Storytellers Abroad

Missions Multimedia Workshops

Visual communicators are uniquely positioned to tell amazing stories of how people are being changed by the gospel.

Storytellers Abroad | Missions Multimedia Workshops offer the opportunity to engage in a two-week, hands-on storytelling course where you put into practice your passion for digital media and global missions.

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.

Become a Visual Storyteller

Get hands-on field training in photo and video storytelling. Work on the mission field, with full-time missionaries, telling real stories of real lives changed.

Use Media in Missions

Capture and communicate stories of lives changed through photography, videography, and interviews with nationals and missionaries.

Ignite a Passion for the Gospel

Explore and learn from seasoned professionals what using media in global missions looks like and how you can be involved in spreading the gospel to the nations.

“I gained much more than I ever would expect to absorb in such a short time frame — from the technical and relational to the missional experience — this workshop hit it all!”

The Trainers

Jeff Raymond, ABWE Visual Communications

Jeff works closely with ABWE missionaries to train them to use visual storytelling as the basis of their communications strategies. He also has a passion to invest in others with creative skills and to create an avenue for them to serve the Lord in missions.

Stanley Leary, Communications Consultant, Chick-Fil-A Corp.

Stanley is a visual storyteller, whose photojournalism has taken him across the world, with images published in TIME, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, and many more. Stanley is also a gifted communicator and teacher. He works with corporate clients to teach their staffs to become more visually effective.

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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.”

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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.

James Dockery, 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 currently works as a top video editor for ESPN and is their 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.

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.


Qualifications / Requirements

First and foremost, participants should demonstrate an interest in using media storytelling in biblical missions.

Storytellers Abroad is geared toward those with one- or two-years background in visual education, and those who are working professionals in photography or video. A basic understanding of technology, terminology, and production methods is required.

This workshop is tailored for the still photographer who wants to make the transition to video. Equally, it is designed for the video documentarian who wishes to develop their storytelling abilities in a missions context. Over two weeks, you will develop and expand your video skill set by taking an idea from concept to finished piece.

If you are a student, this course is designed to fulfill internship requirements of most photography, journalism, digital media, design or missions majors. It may also qualify for course credit at your institution. Contact us to discuss the details.

The workshop fee includes all travel expenses from Harrisburg, PA (airfare, baggage, taxes, ground transportation, travel insurance), meals, housing, workshop tuition, supplies, use of equipment and software, and group activities.

Participants are responsible for their expenses to Harrisburg, PA, and any necessary immunizations, passport or visa costs (varies depending on destination).


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Contact

Storytellers@abwe.org | 717.909.2302 | Facebook Instagram

To see finished video stories produced by workshop participants, visit our Vimeo page.