While I am no photographer, I do try to think like one. To capture photos that are of decent quality, I rely on a good digital camera to overcome my lack of talent and experience. And during the week of Synod, I try, at least occasionally, to think about ways to capture the sights and sense of Synod through a lens.

There are always some great moments that I miss. Thankfully, Pastor Ralph Joseph often catches those moments with his camera. Ralph is a veteran journalist and photographer. He then sends his photos to me, and together our photos create a visual summary of a week of hard work by Synod delegates.

Some moments, however, I intentionally miss. It’s too bad, in a way, because they are some of the best moments. For example, you saw no photos of delegates worshiping in various Kansas RP congregations on Sabbath morning, or enjoying the fellowship meals afterward. While I am a journalist, I am also a worshiper; and I find that it is difficult to worship and allow others to worship while a camera is clicking. As a delegate myself, I want and need that focused worship of God.

Another missed photo was during the prayer time. I don’t want the delegates to be on display then, but, truly, it is one of the most newsworthy sessions of the Synod. The evening of prayer helps to carry the delegates through what is always a rather stressful road to the finish of business. There is nothing quite like sitting in the midst of that group of over I oo and hearing the prayers ascend.

This year, during the evening of prayer, we heard a brief presentation from an RP missionary to a Muslim country. I would love to have taken a photo of this missionary, to have communicated something of his passion for this country and his enthusiasm for ministering in a difficult land. However, it is safest for him that we not mention his name or show his face. Another missed snapshot.

Last but not least, there was that incident at the airport. About a dozen of us were at Kansas City airport awaiting our flight home. I was standing with several other delegates when a security official approached us. He asked which of us wanted to volunteer to be searched. Pastor Robert Schmidtberger agreed to be the sacrificial lamb, freeing the rest of us from the embarrassment.

I have seen a share of searches at airports in the past year, and was once searched myself; but at Kansas City they are fervent about searches. And imagine how it would be to be thoroughly searched in front of a dozen colleagues and friends. I for a minute longed to record the moment with my camera, safely packed away in my checked luggage. Several others asked if I had my camera available. Mercifully, that moment was not recorded on film. The one who had shown us mercy by volunteering deserved that break. Not that the snapshot would have been published anyway!

Watch next month for some improvements to the Witness, not only on the surface but also in substance. I think you will enjoy the additions.