Engadi Discussed in TEDx Talk
In recent weeks, Engadi Ministries had the privilege of being discussed during the TEDxUGA conference in Athens, GA. During Phillip and Eileen Blume’s talk titled, “Trading Selfies for Selflessness,” the ministry was featured as an example of how everyone can use their own creativity to help others.
TEDx talks are prestigious events held around the world. The events promote open communication of “ideas worth sharing,” to help communities, movements, and individuals create conversations that will further their visions. During the recent TEDxUGA conference in Athens, GA, one of Engadi’s board members, and long-time supporters of Engadi’s vision, Phillip Blume and his wife, Eileen, of Blume Photography, had the opportunity to speak openly about how they have chosen to use their creativity to make a difference in the world. We encourage you to check it out, and explore ways that you can use your OWN creativity to do what God is calling you to do!
“Phillip and Eileen Blume are award-winning photographers and socially conscious creatives who believe in the power of visual artists to change the world. They work with wedding couples worldwide and are the founders of ComeUNITY Workshops for photographers . They also invest in personal projects, such as their 2011 documentary film Lost Boys of Paradise, which screened nationwide to benefit children in third-world slums. As educators, the Blumes have been seen on CreativeLIVE and speak at many top industry events about the art and business of photography. Phillip is a contributor to Shutter Magazine (now available at all Barnes & Noble locations), and the pair live with their children in rural Georgia.”
ow. Tens of thousands of dollars are spent on airfare, lodging, and local transportation. Many times, it is little more than poverty tourism. I’m regularly asked if it wouldn’t be more beneficial for people to just send the funds they would spend coming so I could hire local help. The simple answer is, “Yes,” but the reality is most people wouldn’t give the money, if we are honest. Short-term teams rush in and rush out of our lives as career missionaries, many times never looking back or never being truly impacted themselves. However, there are moments of tremendous blessing.
The best way to express what short-term teams do is by sharing a story. Engadi Ministries works in one of the most
lease come to the dedication of the soccer stadium. Preston simply said, “I know you and trust you. I would rather give you what I would spend going than go.” In his case, he did. I also think about Dr Mike Gilbreath, a Veterinarian, that came on a short-term team. At the end of the week Mike said to me, “I’m not ever coming back.” I would rather send you the funds.” He, too, kept his word and became one of our strongest supporters. Ellie and James Carr came on a short-term trip as college students and years later have returned with their daughter to help out for the long haul. Even people like Jared Vaughn that haven’t been back to Guatemala in a long time, but their time here helped inspire him to go as a career missionary to Asia.
People need to see the need. A friend of mine always says, “How can your heart weep for that which your eyes have not seen?” There must be a measure of coming and doing, but it needs to be balanced, purposeful, and done right. Short-term teams come to work alongside those on the field permanently, not to give them more work. Large groups can advance a particular labor intensive job quickly. Simply, the team’s presence lets the locals know someone cares. Teachers come and train people with new skills and talents. Medical teams come to provide a service many couldn’t afford. Finally, they encourage those of us here on the field long-term.
