La Vida Bethania
Read MoreLos Pastores
Refugio and Esther Tejada (my in-laws) have been the leaders of this close-knit congregation for over 30 years. This photo was taken in their home before service several weeks after a plumbing failure had flooded their entire home. The original floor was replaced with ceramic tile, Some damaged furniture that earlier held the items now on the floor had yet to be replaced.
Welcome to Bethania
Refugio is seen here leaving his home on the small gated property that holds the Templo Bethania Chapel.
The irony dripping from a welcome sign on a double bolted metal door to his living quarters is palpable. But the message is completely sincere. All are welcome here. Refugio is a gentle man of 80 plus years who responds to his calling with passion and grace. After 30 some years in the US, he still lacks confidence in his ability to speak in English, yet he understands most all of what's spoken. He's an educated man who reads, writes and studies the complexities of his faith at the deepest levels. And he holds his congregation's rapt attention when he preaches the gospel.Annointing the Pastors
Refugio and Esther are surrounded by Bethania's worship leaders and anointed - to symbolize the passing on of a holy emanation, spirit, or power of God. It may also serve as spiritual method of protection from dangerous influences or demons.
As a point of personal reference, the beautiful woman in the front row (left) is Refugio and Esther's daughter, and my wife, Becky. Note the disengagement typical of a rebellious pastor's kid whose presence is driven by a sense of responsibility to family authority, rather than any presence of spiritual conviction. But to be fair, she shares no DNA of anyone in the photo... but that's another story.After Worship, Life
After Sunday worship, everyday life slowly resumes. This photo is taken in the driveway outside the church (to the right). The pastors' home is out of the frame to the rear and left. The three women (L to R) on the right are the two pastors daughters and a close family friend. A church elder acknowledges and thanks a younger community member for attending.
Los Pastores - Redux
Here is what turned out to be the shortest glimpse of joy in these two dedicated souls in the entire three days of shooting I did at Templo Bethania. They are gentle souls, dedicated to the strength and compassion of their community. But... they seldom show outward signs of joy or affaction. Even the moment captured above isn't quite what it appears.
You see... Reggie is a bit hard of hearing these days. Esther is not shy about telling him exactly what to do and how to behave. In this moment they were tiring the portrait sitting. Esther was getting cranky with Reggie and showing her impatience. I looked right at her and said, "c'mon Esther, just a couple more minutes - then you'll be able to have a break from the miserable guy next to you." She broke into laughter, smiled, and turned to see Reggie's response. Being hard of hearing, and not having heard what I'd just said to her, he grinned and nodded agreement to whatever it was that had been so funny - never aware that her joy was largely based on getting away from him and back to the community of worship that holds her true passions.