Storytellers Abroad

Storytellers Abroad offers the opportunity to engage in a hands-on storytelling workshop where you put into practice your passion for digital media and global missions.

During these international trips you’ll receive one-on-one instruction from some of world’s top multimedia professionals. You’ll practice applying media skills in real life missions situations, and learn how to use storytelling to help spread the gospel. Connect your creativity and unique skill set with God’s heart for the world.

Jeff Raymond, ABWE Visual Communications

Jeff is uniquely gifted in connecting missionary needs with communications solutions. He works closely with 1,000+ ABWE missionaries in 84 countries to train them to use visual storytelling as the basis of their communications strategies. Jeff’s passion is to mobilize media professionals, creating an avenue for them to serve the Lord in missions. He has led media teams to the mission field for over 20 years, bringing a lifetime of photography experience together with his 25 years in missions. 

James Dockery, Emmy Award Winning Senior Editor at ESPN

James will never miss an opportunity to engage, to mentor, and to entertain. A brilliant and passionate teacher, his 35 years of photo and video experience have taken him around the globe to tell missions stories. James is an Emmy Award winning editor. He is ESPN’s lead trainer in Adobe Premiere, PhotoShop and After Effects. James is leading the way to incorporate innovative editing and communication techniques in both the elite corporate broadcasting world, and in the missions world.

Gary & Vivian Chapman, Freelance Humanitarian Photographer

Gary has covered humanitarian stories in more than 80 countries, helping organizations create awareness, express their vision and build their community. His visual storytelling has advanced the work of TOMS Shoes, Delta, World Vision, National Geographic publications/ TV, Johnson & Johnson and Atlanta Mission. Vivian, who started by hiring Gary when she was editor of their campus magazine, now assists Gary on assignments. She is in charge of marketing, copywriting and all aspects of business that don’t include pushing a camera button.

Jon Franz, Founder of Jon Franz Creative, LLC

Jon’s 35 year career as an Art/Creative Director in marketing and corporate communications, for brands like Kimberly-Clark, Coca Cola, BellSouth, and John Maxwell helped develop and hone his skills as a creative professional. Today, Jon is a full time video producer, working with many of the brands upon which his career has been built. Jon would tell you, “building brands is one thing. But with Storytellers Abroad I love that we’re serving a greater purpose— making God known by training and encouraging a new group Jesus storytellers.”

Ryan Geesaman, Chair of the Communication & Media Arts Department at Lancaster Bible College

Ryan has been involved in media and technology since the 7th grade. From 2004 to 2018, he served as Video Production Director at LCBC, a multisite church based in Manheim, PA. An award-winning film producer and editor, he now serves as Chair of the Communication & Media Arts Department at Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School, directing the Media Arts Production program.

Patrick Davison, UNC School of Media/Journalism

In Pat’s 25+ years in journalism, he’s won more than 100 awards, including the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism. He’s taught photo, video and multimedia storytelling since 2001. Leading more than 25 student-team multimedia workshops worldwide, his productions have been recognized by some of the industry’s top awards.