Models for Christ

The modeling business is extremely aggressive, almost ruthless. There’s a lot of pressure to get the next big assignment, and this fast-paced fashion world may sometimes lead to inappropriate decisions and devastating results. Drugs and alcohol, as well as eating disorders, are very common on the road to stardom.

It doesn’t have to be this way – there is an ethical alternative for models of all ages. Models for Christ is an international non-profit organization that joins the fashion industry (models, photographers, agents and designers) through their Christian beliefs, incorporating biblical lessons and encouraging Christian doctrines. Focusing on prayer, informed decisions, fellowship and community service, members of Models for Christ are able to meet wherever they are located pursuing the fashion industry, including Paris, Milan, Tokyo and Houston. According to its website, the organization “seeks to present Christ and develop spiritual leaders in the fashion industry.”

The organization has found a seasoned spiritual leader in Houstonian Wendy Martin-Altemus, a model and instructor at Page Parkes center of modeling and acting.

“This is a tough business,” says Martin-Altemus. “It can be very cutthroat. I just want to be a positive role model to these girls. I don’t want them to go through what I did.”

Having trod the rough and tumble road of fashion, she found an answer to her confused journey: Jesus Christ. Martin-Altemus has incorporated the doctrine of Models for Christ into accepted modeling philosophies. Teaching poses, makeup, photography and Christian ideals makes Martin-Altemus’ modeling classes a unique and refreshing alternative to aspiring models.

The inaugural class of Models for Christ has just completed session. Each class is $50, and attendees have the opportunity to work with H Texas’ very own photographer and Models for Christ member, Debbie Porter. H

Watch the H Report on Fox 26 Morning News Thursdays this month to catch more on this story.