To my friends and family,

A picture is worth a thousand words…

It has the power to freeze a moment, capture attention and strike emotion.

Photography isn’t a “fixed” medium. It’s an invitation for people to see the world through the eyes of another soul. A transparent look at someone’s hurts, hopes, fears and dreams.

Dreams not only for America, but also an African dream.

A picture is worth a thousand words. It tells a story, shares lives and gives images of something more than self. It can be done, but most photographers don’t take pictures of themselves… It’s a bit awkward. The camera is not designed to be inward, it’s purpose is outward, yet, it gives “images of their thoughts.” The Gospel is also meant to be outward.

One of the greatest troubles in Africa today is the idea of a “prosperity gospel” which is no gospel at all. The idea that, “if I believe in God, he will bless me.” “My goats won’t die, my wife will have sons and I’ll have clothes on my back.” No one thinks, love my neighbor, instead it’s, “love me, bless me… me… me.” This thought must be defeated with Truth.

On December 27th, 2007 I will be heading to Uganda, Africa for a short term mission trip. I will be working with a youth camp started five years ago during our first trip. Among the many things on our list of “to do’s”, it is my goal to pull aside several leader students who will be willing to join the adventure of giving their lives through photography.

Several leaders will be chosen by local missionaries to take part in a 12 month photo training project. During my short term stay, I will be teaching stage one: photography skills to students and discussing photography techniques and biblical principles that will help leaders share a new Way of Life to their communities.

My hope is to teach the basic foundation that fulfills all the law and the prophets… Love God and love your neighbor.

Stage two will be under the oversight of local missionaries (Andrew Martin and Jeff Cash) providing film and film development for students during the year. Negatives will be mailed to me and I will review and comment via email on subjects, themes, etc. Students will continue to share moments of life in their communities through their pictures. Stories will be told. Lives will be shared. Memories made. Love God, love your neighbor.

What we need to do the job is camera equipment, batteries and portable printing capabilities.

If done right, I estimate $3000 needed for this project to be sustained for one year. This would be purchasing equipment and supplies needed for one year, including printing. My hope is a paradigm shift for leaders in their giving and receiving. With this, “Images of our thoughts” project will begin January 2008.

Many of us have a picture of our families. What joy those images bring. Will you share in giving that opportunity to an African dream?

First, pray. Our images of Africa have been ones of sadness, loss and hopelessness. Pray that God is enough and that we might see new images of Life.

Second, I’m asking for your financial support. Please pray about how you might be able to give financially to this effort. Do you have an extra 35mm film camera you would like to donate? We could use it. Film? Batteries? Digital cameras (5mp or higher)

The picture above was displayed in Time Square, New York on March 11th 2005. This little girl, the one photo has touch millions of hearts… I hope to find her again… She has changed my life.

Peace.
Johnathan Thomas

http:www.johnathanthomas.com
http:www.johno.org

Donations:
King’s Orchard church of Christ
attn: Johnathan Thomas / Photography
PO Box 1019
Wenatchee, WA 98807