Walla Walla University junior mass communications major Eric Ashley went to Chile for Insight magazine in July for about a month. Hired as a photographer/reporter, Ashley attended Maranatha's 2008 Ultimate Workout 18, a mission trip designed to give young people 14 to 18 a spiritual "workout."
Though the group Ashley worked with in Chile did not ultimately build a church, they were excited to do outreach in the local community of Iquique. Ashley captured the 10-day project on his camera, and interviewed the attendees. "My favorite part of the mission trip was getting to know all the great people in my group who were giving time and money to serve others," says Ashley.
Ashley spent a week and a half traveling by bus from Santiago to the project site, stopping in different cities to take pictures. He did the same on the return trip.
Accompanying Ashley during the first and last part of his time in Chile was Brent Bergherm, a professor in WWU's technology department. Bergherm has taken international photo assignments before, and he sincerely enjoys them. He was there for the same reason Ashley was, but was assigned to a different project.
"Traveling with Eric on his first international journey was fun," says Bergherm. "It was good to once again serve the Lord in this capacity. It's wonderful to see Him work in the lives of the young people involved, as well as in the lives of the locals."
Iquequi, Chile, is the spot where Walla Walla University communications major Eric Ashley went to take photos for Insight magazine this summer. (Eric Ashley)
Chile residents survey their town during Walla Walla University student Eric Ashley's trip to photograph the area this summer. (Eric Ashley)
Eric Ashley, Walla Walla University student, celebrates with young people in Chile after an evening of sports outreach during Maranatha's Ultimate Workout.
