Action International Ministries (ACTION) is a global Christian mission agency equipping multinational teams to share the Gospel in practical ways; to put faith into action by meeting the needs of the poor. The organization currently has over 250 commissioned workers serving in 25 countries.
My personal connection to Action Philippines lies as much with the Filipino people as it does with ACTION. My wife was born in Manila and together with our children; we have experienced firsthand the trials and joys of life in a developing country.
It’s strange leading your own kids by the hand past families of other kids living under a tarp on a pushcart or in small tin and cardboard shacks. You can’t help but feel the divide and wrestle with whether the apparent differences are an act of providence or random opportunity – that we are somehow different as human beings – knowing full well that we are not.
The camera is a tool that I use to process extreme feelings, like shock and injustice and compassion and hope. My deepest desire is that through visual storytelling I can help inform, inspire and mobilize others to get in the game and tangibly help those I bear witness for.
I looked at a gang of street kids called ‘the Rugby Boys’ in Manila. This essay seeks to contextualize the work of Action International Ministries as they offer children-in-crisis a fresh start through outreach, rehabilitation, life-skills development and vocational training. Locals call these children ‘Rugby Boys’ because of the brand of solvent the kids inhale to get a cheap high and stave off boredom and hunger.
Inspired by ACTION’s holistic approach to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of others, I have donated my work for their use in print and electronic publications believing that good story telling will help them raise support and recruit others to get involved.
