Rev Steve Stockman, Presbyterian minister and chaplain at Queen's University, and photographer Gordon Ashbridge, have just published a beautiful book that takes the reader on a visual journey through the townships of Cape Town in South Africa. Entitled "Sad ... and Beautiful Place" the book is "a collaboration of two artists caught between the poverty the Old Testament prophets raged against and the poverty that Jesus called blessed." This is the work of those who have sought to get underneath the stereotypes and found the real experience of Cape Town.
The book is a fundraiser for the Capetownship project, a justice mission of the Presbyterian Chaplaincy at Queens University Belfast. Steve has been taking students to Cape Town every other year since 2000. In that time they have built thirty houses and contributed in various ways to HIV/AIDS, Fair Trade and Reconciliation projects. Both Gordon and Steve will be back this summer along with 50 students as they seek to invest in the places these photos were taken. It is also hoped that the students of Queens University will return challenged and inspired to make an impact on the world.
Rev Steve Stockman is a University Chaplain and has been involved in broadcasting on BBC Radio Ulster where he used to have his own show. He has also written several books - "Walk On The Spiritual Journey of U2" has sold 100,000 copies and been translated into seven languages.
Gordon is a fire-fighter who has become a respected photographer in Northern Ireland. He had photographs featured in the 126th Annual RUA (Royal Ulster Academy of Arts) Exhibition at the Ormeau Baths Gallery in 2007 and he has been lecturing in Photography at Southern Regional College.
For more information or to purchase a copy of "Sad ... and Beautiful Place" contact Rev Steve Stockman at stoxo@hotmail.com or Gordon Ashbridge at gordon@ashbridge.demon.co.uk or by phone at 9066 9090.
Issued by Sarah Harding, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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