“Picture” God at Work Photography Ambassadors Capture Portraits at Country Fair The country fair theme, “Ribbet, Ribbet—Come and Exhibit,” led three churches on the North Olympic Peninsula in Washington state (Forks, Port Angeles and Sequim) to use a new tool to connect with more than 35,000 locals and tourists who attend the fair. Recalling a ministry idea shared by the Renton Church, these churches decided to photograph visitors and present the prints immediately as a gift. “All Creatures Great and Small—the Lord God Made them All!” became the theme that tied the frogs (ribbet!) with the truth of God as Creator. Using two catchy jungle backgrounds, two donated cameras, and an affordable bulk ink delivery system for the simple photo printer, 40 volunteer photographers captured more than 700 portrait images in four days. The 5x7 photographs shared the message, “A gift to bring joy and God’s love...no strings attached,” and provided church phone numbers for further contact. A clear produce bag filled with religious and health resources was the perfect place to protect the photographs for the trip home. Many visitors who declined the photo opportunity but accepted the bag to carry their fair loot also carried home the truth-filled literature. "This tool allowed us to dialogue positively with those who wouldn't stop to talk with us in previous years, those who are apathetic or hostile to our health and spiritual messages," reported Paul Vivier, Port Angeles/Forks pastor. Reluctant fairgoers coaxed into taking a picture with their child or spouse ended up leaving the booth with smiles and thanks. And next year’s plans? A new background, a different theme exalting the Lord, and enthusiastic visitors expected back to capture a repeat souvenir—and to be touched by God’s “photography” ambassadors.
“Picture” God at Work
Photography Ambassadors Capture Portraits at Country Fair
The country fair theme, “Ribbet, Ribbet—Come and Exhibit,” led three churches on the North Olympic Peninsula in Washington state (Forks, Port Angeles and Sequim) to use a new tool to connect with more than 35,000 locals and tourists who attend the fair.
Recalling a ministry idea shared by the Renton Church, these churches decided to photograph visitors and present the prints immediately as a gift. “All Creatures Great and Small—the Lord God Made them All!” became the theme that tied the frogs (ribbet!) with the truth of God as Creator.
Using two catchy jungle backgrounds, two donated cameras, and an affordable bulk ink delivery system for the simple photo printer, 40 volunteer photographers captured more than 700 portrait images in four days. The 5x7 photographs shared the message, “A gift to bring joy and God’s love...no strings attached,” and provided church phone numbers for further contact.
A clear produce bag filled with religious and health resources was the perfect place to protect the photographs for the trip home. Many visitors who declined the photo opportunity but accepted the bag to carry their fair loot also carried home the truth-filled literature.
"This tool allowed us to dialogue positively with those who wouldn't stop to talk with us in previous years, those who are apathetic or hostile to our health and spiritual messages," reported Paul Vivier, Port Angeles/Forks pastor.
Reluctant fairgoers coaxed into taking a picture with their child or spouse ended up leaving the booth with smiles and thanks.
And next year’s plans? A new background, a different theme exalting the Lord, and enthusiastic visitors expected back to capture a repeat souvenir—and to be touched by God’s “photography” ambassadors.
Girlfriends and sisters snuggle at the tiger backdrop
Several of the 40 volunteer photographers print a guests photo and make a friend at the same time.
Fair booth volunteers, from left: Doug Moyle, Mariah Givens and Ron Clark get their pictures taken as well as take pictures of the visitors to their booth.
