It is hard to believe we are almost through November, the last month has flown by in a bit of a blur. There have been many wonderful things happening, but equally many things have required an extra level of focus and attention. This has been at times fairly stressful, and I have had to work extra hard to remain gracious under pressure from many different angles. Over my somewhat limited life experience, I have found that while not easy to navigate, pressing in during times like these can yield great growth.
Following up on my last newsletter, I am pleased to report that the photography evangelism group has gotten back up and running. It has been incredible to be back in the city once more. We have had some of the most amazing interactions and encounters. Additionally, the students who have been participating have expressed how much they enjoy the ministry as well.
A sampling of the many people we have met doing photography ministry.
Take, for example, Asuka. Asuka is from Japan and is at our campus studying English. Being somewhat shy and quite introverted, he was not looking forward to doing any kind of local outreach. I connected with him over our shared passion for photography. Seeing no better option, he somewhat reluctantly agreed to give photo ministry a try. On the way in on our first trip into the city, I could tell he was very anxious. However, by the end of the afternoon, things were a very different story. He had totally come out of his shell and was boldly approaching people left and right asking if they would like a photo. A big grin spread from ear to ear. The next day I got a message from his staff that was equal parts shock and amazement. Apparently, he had been going on and on about how much fun he had and how excited he was to do it more. By creating a context he could feel comfortable in, I was able to enable him to reach out to people he wouldn’t have otherwise. This is a recurring comment I receive in regards to the photo ministry. Participants are amazed at how it pulls down barriers and makes evangelism fun.
On another occasion, we were walking past one of the historic fountains in the old city. I approached a couple sitting on the steps leading towards the water fixture. We struck up a conversation. Fabi and Maria from Brazil and were enjoying their final night in Switzerland before flying out the next day. He worked in book publishing and she was a journalist. As we were waiting for the photo to print, Fabi asked us what our favorite book was. The answer was all too easy. We had a great conversation with them about life, purpose, and meaning. In the end, we asked if we could pray for them and they accepted. They specifically asked for prayer for their future. I could tell they were both a bit unsure of the future as many are these days. They ascribe to new-age beliefs. I would ask you to join me in praying for them, specifically, that they would find the hope and vision for the future we know can only come from Christ.
One of the items requiring special attention I eluded to earlier has been starting a TikTok channel for our ministry. Initially, we were hesitant to jump into it, but we are called to reach young people. More and more we were seeing young people flocking to the platform, so at the end of October, we finally took the plunge. There has been so much to learn and I am quite enjoying the challenge. We have also encountered some early success with the first couple of videos we released, reaching over 2,000 people. While there is still a long way to go it, is encouraging to see there is a huge opening to reach young people in this new way. A pastor of mine has a saying that sums it up beautifully, something along the lines of “We are called to be fishers of men, but we need to go where the fish are.”
Another exciting note is that my parents have come to spend two and a half months in Lausanne. It is so wonderful to have them back for a longer time. I feel so blessed to have them here and get to spend the holidays together. They are here to volunteer with the University of the Nations, the organization that oversees and accredits YWAM’s training programs across the globe. After the last several years, I feel like I am being spoiled getting to spend so much time with them this year. It is something I don’t take for granted.
Also, I have one last piece of exciting news. Thanks to the incredible generosity of many of you, I have been able to purchase the scooter I spoke about in my last update! I am so overwhelmed and grateful to each and every one of you who contributed to make this happen. The increased mobility this has afforded me is nothing short of amazing. I am still getting used to the paradigm shift of just being able to hop on and buzz down to the local grocery store (a 4km trip that takes about an hour on foot) in several minutes. I seriously can’t overstate just how much of a monumental blessing this is. Thank you all so much!
As always, thank you for coming along with me in this adventure of faith,
Ben