Have you ever carried a heavy load and wondered just how long it was possible to continue moving forward, without falling backward? And at that point have you ever had someone come up and offer to take a great deal of that load on to their own shoulders, and even more so, say that the good Lord brought it to their attention to lend a hand to you? If not, you can imagine what an incredible blessing that would be.
Such is the case with Aaron, who is now lending his talents with administrative (and a whole lot more) to Emote360. With recent publications highlighting what Emote has done and hopes to do in the future as we continue to build our infrastructure, having someone like Aaron on board is imperative, and thankfully, the good Lord knew that. Everyone needs a Pratt. Thanks Pratt.

Nikon D90 Shines in Africa from emote360 on Vimeo.

Traveling takes its toll, however, the toll can often be well worth it.  In the case of the last three weeks, we were blessed to be a part of something special.

World Relief is an established organization (65 years) that works in 16 different countries and offers services ranging from disaster response to micro finance, refugee care to trafficking victim protection.  While World Relief is all about sustainable living, the World Relief NEXT project is about sustaining that sustainability.

This is a “connected” generation.  Fail to communicate your message in a relevant way and you fail to connect.  Failure to connect means loss of revenue, loss of sustainability and just as important, loss of awareness.  The NEXT project is a way to connect the younger generation with a well established organization in World Relief, to get engaged and ultimately, to get involved.

Emote360 is proud to partner with World Relief NEXT to deliver a relevant message in a relevant way.  By utilizing the latest technology and our artistic gifts we embarked on a nearly three week whirlwind tour of the Great Lakes Region of Africa to see what World Relief was up to on the ground.  While we visited Burundi and Rwanda, our main focus was the work that’s happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC.)

The DRC is troubled to say the least.  Locals are often caught in the crossfire of fighting between Congolese forces and various rebel groups and security hangs by a thread, if at all.  Amidst the politics, violence and heartbreak, World Relief, based out of Goma, is working its best in the North Kivu region to aid those in need.  With the HD footage, stills and stories we captured during our short stay in North Kivu, we can let the world know about some of the issues taking place in the Congo as well as let people know that organizations like World Relief aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and bring aid to those in dire need.

As I close and post some images, I leave you with this…  After World War II the world said “never again.”  Never would we allow the extermination of a mass group of people.  After the 1994 Rwandan Genocide that affected not only Rwanda but it’s neighboring countries we said “never again.”  As millions are displaced and walk the fine line between life and death in places such as Sudan and the DRC, how long will we look the other way, how long will we see with selective vision.  One of the greatest tragedies our generation faces is the belief that we can do nothing.  Love, Learn, Engage…

A soldier sits with his child, North Kivu

The media team doing an interview

Children in North Kivu. Just a couple of months ago, their village was emptied due to rebel fighting.

Pastors join hands and work together, North Kivu, DRC.

Just weeks ago, her 10 year old child was killed. WR has helped her with seed.

A reminder for myself...

Standing to be counted, these people received seed from WR.

WR staff work long days in sometimes extreme conditions.

Food Distrobution

Food Distrobution

Giving thanks...

Ann, NEXT Project team leader, pauses for a photo

Chalk boards say it all...

Justice...

North Kivu Classroom...

A student takes direction from the instructor...

Paying attention...

All smiles on this day...

A student...

After school, North Kivu

WR helped build this school, the kids are stoked...

We’ve collected a massive amount of stunning HD video and stills for our client and partner World Relief and the WRNEXT project.
I had some issues getting into the blog during the trip, but look forward to posting more images when we return home this next week.
After visiting Rwanda, Burundi and an eventful couple of days in the Congo, we are excited to help this organization better tell the story of how lives are changed through their sustainability programs.

Elizabeth and I are in Seattle on a layover awaiting our trans continental flight that will eventually take us into Kigali, Rwanda.  We’ll be staying a few days with the very dear Mama Naomi, building our relationship with her and documenting the amazing work she is doing with orphans.  From there we’ll hit Congo, head back to Rwanda, and finish in Burundi.  We’ll be gathering media material for World Relief and World Relief NEXT.

Part of Emote’s mission is to equip organizations with media that speaks to the current generation.  Elizabeth will be shooting HD footage that captures the essence of what World Relief is doing on ground to aid those in need.  I’ll be shooting stills and a bit of HD B roll, expermimenting with new HD options in Digital SLR cameras.    If that didn’t make any sense, just know this:  We’ll do justice visually to what World Relief are doing for the hearts, minds and souls of those in need.

Don’t forget to keep checking back, we’ll be updating our blog as much as possible.

Blessings,

–Benjamin

Here’s a preview of a 16pg booklet we’ve been working on for World Relief NEXT. Photography by Ben of emote360 and Design by Gary of emote360.