Brad Giordano

It is an intersting thing to say that one is a missionary. The word comes with a lot of baggage and a turbulent history. But it is the best word for what I will be doing. 

From August 21st to mid-July, I will be living in Madagascar and communing with the local people. I will be sharing my own faith journey and working to understand their's. I am not traveling to change anyone or turn them into something they are not. My goal and my purpose for being there is instead to strengthen the ties that unite the ELCA and the local church of Madagacar. I am being invited in to their country and their home, to live as they do and be present in their lives. There is little that makes us the same, but what we do have in common is the focus of this trip. 

There is much divisiveness in the world today and boundaries raised that separate people from each other. Now more than ever are trips like these important so that this common ground is not ignored, and we can understand those things that hold true for all humans and unite us no matter our race, background, or culture. 

However, I can not succeed in this mission alone. I need the support of anyone who is willing to listen, and there are ways that everyone can help.

As always, money is a great contributing factor to any cause. The ELCA asks each of the Young Adults in Global Mission to raise $5000 to cover a portion of the cost of the trip. I have set my goal at $15000 which is the total cost of my year in Madagascar. I fuily believe in my friends and family throughout the country that we are able to raise the full cost of this adventure together. Every little bit helps from $5 to $500, and once this goal is met, any additional funds that are raised will be distributed to other Young Adults in Global Mission. 

The second and most important thing anyone can do is to share my story. Letting others know what I am doing and why, turns the bonds I make with my community into something more than a friendship between two churches. When people turn from what they know to watch others, they gain a unique understanding about what it means to live in a situation that is vastly different then their own. It is this understanding that allows my presence in Madagascar to be the foundation of a bridge between two cultures. If nothing else, I can only ask that whoever knows of my journey tell others also so that they may be a part of this larger story that unites two peoples.

I deeply appreciate any assistance you are able to give and especially those dollars donated to support me. Please give this link out to anyone that you can think of, and follow my journey at my personal blog at yagmtomadagascar.blogspot.com

About Young Adults in Global Mission

The ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program provides young adults, ages 21-29, the opportunity to grow in their faith and work in partnership with our global companions. Young adults in the program serve in churches, schools and social service ministries. Currently the program is engaged in work in Argentina/Uruguay, Australia, Cambodia, Central Europe, Jerusalem/West Bank, Madagascar, Mexico, Rwanda, Senegal, Southern Africa and the United Kingdom.

The total cost for one young adult in the program is $15,000. Each young adult is tasked with raising a minimum of $5,000 to help support their year of service. The ELCA commits to raising the additional $10,000 per volunteer through generous congregations and donors. If more than $5,000 in gifts is received, the additional funds will be help to support other young adult volunteers and ensure that there is a sustainable source of revenue for future the Young Adults in Global Mission program.