life update

4.22.2009

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so i went on a blogging hiatus for a while. but i'm back now, so here's what's been going on...


i am officially back in california. claremont to be specific. after a lot of thought, prayer and talking with those who are much wiser than myself, i felt God calling me home. there was a call to simplicity that i truly feel like i can only accomplish in this place. He is definitely working on me in ways that i don't quite understand yet. but what i do know, it that i feel very at peace and joyful about my decision and i thank my brothers and sisters in the missionary program for helping me find that place of consolation. i would also like to thank the entire LifeTeen family for giving me a wonderful opportunity to learn, minister and pray with them. God is wonderful things in that movement.

so now, i'm back in claremont. it still feels like home. probably always will. i'm preparing to return to my theological studies at loyola marymount university in the fall. i can't wait to get back into my studies. i had taken them for granted and had no clue how much those courses were feeding me both intellectually and spiritually. i have a much greater respect for my education now, having missed it so much.

another thing i took for granted was the community around me at home and loyola. returning to LA, i was welcomed with open arms and friendly faces. it was nice to know i was missed and still have a place. in my cynicism i failed to realized how much love there was in these places. i look forward to finding my place in these communities again, wherever that may be.

now, seeing as i'm doing...well...nothing, i'm job hunting and this economy is no joke. no one and i mean no one is hiring. in a time where you're lucky to keep your job, what are the odds of getting a new one? not good i'm afraid. so far, it's kinda been like walking up to a roulette table an saying, "put it all on...14."

but, as John tells us in his Gospel (which has been my prayer for so long), we must learn to be pruned and abide in God's love. it is there that we find the riches we seek and comfort we long for.

God be with those most affected by this economy and those who seek give aid, whether in policy or charity.

Posted by adam at 12:02 AM Comments

back to basics.

2.17.2009

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for 4 days the missionaries, Tricia our director, Kristin our retreat leader and Fr. Paul our resident distributor of the Sacraments spent time up near Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, AZ praying, talking and learning about themselves and this community. as we prayed for greater intimacy with God as well as within our community, i was advised to meditate on a certain passage from scripture. some may know it very well... John 15:1-17...Jesus the True Vine.

as i read over these verses, i was overwhelmed by a glimpse at the love the our God has for me...for my brothers and sister in mission...for everyone. however, as i felt this transforming love within me, i realized that "new fruit", that is spiritual growth, will only come with pruning. the removal of what is unnecessary that was it at the root, love for one another, may flourish.

God is calling me out. He is telling me, "go back to the basics." don't complicate this; abide in Me.

as i felt God's love for me on retreat, i was also able to experience it at home with those i'm lucky to call my loved ones. whether it was big family dinner or Mass at my home parish, home was inspiring. i am missing my home very much and i know i couldn't deal with that without my brothers and sisters out here. so to my two different families -- thank you. i love you all and wouldn't be where i am today without you.

i ask that you pray for me and my community as we grow closer to God and one another. pray for me as allow myself to be pruned. and praise God for family.

Posted by adam at 3:18 PM Comments

the human experience.

2.03.2009

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i don't bother with questions like, "why are we here?" or, "what is the meaning of life?" instead i ask, "who are you?"

there is a film being screened all across America as Grass Roots Films prepares its final cut. two of the leads in the documentary were in downtown phoenix showing this work of art and taking questions. we were lucky enough to catch the screening and talk to the guys about their amazing experience that took them from the streets of new york, to the villages of peru, to the wilds of africa. in short, the experience was wonderful.

the guys at Grass Roots have attempted to make a pro-life movie, in the truest sense of the term. this movie is all about showing the value of a human life. and not just a human life, but every human life. as these young men form relationships with the homeless, the abandoned and the afflicted: the very lepers of our society (literally), it is impossible not to see the face of God in every person they meet.

they pose the question of "what does it mean to be human?" and this film provides one of the best answers i have ever witnessed. so, check out the trailer here:

the human experience trailer

hopefully, as they film gains attention more screenings will be scheduled. also, we intend to contact Grass Roots about possible future screenings, so i will keep you all posted.

praise God there are people using our media for such good. please pray for Grass Roots Films that God continues to bless them and that their ministry may be led by the spirit and fruitful.

God bless.

Posted by adam at 10:59 PM Comments

the begging letter.

1.26.2009

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beg - def. (1) to ask for as a charity
charity - def. (2) generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering

this, i am realizing, will be an exercise in humility. i've never considered myself needy. or suffering for that matter. but, i have come to a point in my life where i must rely on the generosity of others to support myself. so, yes. i am needy. in many ways.

scripture tells us "blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God." (Mt 6:20) i know i've never really been poor. i have never experienced poverty. i have never lived on the streets. however, it has become clear, that if i am to reach my fund raising goal for this year of missionary work, i will need as much help as i can get. my family has already been wonderfully generous both in love and charity. i have given what i have to this cause both of myself and of my finances. unfortunately, now, each month is getting more and more difficult to scrape by. i now understand the need of a support system that is so present in a community.

first and foremost, i ask for your prayers. i ask that you pray for me as i journey on this path towards the most true version of myself. i ask that you pray for me community of missionaries, that we may live with radical hospitality towards one another and all those we encounter. i ask that you pray for the mission of Life Teen, that we may follow the promptings of the spirit and truly lead teens closer to Christ. i ask that you pray for our community at St. Timothy's Catholic Church here in mesa, az, that it may foster a true community dedicated to boldy proclaiming God's Word. i ask that you pray for my current benefactors that have so graciously contributed to this cause of spreading the Word.

if you have to decided between praying for us or donating to us; i'll take the prayers every time. i have learned, especially recently, the power of intercessory prayer and how much time spent with God it takes to truly live for Him. for everyone's sake, i ask you pray for me and those around me.

if you feel called to donate to my missionary work here in mesa, az, it is greatly welcomed any missionary knows, it take money to get things started. luckily, that's the easy part; the Holy Spirit takes care of the rest. over the course of this year, i am attempting to raise $4,500 to pay for my living expenses (housing, food, etc.). i am well on my way to this goal but i am running out of ideas and will need help getting the rest of the way. know that no amount is too small. every dollar is a tremendous blessing.

again, if you cannot donate, please pray for the requests i metioned and for those who may be able to donate now or in the future. i thank you so much for taking the time to check up on me. i thank God for the amazing people he has put into my life. know that i am praying for you! and if you need them, please send prayer requests! we would love to pray for you and with you on this journey.

thank you all so much and God bless.



how to donate:

1) PayPal - donating made easy! simply click the button on the top right of this page to use a credit or debit card to make a donation.

2) Checks - checks can be made out to Life Teen and mailed to me at:

Adam Brown
2222 S. Dobson Rd.
Suite 601
Mesa, AZ 85202

be sure to note on the check that is it for the missionary program.

3) Cash - if you would like to donate cash, please send with a note to the address listed above.

all cash and check donations are tax deductible. unfortunately, the PayPal account is not deductible yet. however, that may change and i will keep you posted.


Posted by adam at 1:28 AM Comments

curiously incurious.

1.13.2009

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we seem curiously incurious about the One who is the life of our life. - Frank Sheed

this is a quote from the book we are currently reading and praying about, To Know Christ Jesus (available at the LifeTeen.com store). it takes an in depth sequential look at the live of Jesus and gives amazing insight to what we know, don't know and think about everyone in Jesus' time from His parents to the political leaders of the time. it has really forced me to think about how much i read (or don't read) scripture and really pray through the Gospels.

we are spiritual billionaires. we have access to Christ, His Word, the Sacrements...everyday. i have an adoration chapel less than 100 yards away from me open 24 hours a day. i am REQUIRED to be praying for hours a day, spend at least 4 hours in front of the Blessed Sacarment per week and i get spiritual formation twice a week. there is a chapel IN MY OFFICE. the things i take for granted.

we are the lucky ones who know God, who have felt His presence in our lives and who recieve His graces in our lives. we are the fortunate who already love God and know He loves us. and yet, somehow, this makes us content with not knowing about Him. we leave the studying to the academics and theologians. but why? if you met someone, realized they were the greatest person who lived, loved you more than you could imagine and you fell deeply in love with them...wouldn't you want to know all about them?

of course, not all knowledge of Christ comes from reading the Bible. we know He is revealed to us everyday in our lives through prayer, the Sacraments and those we encounter. we cannot forget this fact. but all of these factors: our knowledge of Him, our conversations with Him, our interactions with Him should give us a hunger for even greater knowledge of our Lord.

although it hasn't had this effect on me before, it's starting to. i got my new Bible in the mail the other day. nice new RSV CE. it's been a busy few days so ive only been able to glance... but i can't wait to go deeper and deeper in the life of the One who is our life.

please pray for me as i continue to be transformed out here in AZ. thank you so much for your support and love. God bless.

Posted by adam at 11:47 AM Comments

mexico photos

1.12.2009

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check out this slide show of photos from the mission trip to General Cepeda, Mexico on LifeTeen.com.

click here to view photos

Posted by adam at 2:16 PM Comments

prep and practicality.

1.10.2009

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we are in a state of preparation at the moment. we are all eagerly anticipating the arrival of our new brother in mission, Miller Lo. although he won't be arriving for a week and a half we know this is going to be a big change for us. in fact, we will be forming an entirely new community! my spiritual director, Fr. Grant, (an awesome Jesuit from LMU) was enlightening me on some aspects of community life and praise God i heard this new info. i am learning so much about myself and others thru this community experience. it really brings everything out in the open; the good and the bad, whether you want to see it or not.

as i continue to learn about myself in community, i am also learning a lot about myself alone. that is, i am learning what is truly important to me, what i am truly passionate about and what it is that i truly desire. this, however, has proved difficult as i am not quite sure what direction God is leading me at the moment. there are a few pulls in different directions, but as soon as i think i have it figured out, God punches me in the face with humility and says, "think you got it, huh? well, look at this." then the process starts again. luckily, its a fun process! and the humility and new knowledge is a welcome change.

i'll close with something that has been on my heart lately. former superior of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ, had this to say about love and how your life will be decided...

“Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in a love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.”

beautiful.

Please pray for our community here in Mesa, for Miller Lo as he prepares to journey here, for Fr. Grant and his ministry at LMU and for all of us as we continue to "find God and fall in love".




Posted by adam at 1:11 PM Comments

bienvenido a su casa

1.01.2009

0 comments

sorry about the delay in the next post. traveling and holidays have kept me quite busy. nonetheless...here we go

so the next 2 questions that were asked were: what affected you the most? and what are you taking with you? luckily, those two answers coincide.

one day in at the market in Saltillo, between General Cepeda and Monterey, we were relaxing in the central plaza. there were bags upon bags of stuff, most of which were items to donate, sitting outside. as we felt like the ugliest of americans, 3 gentlemen in authentic cowboy attire sat on a wall next to us. we felt compelled to strike up a conversation with them (i think to prove we weren't the greediest and coldest people on earth). as my friend sean offered the us and our new friends cokes we began to exlpain why we were in Mexico. after we had divulged our purpose for being in Mexico and our trip to Saltillo i confessed, "this is my first time in Mexico" in broken spanish. now, this guy MAYBE knew my name, but he certainly didn't know me, and i didn't know him. but he said without skipping a beat:

bienvenido a su casa


now, at first, i thought, "oh how nice. 'welcome home.'" but, at second glace, and a with better knowledge of the language, this really means


welcome to your home


this hit me like a ton of bricks. this man who knew little to nothing about me did not regard this place where he lived, grew up, works, has family and could claim ownership of as anything but my house. i couldn't believe it. we live in a place where we are afraid to open our front door. where we avoid the homeless like the plague. where human life is cast aside without a second glace. and this man, without hesitation, made me aware that whatever was "his" belonged to everyone. that anyone is welcome. and that it comes without price. this was the message of the people of Mexico. "welcome! I don't know you, but that won't stop me from loving you!" from the cities to the streets, from the churches to the houses, from the old to the young, this was the message proclaimed without second thought.

and this is what i leave with. a new idea of what love and hospitality means. a new idea of giving from poverty. a new sense of hope in people and what we are capable of. i pray that i am able to emulate the kind of radical hospitality i experienced in Mexico. i pray that i may welcome others, not to my home, but to their home. what a beautiful experience. it has truly made for a different kind of holy days.

i pray that you have a blessed holiday season and a joyful 2009. please pray for the people of Mexico, especially, General Cepeda, that showed us so much love and kindness. i will be praying for you. God bless.

Posted by adam at 11:36 PM Comments

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