I said one time that God has called me to missions photography.
I still believe that, even though I haven’t gone anywhere in a long time. We (and by “we” I mean “I”) think that to be involved in missions you have to go somewhere; maybe to the last place on earth you want to be. That’s not true. You might be called to go, but you might have a mission opportunity in your neighborhood. You might have an opportunity in your very house.
In April 2002 I went to Romania on a medical/children’s education trip. It was eye opening to say the least. I went back in December 2003 for a humanitarian aid trip. This December I intend, God willing, to go back. It’s been 6 years, and Romania has been on my mind constantly. This will be a humanitarian aid trip to the people called Roma, or gypsy. They are a transient society that are, for the most part, outcasts. They don’t get to attend schools, or even buy and sell with the general population. We will be partnering with Wes and Tamara Banks, IMB missionaries living in Bucharest. I have offered to go as a photojournalist, to document the mission, and produce a show to tell the story. I am hoping for a scholarship to cover the cost, but want to raise the money to go if I can.
Some of you know that Allyson lost her job as of March 31. She is now one of the thousand of out work. God, however, is good. He has promised to provide, if we seek Him and His Kingdom first, and He has provided. My studio has never filled more than 50% of our household budget, but over the last 3 months or so God had brought us enough business that Turner Photography & Design has been meeting the budget 100%. Praise be to God!
But back to Romania. I got out my old journals, and read them a while back. God showed me again that He has a plan for me to use the talents He has given. But how to go? Where will the money come from? Well, I don’t know, honestly. What I do know is that He has a plan. You might very well be part of that plan.
If you are of a mind and heart to, I ask that you might pray with us about this trip. I also ask that if you are able you might help with a contribution towards the cost. I don’t know the exact number yet, but I expect it to be in the $1300 range, based on the trips previous.
I want people to see the efforts of our missions, to see the effects of their gifts, to see the needs that exist. I can do that by using my photography, writing, and some audio to create a documentary of the trip. Some people can go, and some cannot. Some people can give, and some cannot. I understand that completely.
I will provide that documentary on DVD to anyone that contributes $25 or more. Anyone that contributes $50 or more will receive the documentary DVD, and one 8×10 print of your choice from the landscape images or other images I make there. $100 or more will get the documentary DVD, and a your choice of an 11×14 print. Anyone donating $250 or more will receive the documentary DVD, and 11×14 print, and a complimentary portrait session for your family at the studio. I don’t want to just receive money, but for you to get some value in return.
You can contact me at mark@turnerimages.com, or call 770-460-6115. I can take PayPal donations also at mark@turnerimages.com.
If you can pray and give, then thank God that you have been blessed. And know that you are a blessing to me and through me, to the people we minister to. If you cannot give, then pray. Pray that there are people even now that are being prepared to hear the message of God’s grace and mercy through our gifts to them.
If you know of a way I can serve your ministry, or just someone that con benefit from it, through photography please let me know.
God bless you!
