f you’re an avid reader of this publication then it is no secret that we at Hopecore.com greatly support the ministry of Brandt Russo and Can’t Ignore the Poor. Russo has been nothing but brotherly to us over the past several months and we are so excited to announce the release of his documentary entitled Adopt a Jesus. For two weeks this past summer, Brandt Russo and filmmaker Bob Wilkinson traveled through the south to shed a light on the heart breaking problem of the countless homeless men and woman who are struggling to survive while feeling largely ignored by society. Russo’s plea? Adopt a Jesus. ““The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40.
A few years ago, Russo felt the call to sell off his possessions and truly strive to live how Christ did. This documentary gives people the perfect insight into why he felt this call and what he is now doing to help the least of these. The story follows Russo and a small crew on their veggie oil bus as they dumpster dive, avoid trouble, explain the complexities of finding a bathroom when homeless and most importantly, learn the stories of many folks who find themselves in similar plights. Russo gives great insight along the way by providing a first hand narrative to activities that have now become his every day life such as converting cooking oil to run his bus, jumping into garbage to salvage food that someone else has deemed un-eatable and spending time with those that most people cross to the other side of the street to avoid.
The film’s climax is powerful and greatly moving as the crew heads to Lakewood, a mega church in Houston led by Joel Olsteen. Russo recounts his first visit to Lakewood which drew some controversy as he was searched and questioned, based on his “attention attracting” appearance. Russo has since made amends with Lakewood as is seen at the climax of the film which is too good to give away here. – JK
