27 Million: Matt Redman & LZ7

Matt Redman and LZ7 released a song called ’27 Million’ with the specific purpose to raise awareness for human trafficking and modern day slavery.

You can watch the official video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K69NdzPvwj0

You can watch a video with lyrics & animation here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0L7NH48BWE

Please share these videos online via email and social media. You can also download it from iTunes to support the work that these artists are doing.

Blessings!

Ronell x

Save The Children: Christmas Jumper Day & Christmas Tree Sessions (14th December)

On 14^th December 2012, Save The Children is having a Christmas Jumper Day where you wear a Christmas jumper to raise awareness (and money) to save children’s lives by supporting Save The Children.

This is a great idea for schools and companies in particular to promote. Have a look at the resources page on the Christmas Jumper Day website for ideas and inspirations on how to get involved with this campaign.

On the same day, Save The Children have a musical event called The Christmas Tree Sessions. This show features incredible acoustic and stripped-down music sessions by artists including Fyfe Dangerfield.  Dress code? You guessed it: Christmas jumpers in aid of Christmas Jumper Day! Book tickets here to support a worthy cause! You can also enter the prize draw to win free tickets. You can also watch the full gig live on the Live stream: If you can’t be there in person, watch the full gig live on YouTube.

Date: Friday 14 December 2012

Time: 6.30–11pm

Venue: The Union Chapel, Compton Avenue, London N1 2XD - Google map

Watch the Christmas Tree Sessions promotional video here.

Blessings!

Ronell x

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music” {Psalm 98v4}

21 Ways to get involved with the A21 Campaign (16/21): make videos viral

I am unwell at the moment, I guess partly because I have caught a bug (virus), and partly because it is time for me to take a step back from the go-go-go of my day-to-day life and “stop, look and listen”, as I say to my Reception class at school. As frustrating as a long stint of being ill in bed is, it can also be a really great time for prayer, reflection and re-evaluation of what we do and why we do it.

To be completely frank, I have been challenged about how I am actively trying to change/improve the lives of others. Yes, I am technically campaigning by writing this daily blog and trying to put it into practise in my own life; yes, I work with the youth group at my church; yes, I get involved with outreach; but WHY? Have these things all just become a normal part of my life? Part of an ever-increasing schedule? Or am I being driven by a calling to make a difference? The answer is both, but a little bit too much ‘it is just what I do’ and not enough ‘it is what I am called to do’.

So during my forced time of reflection this week, I have been looking through YouTube videos from different charities, causes and about different people who really dedicate themselves to those causes to make a positive difference in the world. And you know what? I want to be one of those people. Not just someone who does enough to ease their conscience, or tick a box, but someone who so deeply loves and is so passionately called, that they are fully sold out to a cause. I am yet to find that particular cause, but I hope that this blog and this 365-day-long journey will be the key to doing that.

Anyway, to finally come to the ‘point’ of this post… number 16 of the A21 Campaigns 21 ways to help spread awareness of human trafficking and put an end to modern day slavery: make videos viral!

The A21 Campaign is passionate about spreading the word about human trafficking through visual storytelling. The best way to get the word out and gain momentum is by sharing the video with your friends, who will in turn share it with their friends, and their friend’s friends! A great example of this is a project undertaken by James Corben, who did a spoof ad to raise awareness for SightSavers UK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goIDLArYsK0&feature=player_embedded. They also have this video that can be used in schools (maybe assemblies) to drive home the issue of human trafficking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYT3O8EN1T0&feature=youtu.be. This video, featuring Matt & Beth Redman and LZ7, shows the making of the music video for '27 million', referencing the 27 million modern day slaves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ15rbJUnNM&feature=youtu.be . Download the track on iTunes!

So grab a camera and some friends. Come up with a silly/funny/clever/totally serious video to promote the charity/cause of your choice (the suggestion here is A21 Campaign, but promote what YOU are passionate about!). You can help spread the word by making our videos go viral. Click here to see the latest videos from the A21 Campaign.

Blessings!

Ronell x

“Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.” {Isaiah 58v1}

21 Ways to get involved with the A21 Campaign (4/21): get social

OK, so I’m finally getting back on track with the A21 Campaign’s ’21 ways to get involved’ series! Today’s suggestion (4 of 21) from the A21 Campaign to fight against modern day slavery and human trafficking: get social!

That’s right, the A21 Campaign is asking us to be social with social media. Whether through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Causes, you can find ways to connect with the A21 Campaign for updated information, as well as quickly share information with friends, family, or people you just met. It’s the easiest way spread the word, as well as to stay connected to freedom fighters all over the globe.

Sometimes it can be daunting to share things via social media, as you are revealing something personal about yourself- something you believe in- but share you must! It is the only way for awareness to be raised! People share about what they are passionate about: be it football, or fashion, or your children- everyone has something that they feel passionately enough about to risk looking silly for! So why not make your ‘thing’ God and the causes that He puts a passion in your heart for?

So today, I challenge you to make a commitment- no matter how small- to share a cause that you believe in and feel passionate about via social media. You can choose one cause and share it via one of your social portals, or maybe you’ll be brave enough to share it through all of them..? Or better yet, why not set yourself a challenge to post one cause/way to promote the cause of your choice every day for a week, a month, or maybe even a year..?

And be encouraged! Many of the people that you are connected to on the social media sites of your choice are either like-minded, care about you, or will care about a worthy cause! Either way, most of them should be interested in what you have to say! So post away and see- you will be pleasantly surprised.

Blessings!

Ronell x

“The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.” {Abraham Lincoln}