Dark to Dawn: The Rise of Hope Among the Nations
A part of our series, Impact: Stories about thoughtful projects changing the world
WELDER: Trey Hill
Interview by: Kristin Read
Date: September 5, 2013
Share your passion about the “Dark to Dawn: The Rise of Hope Among the Nations” project you’re working on with East-West Ministries.
Since my first trip to Cuba with East-West in the spring of 2010, I’ve had the distinct privilege of traveling with them to 9 countries, witnessing the artful ordering of our Father’s grace and majesty at incredibly close range. In that time, through the tens-of-thousands of frames and terabytes of video footage collected, a singular belief has solidified in my heart: Where goes light, goes life.
For the last four years, I’ve gathered over 50,000 images for this ministry. This project is the result of having curated all of my work with the organization, and selecting a body of work that highlights the work East-West is doing in a way that was artistically challenging. Most of the work has never been seen before, but we have also included a handful of images that have helped shape my understanding of who I am as a photographer and storyteller.
How has the work you’ve done with this ministry changed your view of the world?
I have seen how the promise of the day to come can unshackle a man condemned by leprosy. I have seen how light can give courage to the two Christian families in a city of a half-million Muslims. I have watched as people experience Jesus for the first time in a dark hut through the flickering light of the Jesus film, then stood in awe as those same people were baptized in a puddle in the dark of night, just down the road.
To paraphrase my friend Barry Jones, there is a day coming when there will be no tears and all the rough places will be made smooth. These images represent little glimpses into the lives of people and places who have experienced a taste of that day in this one — or who are desperate for such a hope as this.
Where can we see the fruits of your labor on display?
East-West is hosting a one-night only gallery event on October 3 at 8pm at Fashion Industry Gallery, featuring more than 100 of my photographs from around the world. The event is free, but you need to register online (click here to register now) in order to attend. To help spread the word, I’m asking for everyone’s help. Please feel free to steal the image below and post it wherever you like: Facebook it (click here to share the event page with friends), Tweet it, Pin it … Do all of that and more. Even if you’re not able to come or don’t live in Dallas, I’m sure there is someone in your network who would be interested in an evening filled with art and good company.
Tell me why the WELD life is the good life. What drew you to WELD?
About 5 years ago, my buddy Steve and I had an idea for a co-working space in Dallas. I looked at the cost (financial, personal and professional) and balked, and said no to that quest. I didn’t have the capital or the desire or the stomach to risk everything for others. That’s hard to admit, but it’s honest … whereas Austin willingly sacrificed everything to bring WELD to life. And by everything, I mean everything. To enable, inspire and grow the creative communities of Dallas — and now Nashville — is a gift that multiplies Austin’s heart for people a thousand fold. And amplifies the impact he alone can have in the world.
Originally published at weldblog.squarespace.com on September 5, 2013.
