Capturing EdenRidge
John and Carol Pierce
Written by: Shari Martin
Photo Credits: John Pierce
Every ministry has people working quietly behind the scenes. Their gifts may not always be seen, but they help tell the ministry's story. One of those people at EdenRidge is missionary and photographer John Pierce.
John first heard about EdenRidge through another missionary, Theo Enns. Theo suggested that he contact Oliver Dossmann because Oliver was looking for someone to photograph the cabins and grounds. In 2020, John made his first trip to Tennessee. What started as one photography assignment has grown into an ongoing partnership that has blessed both John and his wife, Carol.
John and Carol Pierce
"Oliver was and has been very gracious to Carol and me, offering us a cabin in exchange for the photo shoots," John said. "The photography-for-stay exchange has worked wonderfully for Carol and me. She loves to be still, read a book, go for walks, etc., and I love to shoot for a ministry I REALLY believe in."
Photography has been part of John's life since he was a boy. His father was a self-taught artist who eventually became the art teacher at the missionary school where John grew up. Although John says he still draws "stick men and women," he discovered another creative outlet instead.
"I did find artistic expression through photography using what my dad tried to teach me," John said. "Lighting, perspective, eye-flow, and background which enhances the foreground all became part of the way I learned."
John's family encouraged him to pursue photography from an early age. His uncle gave him a developing kit and enlarger, and his parents helped him purchase his first professional 35mm camera.
"Carol was not so thrilled because we lived in a trailer with only one bathroom which became my dark room. She was expecting, and it is hard for a pregnant woman to understand that she can't come into the darkroom to use the toilet while a photo is developing in an acid bath. Fortunately, our marriage survived!”
As technology changed, so did John's photography. He eventually purchased his first DSLR camera and began photographing nature, community events, and historic buildings around Sanford, Florida. One thing led to another, and before long he was photographing events for the city, working with a bilingual magazine, documenting historic homes, and photographing real estate. Years later, those same skills would become a blessing to EdenRidge.
The Love Cabin
The Kindness Cabin
Over the years, John has photographed the cabins, the Welcome Center, and other areas around the property. His photographs have given guests the opportunity to see the beauty of EdenRidge before they ever arrive. But for John and Carol, the greatest gift has not been the opportunity to take photographs. It has been finding a place where missionaries can get away from the ongoing demands of daily ministry.
John reflected:
"My wife and I have had the privilege of staying and sometimes serving at different missionary retreat centers. At each place, I was SO thankful for finding havens of rest."
One Bible verse has been especially meaningful to John. He said, "I love Matthew 11:28: 'Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.'"
"EdenRidge has been that peaceful place where we and many others have found what our bodies, minds, and souls need... REST."
John and Carol understand the need for rest from personal experience. After decades of ministry with Ethnos360, they entered a time in their lives of caring for aging parents while continuing to serve the Lord. Today, they are adjusting to a different pace of life.
"We were in full-time ministry and now we are in part-time ministry. With both parents now with Jesus in heaven, we are just now starting to learn how to relax." Even in this chapter of their lives, John and Carol continue investing in ministry, in their marriage, and in encouraging others who are serving Christ to make time to find rest.
The Peace Cabin
John continues to use his camera to serve EdenRidge, documenting the ministry as it grows and helping others discover a place where missionaries, pastors, families, and Christian workers can find rest.
He concludes:
"Spread the word about EdenRidge to others. Pray for God to supply for EdenRidge. Be excited about asking God to help expand the campus so that more missionaries can find a place of rest.”
To see more of John's photography, visit his online gallery:
Was your stay meaningful? We'd love to hear how God used your time at EdenRidge.
Email us at rest@edenridge.org and we'll schedule a short conversation with you.