I recently had the privilege of covering a retreat focused on Resting in Jesus, designed for adults who serve nationally & internationally on mission trips—leaders and volunteers teaching others about leadership and servanthood. Events like this are rare opportunities: not only do I get to listen to incredible speakers, but I also get to capture the moments that reveal their personality, conviction, and the more profound truth of their message.
Dr. Derwin Gray: Overcoming Soul Fatigue
Dr. Derwin Gray reminded us that even those who serve tirelessly need to pause and receive rest. His talk focused on overcoming soul fatigue, drawing on Matthew 11:28-30. He shared a memorable acronym:
- R – Release your burdens (1 Peter 5:6-7)
- E – Embrace His presence (Psalm 16:11)
- S – Strengthen your soul (Ephesians 3:16-19)
- T – Trust His leadership (Psalm 23)
Watching Derwin speak, I noticed the way his gestures and pauses gave weight to each step, and how the audience responded—leaning in, nodding, exhaling as he spoke about release. As I photographed those moments, I tried to capture not just the words, but the emotion and relief that came with each step of his message: a visual representation of rest and trust in Jesus.
Greg Stier: See Clearly, Work Diligently, Rest Intentionally
Greg Stier spoke to leaders and missionaries about maintaining clarity and energy in their work. His framework was profound yet straightforward: See clearly. Work diligently. Rest intentionally.
I watched how his energy drew the audience in, while the pauses reminded everyone that rest is not passive—it’s an intentional act that empowers effective service. In photographing Greg’s talk, I focused on the interactions—the subtle smiles, the quiet moments of reflection—that illustrated how rest fuels mission work. His message resonated deeply with an audience accustomed to constant giving; the photos captured the tension between effort and pause, focus and release.
Beth Yoe: The Power of Scripture Memory
Beth Yoe shared the transformational discipline of Scripture memorization. Having memorized entire books of the Bible herself, she encouraged us to let God’s Word dwell in our hearts, moving beyond knowledge to transformation.
During her session, I captured moments of contemplation and focus—participants writing verses, quiet recitation, and the way Beth’s calm presence allowed the audience to absorb the Word deeply. For missionaries and leaders, internalizing Scripture is a form of rest, as they trust God’s Word to guide, comfort, and strengthen them as they serve others.
Dr. Caroline Leaf: Renew Your Mind
Dr. Caroline Leaf spoke on the science of the mind, neuroplasticity, and how managing thoughts impacts emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Her strategies for rewiring the mind align beautifully with the retreat’s theme: resting in Jesus involves renewing our thinking, not just our schedules.
I photographed moments where she paused, letting the audience reflect, and the way participants leaned forward, absorbing practical tips for mental rest. These moments visually communicated that rest is more than downtime—it’s an intentional shift in how we think, process, and live in alignment with God’s truth.
Dr. Robert Smith Jr.: Heart and Mind in Teaching
Dr. Robert Smith emphasized that Christian teaching must engage both heart and mind, leading to lived transformation, not just intellectual understanding. His message challenged leaders to consider how they teach and model their faith in their mission work.
Behind the camera, I noticed the power of his pauses and the thoughtful reactions from the audience. Capturing those interactions showed how deep doctrine meets real-life application—the essence of resting in Jesus while faithfully leading and serving others.
Kimberly Johnson: From Surviving to Thriving
Kimberly Johnson shared her inspiring story as a stroke survivor, illustrating perseverance, hope, and the importance of living intentionally. She reminded everyone that rest is not about avoiding struggle; it’s about entrusting challenges to Jesus while embracing the present moment.
I captured the quiet intensity of her storytelling—the audience fully engaged, absorbing the vulnerability and strength in her journey. The images reflect that rest is both a matter of trust and courage: giving control to God while moving forward in service.
Final Thoughts
Covering this retreat reminded me why I love what I do. My job isn’t just to record speakers—it’s to translate the message into visual stories. The gestures, pauses, glances, and shared moments between speakers and audience become a story that complements the words being spoken.
For leaders serving around the world, resting in Jesus is not optional—it’s essential. And capturing it visually is a privilege I don’t take lightly: each photo is a moment of truth, a reflection of faith, and a reminder that even those who pour out for others need to receive.