a couple who happen to be the kindest, most sincere, loving people on earth.  i really have no adequate words to describe Josh and Bethany.  they are beautiful people.  they listen, they encourage, they are patient, they are selfless.  i became friends with them while at grove city college and boy, am i thankful for their friendship.
rehearsal dinner was at THE brewery, a place i think all of us frequented for their delicious beers.  they were married in Slippery Rock, PA.  and we 'recepted' back at GCC's campus at the alumni center.  it did rain, but why would that affect an unconditional love built upon the sanctity and person of Christ.  at one point it cleared up, so they headed outside to have their first dance.  it was a spectacular day and i am so privileged to have been a part of it.  congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Mayo!

 

Dear Friends,

 

In the Lord's mercy and providence, God has seen fit to send me to Zambia, Africa.  I say 'mercy' because it is a privilege to visit such a vibrant place as Zambia where Christ's church thrives and His gospel is dearly loved.  And I say 'providence' because it is the Lord who ordains all things, this journey and let alone my very next breath.  So I rejoice in the opportunity!  Allow me to explain the reason for traveling this summer with  African Christian University, the developing university I have talked about with many of you.  Hopefully I do not inundate y'all with information!

Zambia, as noted before, is a vibrant place.  The Spirit of God is pouring out Himself on that nation in a mighty way.  The gospel goes forth to every corner, and churches are planted in every town.  This is not by man's efforts but by the power of God.  The gospel is transforming men and women and children because of the simple truth: Christ crucified for sinners.  Christ on the cross has purchased a people and He is drawing them to Himself and turning them away from a life of self.  To say the least, the harvest is plenty. 

So it's in Zambia that exists such a unique opportunity for higher education with a firm biblical worldview.  Africa is in desperate need for sound teaching and education that is not flooded with humanism that plagues most Western universities.  With the local church as its backbone, African Christian University (ACU) desires to enrich students in the glorious truths of God's creation: equipping students to whole-heartedly serve God through developing the spiritual, physical and intellectual gifts that He has given them.  The approach to education cannot simply be tailored for the mind, it must also take into account the heart.  All knowledge, to the highest levels, begins with a true understanding of God in relation to mankind, and that knowledge is based on one's re-creation through Jesus Christ from serving oneself in pride to serving God in humility, resulting in loving your fellow man in word and deed.  These are not lofty ideas, but things the Lord is already doing in Zambia.  How wonderful! 

The goal of ACU is not only the education of the mind and heart, but the education of the hands.  Education prepares individuals to excel in the wholeness of life and this includes labor.  Integrating astute labor in various professions, services and technical vocations most relevant to African developmental needs, combined with the exercised ability to self-learn through study and investigation, produces servant-leaders able to innovate benevolent treatment of Africa's deepest needs.  Yes, education includes labor.

 

The current position of ACU is one of transition.  We are moving from the initial planning and vision phase to concrete realities -- campus development.  By the Lord's blessing and mercy this moves us a step closer to beginning classes in 2012.  My involvement in this transition is visual promotion: promoting the vision of a biblically sound university through photography, short introductory films, documentaries, etc., for a couple weeks next month by myself (aka a one man crew). I desperately beg you for your prayers that I might accomplish all responsibility that has been given to me so that Christ may be glorified.  And to those with whom I visit, and with whom I speak that I may be a blessing and a testimony of the Lord Jesus. I ask you also for prayers for my safety to and from (about 26+hours of traveling one way) and while there (the first half of July).  I pray that you'll consider joining us in prayer for this exciting opportunity for a truly unique, Christian university.

For if the Lord gives you any desire to aid, let it first be in prayer that God be exalted.  And if there be more desire, please visit our website at www.acu-zambia.com to see how you might assist.  Without the Lord, then like the writer of Ecclesiates writes, our work will be in vain.

 

I look forward to telling you stories of the Lord's provisions and glory and faithfulness.  And telling -- through the visual arts -- of the wondrous things occurring in Zambia. Please, if you have any questions or desire to learn more, do not hesitate to contact me.

For the Glory of the Slain Lamb,

Jonathan

Image © Wilderness Safaris, Lions on the plain at Kapinga Camp, Kafue

 

 

 

(hit play, then pause it immediately to let it load fully; once loaded, hit play again) 
what a blessing to know this family and what a privilege to make a motion picture of their kids. i enjoyed every minute of this because it's not hard to have little ones run and play and swim.  i look forward to making more films like this...
fotos are from last summer by the way
music: Ray LaMontagne

this, yes, this is why i do what i do...