PromiseKeeper photos on Flickr

This month, our area is having a Promise Keepers meeting. Promise Keepers meetings are usually held at stadiums, arenas, and large facilities like that, and are events open only to men. This isn't to exclude women, but rather, because the events are designed for Christian men to meet together and hold each other accountable to God through prayer, often divulging their weaknesses and sins to each other for both moral support, and to help strengthen each other's faith.

Sometimes men just need men and women need women, because try as Women's Liberation might to make this an androgynous world, we still have distinct differences, and those differences sometimes are something that spouses or significant others wouldn't understand! Also, many of the men who attend these events would never be able to share what's really causing them to struggle if women were around.

The reason I'm mentioning this along with this pic is that the theme for this year's Promise Keepers event is awakening the warrior within. This doesn't mean Christian men should go out and slaughter the teeming hoards, but instead, they need to be ruthless with their own flesh, and stand firm against the devil, who desires to destroy them. Learning to be a spiritual warrior is sometimes harder than learning to be a soldier, and God is calling His men out, and preparing them to wage war with the enemies of their souls for the sake of their families, themselves, and the world.

If you are a Christian man, you don't have to spend $45 on a ticket to attend a huge meeting, though it might be well worth it for you to do so. Find friends with whom you can share honestly what causes you to stumble, so that you can war for each other in the spirit, and become the kind of men God wants you to be!

I really believe it's time for a women's version of Promise Keepers. Times have changed, and it isn't just the men who struggle anymore! We must all learn to not give ground when it comes to our faith or our morals. I foresee many warriors awakening, not all of them men, in the future!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbdRdKcmftg

John Morgan, George Bush impersonator, entertained us by Covenant Eyes

John Morgan, famous George Bush impersonator had his booth close to ours.

Good biker guys by Ryukyu Kingdom

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A local Okinawan biker club joined in Saturday the 14th, to help Promise Keepers an Okinawan Christian Group feed the homeless and the needy at Yogi Park near downtown Naha City. Every Saturday there is an outreach to the park and many local churches and civic groups join in to help out.

Covenant Eyes video played on the big screen at Promise Keepers by Covenant Eyes

This quick video was showed at a number of Promise Keepers conferences.

Robin Mark, Andrew Thompson and band, Hershey Centre, November 2011 by Richard Wintle

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"Built for Battle" convention, Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario. Robin Mark (right), Andrew Thompson (far left) and band.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)

Aperture f/2.0

Focal Length 35 mm

ISO Speed 1250

Exposure Bias +2/3 EV

Andrew Thompson, Robin Mark and band. by Richard Wintle

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Built for Battle convention at Mississauga, Ontario's Hershey Centre.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Exposure 0.02 sec (1/50)

Aperture f/2.2

Focal Length 35 mm

ISO Speed 800

Exposure Bias +2/3 EV

Luke Gilkerson finds his true home by Covenant Eyes

Covenant Eyes blooger, Luke Gilkerson, finds his true home coming back from his visit to Promise Keepers.

Andrew Thompson soundcheck by Richard Wintle

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Andrew Thompson during soundcheck. Hershey Centre, Mississauga. Promise Keepers Canada "Built for Battle" convention.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Exposure 0.025 sec (1/40)

Aperture f/3.5

Focal Length 18 mm

ISO Speed 1000

Exposure Bias +2/3 EV

God Is A Promise Keeper by sea turtle

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The steeple of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Pueblo, Colorado, caught fire when it was struck by lightning. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

On Stage, Hershey Centre, November 2011 by Richard Wintle

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"Built for Battle" convention, Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5.5.6G ED VR

Exposure 0.077 sec (1/13)

Aperture f/3.5

Focal Length 18 mm

ISO Speed 1250

Exposure Bias +2/3 EV

Covenant Eyes booth at Promise Keepers by Covenant Eyes

Our booth at the Promise Keeper's event.

Andrew Thompson works the crowd, Hershey Centre, Mississauga by Richard Wintle

Andrew Thompson, Hershey Centre, Mississauga. This photo has been sitting around for a while, even though it was the first one I submitted, late on the first night of the event. Re-edited for posting on Flickr.

Nikon D5000 / Nikkor 55-300mm @ full wide, 1/20th sec., f/4.5, ISO 1600, no flash. Only one of two "keepers" that were taken with this lens - the rest with a 35mm f/1.8 rented for the occasion.

Andrew Thompson, Built for Battle 2011 by Richard Wintle

I took a similar photo at last year's "Legacy" event. This one's better.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Exposure 0.025 sec (1/40)

Aperture f/2.2

Focal Length 35 mm

ISO Speed 800

Exposure Bias +2/3 EV

Alive 2012 - From the audience by Richard Wintle

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One more from the Promise Keepers Canada Alive convention at Mississauga, Ontario's Hershey Centre. That lens flare was too tasty to pass up.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Exposure 0.013 sec (1/80)

Aperture f/2.8

Focal Length 35 mm

ISO Speed 2000

Stephen Arterburn, Built for Battle 2011 by Richard Wintle

Keynote speaker Stephen Arterburn on stage at the Hershey Centre. "Built for Battle" convention, 2011.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)

Aperture f/4.5

Focal Length 55 mm

ISO Speed 500

Exposure Bias +2/3 EV

2Hands.Bald.PK.RFK.WDC.14jun97 by Elvert Barnes

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Promise Keepers THE MAKING OF A GODLY MAN Rally at RFK Stadium in SE Washington DC on Saturday, 14 June 1997 by Elvert Barnes Protest Photography

Visit PROMISE KEEPERS at promisekeepers.org

Elvert Barnes Protest Photography at elvertbarnes.com/protestphotog1997

Percussionist in blue - Seppo Salminen by Richard Wintle

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"Built for Battle" convention, Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Exposure 0.005 sec (1/200)

Aperture f/2.0

Focal Length 35 mm

ISO Speed 2000

Exposure Bias +2/3 EV

Alive 2012 - Andrew Thompson on stage by Richard Wintle

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Andrew Thompson on stage at the Alive convention, Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Exposure 0.025 sec (1/40)

Aperture f/5.0

Focal Length 165 mm

ISO Speed 2000

Alive 2012 - Trevor Dick by Richard Wintle

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High-contrast B&W re-edit of a leftover shot from the Alive convention at Mississauga, Ontario's Hershey Centre.

Nikon D70S

AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

Exposure 0.003 sec (1/320)

Aperture f/2.0

Focal Length 50 mm

ISO Speed 1000

B&W conversion in Photoshop CS4.

01.PromiseKeepersRally.RFK.WDC.14June1997 by Elvert Barnes

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Promise Keepers THE MAKING OF A GODLY MAN Rally at RFK Stadium in SE Washington DC on Saturday, 14 June 1997 by Elvert Barnes Protest Photography

Visit PROMISE KEEPERS at promisekeepers.org

Elvert Barnes Protest Photography at elvertbarnes.com/protestphotog1997

Alive 2012 - Steve Farrar makes a point by Richard Wintle

Speaker Steve Farrar adds some emphasis to his talk. Alive convention, Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Exposure 0.01 sec (1/100)

Aperture f/5.0

Focal Length 165 mm

ISO Speed 2000

04.33.PK.Rally.WDC.4oct97 by Elvert Barnes

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PROMISE KEEPERS STAND IN THE GAP: A SACRED ASSEMBLY OF MEN Rally at the George Washington Monument Grounds on the National Mall in Washington DC on Saturday, 5 October 1997 by Elvert Barnes Photography

Visit PROMISE KEEPERS at promisekeepers.org

Elvert Barnes Protest Photography at elvertbarnes.com/protestphotog1997

Alive 2012 - Andrew Thompson on stage by Richard Wintle

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Andrew Thompson holds a note during the Alive convention. Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Exposure 0.02 sec (1/50)

Aperture f/4.5

Focal Length 55 mm

ISO Speed 2000

Alive 2012 - Robin Mark by Richard Wintle

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Irish musician Robin Mark up close and personal at Alive. Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Exposure 0.006 sec (1/160)

Aperture f/4.5

Focal Length 55 mm

ISO Speed 2000

Alive 2012 - Waiting for the shot by Richard Wintle

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Robin Mark and the band on stage at Alive. Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Photographer Pat Monaghan waits at the front of the stage for that perfect shot.

Nikon D70S

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Exposure 0.01 sec (1/100)

Aperture f/1.8

Focal Length 35 mm

ISO Speed 1000

Solo by Richard Wintle

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Andrew Thompson onstage, Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

1/250th sec., f/2.2, ISO 1000, no flash, no exposure compensation. Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 lens. B&W conversion with cyan tint and subtle yellow paint over the spotlight.

This photo is a bit of a cheat, as he wasn't playing solo - he has a full band behind him.

Update - although not technically perfect, this is my choice for the "Your Best Shot 2010" group.

01.PromiseKeepers.Rally.WDC.4October1997 by Elvert Barnes

PROMISE KEEPERS STAND IN THE GAP: A SACRED ASSEMBLY OF MEN Rally at the George Washington Monument Grounds on the National Mall in Washington DC on Saturday, 5 October 1997 by Elvert Barnes Photography

Visit PROMISE KEEPERS at promisekeepers.org

Elvert Barnes Protest Photography at elvertbarnes.com/protestphotog1997

Alive 2012 - There's one in every crowd. by Richard Wintle

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More than one, probably. Alive convention at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Exposure 0.067 sec (1/15)

Aperture f/3.2

Focal Length 35 mm

ISO Speed 2000

Alive 2012 - Light from above by Richard Wintle

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Robin Mark, Andrew Thompson (red shirt) and the band on stage at the Alive convention. Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

A bit on the grainy side, but I like the overall mood.

Nikon D70S

AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

Exposure 0.008 sec (1/125)

Aperture f/2.2

Focal Length 50 mm

ISO Speed 1000

04.31.PK.Rally.WDC.4oct97 by Elvert Barnes

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PROMISE KEEPERS STAND IN THE GAP: A SACRED ASSEMBLY OF MEN Rally at the George Washington Monument Grounds on the National Mall in Washington DC on Saturday, 5 October 1997 by Elvert Barnes Photography

Visit PROMISE KEEPERS at promisekeepers.org

Elvert Barnes Protest Photography at elvertbarnes.com/protestphotog1997

Alive 2012 - Billy Richards by Richard Wintle

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Billy Richards digs into the scripture at the Alive convention, after making an impressive entrance dressed in a kilt and preceded by a bagpiper. Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)

Aperture f/5.3

Focal Length 210 mm

ISO Speed 2000

Alive 2012 - Jim Kelly by Richard Wintle

Hall of fame NFL quarterback Jim Kelly, on stage at the Alive convention, holds the audience spellbound - telling the story of his son's life and untimely death, and of all the consequences. Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)

Aperture f/4.8

Focal Length 105 mm

ISO Speed 2000

01.14.PK.RFK.WDC.14jun97 by Elvert Barnes

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Promise Keepers THE MAKING OF A GODLY MAN Rally at RFK Stadium in SE Washington DC on Saturday, 14 June 1997 by Elvert Barnes Protest Photography

Visit PROMISE KEEPERS at promisekeepers.org

Elvert Barnes Protest Photography at elvertbarnes.com/protestphotog1997

Alive 2012 - Andrew Thompson by Richard Wintle

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Promise Keepers Canada's Andrew Thompson on stage at the Hershey Centre. Alive convention, 2012.

Nikon D70S

AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

Exposure 0.01 sec (1/100)

Aperture f/2.2

Focal Length 50 mm

ISO Speed 1000

Good biker guys by Ryukyu Kingdom

A local Okinawan biker club joined in Saturday the 14th, to help Promise Keepers an Okinawan Christian Group feed the homeless and the needy at Yogi Park near downtown Naha City. Every Saturday there is an outreach to the park and many local churches and civic groups join in to help out.

On Stage by Richard Wintle

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Andrew Thompson, Hershey Centre, Mississauga. First time shooting a concert.

1/250th sec., f/2.2, ISO 1000. Nikon D5000 + Nikkor 35mm f/1.8.

Stage setup, Built for Battle 2011 by Richard Wintle

Hershey Centre, Mississauga.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Exposure 0.04 sec (1/25)

Aperture f/2.8

Focal Length 35 mm

ISO Speed 200

Exposure Bias +2/3 EV

01.20.PK.RFK.WDC.14jun97 by Elvert Barnes

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Promise Keepers THE MAKING OF A GODLY MAN Rally at RFK Stadium in SE Washington DC on Saturday, 14 June 1997 by Elvert Barnes Protest Photography

Visit PROMISE KEEPERS at promisekeepers.org

Elvert Barnes Protest Photography at elvertbarnes.com/protestphotog1997

Percussionist by Richard Wintle

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More low-light shooting. Hershey Centre, Mississauga.

Nikon D5000 / Nikkor 55-300, 1/125th sec., 300mm @ f/5.6, ISO 500, exposure compensation +3 EV.

Speaker by Richard Wintle

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Some indoor shooting with a rented 35mm f/1.8. Stage setup, Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario.

0.3 second hand held, ISO 500, full wide at f/1.8. Mild luminance NR in Photoshop, default colour NR in Adobe Camera Raw.

Alive 2012 - Kirk Giles by Richard Wintle

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Kirk Giles in a contemplative moment, on stage at the Alive convention. Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Exposure 0.02 sec (1/50)

Aperture f/5.6

Focal Length 280 mm

ISO Speed 2000

Built for Battle, Hershey Centre, Mississauga 2011 by Richard Wintle

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Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Exposure 0.05 sec (1/20)

Aperture f/2.0

Focal Length 35 mm

ISO Speed 1250

Exposure Bias +2/3 EV

Alive 2012 - In the nosebleeds by Richard Wintle

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The Hershey Centre, from about as far away from the stage as it's possible to be. Alive convention, 2012.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Exposure 0.033 sec (1/30)

Aperture f/4.0

Focal Length 18 mm

ISO Speed 2000

01.05.PK.RFK.WDC.14jun97 by Elvert Barnes

Promise Keepers THE MAKING OF A GODLY MAN Rally at RFK Stadium in SE Washington DC on Saturday, 14 June 1997 by Elvert Barnes Protest Photography

Visit PROMISE KEEPERS at promisekeepers.org

Elvert Barnes Protest Photography at elvertbarnes.com/protestphotog1997

Alive 2012 - Steve Farrar by Richard Wintle

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Platform speaker Steve Farrar makes a point. Alive convention, Hershey Centre, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

Nikon D5000

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Exposure 0.008 sec (1/125)

Aperture f/5.0

Focal Length 170 mm

ISO Speed 1600

Flickr Schwag - At Last! by Daniel Greene

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Flickr finally sent me the Flickr schwag I requested for a FlickrMeet last October. I also requested schwag for five FlickrMeets I hosted since then. But, no matter; they finally came through! Now we'll have Flickr schwag at our next meetup. As the Flickreenos say, Yay!

Strobist info: Canon Speedlite 430EX at +1 power bounced off white ceiling.

CDCover.OpenYourEyes.Trance.January2011 by Elvert Barnes