Pioneering communicator

Young alumna’s faithful creativity recognised by church

She’s one of the first: a creative working full-time for a conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Charmaine Patel is making a difference as associate director of visual communication ministries for the church in southern Queensland. It’s given her opportunities to share her faith across Australia while photographing, recording and speaking at workshops for local churches and other conferences. “I love seeing people I’ve mentored along the way in my journey. It’s rewarding.”

Perhaps some of these people were among the hundreds who attended in person or connected online with a conference Charmaine organised for Adventist artists, filmmakers, musicians, social media influencers, writers and other creatives in November this past year. Interspersed between keynotes and workshops: a presentation by a magazine editor and podcast creator; an interview with an interior designer; a live painting, and; performances of original music. “We are so blessed to have amazing, talented, creative people in our local churches who can empower us to be more creative in our churches and ministries,” says Charmaine. “We were inspired to dream bigger, to lean into the Spirit’s promptings more, and to reflect the light God gives us to give to the world in creative ways.” Charmaine now plans to take the conference Australia-wide.

The travel will be a bonus. Charmaine did a lot of it when she took her fledging videography and photography business around the world for a couple of years. She also served overseas on some mission trips while completing her degree. Looking back, Charmaine says she “found Jesus more at Avondale.”

When Charmaine’s not at work, you may find her painting and drawing or mountain biking and running.

The Class of 2011 honours Charmaine Patel for exploring, encouraging and celebrating faithful creativity.