Sex+Money: A National Search for Human Worth
In 2007, a group of student photojournalists embarked on a journey through 20+ nations on every inhabitable continent, motivated by their love for photography and their passion for justice. At the outset, their experiences seemed diverse, even random. However, a common thread of human suffering would soon emerge as their travels exposed them to a dark, seldom discussed side of humanity– children being bought and sold to satisfy the sexual pleasures of other humans.
Upon returning to the United States the students produced a book called Sex+Money: A Global Search for Human Worth. This collection of photographs and stories explores the realities of human trafficking and offers readers a global perspective on the consequences of abusing two of the most powerful forces in the world: sex and money.
While researching to write their book, the young journalists were shocked to discover that the same injustice was happening on their own soil. Currently, across America, between 100,000 and 300,000 minors are being sexually exploited. Meanwhile, most Americans are oblivious to this staggering truth. As a result, what started as a Global Search for Human Worth became a National Search for Human Worth.
Sex+Money: A National Search for Human Worth is a feature length documentary that follows this group of journalists as they travel in an RV for a second journey, this time across the United States, seeking to understand how the sexual exploitation of children has become the nation’s fastest growing form of organized crime and what can be done to stop it.
The goal is that the Sex+Money documentary will result in bringing freedom to those enslaved.
They will be heading on a 50 State tour in August!
So stay tunes through their website for updates on where they will be and where you can check out a screening near you!
Brother America: A Documentary
Above is the teaser for the documentary that is being filmed this January/February in India. It is about the journey of Rocky Braat moving from the US to India to love and bring hope to children there.
It inspired me. Hope it does the same for you.
Visit Brother America website — Donate to them — Spread the Word (Facebook, Twitter)
Stonestreet Films – Build Films. Building Roads
I officially have a new website for Stonestreet Films up! You should check’er out!
Next Media Missions Trip: Medellin, Colombia
As many of you know, I am heading back to Colombia in March. If you follow me on twitter or your a friend of mine on facebook, im sure you have seen posts about my support letter and making plans for my next trip. As of now, I am starting to make plans for two different projects. Right now I am still in planning mode, but will update you all when things are more underway.
Over the last 4 years, I have had the amazing opportunity to travel to Colombia and work alongside the Open Arms Foundation (OAF) while they continue to rescue and restore the street children who are so broken from drugs, abuse, and much more. Not only has it helped me, it has completely changed me. It is one thing in my life, that God placed there on purpose, that keeps me and drives me to continue to live my life in love to God and service to others. I am so tremendously blessed.
So, this coming trip will be my 5th trip. It is crazy to look back and see how I’ve grown in Love and life. I haven’t always worked with OAF in media, my first trip was when I was 16. I was the most hilarious looking kid who had ever stepped foot on the beautiful earth in Colombia. Take a look for yourself:
I was extremely tall, and had the craziest looking haircut. Regardless, I was changed. And so I went back. And back again. and again. and again. And now, I’m headed back again. This time, to further the media of OAF even more, helping them establish themselves on the internet world, and not only a quick website and a few snapshot photos, but media that will inspire and create a sense of personal involvement on the supporters side. OAF wants to show people how simple it is to open their arms from their own homes and on their own computers, and bless the children of Colombia. And, of course, the best way to truly get the full show, is for people to go to Colombia themselves.
LOOK AT THOSE HANDS. Gah, it never fails. I always have something weird about me each trip ;) First hair, and baby face, but, my FREAKIN BIG HANDS!
Through it all, I have learned so much. And I am learning more and more each day how best I can serve, and how best I can help. It is all for the street children, nothing for anything else.
I will update you more when the time comes. Thanks for all your support and love!
Stephen
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