DCOY

Most of my photo "expeditions" are with my former student and good friend Dustin Coy. It seems like yesterday when I first met Dustin. It was at a camp hosted by the church I know work for. Somewhat of an interviewing process with both feet in the water... It was shortly after that I had both feet in the water with Dustin as he committed his life to Christ and was baptized. Dustin is one of those "natural" artist. You know those who never had to really study for that final exam and still passed with an A+? Well, Dustin has a natural artistic style. His eye sees it like many never do. It's innovating and original. Both he and I can take pictures of the same thing and his, most of the time, looks better than mine. Jerk! Not really. Not only can Dustin capture photography he is an natural painter and sculpture. It's incredible to see fresh talent like his. One year ago Dustin made a vow to his sweetheart, Samantha, and they celebrate their one year anniversary today, of which I was honored to perform the ceremony. To add to this celebration, Dustin and Samantha's first child is due the first of July. It's been a great journey and I know we will have many more. I feel as if Dustin is a part of my family. I trust him. His heart is pure and I'm glad he serves God with me. It means a lot to have someone who can offer as much as Dustin can on your team. I only hope I can encourage him as much as he has encouraged me. Happy Anniversary my friend. peace. johno~

Eddie

Eddie Gamble. Several years back our church decided to walk throughout the community here in Wenatchee and knock on doors to meet the lives in our neighborhood. We were Christians just trying to get our christianity out of the building and into lives. As doors opened we asked our neighbors if they knew of anyone who might have come across difficult times and needed some food. If not we asked if they knew of anyone who was sick or in the hospital we could pray for and perhaps visit. Just getting "out" of the building and into our communities can be difficult, however, this time we did and we met Eddie. Eddie is not native to Wenatchee... Passing through Wenatchee, his life changed. Emphysema. Notice the horizontal lines on his cheek? Marks of a freshly removed oxygen nasal tube... (he never lets me take his picture with it on) Unable to get around as much due to this life changing disability, Eddie made Wenatchee home. Home for several years before a group of "christians" got their "christianity" out of the building and into the neighborhoods. Several years, Eddie made his home in a town to which he thought no "church of Christ" (forgive me) denomination existed. So as Sundays came and went, Eddie stayed in a small, State assisted and minimal to say the least, Columbian apartments. Knock, knock! "hello... We're just christians trying to get our christianity out of the building..." I know it's exciting to find this one who was... well... Lost? I keep asking myself, "who was really lost and now found?" Lesson learned, I hope. Behind dark doorways and at the bottom of empty glasses are people. People who once knew the joy of community with a people who claim Jesus as Lord. There are also people who have never heard the story that brings life. (that's another post) Eddie is a life on the "Road to Gaza." Eddie has been very faithful to gather where the people meet to learn about God and he has contributed greatly to many. My personal joy is his interaction with my children. A hard life which gives back gentleness. I am honored to know Eddie. He is my friend and my brother in Christ. btw, if you smoke, Eddie would kindly suggest you stop or you'll be lugging around a 10 pound bottle of oxygen the rest of your life... which really isn't much of a life. peace. johno~

Boone

BOONE! What a guy. Boone was one of the first guys to date one of my girl students in my youth group several years ago. It was one of those weekend retreats and love was born. It didn't last, which was a good thing... I don't like long distance relationships. But it was in that weekend I came to know of Boone Langston. Boone has always stood out from his peers. In high school he was very quick to lead, share and serve. He has a great ability to communicate with large groups and is a very, very creative and funny guy. I like that. He performed a skit once that I will never forget. I only wish it was on YOUTUBE. This year Boone will be heading to Uganda with his wife for a month of missions work. I wish I could say I had something to do with his great choices in life but I can't. It is Boone following the Lord and giving his life for others. (Love God, Love others). Oh, I almost forgot... Boone said I looked like Bono from a far off distance as I stood in the shadows. Yet another reason to like Boone. Peace. johno~

Gladiator

I love my job... I feel like I get paid to just... live. I work with one other minister named Dale who has helped me keep my focus on keeping my work as not just a job but something more. I first met Dale briefly before he was off to Albania for 6 weeks. I was new and alone and unsure how we would hit it off. Well, I suppose after nine years of working in the same job says something. Dale is a brilliant man, he is currently working on his doctorate in ministry and holds two masters above his undergrad work. All of this and he still talks to me. Dale has a lot of passion and has a heart for truth. When something hits him, he'll share it with you whether you like it or not. He has a heart for ministry. He visits the elderly and those who are ill and in the hospital. He always prays for them and their family, a difficult thing to do when it looks as if all is lost. However, Dale reminds us of our true home. Something that's funny is, his favorite movie is Gladiator. I'm not sure if it's because he wants to swing a sword around, but hey, who wouldn't want to do that? I think it's because the story line has a strong sense of doing right, even if it cost your life. He is a strong family man and a wonderful example of how to act and sometimes how not to act as a husband and father. Just ask him... he'll tell you. It is a joy to be on his team. peace. johno~