REHAB MISSION
Mali Music MISFIT Tour interview by Sketch the Journalist
October 22, 2011Kids dance at sho baraka in Tyler Texas
October 23, 2011Rehabilitation is a process.
I’m currently undergoing a certain type of rehab. Spiritually, I’m being conformed into the image of Christ. It’s painful because the old me, my flesh, is resistant and hates the process. To be completely honest, this year alone I’ve battled legalism, depression, anxiety, and selfishness. Not only are those things difficult and frustrating for myself and people around me, but they are also a hideous offense to God. They are sins and/or the results of sin.
The obvious cure is ALWAYS seeing and savoring more of Jesus. But HOW do we do that in this world of distractions competing for our affections?
Take me for example, I spent the last few months recording my album, rigorously checking my Twitter and Facebook, moving to a new area, traveling on weekends, filming videos, having family outings, date nights, meetings, and interviews. Where in that whirlwind do I find fresh affection for Jesus? Where do I demonstrate to my children that Daddy is different than other entertainers out there?
Many of us need to stop and reflect on God. I’ve found nothing like the solace and restoration of being somewhere my phone and laptop don’t go; where I don’t know what the latest movie is; where all the luxuries and distractions of my life are stripped away and I’m left to focus on Jesus and his mission.
Therefore, at the height of my new album REHAB, I plan to be in Southern Sudan.
Sudan has been obliterated by war for so long, resulting in over two million casualties. They have only known roughly 15 years of peace since 1956, and they are currently operating under a peace agreement that will be up for renewal next year. At the time of voting, the Sudanese will decide whether they want to remain one country or be split in two. I believe it is of critical importance for people to see that the Gospel impacts every area of culture. I want to give them hope in Christ. So, I won’t see the iTunes charts on release day. I won’t know what Billboard, fans and critics have to say about it. I’ll be consumed with the Master and His work.
If you plan on buying my project, thank you. But I want to ask you to go a step further.
With thousands of casualties in Sudan and the everyday reality that over a billion people live off less than a dollar a day, I ask you: can you live off a dollar less for a day?
Will you start today and be a part of the Rehab mission in Sudan?
To truly support rehab, specifically the rehabilitation of a war-torn country, means engaging life beyond the music. I’m asking you to sacrifice, really steward $ 1. I’m partnering with Red Revolution Ministries and pastors from The Village church to train pastors and community leaders who are passionate about spreading the Gospel despite the current situation in Sudan. But there are many pressing resources needed to help the people of Sudan spread the never-ending hope of Jesus, and your contribution of a dollar or more would help provide those resources.
Supporting my music benefits both of us. You potentially get music you enjoy, and I get your support. But supporting the rehabilitation of Southern Sudan doesn’t yield you any visible benefits. It’s purely sacrificial, which is exactly what Christ wants from his followers. So in the process of aiding rehabilitation for the Sudanese, you undergo rehab too–by letting go of self. Your flesh, your earthly desires, or skepticism may fight with you, but I pray you’d allow God to work in and through you to serve those you don’t know and may not think about.God knows them and loves them deeply; please help us share that truth.
