I said I'd
"update you on Thailand and my exciting progress."
There are two
sides to this update, what's happening over there, and then what's happening
over here.
I receive updates
like this almost every week (I've taken and left out many details) :
We are dealing
with another urgent need, we just received some 3 and 4 year old orphans inside
*******,, it is just a matter of time till the army will attack them. So, we
are arranging a safe way to move them by tomorrow. Please, pray for safety of everyone involved in moving the
children, we have to do this in secret. The conditions are extremely dangerous,
as we need to pass at least 3 or 4 Army camps and 2 Thai border police
bases. Please, pray that the
little ones will not cry! and that the peace of God will be with them and all
of us involved.
One more
prayer request, one of our ex child soldiers is in the hospital right now, is
14 years old. He is one of our new arrivals; he was recruited to be a child
soldier, and was able to escape. His father was killed and his mother is still
inside ****** in hiding."
Over here; Since my blog
series on Northern Thailand key people have begun to rally around me, the
vision, and around the idea of helping the Karen people and to tell their
story! I've had the privilege to
meet an Author, Lawyer, businessmen, Director of the biggest TV station in
Holland and various other people who all expressed a great desire to get
involved. What's amazing is I
randomly met all these people... just kind of fell into it! Additionally, friends of mine have
begun to support the project financially, still a long way to go, but
encouraging non the less!! More
importantly God has given me a very unique group of men and women as my
council! How amazing it is to have
such support! All of this is all
very humbling and encouraging at the same time!
However, sobriety
remains, the most important thing is how to best serve those on the ground in
Asia. As you read above- it's a
matter of life and death for them! I'M IN NO RUSH to do anything hastily! I
want to move and act with Wisdom!
And I will do everything I can to protect my friends in Asia. I refuse
to let anything endanger them; me, my friends, anything! This is probably going
to take years to see through. I knew this when I started!
The most
encouraging thing Is I'm beginning to be surrounded by the "right people" who
could help carry this vision past just a "documentary to spread awareness," but
to establish a way for people to get involved to bring forth effective change
NOW, and to partner with those who are already fighting for the people! It's going to take work, and people who
are gifted in all the areas I'm not to continue to be a part. But I'm talking about longevity and
real change. There is some real
potential and I'm going to keep throwing stones at this giant!
** Hope has two
Daughters:
Angerand Courage
Anger so that what
should not be
Will
not be
Courage for what
ought to be
Will
be!
The tentative
plan for the next practical step is a trip back to Northern Thailand in November
or around that time. The
focus will be building on the relationships I already have, develop new ones,
film and document. Hoping to have
better equipment by then, but I'm going to go with what I have!
Thank you for
reading, and for your love and support!
I join the
literal millions of voices all over Asia that continue to say "Free Burma!"
"You maybe asking, "a movement of what?" Please stay with me in my next few blogs as I
continue to share. I will up date you on N. Thailand and my exciting progress,
my time in Spain since I've returned from the leading a Wordrace squad, and specifically what
coming on staff with the WR will look like."
To continue where I left off, this is my take on the
"movement" of the World Race...and what I see forming! A dream that is coming to fruition!
ER Nurses, teachers, husbands, wives, business owners, cops,
home owners, college grads, nobodies and everybodies, musicians, artists,
chefs, the highly educated, and the somewhat motivated have been coming! They
have admitted to hearing a rumor, a whisper, that there is more! With honor for
all those who stay in their occupation or vocation they heard the call to leave
theirs. With love-ones and past
lives behind them, they have chosen to heed to the beckoning call! They have said- "The cries of the
nations have reached my ears! I will go, send me!"
There is a message... and this message is catching momentum....
It's not some new message, but rather one of old. This
message is alive and will always remain current-! It's centered on the simple
truth of Christ and that God the Father will do exactly what He said He would
do.
The Worldrace has formed out of this message and we are
taking it literally around the world time and time again!
There is a heart cry from my generation that say's "I know there is more!"
And so they keep coming, and we keep sending!
They infiltrate the dank dark rooms of bars where
prostitutes take their post- and guide them to another and better way! They deliver babies in the back of vans
from HIV positive mothers. They're
not turned off by the pungent stench of the poor, or the urine socked
orphan! Bad breath, BO, or unattractiveness
won't keep them from hugging and kissing those who are destitute and need love.
They hold the sick, heal the sick, comfort the dieing and on occasion even
raise the dead!
They can camp in a tent in the middle of the African bush
during the peek of summer or stay in a comfortable hotel in London- it doesn't
matter to them!
They understand that stewardship isn't limited to money... but
encompasses grace, faith, forgiveness, hope, love, joy, and then money.
11 countries around the world isn't a big deal to them, they
don't need it! It just happens to
be a part of the deal!.
They have gifting but more importantly they have character.
Honor, integrity, faith, hope, and love are in each step
they take! And with every new place they venture into a legacy continues to
grow!
They are a people who walk in the mystery of Grace- and
extend it to others. They have been bathed in forgiveness and in turn can't
help but give it away! They have
decided to be outrageous givers and amazing lovers!
With everything they receive they give God all the Glory and
hold nothing as their own!
They keep saying we won't give up, for He didn't give up on
us!
They know they aren't perfect or have it all figured out..but they live as if they are being guided by the one who does!
They don't identify who they are based on what the world says but rather by what HE says!
They know how to point to the Father and say, "not by us but
by Christ- for He is everything!"
This message refuses to be franchised, diluted, bought,
detoured or lured away!
They are people with rough knee's and colorful dreams!
Out of this message is being birthed a movement!
What was once just a message is becoming a real and tangible
reality.
We are the movement!! A body of people who are moving from
where they have been to where they are going! As we move forward... they keep coming! They hear the same rumor and whisper
within their soul as we did. One by one they take this message around the
world: Christ!
I think making decisions can be much like cliff
jumping! We come to the edge, our
stomach drops a little, and It's at that point we make a decision. Some get scared and walk down. Safe, but possibly to safe! Others, zealous and bold don't look...
they back up, run and jump, hoping that they'll make it. Some make it, some
don't! Then there're are those who
stand at the edge, weigh the options, risk, and danger, look at where they're
going to jump, and when ready.... jump as high and as far as they can! However
you could be waiting awhile for this guy. (of course there are other possible
outcomes, but you get the point)
I tend to be the last guy!- Time tends to be necessary for
me to understand the decision I'm making.
The World Race and the people involved have been dear to my
heart since the first day I met them! It's hard to believe it's been over 3
years since this whole thing began.!
I've tried my best to honor and nurture my relationship with the
WR. Every opportunity they've
given me has been a privilege!
Being staff or volunteer never mattered much to me, relationships tend
to be like that, I just wanted to be in the "mix." Didn't know what the future
held, but I feel like I've known I was going to be a part of the World-Race for
years to come. They've become like family to me! I believe in the dream that I think God has for the WR.
Starting in September I'll have the privilege to officially
join the World-Race staff!!
Before now I didn't feel free to jump, and wondered if I
ever would. But it's time! And
when I do, I try to jump as high and as far as I can.
This was a decision of timing, invitation, choice, and God!
Each of you, even if I never receive comments or hear from
you has been a part of bringing me to this point!!
When I came home from leading my last World-Race team I felt
"timing" upon me. To be honest it caught me off-guard. I've been planning on moving to Spain
to serve there. But God began to do something in my heart. This wasn't a directive from God, but a
blessing that was attached to what I wanted!! When you know what it's like to
feel Him before you- you don't want to go in any-other direction! It seems that while we walk
with God and make our choices, like going to the right (Spain), if He needs to,
he will whisper, "go left. I'm with you."
I won't lie it challenge me when I heard "go left!" Challenged me to
seek some answers and gain perspective. (visit that in another blog)
This is not a decision that came easily or was made lightly!
Mainly because this isn't just a job! But feels like taking on a role- within
the Church! This isn't just a
program or mission trip. It's not
a romantic adventure or game! We
are constantly dealing with peoples lives... quite literally life and death! Probably the hardest work I've ever
done! It's a lifestyle, way of life, culture, an idea! We're in pursuit!
For the past three or so years, I've constantly felt "on
time!" Hasn't been easy- but it's been nice to feel that.
I've been blessed to have people in my life that help to
hold me accountable. Ask me the
tough questions, push, pull, and slap me if need be. Keeping me from fear or
confusion! But also release me to be me!
Thank you to all those who continually invest, love, and pour into me! I am one of those who are reaping the
benefit of your labor! My parents being the core of all this!
Somewhere in my life I heard it said, "With
passion, hope, and love you have the potential to create a movement. With
Politics you get in front of a movement and try to maintain!"
Before I was even aware of it I found myself smack-dab in
the middle of this thing! There is
more to this "thing" then what meets the eye! Sometimes I wonder how I got
here. But I'm among friends, and
what feels like family!
The World-Race has the potential to be a real movement...and
in my opinion will be! I have no
desire to be in front of a movement! But every desire to do my part, see people
go past where I've been! To be a part of people "becoming and reaching their
destiny- and to reach the nations!"
You maybe asking, "a movement of what?" Please stay with me
in my next few blogs as I continue to share. I will up date you on N. Thailand
and my exciting progress, my time in Spain sense I've returned from the race, and
specifically what coming on staff with the WR will look like.
Figuratively speaking,
this door may seem small. But as
I've heard once before, "small doors lead into big rooms. The "room" I'm describing
below is called character, maybe even righteousness.....
Help me Father to get this!!:
"The way you are with
others every day, regardless of their status, is the true test of faith."
Understanding triggers
the compassion that makes forgiveness possible. Author Stephen Covey recalled an incident while taking the
subway one Sunday. "On a quiet
ride through New York City a man and his children burst onto the train. The children ran wild, shouting,
screaming, and wrestling, while their father made no attempt to intervene.
Finally Covey turned to the father and said, 'Sir, perhaps you could restore
order here by telling your children to come back and sit down.'"
"I know I should do
something," the man replied. "We
just came from the hospital. Their
mother died an hour ago. I just don't know what to do."
"Our hearts of stone
become flesh when we learn where others weep."
"How I respond to
interruptions from people I dislike; how I deal with ordinary people in their
ordinary circumstances on an ordinary day will speak the truth of who I am more
poignantly than the pro-life sticker on the bumper on my car."
"The way of tenderness
avoids blind fascination. Instead,
it seeks to see with penetrating clarity!"
Oh help Me Father, and
remind me that I have been forgiven much.
My eyes have been getting better, but I still long to see more clearly,
to see others as you see them and to love them as you continue to Love me!
*Quotes are taken from Brennan manning and "The Hurricane (the boxer)".......
"His message is not the sound of an echo; it is a voice of
once crying in the wilderness,
'prepare the way for the Lords Kingdom, which is at hand.' This book is
full of powerful statements I wish I had written. "
I thought the last statement was "funny."
Ownership over an idea or specifically over what's written
or said? Interesting but a real dynamic in my own life.
Many times, I personally have heard someone say or write
something that was "my revelation!!"
I say "my revelation," because they can feel like they're mine! My spirit witnesses and says, "that's
mine, I own that."
It's all God's revelation in the end. Doesn't He want us to own it? I feel a
sense of joy when I see the little peace of revelation land on someone and they
come alive. When I see they OWN
it- and make it theirs... How cool!!!
Some of my closest friends and myself get so fired up when
all we do is talk about Jesus and the recent Revelations He's given us. When we talk about Him He literally
shows up in those conversations and some of the coolest things have stemmed
from those discussions!! I love it!
It's so pure and free from comparison or pride; Just pure revelation. Goes to show it's not just about us or "my
revelation," but God loves to be put on display and for His revelations to be
shared. My opinion of course! Do be honest it's some of my most
favorite times that I share with friends of mine!! SO MUCH LIFE!
SO MUCH HOPE!! AHHHhh
This is a quote from Chris Valloton, that I can say is
MINE! I love it!! He articulated the words that I've been
struggling to put together. Hope
it stirs you up this day;
"I will not be reduced to my
political affiliation, my denomination, my generation, my geographic location,
my sexual orientation, or my ordination.
I refuse to let someone else think for me, and I will not settle for
becoming a cheep imitation of another instead of an original of myself. I won't be reduced to a history lesson
and I won't allow someone's fear to constrain my own exploits. I will not bow down to anyone's idol or
be conformed to old religious ideologies that render us predictable and
irrelevant to the kingdom."
This e-mail was sent to me a few days ago from a friend
who lives in the UK...it resonated with something in my spirit;
"Florence was really beautiful. We also headed to Rome for
a few days. Here in the UK, we're surrounded by buildings and churches that are
over a 1000 years old - we're comfortable with the notion that something
designed and built a millennia ago is still here. It was something else to
visit buildings like the Pantheon and the Coliseum; built 2000 years ago and
realize that in comparison what buildings we have are actually quite young. We
do have some ruins and mosaics from early AD near where I live but they are
nothing in comparison to what Rome possesses either in scale or in number. I
couldn't quite get my head around the idea that maybe the early Christians and
even Paul, might have known about and possibly visited these buildings (and for
some Christians, the Amphitheatres of Europe would have been their final
resting place)."
It's amazing how some foundations seem to stand the test
time!And others don't!Makes me think of the foundations in my
life... what's foundations have been poorly established or not!??Things as simple as how I love my
parents! Or common courtesy, a foundation I'm grateful my parents taught
me!It seems, at least in the
western culture, that we desire instant gratification.Certain qualities seem to lack.It extends into music, art, skill, way
of life, or even how we build out homes!We live in a fast paced franchised culture.However I do believe there are still clear remnants of
quality in every facet of life!One of the blessings in having older parents, father 73 mother 58, is
they have helped me to gain an appreciation for art and music! It's why I love
blues music so much!! =)
Someone may have had the seemingly mundane job of laying
bricks everyday... but what if they were actually a privileged few?What if it was actually a rare
opportunity to lay those bricks? What if they had the perspective to know that
they weren't just laying bricks, but that they were building a Cathedral or
Coliseum.. A structure of beauty and excellence that would stand the test time
and ages to come!
What is your Coliseum?I'm not trying to be cheesy... but the correlation isn't that big of a
stretch!Or are you just laying
Bricks?Sometimes I feel like I'm
just laying bricks!Since about
three years ago my perspective has been changing... and I like what I'm seeing!I'm not perfect but it feels like a
privilege, and I'm getting better at seeing the bigger picture!
I'm learning that if it can be shaken it will be!I desire such unshakable
foundations!I want a foundation
of HOPE that nothing could shake! A foundation of LOVE that nothing could
break! Faith... Passion...Wisdom and on and on.......!
I had a friend
a few weeks ago "check" me with this question; "can you admit that you are
actually a photographer and cinematographer? Get over it- because you are!" To be honest I'm tired of shrinking or shying away from
titles- when it's probably false humility! I don't think I'm the best but- I'm
doing the best I can with what I have!
I've recently
built two websites. One to host
some of the work I've done, and the other for customers to purchase prints!
This has dual
purposes. 1) That I may be hired
for freelance photography as my schedule allows, earning money on the side. 2)
To create a venue for people to support me through buying some of my past work.
Each place and
face has a story. A percentage of my
earnings will go back to the people in the photographs. The remaining percentage will
help to support me financially to continue doing "missions" work
within the Nations. By buying a
photo people will actually be reaching out the nations.
I hope you visit my
website! I would love your
feedback and thoughts. Feel free to tell friends and share as you like! It's a work in progress! Much love to you all!
“We don’t need
another Christian video! We need
Christian’s producing quality film!
We don’t need Christian music!
We need Christians producing quality music on the earth! We don’t need Christian Arts- we need
Christians operating in the Arts!” Andrew Shearman
What’s
interesting is during the past few years I have been networked with an
interesting array of people: Two
friends of mine are composers on a very excellent and rare level, one friend
who is a professional cinematographer and has worked for many of the big name
TV Networks, I met a Hollywood producer while in Thailand, I personally know
the director of the biggest TV station in Holland who produces documentaries
from all over the world. Additionally,
I have many contacts on the ground in Thailand that are eager to help! I’m not a “lone wolf” on this! The list goes on and on- it’s kind of
odd and crazy! I ‘m eager to
maximize potential!- The connections I have could mean nothing or
everything!! I’m done with small
and colorless dreams!- these children disserve for me to think big! This will take a lot of work-! But I
will see it through!!!
Questions you
maybe asking;
1) What’s the
story- or the focus? I’m compelled
to share the story of Hope! “Light in the Darkness” Within the realm of murder,
rape, and genocide- exists something more powerful and beautiful then anything
I’ve ever seen! Children walking
in the substance of what the church preaches! The Gospel- the tangible relationship with God that defies
circumstances!- The hope of Christ and the supernatural that exists in their
lives. To share the intimate story of the people; a child, a mother, a family
and etc!- A camera is a window- I
strive to pull back the blinds!
a)I’m
not attached to how big or small this becomes or doesn’t become! However, I am
attached to seeing this through and doing this with excellence! I feel responsible for what I know and
the relationships that have begun!
b)
This is NOT about guilting viewers with another world issue with no way to get
involved!. Viewers will be moved
with hope- and provided ways to get involved! Whoever watches this will be effected! My intent is to
promote change with the situation in Burma but also with the viewers
watching!
2) Are you
done, when can we expect the final result? I have hours and hours of footage but it’s not enough. Simply, I need to go back! I believe I could achieve my goal
within 2- 3 more visits. I have an
open invitation from “David” to go back at any point! I hope to make many visits over the years! The earliest I
could return is early fall. Many
locations aren’t accessible at the moment due to it being rainy season! I
desire to go back for 5 or 6 weeks.
Gathering footage is important- but my greatest desire is to further my
relationships! Does it make sense I just want to be with the children??! If my focus was only the film- I
wouldn’t be able to tell their story! I want to further the bond I have with
the people, live with them, love one them. I will work and shoot film from this heart posture!! From my relationships will be the
potential to capture the real story! Relationships take time, honor, love,
trust and patience! Simply I love
these children and want to honor them if I am to tell their story!
3)Am I the
right guy for the job!? Would the people be better served if someone else did
this that has more experience?! I
don’t know… ! My heart was moved to act- so….. I did! If I hadn’t I wouldn’t have met those children! I aim to finish
what I began! It seems I have
found myself in the right place at the right time- with the right people! I
believe I’m positioned in a way that professional cinematographers spend years
trying to achieve. I feel responsible for the relationships I have! Without arrogance, something in me
“says”- I have the ability to catch something and tell a story that only I could.
4) So Sean… if
someone asked you today- “what do you need?” What you say??
I ticket to Thailand would be a start but an investor! $15,000!
The amount is not reserved nor overboard!!! I have been researching for
the past 3 years the right equipment necessary for a project just like this!
Oddly enough I had this list prior to ever going to Thailand! I can share line
by line of how the money will be allocated and used. It’s cost efficient,
compact, and will produce the best results that money can buy while being
realistic! Cost covers equipment, and the basics of travel and food.
I’m a man of
excellence- and believe stories like this are the reason why the nicest cameras
on the earth exist! This will not
be your typical “Christian video.” I believe it will be raw and real but also
anointed… telling the story of the people!
Currently, I
have a broken SLR camera that only shoots on Automatic, a borrowed HD camera
from The-WorldRace, and a shotgun mic!
Maybe now you understand why I feel like I’m throwing stones at a giant!
However if all I have to go in with is a broken camera and a borrowed
Video-camera I will! I’m thankful for what I’ve been given
up to this point!
At this point
I’m not sure what the result will be!.
On this side of the table, all I can do is give it my best shot, see it
through, and let the chips fall where they may!- But there's potential!
** My intent in
sharing all this was not to ask for money!
These are practical questions I’ve been asked, and I may be the right guy- that the right person has been
looking for!!- you never know **
Thanks for
taking the time to read my blog and for following me!! Please remember the faces and the situation in Burma!
(I appreciate
any feedback, thoughts, or suggestions)
Did you know at the end of every day there are over 230,000
new people in the world! That's
NET life. After you calculate all
the deaths and all the births- you are left with 230,000 NEW people everyday!
LIFE!
It's important to be aware of things that are happening in
our world! We are collectively
responsible for what takes place on our earth! I began this series stating,
"This is about HOPE- you won't find me trying to commercialize yet another
world issue with attempts to guilt you and no way to take part! However,
It's been my experience that Hope is perfective in the midst horrifying
circumstances, and a huge portion of this is horrifying, but the Hope I have
seen is unlike anything I've come to."
Before I went up North I thought the story I needed to
capture was the "tragedy," the "horrific genocide" that nobody knew about or
was doing anything about.
I think I was wrong.
My thought process quickly changed as I found myself immersed in this
rare "experience!" Additionally, I
met an Ex- Hollywood producer in the middle of "nowhere Thailand." I would need another blog to tell you
the story- but he gave me great advice that made me aware I was on the wrong
track; "Sean, get to know the people and tell their story- a persons
story. If you try to tell the
world about 1 million people dying- no one will care.... I've tried. Good luck!"
That was my approach from then on, to tell the story of
one. Then, soon after I met
"David" and a whirlwind of events took place! Spending time with those beautiful
children reminded me; WE NEED HOPE!
Our world needs HOPE! Those
children had the substance of hope in their lives- and it distributed me!
I'm so thankful it disturbed me!! Sir Francis Drake said
it best, "Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance
of things we possess We have lost our thirst For the waters of life; Disturb
us, Lord, when We are too pleased with ourselves, When our dreams have come
true Because we dreamed too little."
It's true they need help and this situation needs to stop
now! However, they have what we
need- what so many of us need- I dare to say what the world needs!!?? It was beautiful!! The world needs what these children
have! And that's the "story" if
you want to call it that! The
story I hope to tell! In the midst
of those children's raw and graphic reality is something so beautiful;
A light that truly shuts out the Dark!
"So where am I at with
all this? Practically what does
this look like? What's happening with the "film?" Is it done? What's
the plan??
These are questions I'm
eager to answer in my next blog. I
thought this was going to be the last one on this topic- but I need at least
one more! =)
I receive updates
like this almost every week (I've taken and left out many details) :
