Southwest Region FEATURE

Building Confidence: Hope Through Photos

Earl “Blue” Jones Jr. believes that every type of skill may be used for ministry. So, while Jones serves God in his career as a chaplain for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in North Little Rock, Ark., he also serves God as a photographer. To Jones, photography is much more than a hobby or a job, it’s a lens through which to show God’s love to the world.

Jones works with the VA’s Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, which provides a safe and supportive environment for veterans who struggle with addiction. Many who participate also experience post-traumatic stress disorder or homelessness.

“A lot of people, particularly in the population I work with, are at a low point,” said Jones. “They are either in the grasp of addiction, or they are dealing with dredged-up trauma, or they are homeless. They are in a down place. My thought is to help uplift them and encourage them.”

Two years ago, Jones got the idea to set up a portrait booth as a Christmas gift to the veterans. They arrived, either alone or with loved ones, to experience a professional photo shoot.

The attending veterans could see themselves from a new perspective through the creation of a professional portrait. For many, this was their first time having a photo taken with proper lighting and editing. “It's important to have something that we can be proud of,” said Jones, “not in a sinful manner, of course, but just to make ourselves feel better.”

In addition, Jones photographed veterans who experience dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Family members used those images to help trigger memories for their loved ones.

“It’s an archive,” said Jones. “It’s the capturing of these moments, particularly for husbands and wives, to remember being together.”

In 2024, more than 70 veterans participated in this Christmas tradition, which Jones plans to continue for the foreseeable future.

“The smiles I saw when I showed people their photos were priceless,” said Jones. “This is why I do this, to help encourage people.”

Jones, himself, is a veteran of the United States Army, having served two tours of active duty from 1990 to 2000. During this time, Jones also picked up a camera for the first time since middle school. Originally, Jones simply intended to just capture and share memories. Instead, photography became a new passion that he worked hard to perfect.

“I believe in serving God with a spirit of excellence in everything,” said Jones. “So, with my photography and with my preaching ministry, I try to do my very best because the Bible tells us to work as to the Lord.”

Jones studied theology at Oakwood University and attended seminary at Andrews University, with two years of pastorship in between. From the very beginning, Jones used photography as a tool to capture special moments, train and involve youth in church ministry and uplift others.

When Jones pivoted his career to chaplaincy at the VA, he truly merged the skills developed through his life experience to serve God. Throughout it all, he encourages people to use their talents for God, even beyond what may be considered traditional ministry.

“God gives us specific gifts and talents that we can use,” said Jones. “But, every gift that God gives can be used for ministry, whether it’s doing hair or being a janitor. Just listen for what God wants you to do.”

By Makala James. James lives in Granbury, Texas, with her husband, Denny, and two children, Archie and Jasper. Chaplain Earl Jones lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas, with his wife, Natasha, and children, Keely and Shawn. He is a member of the Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Southwest Region Conference.