We’re working on some conversations we had with some very ordinary people this past week.
One conversation was with a guitarist who encourages his audience in ‘responsible consumerism’. He encourages the purchase of Fair Trade products from culturally progressive companies like Pura Vida Coffee - a Seattle-based gourmet coffee company that is 100% charitably owned. The company uses all of its resources to benefit at-risk children and their families in coffee-growing countries.
One was a former mainstream rocker who opened for bands like Slayer, Slipknot, and Creed. After years of partying and drugs, his lifestyle caught up with him. He almost died of a heroin overdose. What does he attribute to saving his life? In his words, ‘God’s aggressive love snatching me out of that dark place.’ Thinking of the day God delivered him, his band name came from the day of Pentecost - the day the Holy Spirit fell upon the earth and gave people the power to step away from themselves.
Another conversation we had was with a father of a newborn child. He’s trying to balance being a father, husband, musician, artist, and a minister. The music he’s written is based on the Beatitudes - a Bible study he personally taught at the church he attends.
Another conversation we had was with a group of sisters. They went on some missions trips to Costa Rica. They performed in the street during the day. They slept with orphans and tried to learn Portugeuese at night. They were moved by telling people about God’s news and decided to use their talents. They’re the first to admit they don’t understand how ‘doors have been opened’ but are just willing to be obedient to Him. They speak more about God’s love and sexual purity than they do about their merchandise.
Another conversation we had was with a lawyer who had a full ride scholarship to Pepperdine University. He is a writer, a thinker, and brings both of those qualities to his music. He isn’t sitting in a green room. He’s using his skills to work with International Justice Mission. As mentioned on their web site, ‘IJM’s legal and law enforcement professionals use investigation strategies, legal expertise, and cutting-edge technology to rescue individual victims of injustice and abuse around the world.’ Abuse too sickening to ever make your evening news. Sex trafficking. Children for sale. Young girls put in cages.
Another conversation was with a group of three ladies from East Tennessee. Even on a musician’s budget, they have adopted another child through Compassion International. They live without cable television, high speed Internet, or most other things that people spend their disposable income on. They have put their words into actions and have made a difference in at least two children’s lives.
We’re going to share these stories from these ordinary people to encourage you wherever you are in your faith. I can tell you each of these interviews was prayer-fully and thought-fully examined for consideration to the site. I’m proud, humbled, and convicted by each of their testimonies. I hope they’ll impact you in the same way they’ve impacted me.
