Sisters publisher battles African drought

David Uttley of Sisters found a way to combine an artistic touch with his camera and his compassion for the people in drought-stricken Uganda.

He traveled to Africa last July as the unofficial photographer of a short-term mission trip from Sisters Community Church. When he wasn't wielding a hammer on a construction project, he was taking photographs of the people, the vibrancy and the despair that is Africa.

The collection of photographs is now in a book titled "Thirst."

"There is a double meaning in the title, relating to both physical and spiritual thirst," Uttley said.

There is also a double purpose to the book itself. Uttley works for The Design Works Group, a company that designs books. "Thirst" serves as a product example to potential customers. But there's an altruistic purpose, too: to raise funds for The Thirst Project through sales of the book.

The Thirst Project is administered by All Nations Ministries, with a goal of building wells to access clean drinking water in villages most aid groups don't get to. All Nations Ministries and Sisters Community Church have worked together for several years, raising money and sending workers to contribute to or complete projects.

When Uttley signed on for the trip last summer, he wasn't sure what he was getting into. His main task was to help construct a latrine and build desks at a school, and he was asked to accompany a medical team to a mountain village and take photographs. His wife, Cindy, had been on three previous trips, and her enthusiasm set the stage.

The Uttley's took their younger son Nathan with them on this trip. The family returned with a renewed sense of urgency for the plight of remote African villagers and their need for clean water.

Uttley's photographs will be on display at Sisters Athletic Club starting Thursday, March 20. A wine and cheese reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. is planned for that evening, and the book will be officially launched at that time. The photographs will be available for purchase; all proceeds from book and photograph sales will go to The Thirst Project.