Lent Through a Lens: Inspiring images from young Missio supporters

Sofia's photo signifies living water and Jesus washing the disciples' feet at the Last Supper

Source: Missio

This Lent, we had to get creative about fundraising for Missio and Mission Together, Missio's children's branch.

And while we're lucky enough to have wonderful support from schools and communities across England and Wales, we know it's been a tough year for children and teachers alike.

Schools closed because of the pandemic, teachers' workloads doubled, and opportunities to come together pretty much disappeared.

That's why we're hugely grateful to everyone who has still joined us to raise money this Lent!

Schools, teachers, families and individuals have really pulled out all the stops for us. Thanks to our supporters, Missionaries around the world will be able to continue igniting God's love, and bringing hope to the world's poorest children.

We received brilliant entries for our Lent Through a Lens photo competition. We asked children to take photos which symbolised what the season of Lent means to them. Schools ran competitions and charged entry fees to raise money for Mission Together, and many also shared their entries on social media.

The response was wonderful; not only were the photos of an incredibly high standard, but the thought and symbolism children displayed in their pictures was both inspiring and moving.

Mrs J Perrett, teacher at St Joseph's, Bracknell, said: "The children have absolutely loved doing this competition and it is such a great idea as both our home-schooled and school children could all take part. We have been very impressed by the standard and very moved by some of their reasons for their photographs."

Claire Colleran, Missio's Education Outreach Officer said: :We wanted to present a challenge that would take children away from screens, encourage them to appreciate the world around them, and to notice signs of Lenten hope. The resulting images and explanations are really beautiful."

The past year has seen more need than ever around the world. And like many charities, Missio has struggled to maintain our support of our global family as a result. But with your help, we are reaching people in the greatest need, and ensuring missionaries can continue to ignite God's love around the world.

See some of the fantastic photographs here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW-e3_85SmE&t=2s

Read more about Missio: https://missio.org.uk/