First Place: “The Aroma of Prayer”
Photo by KZ, Eurasia Director of Expansion, currently based in the country of Georgia
Usually "street" photography requires lightning quick reactions to capture fast-moving scenes. That wasn’t the case on this day in a Georgian Orthdox Church in Mtskheta. I went in to capture some architectural photos of the Svetitskhoveli Catherdral (one of the most prominent and venerated places of worship in Georgia), instead I walked away with this very unique and meaningful photo. As the incense surrounded the priest while he read and prayed in a quiet voice, God reminded me how pleased he is with the constant prayers of his saints illustrated by the fragrance and aroma that reaches his throne. 
Second Place: "Fishing in the Mud”
Photo by Doug Harder, Thailand Ministry Director, located in Thailand
The Shan people in the hills of North Thailand are poor and often marginalized. They learn to survive on the land where they dwell. When heavy rains turned this field into mud, our Shan pastor went fishing for carp! His three adopted children, abandoned by their parents, are now in our scholarship program. They loved helping their dad snag dinner!
Third place: “30 Years of Ukrainian Independence”
Photo by David Benzel, Seminary Teacher, located in Ukraine
Ukraine put on a huge celebration to commemorate 30 years of independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union. For a few days the country ignored Covid and the hostility of neighboring countries. The climax was a military parade which drew hundreds of thousands of people, many dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing which has become very fashionable lately. Already a second generation of Ukrainians is growing up who knows nothing of life under the old regime; they also don't have the doubts and fears of talking about God that the older generations had. The way this family is all looking ahead signifies to me how hopeful Ukrainians are for their future.
Check out these photo contest winners from past years!
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