Vic Moss, a professional photographer, recently returned from India where he spent three weeks working with IDEAS in our Photography Program. Both his professionalism and love for India were put to immediate use, allowing him to capture the heart and spirit of bringing freedom to the Dalits. Below are a few of his insights on his recent trip.

How did you come to know about IDEAS?
I've know about IDEAS for a number of years. In 2005, some friends of mine went to India through IDEAS. And now my two very good friends are also IDEAS professionals.

Why does IDEAS and their Indian partner need photographers to do this?
For pretty much that same reason that all companies need quality photography. IDEAS and their partner in India are organizations with marketing and communication needs. They have plenty of "snaps," as they call them, but they've come to the realization that they don't have a library of high quality, high resolution images to pull from when needed.

What things do you feel God showed you on this trip?
I think the biggest thing I've taken away from this trip (you always take something away) is that what I do is also a ministry. I had a few Indian leaders come up to me and thank me for my "Photography Ministry." I've never thought of what I do as a ministry. To me, it's just a passion and a gift that I share and use. But when I was thanked for "my ministry," it changed my perception. I actually used that in my testimony yesterday at church. We all have our own personal gift ministries. Mine just happens to be photography.

Would you go again?
Tomorrow, if God called me (& my wife said okay)!

Professionals like Vic are a perfect example of what it looks like to leverage your skills and passions to restore hope! How can you take what you know and love and put them to use?