Hello everyone!
I know it has been quite a long time since my last update and I apologize for that. The truth is that there just hasn't been much to report. Currently, I am working at my parents campground and... that's about it! However, I finally have something to report!
On January 1st, 2012 I will be embarking on an 18 month mission of love and justice. I have joined a ministry of Youth With A Mission Called Photogenx. My intension is to use photography and other elements of digital media to expose global social injustice that is being overlooked or underexposed. Presently, digital media is the most powerful source of information and awakening to the realities of this world. The world is full of voices; some quiet; some loud. Who will listen to the ones that need to be heard? This journey is not just for me or even them. Ultimately, this journey and sacrifice is for the Glory of God. When Jesus left the earth He didn't request of us, but commended that we love one another--take care of the widowed and the poor. We MUST let our love for others be greater than the love we have for ourselves.
What compels you? My church just finished a youth camp where the words "I MUST" was their theme. It is taken from Luke 2:49: "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" What do you think of that? I think that Jesus was almost surprised that Mary wasn't expecting Him to be at the temple. I mean, it is Jesus so how surprised could he have been but.... Jesus is saying: "Why were you looking for me? Don't you know that I MUST be about my Father's business?" Does that make sense?
I haven't been able to stop thinking about it these past few days. The great commission hasn't changed. What is God's 'business' for you? There is so much opposition to face as I am preparing to step out into this journey God has for me but-- through everything, I feel and I say "I MUST". I MUST reach out, I MUST be about my Father's business, I MUST love, I MUST be a voice to those who have none.
Think about it.
I will be traveling for 12 months to each of the 6 inhabitable continents to engage with the community, serve in outreach projects and fight against social injustice relevant to each region of the world. After the 12 months of travel our team will undertake a massive debrief time wherein we will compile our experiences, stories, service, photos, interviews, and data. As a team we will create a professional publication about the issue(s) of social injustice we feel need to be brought into the global spotlight. The last month of this mission will be spent in various parts of the world doing speaking engagements to increase awareness, incite action and raise funds to fight these issues through the sale and distribution of our publication.
The mission is a combination of training, outreach and activism. We are engaging with countries on every continent with the express purposes of gaining a Godly, global perspective of the people and cultures of the world; to experience firsthand the issues facing the poor, needy and oppressed worldwide; to grow in Biblical truth, knowledge and understanding; to serve the people everywhere we go; to generate relationships and share the Lord with people around the world; to understand God's heart toward injustice and His desire to see it end; to create a publication used to increase awareness; and to raise our voices to fight on behalf of the abused, overlooked and neglected.
I am asking for all of you to be praying for me and my team as we are preparing ourselves for this journey. Financially, this trip is supported by the people who choose to be apart of it. In all, I need approximately $35,000. That money will go to airfare, accommodations, equipment, insurances, visas, etc. As of now I have $18,286.00. I have worked hard to save this money and I am very passionate about where it's going. I am asking to you to please pray and consider supporting me through prayer or ever finances.
If you want to hear more or get together to talk about it, please send me an email and we'll plan something!
I am so blessed and fortunate to have all of you behind me--supporting my every step!
God Bless
Brendan Daniel Serez
brenserez@gmail.com
"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" -Luke 2:49
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