which was going through the river. These ladies were delighted to have fresh, clean water running over the rocks. It made it so much easier for them to scoop out instead of having to dig deep into the sand like they normally do during the dry season.

photographer: Vera Steury, Kenya. "My husband and I have been in Kenya now for 24 years. We work with the Maasai tribe in a remote area of Kenya. We do community-based health care (immunizations, HIV/AIDS counseling, clean water projects). I teach Sunday School, homeschool my own kids, and run a small guest house. My husband was born in Kenya as a missionary kid. All three of our children were also." You can visit Vera @ www.Steuryngs.blogspot.com

from the pages of the May/June '11 issue of the WOTH onlineMagazine:

"The Lasagna Fiasco: Tasting Humility One Bite at a Time" by Betsy C., Turkey.

One reader's response from the Message Board: "Thank you for the reminder about the impact pride has on how we respond to comments and actions of others! I needed that"

Patagonian Strength

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 6/13/11

This is a picture of the Torres del Paine in the national park of the same name in Patagonia, Chile. As I look on them I recognize that they have stood for thousands of years and while they are weathered they stand strong and firm. And the verse that comes to mind each time I view them is "The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10 He has the strength that I need to get me through the trials and hardships. He is my strong tower.

photographer: Jacolyn Bursmeyer, Chile.

from the pages of the May/June '11 issue of the WOTH onlineMagazine:

"Loving Arabs Without Losing Myself"...staring into my closet I wondered, " What outfit would produce the least amount of comments?" by Robin W., Jordon.

One reader's response from the Message Board: "This is a wonderful spirit and change of heart attitude to proclaim. Many years ago I lived in a major Western European city, and the troubles I experienced as a young female among a sea of North African Muslim men were deeply disturbing. I must say it took me many years, even while living in the US again, before I overcame my feelings of anger and hatred toward these men. I asked God to help me feel compassion. It was not easy. Thank you for sharing your heart and desire to love those who mistreat you through no fault of your own"

Remember

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 6/6/11

This picture was taken in the famous bullring in Sevilla, Spain. This area of Spain is the birthplace of bullfighting and visited by thousands every year. While we sat and enjoyed the view, a perfect piece of rainbow began to form even though there was no rain. Everyone sat quietly and marveled at it. It lasted a few minutes, and then it was gone.

photographer: Chantelle McIver, International Worker in Niger, Africa.


from the pages of the May/June '11 issue of the WOTH onlineMagazine:

"My Struggle to Walk in Peace"...false accusations were wrecking havoc on me. By Kimberly Johnson, South America.

Mindful of Us

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 5/30/11

I took this shot out of a train window traveling through extreme western China on our way to Kashgar. The man in the photo looked so alone in the midst of such an expansive grassland. If you look closely at the photo, you can see that he is holding a sickle in his hand.

photographer: Nancy Todd, US. "My husband, Terry, and I are on staff with Barnabas International. We are privileged to do pastoral care of global servants living in Asia and Africa."

from the pages of the May/June '11 issue of the WOTH onlineMagazine:

"I'm Not Interested in Getting Married: The Joy of Serving as a Single...Really!" by Hahassah, Asia.

One reader's response from the Message Board: "Thank you for the clarity and insight which you brought to the topic of marriage and singleness in this article. I will be showing it to several friends."

Hey Bro!

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 5/23/11

This picture captures two aspects of life here:

1) Ben's [my son] happiness at having a good friend. He'd felt rather friendless after some of the friends he'd had when we first moved here moved away to other mission assignments with their families. Ben had really been struggling last year in school and with deep sadness. This picture captures the essence of healing, a glad heart, and joy. For me, it was good to see my son smiling and happy. "A glad heart makes a cheerful face..." (Proverbs 15:13).

2) The second aspect this picture captures the essence of our life here in the Philippines—DIVERSE—filled with wonderful friends from many nationalities. We are blessed. This picture was taken on the track and field day at Faith Academy, an international Christian school for missionary kids he goes to here in Davao.

photographer: Beth Symanzik, Philippines. “We moved overseas over 4 years ago. This is our first time overseas. Our oldest daughter was 12 when we moved here. Now she is 16 and loves it here! Our family has been through many changes and stresses. We came over as a family of 5 and are now a family of 7; we’re in the process of adopting twin boys. We've had them since they were 9 weeks old. They are 3 years-old now. My husband works as a software developer in our mission organization. I have been guest house manager and hospitality coordinator. Currently I am being a full-time mom and also working on a masters degree in counseling.

Grand Faith

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 5/16/11

Doña Concha loves her children and grandchildren. She has been a grandmother who gives affection as well as discipline. We see her here with one of her many grandchildren. Pedrito is a bright, inquisitive child always on the move, yet all that activity stops when it is time for a hug from his dear “Mama Conchita.” How reassuring are frequent hugs throughout the day. He will often intertwine his hands in her long silvery braid, as so many young children naturally do with the hair of their mothers and grandmothers.

photographer: Denise Aulie has called Mexico home for 34 years and looks back at a significant life of ministry in evangelism, discipleship and church planting with her husband, Ed, and their five children. Denise teaches, public speaks, writes and has an ongoing ministry of hospitality. Photography has an indispensable place in her heart as a means of interaction, outreach and giving to those she has the privilege of knowing. This beautiful tool has literally opened doors for conveying the Good News. She and her family are part of Last Frontiers - lastfrontiersmission.com