Blown away…….

When I visited Liberty University last week I had the opportunity to review the portfolio of the           photography students for Tim Isaacson’s classes.  It was  pleasant experience, until I met Joel Isimeme!  It then went from pleasant, to astounding.  The minute I met this young man, I knew there was something going on behind those sparkling eyes and warm smile!  When I got half way through his portfolio I hit a run of images that blew me away.  Lots of Tim’s student had very good technical skills, a few excellent ones, but this young man has work with real heart and soul.  Joel was able to reach into his subjects and pull out the hidden side that few photographers can reach.

About Joel:  Joel is originally from Nigeria, Africa. Joel’s father, a newspaper journalist and publisher, and his mother, an employee of the state-run oil company, sent all three of their sons to America to get a college education. Joel’s older brother lives in Southern California and is studying to be a surgeon, and his younger brother just joined Joel at Liberty University and is studying computer engineering. Joel himself, a junior at Liberty is a graphic design major and is pursuing a double minor in photography and fashion. Joel is going to spend this summer at a Christian camp in Georgia being the camp photographer. After that he plans to return to Liberty for his senior year.

I was honored to view his work, to take it in and meet this remarkable young man, it is now my privilege to share them with you!

Joel ask me to share something meaningful about his work.  It was easy, I told him that talent like his was God given, and that he needed to get on his knees and ask God to show him how to use his talent for something more valuable than fame and fortune.  He agreed that that was his desire.

Now it’s our turn, this is Joel, take good long look at him, because I hope you will join me in praying for him, his future and his service to our Heavenly Father.  I am sure that big things lie in his future.

I enjoy my trips to Liberty, but this one was the most special of all.    It is not everyday that God introduces you to someone he has so blessed and will use so powerfully.  I feel honored to  have had the time I spent with him!  Please join me in prayer for Joel and his future!

Blessings,

the pilgrim