I looked back on the scripture that I was givenby Andy.
1 Colassions 1:15-20.
(15) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (16) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (19) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; (20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
There were a number of emotions going through my head that night, I was just happy that I was actually able to see all of my YWAM family before I left. (I wasn't sure if i would be able to or not because my time left in Blackfalds was slowly dwindling down, and people were busy) I had no idea that part of the reason it was planned was to have my 'Good-bye' thing.
When Andy first told me that verse, the very first thing I got out of it was 'I serve an invisible God...' I was going off pure adrenaline at that point and had no idea what to expect. I was very much afraid and felt like i was going on this DTS out of obligation and serving God and not so much passion anymore. I still very much wanted to go, but my fear and emotions almost completely over-ruled those feelings excitement to the point where I never even went to Vegas... [as you can see, I am here in Vegas today because i put my trust on he who is not visible and i dont run on my own emotions. I asked God to hold my hand and pick me off of the floor, and hge did.]
This was one of the only times (in awhile) i have ever seen a grown man (let alone Andy) cry. Andy and his wife have been involved in human trafficking ministries before in Costa Rica-so they knew exactly what I was getting myself into. Andy said to me as he spoke that verse into my life
'That verse says ''The image of the invisible God...''
Now that I am struggling with my photography and really debating whether I even want to do it anymore i am REMEMBERING that word that was spoken over my life. . I'm also rembering how back in February and a vision God gave me. God spoke to me and said 'this is a picture that you are going to take someday...' the description of the photo of itself was enough to make me ball.
I don't know when i will take this picture or where it will happen but i'm sick of fighting God. I have drawn a conclusion about myself. If i try to fight this gift God has given me... he will re-arrange all the plans of my world to make it happen because he WANTS it to. Otherwise why would he have told me these things?
As an artist I am struggling with how to use my images and my talent as NOT to be just another person who says 'Can i take your picture' with some fancy camera. But to be someone who stands out and who is DIFFERENT and shares the gospel, my personal stories with how God changed my life and then say to them after I have prayed for them 'Is it ok if i take your photo and share your story with other people so that it can make a difference?'
Lately I have been struggling with who I am as an artist/photography wise. I am sick of the same old 'ok pose/do this... *snap* you look awesome!' It's not a facade i was ever meant to play. I know a bunch of amazing genuine photographers who are amazing and genuine at what they do, but it is not me.
Please pray that God would restore a passion in me for giving a voice to the voiceless through photography and that i would be able to trust in him in absolutely everything.
On a sidenote.... Outreach Loactions have been decided and, I'm going to THAILAND! :)
please pray for protection for my team and that God would prepare our hearts for what we are all going to see [including the team going to India/Nepal!]
{Where we are Going!}
"Slavery is theft -- theft of a life, theft of work, theft of any property or produce, theft even of the children a slave might have borne. - Kevin Bales"
My contact Info...
email address: child.of.eden65@hotmail.com
information about the Abolitionist DTS
facebook page here
please e-mail me if you would like to financially support me in any way!
Your prayers are appreciated as i am on this journey and going by faith & trusting God's provision to come through!
Love & Blessings
-Chelsea
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