(Above) Leland on one of several trips to El Fuerte, Mexico, with a medical mission group, serving as photojournalist. (1985)
Missions and love for people have held special places in his heart for a long time.
Missions and love for people have held special places in his heart for a long time.
(Below) In 2009 and 2010, we (Leland and Lynne) were privileged to serve on short-term missions teams to Bosnia-Herzegovina, through GlobalX (North Point Ministries). Our three trips to this beautiful, former war-torn land was a very special one for me (Leland) since the Balkans found a place in my heart after visiting the country of Croatia on a 3-week Eastern European photo trek in April, 2007. It was in Croatia where I heard graphic details of the war that engulfed most of the countries on the Balkan Peninsula.
The images highlighted in this gallery were taken in the cities of Capljina, Pocitelj, and Mostar (southern region of Herzegovina) during our first two trips in 2009. Our purpose was to connect with fellow believers at the recently planted Evangelical Church of Capljina, to encourage them, and to reach out to the community.
Our visits to these three cities were a lesson in the reality of war. Driving along the streets of these ancient places, we saw bombed and bullet-scarred buildings alongside those that were newly renovated; a stark, daily reminder of the horrors these people experienced.
The Church has had a difficult existence since its beginning in Bosnia-Herzegovina, having been looked upon with suspicion and skepticism. Here, becoming a Christ follower comes with a high price. Only in recent years has the community begun to realize the Evangelical Church is not a threat, but a place of forgiveness, hope, and love for all people groups--Catholic, Muslim, and Orthodox.
The images highlighted in this gallery were taken in the cities of Capljina, Pocitelj, and Mostar (southern region of Herzegovina) during our first two trips in 2009. Our purpose was to connect with fellow believers at the recently planted Evangelical Church of Capljina, to encourage them, and to reach out to the community.
Our visits to these three cities were a lesson in the reality of war. Driving along the streets of these ancient places, we saw bombed and bullet-scarred buildings alongside those that were newly renovated; a stark, daily reminder of the horrors these people experienced.
The Church has had a difficult existence since its beginning in Bosnia-Herzegovina, having been looked upon with suspicion and skepticism. Here, becoming a Christ follower comes with a high price. Only in recent years has the community begun to realize the Evangelical Church is not a threat, but a place of forgiveness, hope, and love for all people groups--Catholic, Muslim, and Orthodox.