Send us a textWhat happens when God calls you to minister in places most Christians never venture? Abel's journey takes us from Bible college classrooms to high-end fashion shows in a story that redefines what ministry can look like in today's world.Abel never expected to find himself photographing models and designers in Scottsdale's elite fashion scene. His path wound through youth ministry, high school teaching, and even pool cleaning before his childhood passion for photography unexpectedly reopened. When a friend asked him to snap a few wedding photos, something clicked—both literally and figuratively. His natural talent quickly earned recognition, leading to invitations to fashion shows where he discovered a world bursting with creativity and artistic expression.What makes Abel's story remarkable isn't just his professional success but his approach to ministry. Without announcing his pastoral background, he allows his character and ethics to speak for themselves. "I'm not going to be that guy," he says about photographers who exploit models. Instead, he's established protocols to create safe environments, mentors new models on protecting themselves, and boldly challenges industry norms by telling models they "don't have to be naked to be successful." His Misplaced Surfer Studio has become what one podcast host prophetically called "a lighthouse" where Christian models can find community and safety.The fashion world has noticed. "Every time I'm at an event, your name comes up. People love you," a fellow photographer recently texted him. "It's like a cartoon when your name comes up—stars come out of their eyes, their hearts start pounding." This reputation opens doors for conversations about faith that might never happen in traditional church settings.Ready to rethink what ministry can look like? Listen now and discover how your unique skills might be the perfect vehicle for reaching people who would never walk through church doors. Follow us on social media @SpeakLifeAZ and visit our Youtube page at SpeakLifeAZ to hear more stories of faith showing up in unexpected places.Support the show

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