Meet Team Wider Lens
(From left to right: Julia, Owen, Kelsey, Evan, Emily, Joe, Chantai)
A group of creatives with a passion for storytelling – that’s us! We are a group of seven missionaries who have previously served around the world. We are coming together to journey, for 3 months, through Southeast Asia. Led by prayer and not a script, we will aim to find and document how God is moving in an authentic way throughout Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Perhaps we can aid in removing the cloak of mystery that surrounds the life of missionaries? Perhaps we can reveal a portion of an unlimited God? Perhaps we can tell stories that mobilize a generation of radical Christ followers, discipling and training them to establish the Kingdom of God.
Come along and see.
Julia Robertson. Twenty Six. Marietta, Georgia. World Race – T Squad – July 2015.
“Recently, my Grandma looked at me and told me that I have a calm sophistication about myself.” [Julia smiles reflectively and widens her bright blue eyes]
Julia is a daughter of two supportive parents and a sister to an adventurous older brother. Julia says that her brother reminds her that she has something special – something that is innate within all story tellers. “That special something, ” Julia smiles,” is the desire to share.”
“Dancing.” [a deep sigh out] “I feel free and authentic when I dance.”
[Julia, when asked, “What is your favorite form of self-expression?”]
Julia, the team leader, is honest, free, creative and has a lot to bring to this project.
Evan Walker. Thirty One. Orange County, California. Freelance Visual and Experiential Storyteller.
“Sound engineering – it’s my instrument. Anything done with excellence can really take people on a journey.” he says as he verbally processes his thoughts.[Evan is now smirking about what he is about to say] “I’m going to go deep here,” He begins, “I’ve seen how sound and music can envelope people. I love music because it can get under the skin without your permission.”
[Evan, when asked, “What is your favorite form of self-expression?”]
Evan believes that storytelling is meant to honor the transformation that is happening in people’s lives. He values people who have a bold “YES” for the things God has called them to do – people who give generously with their time and resources.
“Oh, this one is hard [squinting in thought]. I have been told I am somebody that you would want on your team.”
Evan is a discerning, empathetic thinker who we are all, indeed, happy to have on our team.
Chantai Minet. Twenty Five. Yukon, Canada. World Race – U Squad – July 2015.
“Being myself!” [a long silly laugh in part because she was laughing at the obvious answer to the question and in part because it was the first thing that popped into her mind], “And, just creating art. I think that art can be so many different things. We can do it with our bodies or with our minds and we use what’s within us to produce something completely new that becomes a representation of what’s in our hearts.”
[Chantai, when asked, “What is your favorite form of self-expression?”]
Chantai comes from a long line of resilient women and has come to find so much value in people who live freely. She enjoys seeing people exemplify freedom in a radical way – a wild way – that isn’t reckless but is rather quite relentless.
Chantai believes in the power of story and aspires to live creatively and tell it all.
This woman is free, faithful, and full of love.
“Let His heart prevail.” she closes.
Joe Barnes. Thirty. Harrisonburg, Virginia. World Race – X Squad – September 2015.
“When I walk into a room I want people to feel like, BOOM, I belong here and I am safe.” [looking up from his sprawled position on the linoleum floor] As an inviting, compassionate man of integrity Joe deems his favorite form of self-expression as simply being with people with no agenda.
“Authenticity – because when someone is their real self it removes the burden of performance for everyone else. Authenticity and lightheartedness. [Joe points his finger jokingly] “LAUGH!” He exclaims.
“The world is missing storytellers, ” says Joe, “Millions of stories to be told but there are a lack of people willing to tell them.”
Joe aspires to be one of those missing storytellers in the world, starting now.
Emily Cashion. Twenty One. Orlando, Florida.World Race – Gap E – September 2015.
“I see the little joys. I see people’s hearts. I am a cool bean!” [a quick silly laugh escapes as she says this]
[Emily, when asked, “What are three things that describe you?”]
One of six children, Emily has grown an appreciation for people who exemplify authenticity, honesty, vulnerability, and a passion for telling stories through art. Emily says that it’s best when people have visuals that connect with deep emotions. “Same goes for music,” she adds. [This statement is paired with an enthusiastic fist pump]
Bringing light to misunderstood people – this is something Emily is truly passionate about.
Owen Siebring. Thirty. Cedar Falls, Iowa. World Race – R Squad – July 2013
“As far as what’s enabled me to be a storyteller, I think it’s that I have developed a good eye and ability to see things and know what other people might want to see. No matter what setting, I try to capture the things that I believe other people should see too.” [murmured from the top bunk of a bed in our Cambodian hostel.]
“I like when people that are fully themselves. I despise fakeness – people that are phoneys [he chuckles in amusement with his response] When people totally express their personality in whatever way is most comfortable for them it makes me want to be more of myself too.”
[Owen, when asked, “What is a quality you admire in a person?”]
Owen is an introspective man, a giver, and a listener. All of which will make him so valuable to this storytelling team.
Kelsey Tosca. Twenty Eight. Ashville, Ohio. World Race – N Squad – January 2015.
She closes her eyes tightly to think. “Ooooooh. Drawing and photography. When I draw, I draw for myself because it brings me joy. It’s a vision that I have and I just want to be able to create life with it. With photography it’s a form of bringing people into how I see the world.”
[Kelsey, when asked, “What is you favorite form of self-expression?”]
Kelsey has formed a deep appreciation for those who live with a sense of selflessness and patience. “A heck of a lot of patience.” says Kelsey as she giggles.
A woman with a disarming smile, who is trustworthy, insightful, and intentional, Kelsey is such an amazing part of Team Wider Lens.
Stories to tell, lives to touch, and lessons to learn – we are Team Wider Lens.
