Revolutionary Media

New RevMedia Site!

2010-03-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

In honor of our Dear World Campaign, Revolutionary Media has launched a new blog-site! We are thrilled to invite you to the Revolutionary Community at www.RevMediaBlog.com.

Come check it out!

The Answer to the Problem

2010-03-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

Dear World seeks to challenge and inspire people to reach out with the hands and feet of Jesus to a lost and dying world - to be a part of His work of redemption in every area of life. But Dear World is not the only resource that speaks about this topic. Check out the words of Shane Claiborne from his book "Becoming the Answer to our Problems."

"We live in difficult days. The hungry are not just hungry. Often they are also our enemies. Drug addiction and mental illness make many who are hungry hard to deal with. They threaten us. Others have been hungry for so long that they are angry, even at those who want to help. We worry about how to protect ourselves from them while at the same time feeling guilty for our complicity in their poverty. So we give to charities. And charities become the brokers for our compassion toward the poor.

The problem with this is that we never get to know the poor. Though we have been made children of God together with them in Jesus Christ, we never sit down to eat with our hungry brothers and sisters. We never hear their stories. We never learn to see the world through their eyes..."

"There will always be poor in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward those of your people who are poor and who live in the land." - Deuteronomy 15:11. To live God's way of life in the wold is to know that the poor are our brothers and sisters..." - Shane Claiborne, Becoming the Answer to our Prayers

Keep watching for the gift release of Dear World - coming in just 2 days on Saturday, March 13th.

Can the Church affect Homelessness?

2010-03-10T14:09:00.000-08:00

"I found more truth in drugs than I did in the church."
- Anonymous Street Person, excerpted from Dear World.

It's a common fact among the church. Many of us have lost our flavor. We do not represent our Lord as we ought. Our desires for a life of ease, comfort, and stability often overcome the intensity of our call.

How tragic that many of the homeless are on the street because they have lost faith in the church.

Despite the plethora of ministries that the church may offer to the homeless - soup kitchens, assistance programs, food banks, etc. how interesting it is that the homeless evaluate the church - not based on it's service - but by it's faith; Faith that is rooted and grounded unshakably in the Truth of God's Word.

Of course, we cannot place entire blame on the church. Personal responsibility is required no matter the circumstances of our lives. But in the last few years, from the church has come a great deal of abuse, scandal, judgement; why then are we surprised when those who are struggling shrug off any help from such a source?

It is possible to reverse this issue. To restore faith in the church, by the church restoring it's unrelenting faith in God.

And to this end, Dear World may help you answer the question: "How can the church affect homelessness?"

You can read about it yourself at midnight on Saturday, March 13th, 2010, in the digital campaign and gift release of Dear World on the 2 year anniversary of this Revolutionary Media project.

Be a part of a revolution to affect the homeless through the hands and feet of Jesus.

See the Need. Be the Change.

What Should You Do when You See the Homeless?

2010-03-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

In approximately six days, you just may find out the answer to this question, once and for all.

At midnight on Saturday, March 13th, Revolutionary Media will be releasing Dear World to the public.

What's the best part about this?

You don't have to order it, and you don't have to wait to read it.

In fact, we think you will be shocked with the way Revolutionary Media is bringing it to you.

Stay tuned. Be prepared to join the revolution. And spread the word with us.

"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty..." - Mother Theresa

Hold Your Breath

2010-03-01T18:57:00.000-08:00

You haven't heard from us in a while. We know. It's been several months. Close to 5 months to be exact.

We promise, there have been good reasons.

Some have or are soon to be married. Others have just moved. Some are finishing formal education. And others are transitioning jobs.

The entire team of Revolutionary Media has been living out the God given call to use their talents for His redemption story, but we haven't been very active together.

That time is soon coming to an end.

We promise.

We are going to begin a countdown to the 2nd anniversary of Burnside Underground and Dear World.

For the birthday of Dear World, we will be drawing it's tumultuous production journey to an end.

That's right. On Saturday, March 13th, Revolutionary Media will be releasing the digi-download of Dear World.

Sound awesome? We think so too.

But don't take our word for it.

We invite you to join us for it's coming in Celebration. After all, the message of rescue and redemption is a calling on each of our lives - and we are attempting to do this through artistic media.

The campaign is starting.

Trust us, you want to be a part of this.

Maybe you'll be among the first to see the unveiling of several new things in Revolutionary Media.

Hold your breath.

It's coming.

1 down. 13 days to go.

India_Log: Of Smells and Portraits

2009-11-04T07:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Dad,

I smell of portraits.

No. Really. I do.

I smell of portraits.

Before today, I didn't know that portraits could have a smell. But they do actually. And - don't get me wrong - it's not because I'm not paying attention to hygiene; I smell like portraits because that's what I did today. I spent one hour taking portraits of the common people of India. These are the ones who spend most hours of their days working in their shops along the main streets. They are those whom we westerners would call "blue collar workers" in the most hardcore sense.

Rig-shaw drivers. Sugar cane laborers. Mechanics. Grocers. Tailors.

The Indian people don't seem to be much concerned with cleanliness or hygiene. Garbage is strewn in piles all along the streets. Sidewalks double for makeshift bathroom stalls, and the sewage slowly drips into the drains with an other worldly stench. Fingernails are grown out for, well, let's just say "business" purposes. And the dirt; the dirt of cars, bikes, rig-shaws, buses, and animals fills the air and dusts you with a layer of grime from things of which you don't want to know. It is in such an environment that the people of India work and labor, day after day, after day.

Today, these are the people of whom I took portraits.

I think had you been out there on the streets with me, there would have been times you would have been uncomfortable. Not because of the dirt, but because of the nature of the location. The percentage of men in public places compared to the percentage of woman is vastly different - even startlingly different. Typically, if I am in an international location, I will try to take portraits of women and children - certainly not approaching men. I don't want to give the wrong impression [I think you'd be glad of that. ;-) You trained me well...]. Here, it is almost impossible to just go to the streets and take portraits of the women. Either they are not around, or they are shy and won't allow you to do so.

Today was interesting. I found myself following the hand motions of men and children who wanted me to take portraits of them in their work environment. The rig-shaw drivers in their rigs-haws. The shop owners with workers of their shop. I was surprised - especially after previous experience - to be the one being approached for photos of the people. It was delightful actually. Being able to give joy to these people who invest so much of their time and energy into survival.

I promise, I've never been on the street in a completely dangerous situation - I mean, it is India after all. But overall, there have been very few times I've felt uncomfortable with my camera out among the locals. I've been surrounded by street children, old men, families, and other such crowds with nothing but a firm grip on my camera and a friend somewhere nearby to keep me. Of course, there's the greatest Protector of all who is also watching my back.

What I enjoy about going out to photograph India, is that I never know what I'm going to find. I never know what kind of opportunity I may have to photograph. In fact, so far I've gone into my times to shot with a mindset precisely the opposite of the photographs I capture. If I go out with an intense purpose to get portraits, the time and place doesn't really work out; but if I go out casually for shots of India in general - like today - I come upon the most beautiful people I have ever seen and am privilege to capture some of the most beautiful portraits I have ever taken.

Sure, I smell like portraits. I smell like the real workers and citizens of India. But it's a smell that will wash off. It will eventually go away.

I also come away with something that will never fade.

That is why I don't mind.

In fact, I kind of hope that I get to smell this way again. And soon.

Luv you Dad. Thank you for the prayers...

Christina

India_Log: Quiet Worship

2009-11-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Brother Benjamin,

This morning I attended an Anglican church.

Over one hundred years old, this building made of brick and stone holds worship services based on age old traditions. A steeple rose high above the compound. Hymnals and prayer books sat stacked on an old wooden stand. The pews were of carved wood and at their base were prayer cushions for worshipers to kneel. The windows were stained glass framed under beautiful arches. The women entered the church and with sovereign reverence pulled their scarves over their heads.

From all my travels and visiting churches, I've never seen anything quite like this. I've never experienced a service more beautifully reverent. I think you would have been as awe struck as I.

I confess, the formal service was heartfelt and sincere, but far more worshipful than most churches I have attended. Perhaps the stillness and quiet limited distractions. Perhaps the speaking of the church together in unison provided a focus. Perhaps the solemn atmosphere directed attention to a throne room that is other worldly.

I am not altogether sure, even now, how or why, but in those few hours I felt with absolute certainty that God was filled with pleasure at the worship of His people. And despite everything you and I have discussed regarding churches and their organized worship services, I think I would like to go back every now and then. And I think you would have been as awe struck as I.

Perhaps that holy, reverent, still, and quiet worship is something that we all need from time to time. The removal of personalities and preferences, performances and projectors actually gave me the ability to focus my vision as if we were in the very throne room of God. I am not saying that such things in their place are irreverent - not at all. But the removal of these elements provided for an opportunity to focus, wholly and incomparably on the worship of God.

It makes me wonder what our lives would look like if we were able to simplify. Remove all distractions of emotionalism, intellectualism, personalities, and trends enough to make God the everything of day to day worship. Would my idea of fellowship with Him be different? Would my attention span to still and quiet meditation become more lasting? Could my expectation change; be transformed from a worship that is led by entertainment, to a worship that is led by the still and small voice of God?

It actually causes me to question my own creation of art. Are my photos or projects artistic pieces that entertain, or that allow people to see the Holiness of God, and inspire a life of worshipful reverence? In the end, that is what I want my art to inspire. And that is what I want to live by.

Don't you?

Luv you bro.

Christina

The India_Log: Of Faith and Planes

2009-10-31T06:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Sisters Emily and Abigail,

I woke up this morning to the sounds of international culture. Dogs barking and cows mooing. Cars honking their horns and trucks straining through the streets. Music was playing in the distance - music in a language I couldn't understand. I heard the sounds of children playing together and women speaking loudly as they walked down the streets.

This is India.

I've not been here yet 24 hours and already am in love. The sights. The sounds. The smells. The colors. The chaos. I think you girls would be amazed at the culture here - full of charm and character.

India is far more beautiful than anything I could have imagined.

Last night as I sat on a plane for two hours on the Chicago tarmac I couldn't believe I was finally going to India. I wondered if it would be everything I imagined.

The plane was full of people who seemed just as excited to go as I. I found myself taking in the sight all of the other travelors who surrounded me. Natives. Tourists. Athletes. Businesmen. Families. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Together we were on the plane, but individually, we each had our reasons for traveling. Everyone was off on a unique journey.

That journey included traveling 38000 feet in the sky.

This was the "big idea" of my traveling. As I gazed out the window and searched the earth below, I realized that flying takes a great deal of faith; You sit in a seat with nothing but a few feet of plastic and metal surrounding you from the elements. A few laws of dynamics, and a lot of air are all that separates you from a frightfully disturbing end.

I was more astonished by the next thought: I realized that our culture takes flying with hardly a second thought, and yet it is also a culture where faith is looked down upon with disdain. This faith - an extreeme faith we could say - seems to come to us easier than faith in God.

Gazing out the window and seeing the wide scape of rivers and mountians, of houses and roads; it challeged me with an alarming idea: What would it look like to have faith in God that would be similar to the faith I have in flying? Almost immediately I felt uncomfortable. Can I take my faith that seriously, that 30000 feet in the air seems nothing in comparison? Can I daily trust my God to keep me high and lifted up despite the alarming plunge below?

Will I take my faith that seriously? The thought has kept with me these last 36 hours of traveling and settling in here; as I stared out at the skyscape of Jaipur this morning, and walked the streets of the same city late this afternoon. I decided, quite assuredly, that this is the kind of faith by which I want my life to be characterized. I know it may be full of gut droping turbulance, and storm swaying wind, but isn't that what every journey is about?

I hope you girls can grow to desire this kind of faith; this kind of faith that walks its journeys taking courage by the hand, makes resiliance it's guide, and the Savior it's Master.

This is what I pray for you girls tonight.

Journeying to India

2009-10-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

RevMedia is setting it's sights on India.

Land of silks and turbans. Of castes and characters. A place of palaces and princes, and of camels and tourists.

There is also another side to India that most people choose not to see. And that is a Land of oppression and heart ache. Of human slavery and degradation.

RevMedia wants to help you see the needs in this land. We want to help you understand the issues and what is going on. Moreover, we want to show you how Y.O.U. can be the change for these issues - whether that is home or abroad.

Tomorrow, I am getting on a plane, and heading to Jaiper, India.

The entire RevMedia team can't go yet. But that's ok. I am going to work with YWAM and train up another group of philanthropic artists to reach people through art and visual communication. This trip will be preparations for the future, but I also expect this to be a personal learning experience for me.

This trip will also be a beautiful journey for y.o.u; our RevMedia readers and supporters. My commitment to you is that these articles and posts will never waste your time. Rather, I believe they will also send you on a journey to personal discovery. My ultimate desire with communication is to Inspire my audience, to encourage, and challenge them to love in ways they never have thought possible.

I also am going to have a surprise with my posts. I want these posts to be personal and so I am going to write to one particular person in my post. The surprise is that you will never know if YOU are the individual I am writing to, clear from the other side of the world.

This is my invitation. I will post the updates here in this thread. I hope you all will join me for this adventure. And my prayer is that you will find it to affect you in such a way, that you never "see" things the same again.

Look forward to seeing you in India.

- Christina

[Photo Courtesy my dear friend John McPherson]

Marks

2009-10-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

I am a dreamer.

A visionary.

This may not come as a surprise to most. But recently I took a StrengthFinders test and discovered the degree to which I am those qualities.

According to Gallop, I am an "Activator" and "Achiever". A person who is constantly starting something, simply for the purpose of completing it; The kind of person who makes list just to cross everything off them.

Here's the confession: I like making my mark.

I think in some ways, we all do. We all want to do something that matters. We all want to be a part of something larger than themselves.

Unfortunately, we are often misled by what we think is "bigger than ourselves", and what really is.

It's okay to have dreams about making your mark. The real issue is this: Is your dreaming keeping you from taking action? Are you waiting for the "perfect opportunity" to step out of your comfort zone and make a difference?

If so, you may need to rethink things.

To be completely honest, making your mark is something that can take place in whatever location and capacity you are ready and prepared for. The fact is, there are people in your backyard who need your help. There are people in your city, your town who need you. There are ministries in your area who could use someone with your artistic skills and giftings.

It may be that so long as your busy dreaming, you will miss the best opportunity that you will ever have to make your mark.

So.

Where are your markings?

Where could you make your mark close by?

Just think about that today.

Maybe you will change y.o.u.r. world.

[This post is the fifth in a series of weekly posts designed to inspire and challenge through the stories and thoughts from theRevolutionary Mediabook, "Dear World".Dear World is available for purchase through Blurb, and in November 2009 will be available for digital download by donation.]

Belief and Walk

2009-10-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

Christianity is full of contradictions.

We live to die. We die to live. We sow to reap. We lay down to take up. We love ourselves to love others. We suffer to find joy. We let go to hold on. To be strong we must be weak.

Yes. Christianity is full of contradictions.

I was not among the team members who had the honor of connecting with Nick, but his beliefs strike a cord in me. For how often do I say that I believe what God says, and yet don't trust that His power is great enough to come through for me? I don't live by what He says, so how can I say that I believe in Him?

I am ashamed to say this is such a commonality in my life. "You are Great. You are Good. You are Provider." I say in my prayers. But as I walk my mind echoes doubts and discouragements. "My dreams are impossible. My challenges are too big for me. My needs are greater than my financial opportunities."

It's as if I hear the words of the preacher in church and nod my head in agreement to His description of God's Greatness. And then as soon as i take my step out the door, I walk on as if I never heard anything.

I may believe one way; but I walk in a different direction.

The actions of my life reflect the words of Nick. "I don't believe God, but I believe what He says."

Maybe then, the contradiction is actually not in Christianity, but rather my own heart.

And so, I must ask myself: Can this be different? Can I change? What would my life looked like if I believed what God said, determined to live by it, and did? Maybe then the contradictions wouldn't be so confusing anymore. Maybe then, life would actually make sense.

Perhaps then, I could be pressed but not crushed;

Perplexed, but not despaired.

Pursued but not forsaken.

Struck down but not destroyed.

Maybe then, the circumstances of my life would not be the measuring stick for God's faithfulness to me. Maybe then, God could be the stability of my life, even when I don't understand what is going on. Maybe in these contradictions I can find a haven - for our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I want my belief to be my walk.

Don't you?

This post is the fourth in a series of weekly posts designed to inspire and challenge through the stories and thoughts from theRevolutionary Mediabook, "Dear World".Dear World is available for purchase through Blurb, and in November 2009 will be available for digital download by donation.]

What Do You Offer?

2009-10-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

In my experience of spending time with the street teens and homeless of Portland, I was struck by the value these people place on community. In fact, many individuals on the street are there because "street families" are stronger families than they had ever known.

In a community where people don't have much to their name, don't have many possessions, or aren't defined by what they "do", they have an incredible sense of value of human life. Every person in a family matters - not by what they have or do, but simply because of who they are.

Each person is valuable because of what each person brings to the world - by simply being themselves.

Isn't it striking how the opposite is true for most of our culture?

We artists can be among those who fall into this trap most often. We tend to define our artistic gifts as what we bring to the world sole. We place a great deal of merit in our abilities to "do".

You know what I mean. A stranger asks about your work. "Oh, I'm a (fill the blank here). Artist. Photographer. Graphic Designer. Painter. Journalist. Etc. It becomes the first thing you describe of yourself. It becomes that wardrobe you don every morning before stepping out the door. It becomes the glasses through which you see the world.

"Artist" all too easily becomes our identity. In our mind, it becomes the all encompassing description of what we bring to the world.

But friends, this is simply not true.

What we bring to the world is not what we "do". We are n.o.t. our work. We are not our abilities. We are not our gifts. These things are only elements of our identity - only parts of the whole.

In fact, we are n.o.t. our art.

What we bring to the world is simple: Ourselves.

If you were paralyzed in a hospital bed, unable to take pictures or draw, or use a computer, or pick up a paintbrush; if you had no external outlet of "doing", what would you still bring to the world?

As scary as this setting may sound, the things you discover about yourself in this imaginary environment are the most important elements you bring to the world: Your smile. Your heart. Your expressions. Your words. Your touch. Your gaze. Your laugh. Your dreams. Your perspective.

In our world, so much worth is valued by "what we do". As artists we get caught in this trap, defining ourselves and our merit in "what we do" as artists, or "who we are" as artists, or "what we create" as artists. But the truth is this: if we can capitalize on the understanding that what we bring to the world is o.u.r.s.e.l.v.e.s. filtered through the love of God, we will fulfill our role here on earth; for that is something no one else can fulfill for us.

Today, heed this challenge. Don't dress up in the "artists" garb before heading out the door. Don't step into the world with your camera or pen or laptop being the first things that others see. Fulfill your calling by filtering your gifts through the love of God and being the person He has called you to be.

The world will miss out if you don't.

[This post is the fourth in a series of weekly posts designed to inspire and challenge through the stories and thoughts from theRevolutionary Mediabook, "Dear World".Dear World is available for purchase through Blurb, and in November 2009 will be available for digital download by donation.]

Take a Dare

2009-10-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

He looks like a young Heath Ledger, before dark cares started to trouble his soul. His blond curls and clear cheeks make him appear cherubic, innocent and carefree. The rimlight plays up the effect, making a halo out of his golden crown. He shouldn't be on the street.

But he is.

I wasn't with the team when they met him. I was off in another part of the city, on another adventure, completely oblivious of the contradiction of this boy. When I saw the black and white picture of him, all I could do was stare. He shouldn't be on the street.

The population of the street is getting younger. It isn't just high-schoolers but jr. highers who are making their way downtown. Some of the newbies are as young as ten or eleven. In generations past, the homeless were older people who were down on their luck.They had lives and had somehow messed them up. In the American belief system of self-made people, it seemed like their own choice. They had had their chance at a good life and wasted it. This kid hasn't even gotten in all his permanent teeth. His life should still be rosy and he should have parents who dote on him. He's far from being an adult but his heart already bares heavy scars, a sign that he is on his way to becoming a veteran of the street.

I don't know his story. I know that he's barely scraping the double-digits but I don't know why he finds refuge on the streets. Is home really that bad? Does his heart hurt that bad that he has to leave his family to numb the pain? In the second picture, his eyes are becoming hard. Like an older man who has seen the world and been disgusted with it. Bitter. Cynical. Innocence not only lost but ripped out and trampled on.

I hate what I see. I don't want him to have a tragic ending.

When God looks at people, I think He sees some of the same things. He sees beautiful, troubled people in desperate need of rescuing. He sees where they are headed and wants to change their ending. He wants good to triumph and people to live, really live. He doesn't want them to have to scrape by in life, just trying to survive, but He desires people to live exuberantly. To enjoy life to the fullest. He doesn't want souls to be cast down but to live in constant hope.

That is what this kid is missing. Hope. In a world where the word has become cliche, the reality of hope is long overdue. Hope for hope's sake is stupid and hollow. It's like training to swim the English Channel in your bathtub -- it's not going to get you anywhere. It just makes a mess of things. True hope, realistic hope, is different. It's knowing that God has your back, that He loves you, and that nothing you can do is going to change that. It's trusting in that and living your life around it. It alters everything. Even when the pieces of your life are crashing down you like glitter in a snow globe being kicked around, God is the constant center. He's the fixed point. He's the constant.

Some things will never change in live. People will always need love. Hearts will always be breakable and lives will never be fully shatter-proof. Kids like this one will end up on the street. It's the glory and pain of being free to make choices, to choose your own destiny, and impact the lives of those around you.

When I see this kid, I still see the possibility of innocence regained. I see a kid in need of a hug, but more than that, of constant, overwhelming, no-holds-barred love. Do you know what I don't see in his pictures? Other people. His life is empty. There is no one to give him that hug. No one to make him dinner. To drop him off at school. To tuck him into bed at night. No one to laugh at his jokes. To be a shoulder for him to cry on. To speak encouraging words to him. No one to hold him accountable. Tell him to make the right choices. Pick him up when he makes the wrong ones. No family. No friends. No one.

See the need. Be the change. Think about it. If you don't dare, who will?

- Written by RevMedia's freelance journalist, Caitlin Muir

We all Cope

2009-10-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

"Yet we know that nothing is compared to the glory He will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day...with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day with it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth up to this present time..." - Romans 8:18-22

Let's face it.

Life is hard.

Life is really, really hard.

Each of us experience this challenge. Each of us face the difficulty of an imperfect humanity; a fallen creation. Each of us has to find the strength and grace to endure, even when we don't want to go on any more.

The truth is, we all cope with the challenges and pain of this life. The fact of the matter is that we weren't made for overwhelming pain and hardship. And when the harsh realities of this world rear its ugly head in our face, often times we don't have the ability to handle it ourselves.

We need help.

This "help" comes in a variety of forms, it shows itself in different ways. Sometimes the help may be a shoulder to cry on, a friend to listen, a lover to embrace. Sometimes the help may be in a false reality, a drug, or another destructive outlet.

Of course, the most true and real help we can have is One who will never let us down or let us go.

For many people, for those who have not discovered the joys of Christ, the grace of this Savior is an unknown comfort. Because they do not have grace, they must cope with other things, and in other ways.

How do you cope when you have nothing to hope for? No expectation that things will get better? No reason to believe the change will come? How do you bear with the knowledge that you are on your own and can do absolutely nothing about your circumstances and situations?

It's not easy to cope when you are lying there on the floor.

We all cope in different ways.

Jesus gives us the grace to cope best.

Some people just don't know that yet.

So do we believers give up on these ones? Do we disregard them because the harsh realities of their circumstances which have left them disillusioned? Perhaps a better question would be: How did Jesus respond to those who were caught in their own coping mechanisms, too distracted to open up to Him?

What about the story of Thomas? This man had just lost a brother, a leader, the greatest inspiration he had ever seen. How did he cope with loosing Jesus?

Doubt.

It was easier to say he didn't care, than to feel such deep pain and disappointment, discouragement and disillusionment. It was easier to just not let any hope in, than to embrace hope and be let down. How often do we feel that way? How often do we respond negatively to such responses from those around us?

Jesus had no such response.

He reached out to Thomas, where he was standing with raised eyebrows and all. He gave Thomas another chance to believe.

Because really, we all know when we just "surviving" and not really "alive". And how many of us, like Thomas, want to stay miserable? How many of us, when we get a chance at hope, really do want to turn it down?

People without hope don't want to stay there. But sometimes it takes a little bit of time for that hope reach through the skepticism and hurt.

Maybe Jesus can help us forget to judge the way people cope, and start helping them give hope a chance.

- Christina N Dickson

We are All the Same

2009-10-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago, I learned a big lesson. A hard lesson. A lesson that shook me to my core and opened my eyes to such a great flaw.

After being in missions and philanthropy for so long, I had developed a syndrome. If I sat down and was honest about this syndrome, I would admit that it should be called the "respecter syndrome". You can only imagine what would mean.

I started seeing people differently.

I started seeing some people as more important than others. Starving orphans as more worthy of my attention than prospective clients. Girls in the sex slave as more important an investment of my time and energy than those in the church. I still can't target exactly when my perspective become so screwed and out of focus.

I don't understand why I became a respecter of persons.

And yet, it seems to be an age old issue. The rich prefer the rich. The poor prefer the poor. The intellectual prefer the intellectual. The artist prefers the artist. The religious prefer the religious.

And suddenly, we each begin to judge.

Somehow, somewhere in our minds comes a whisper that life experience gives us the ability to judge someone else. We make determinations in our spirits, and ideas in our heads, that cause us to view people differently. Suddenly, some people become more important than others. And of course, some people become less important than others too.

Lost in the shuffle is the truth that God Himself is no respecter of persons. I think of any individual alive, He certainly has the right to do so. And yet, He doesn't. In fact, Jesus came for the poor who curses and raises a fist in His face just as much as the rich who ignores the One who blessed Him with much. He loves and set to redeem those who would ignore and deny Him, as much as those who would love and embrace Him.

For artists in philanthropy, it seems that this is an issue - not to judge, but to determine how time will be best invested. Somehow, if we spend most of our time helping the misfortunate, we see ourselves as more worthy or honored. In fact, this is hardly the case.

When we invest our time to love - whether the rich or poor, the intellectual or artist, the orphan or the independent rebel - the investment is worthy of God's praise.

If we remember that before God, we are all the same - regardless of status or accomplishment, ability or financial state - maybe then our lives can reflect the work of an all loving God.

Maybe then we can start loving as Jesus loved.

Maybe then we can accept that we are truly all the same.

[This post is the first in a series of weekly posts designed to inspire and challenge through the stories and thoughts from theRevolutionary Mediabook, "Dear World".Dear World is available for purchase through Blurb, and by November 1st, 2009 will be available for digital download by donation.]

Calling All Lovers

2009-10-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

[The following post is the first in a series of weekly posts designed to inspire and challenge through the stories and thoughts from the Revolutionary Media book, "Dear World". Dear World is available for purchase through Blurb, and by November 1st, 2009 will be available for digital download by donation.]

As artists, we invest a great deal of time and energy to develop our skills. In fact, the majority of our time is centered around building of techniques and developing of tools to be "Successful" in our art. We hunt. We practice. We plan. We play. We collaborate.

And yet sometimes, it's easy to forget the one thing that matters most. We may have talent, skills, success, and achievement, but in the end, none of those things really matter. Strip everything in life down to the most basic thing and we are left with this:

Love God.

And love others.

It's cool to be an artist. Creative opportunities. Dynamic impact. But being an artist is n.o.t. the point of your life or my life. The point of life is to be a l.o.v.e.r. A lover of God, and a lover of others. Unless your skills are tools to love God and others, your work, effort, and talents will be for naught.

This may seem harsh. But the passage from I Corinthians 13 details this very clearly. If we have love, our work, our life, are for nothing.

Why is it so easy to forget that the core of life really is all about love? Why is it so difficult to strip everything down and focus on this for even just a little bit?

What if we were to identify ourselves - not as artists, or photographers, graphic designers or portraitists....What if we identified ourselves as lovers? Lovers of God, and lovers of others?

How deep would our love be? How unconditional? How true? How enduring?

"Then the King will say to those on His right, COME, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me...then the righteous will answer, "Lord, when did we?"...And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these...you did it to me..." Mt. 25:33-40

Is there any other passage that illustrates a more authentic display of love? Through grit and grime, cold and hardship, True Lovers continue to love undeterred. Clearly we shall be judged of Jesus by our love for Him and others. If this is truly the case, then we must ask ourselves a hard question, and answer honestly:

How far would I go for love?

- Will I feed the hungry, the destitute, when no one else will?

- Will I hydrate those who need it, even though it is the simplest most unglamorous task anyone could do?

- Will I welcome the strangers, put your arms around those who have no friends, no family, and no home?

- Will I clothe the naked and face embarrassing situations without shame because Jesus would?

- Will I comfort the sick and risk your own health and happiness to care for the untouchables?

- Will I visit the prisoners and go to the hardest, darkest, most uncomfortable places to bring the light of Jesus?

I call on my fellow Lovers and ask: when everything else is stripped away...

How far DO YOU go for love?

[Written by RevMedia coordinator Christina N Dickson of www.BrideInspired.com]

Vision and Action

2009-09-14T05:34:00.000-07:00

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world. ”

Artistic World Changers are visionaries. They know what they want to go after and most of the time - they do it. But then, the vision wanes. The tasks grow longer. The excitement grows dim. And then, quite suddenly, it's possible to feel as though there is no point being at that place.

Endurance during this time is really challenging. It may seem like the vision will never be finished. It may seem like the work is in vain. But when the World Changer is here, the rubber meets the road. The World Changer must discover that sometimes, it takes a number of small, continuous steps in order for the vision and action to merge and become refined.

I've been learning the last few weeks that a great deal many of the journeys on the path to World Changing really are about the steps - not the end destination. It may sound cliche'd, but I truly believe that now. The story of vision merging with action - that is what creates tension, builds crescendos, and ultimately inspires the change we promote.

What does your vision look like today? And how is it matching your actions? Is it sustainable for the long haul?

"Risk Love"

2009-08-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

Back in March, Jocelyn Edlin and myself banded together and began working on a piece on foster adoption for Christian Family Adoptions of Oregon and Washington. We were really excited about the piece. We knew it could make a tangible difference for the lives of children in our own communities - if we could build a piece that inspired adults to open their hearts and "Risk Love".

We had no idea when we began this journey that it would take us 6 months to complete.

Now, "Risk Love" is a piece that we hope inspires and challenges everyone who views it. Whether you can adopt or whether you are a philanthropic artist, the message is the same. It's hard to "Risk Love" but it is a.l.w.a.y.s. worth it.

Special thanks to everyone who was involved in this piece, and who supported it. The Edlin family, Camilla, Jocelyn, Aaron Dodson, Christian Family Adoptions, and especially Joannie Shrader.

May we all continually "Risk Love" just as Jesus has done for us.

Watch "Risk Love" NOW on Youtube.

A Week Off

2009-08-12T19:50:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! It's summer and what happens in summer? Breaks! Rest! We think everyone needs a little solstace now and then. Just wanted to let you know that the writers here at RevMedia are taking the week off!

After the successful completion of our adoption piece 'Risk Love', we'll be working on a premier for September; brainstorming ideas are taking place for the release of Dear World; and several members are either on vacation or on the middle of 'move week'.

That said, RevMedia will be taking a week off. But don't worry. We promise to keep building toward a weekly broadcast schedule to start in September. And until then, stay tuned for updates and articles on artistic philanthropy!

Blessings to you this week in your journeying!

Artistic WorldChangers: A Manifesto

2009-08-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Artistic World Changers.

These are the ones who understand that every life has the potential to change the world. That every person on earth affects someone, who in turn affects someone else. They realize that our lives are like the sparks of a chain reaction whose existence is certain but it's affects are not always so.

The question Artistic World Changers seek to answer is not if we are capable of changing the world but rather to what degree we take the opportunity to change the world.

Visual artists have the gift of sight. This is a gift that must be harnessed, a gift that must be directed and developed, and a gift that ought to be capitalized upon. The gift of sight is one that revolutionizes the life of it's holder, but more so than even this. With the gift of sight, Artist World Changers have power in the multiplier affect: Others are drastically affected as their sight is opened and they can never see the same way they did before.

Artistic World Changers know that their identity is the core center for their impact. Their sight spiritually and physically affects their perspectives; their perspectives affect their spiritual and physical sight.

These individuals dare say that those who believe in the Heroic Rescue of humanity by Jesus Christ are those who have the power and obligation to Change the World in the most dynamic way possible. By His death, burial, and resurrection, we are given the gift of new life, and with it, a new way of seeing, of existing, and of affecting.

Artistic World Changers are those who hold this truth to be self evident. And it is the passion which fuels the creation of their art.

Artistic World Changers must not be perfect. But they must be committed to the Rescue of Humanity. They must relentlessly pursue truth. They must passionately hold fast to a better way. They must never give in to apathy. These attributes color all they are, all they see, and all they do.

As such, Artistic World Changers must band together and take part in a revolution. This revolution is not for the glorifying of their own art, nor the guilt provoking that rages rampant within visual communication today. This revolution is one that will harness the multimedia tools of our day and combine them with social media networking to produce a dynamic and lasting social change.

We are Philanthropic Artists.

And we change the world.

H.o.p.e. for Foster Kids

2009-08-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, the "real world" makes it very clear that you can't rely on ideals. When everything you are hoping for doesn't work out; when you are forced to constantly re-evaluate your direction, your goals, your plans. In those times, you feel a dynamic tension between what you want, and what you think will really come about.

Hope is a funny thing. Delicate. Fragile. Powerful. Igniting. I once read from Brennan Mannings book "Ruthless Trust" that hope is the marriage of faith and trust. Faith that believes not everything is as its seen. Trust that God will indeed work out all things for our good. Hope comes about as we practically live these beliefs.

And hope is the most powerful force of endurance known to mankind.

Jocelyn and I have been working together on the project "Risk Love" - a multimedia piece promoting Adoption from the Foster System. Originally, we "hoped" to complete the piece in 6 weeks. We worked tirelessly with multiple meetings, shoots with children, and long phone brainstorm sessions. While extreemly busy personally, the piece was a priority.

But sometimes, you can do everything possible to complete something, and find that there are many factors outside your control.

The piece came to a halt. We waited for photos and contacts. Health issues and communications. Two months passed without the means or opportunity of finishing.

During this time, we never believed the piece wouldn't be finished. In fact, the opposite was true.

We knew we had to finish it.

In the US, there are 114,000 children who are ready for adoption. Any child who spends a single night in Foster Care is labeled "special needs". This definition is not what we automatically may think. The "special need" of these kids is complex, but the bottom line is this:

They need a mommy and daddy.

The kids in Foster Care understand the conflict of hope. They hope that someone will choose them. Love them. Want them. They live every day with the hope that "this will be the day". The live every day with this hope disappointed.

Hope is resilient because it rests on the belief that what is to come will be better.

RevMedia wants to help these kids.

For we believe in hope.

Question of the Week:

2009-07-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

“The most important key to achieving great success is to decide upon your goal and launch, get started, take action, move." —Brian Tracy

Revolutionary Media is in process of revamping. We appreciate all the support you have given us throughout the last year and a half. It's time we return the favor.

Our question of the week for you: How can Revolutionary Media best give support in y.o.u.r. personal artistic philanthropy?

Answer by commenting, or send us an email.

Please. Let us help you. We really do care.

Path of a World Changer: Joshua Seale

2009-07-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

"So just a quick blog post before I leave. With 17 cameras (2 of them my professional SLR’s), a laptop, two mics, two hard drives, and two 50lb. bags (exactly) I am packed. I leave in for the airport in under 5 hours, and am ready for some sleep. I shot a wedding all this morning and this afternoon and have backed up those images. What a day and what a three weeks. It was three weeks ago Sunday, that I decided to step forward in going on this trip, and it has been one of the wildest rides I have ever been on. I am so excited about this trip and all that God has promised to do. " - Joshua Seale, on July 26th, 2009

On June 30th, 2009 I had the honor of meeting photographer Joshua Seale at Dane Sanders Fast Track Workshop in Portland Oregon. By the end of the day, it became obvious that this man was a fellow Philanthropic Artist - and a really awesome one at that. The more I was able to chat with Joshua, the more I discovered that sometimes, you find the most kindred of spirits in the most unusual places.

Like many fellow artists, Joshua first endeavored to live a life that counts. Graduating from Biola with a major in Theology with an emphasis in Missions, he ran the Student Missions Department during his Junior and Senior year. During that time he also was involved with short term missions to 22 countries around the world. He loved missions, but it seemed that there was something missing from his work.

Fast forward 4 years and you would see Joshua working actively in his church, saving on the salary of a Peets Coffee barista, and diving whole heartedly into the world of photography. On Sunday, July 26th, Joshua left the US for a trip to the war torn African country of Congo for 6 weeks. His mission: working with a local NGO and holding a photography workshop for Congolese children.

Joshua's goal is to come away with images from the Congolese children as a visual narrative of their lives. Coupled with imagery he will shoot of the children and their families, Joshua hopes to pull together a book that will raise support for the NGO.

Oftentimes it's easy to think that the seeming glamorous work of a Philanthropic Artist "just happens." Joshua would tell you different. For four years after graduating, God took him on a journey that seemed to be wrought with disappointment. He was not living the life he dreamed of, the life he knew he was capable of. But it was during those times that God stripped Joshua from who he thought he was, to the person God wanted him to be.

Now, that person looks like a Philanthropic Artist. A photographer who loves photographing weddings just as much as he loves visual storytelling for a cause.

Even still, the path is a challenging one. Exactly 3 weeks from the day he stepped on the plane bound for Africa, Joshua made the decision to go. He spent 3 weeks raising funds, writing about the upcoming trip, picking up donated digital cameras, and thinking through everything involved with a Philanthropic Art trip.

On his departure date, he missed his connection to London due to a previously delayed flight. He had to book a hotel, and work with a hesitant airline to re-issue another ticket to Kenya. In the middle of all this, I asked Joshua how he was doing. His response: "I am totally exhausted, but feel God's presence, and can rest."

Pray for Joshua. That God will grant him strength, and grace; inspiration and joy. If you want to hear about his adventures, be sure to check out his blog, or find him on twitter.

Every World Changing Philanthropic Artist living out this call of God on their life will face a difficult and challenging path. But in the end, we realize that God's purpose is not the art, and it is not the philanthropy. It is for our development and our relationship with Him. And the best road for those purposes, is the one in which all glory goes to Him.

Every World Changing Philanthropic Artist living out this call of God on their life will face this.

"I feel in such a deep way that I am journeying with God. I feel as though the Father has orchestrated every aspect of this trip and I am excited to see what he is going to do. It is really a mystery to me, but I am excited to walk and experience this adventure with him. "

World Changer for Kenya: Sarah Danaher

2009-07-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

What if you knew that a camera could change the world?

What if you knew that a picture could change a life?

What if you knew that affecting change meant reaching outside your comfort zone?

What if you knew that changing the world first meant you had to be changed yourself?

Many of you remember Sarah Danaher, a young woman involved with the Restoring Grace Thailand project. Once again, this portrait photojournalist is embarking on a mission to help those in need of a hand.

Today, Sarah is leaving for Kenya with two women from her church. Together, the women seek to gather photo's and information regarding a Kenyan orphanage/school that needs support. Formerly just a school, this organization began taking children displaced and orphaned by the 2007 Kenyan conflicts. Now a school and orphanage, this facility needs sponsors for it's orphans and generous donors who are willing to support an expansion project. Sarah's assignment is to profile the school in every aspect of it's existence, and also take portraits of the children in need of sponsorship. Her fellow travelors will be gathering other materials to start a foundation for the sponsorship program.

RM: What are you most looking forward to on your trip?
Sarah: "The big brown eyes of the African people - and learning to love people in a new way."

RM: What are you going to do on the flight over?
Sarah: "Sleep. Watch movies and listen to my ipod. I'm also going to work through questions regarding my photography business, and journal about the unknown."

RM: What packing essential should you have left home but just h.a.d. to bring?
Sarah [with a laugh]: "Lara bars. And a sad little collection of instant caffinated beverage powder. I can't go anywhere without those two things."

RM: What do you think will be the greatest challenge of your trip?
Sarah: "We don't really know what we're going into, so flexibility is going to be the biggest challenge. Knowing when and how to step in with my camera or without my camera."

RM: What is the first step of this trip?
Sarah: "We are flying into Nairobi. After spending the night at a Christian hostel, we will be taking a 6 hour bus ride into Mombasa."

RM: What is your personal assignment on this trip?
Sarah: "Loving people and taking portraits of the children who need sponsorship."

RM: When you took your first photography class with IPS, did you ever see yourself at this place?
Sarah: "I hoped for it, but I didn't expect it. I never thought I would be going to Kenya. God's plans for me involve supporting people who are building His kingdom around the world. Location doesn't really matter."

RM: What is your biggest prayer request?
Sarah: "I am going to Kenya with two prayers. The first is that I would love God more so that I can see and love people the way He does. The second prayer is that I would walk away from this trip with a clearer understanding of what it means to be and live as a Christian."

RevMedia will be praying for Sarah as her 19 days in Kenya are underway. We don't know about you, but we certainly look forward to hearing the stories of God's working when she returns.

Sarah hopes to update her personal blog every now and then while out of country. You can follow her adventures there, or find her on Twitter.

Campaign Thanks

2009-06-23T09:48:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! RevMedia wants to say "Thanks!" to all of you who participated in the Campaign! May each one of you continue to "See the Need, Be the Change" in your own lives!!!

To download the commemorative wallpaper, please click here:

Revolutionary Media: Ashes to Beauty Campaign

2009-06-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

[click here to watch in large]

This is the story of two lives touched by Avonlea Acres, a non profit in Washington existing to help young mothers raise their baby.

Believe us. There is nothing more beautiful than changing the world through art.

But don't take our word for it.

Get involved yourself.

Mulitmedia->Social Media->Social Change

2009-06-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

Artists around the world face a common challenge: In a time of harsh economic climate, layoffs, saving, and budgeting, artists seem to be shut out in the cold. Individuals are quick to pause in wonder before a piece of art in a gallery, or lavish praise on it's creator. It is another issue altogether when considering the price of the art.

General assumption is that most works of art do not meet the same value as the asking price, or if the opposite is true, that art is not integral to survival and therefore, appreciated but unnecessary.

I dare say that art is indeed integral to our survival.

Painters of old were not simply interested in self expression, they strove for the inspiration of society. Minstrels and their ballads were said to have been the pastors of the working people.

Isn't it true that when the human soul is most worn and weary, retreat and solace is found in beauty? A quiet afternoon at the coast. A step into the peaceful world reflected in a Thomas Kinkade. A three minute Etude or Psalm. A photograph of lands far off.

Art is the study of the creation of beauty. This is important because art has the power to bring a piece of solace and calm to our every day life.

The philanthropic artists of Revolutionary Media are attempting to increase the intrinsic value of art through social change.

When we discover a world changing non profit, we donate all the time, effort, and energy for it's creation. Our long term desire is that others will be inspired by our art and support it's message in whatever way they can.

Tonight marks the very first Art Campaign of Revolutionary Media. Hundreds of hours, dozens of late nights, multiple intense discussions, and exhaustive energy was expelled for the creation of this piece. Why? Because we believe that art is integral to our survival. We believe that if our audience can find a piece of inspirational beauty in our artwork, there is a chance that we can band together and affect some real change.

This is heart of Revolutionary Media. Producing Multimedia. Generating Social Media. Affecting Social Change.

With this piece we hope that other artists will be inspired to take the plunge into philanthropy with their talents and abilities. With this piece we hope that any individual of society will be inspired to support this world changing non profit.

With this piece, we hope that everyone will be inspired to never put a price tag on touching another life.

Maybe it will be a sacrifice. Maybe it will affect us for a week or two.

But we promise you, the world will be affected for the good.

And in the end, isn't that what matters most?

[Wanna create Ashes to Beauty? Check back on Monday, June 22 at 6pm-12am pacific time to be a part of the first RevMedia Art Campaign!]

Ashes to Beauty: The Campaign

2009-06-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

On Monday, June 22nd, you will have the chance to look at life from an new perspective.

You will feel, understand, and catch a glimpse of what it is like to be a young and single Mother whose life has been characterized by uncertainty, fear, and sudden hope.

Revolutionary Media is premiering it's newest multimedia piece, "Ashes to Beauty."

At 6pm, Pacific Daylight Time, you will be able to tune in and watch "Ashes to Beauty" via Blogger, Youtube, Facebook, or a special full size viewing link. You will hear the stories of Kathy and Vanessa, two extraordinary young women who have braved disappointment, discouragement, and abandonment to come to a place where they have experienced True Life.

Pairing Multimedia with Social Media, we are pioneering a new vision for Social Change. Revolutionary Media is giving you the chance to participate in this premier event - not simply as a viewer, but also as a contributor.

In a campaign never seen before, Revolutionary Media will launch Monday, June 22nd as a Multi-Media fundraiser. We are asking you to sacrifice your $4 "coffee of the day", $5 purchase on iTunes, or $9 movie ticket, and donate to a life-changing ministry. By link of PayPal, you can send Revolutionary Media a donation for "Ashes to Beauty" and 100% of your donation will be given to the Avonlea Acres home as a love offering from artists around the world.

As our way our way of saying "Thanks" to everyone who donates, Revolutionary Media will raffle off a RevMedia "I am Revolutionary" T-shirt. We will also make available "Ashes to Beauty" themed wall papers to commemorate your involvement.

Maybe we all can help create Ashes to Beauty together.

Change from Across the World

2009-06-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, I got a call from a 14 digit number.

Now, seeing as I don't get many of those, I was at a loss as to w.h.y. it was a 14 digit number, and also w.h.o. would be calling me with a 14 digit number. I picked up the phone and was greeted by a little bit of static and a thickly accented man's voice.

"Hello Christina? This is Vincent from Kisii."

I searched my brain quickly. I knew no Vincent's, and for a moment I had no idea where Kisii was.

Then it hit me.

Vincent was our RevMedia contact from Kenya.

"Oh hello!" I exclaimed. I truly was delighted to hear from him. We chit chated for a few moments above the bad connection, and then he asked if we could talk over Skype on Sunday morning. We made arrangements to talk at 8am my time.

I really had no idea what he wanted to talk about. When we were coming? If we remembered them...

In the end, he wanted something very unique.

"How can you help us now?" Vincent asked me. "We need more followers. How can you help us with this?"

It struck me exactly how.

"Do you have a Twitter for the orphanage?" I asked him. He had a personal Twitter but nothing for the orphanage. "Start one." I said. "Do you have a blog for the orphanage?" He answered yes. "Good." I then walked him through the process of social media use, why it was important, and what it could do for him.

"American's like to give." I said. "But they need to believe in it, care about it, and feel close to it. Twitter makes your orphanage become personal to them. And this paves the way for others out here to want to be involved."

Vincent sounded like it was the highest enlightenment he had ever heard of. "This is fantastic!" He said. "Thank you."

An hour of my time with a Kenyan pastor and orphanage director. It didn't cost me a lot. But maybe it will help them get more followers. More people who will want to care, to help, and to contribute.

It's amazing what we can do in a world without borders.

We can change the world in Kenya from right where we sit in Washington.

So how are you changing the world today?

Desperation [of the] World Changers

2009-06-11T15:36:00.000-07:00

Sit down World Changer.

Let's have a heart-to-heart.

Look me in the eye and repeat this prayer after me:

"Jesus, rain on my parade.
Strip me down again.
So I'm desperate for You.
Jesus, whatever it takes
Bring me to my end.
So I'm desperate for You. Amen."

Did you repeat it?

Could you?

Did you really mean it?

I mean, really, really, really mean it?

Let's talk about this for a minute.

When was the last time you asked Jesus to rain on your parade? I mean really? When was the last time you asked Him to set for naught your plans? Turn your world upside down? Strip you of everything you love and hold dear? Bring you to the end of yourself?

When was the last time you told Jesus that He is the only thing that really matters - and meant it?

There's something about the great World Changers - the ones that really matter. They thrive in times of darkness and danger. Even during times when the end of the story can't seem happy, they keep going. Because in their heart, only one thing matters to them. And for that one thing, all else will be laid down; all else will be for naught; all else will be spurned for it's pursuit.

They are desperate for their cause.

I dare say that those who have the most positive and dynamic ability to change the world, are those who are most Desperate for Jesus.

Wait, let me clarify that: I should say, those who are most Desperate for Jesus, Above All Else...

Fellowship and intimacy with Jesus.

Passion and pursuit for Jesus.

These things are a True World Changer's chief end.

Not money. Not friendship. Not marriage. Not success. Not adventure. Not position. Not power. Not fame. Not fortune. Not comfort. Not ease. Not possessions. Not world domination. Not impact.

Not even World Changing.

For a World Changer, these important things from this life are either tools to be used in our pursuit of Jesus, or results of our pursuit of Jesus.

Such things can be tools that force us into challenges that draw us near to Jesus. Marriage. Friendships. Position. Adventures. World Changing.

Such things can be results of the energy and focus that have come as we have drawn near to Jesus. Fortune. Impact. World Domination. World Changing.

Is this your perspective about life?

Do you hold things loosely to say that you are Desperate for Jesus?

Alone?

"Jesus, rain on my parade.
Strip me down again.
So I'm desperate for You.
Jesus, whatever it takes
Bring me to my end.
So I'm desperate for You. Amen."

The tone of complete and reckless abandon is incredibly evident in this prayer. But is this the tone of the prayers you pray? Is this evident in your conversations with Jesus?

One week ago a dear friend sent this song to me. It shook me up. It scared me. I listened to it possibly two dozen times and am humbled to say that at first, I couldn't pray it. I truly wanted to pray it, and to mean it. But...

I was scared.

The challenge of this Desperate Prayer echoed in my mind day and night for a week. It challenged me as I fell asleep. It confronted me as I started my day. It mulled and processed, boiled and simmered in my spirit. It took a week before I finally realized:

If I am desperate for Jesus, everything else will naturally be held loosely.

For if Jesus is my only importance, I truly have nothing to lose.

If I lose fame, I don't loose my importance in His eyes.
If I lose money - no fear - He owns the treasures of heaven.
If I lose other friends, my Best Friend will never leave me.
If I lose business, He is my provider.
If I lose opportunities, He guides my path anyway.
If I lose position, I am more humbled before His sight.
If I lose ease of calling, He pulls me to Himself.

If we can be rooted, grounded, established, founded, and centered on Jesus, we can never lose our ability to change the world. So long as Jesus is changing us, our world is affected, is changed, is influenced also.

Isn't this the entire purpose of our lives?

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him..." Philippians 3: 7-9

[Dangerous Prayer is a song from Kathleen Carnali's album Dangerous Prayer]

In_Sane Belief

2009-05-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

So, lets be honest.

Life is chaotic these days. Time seems to be going by faster, and faster, and faster. Technology has placed us on the edge of literally, everything. And whether we want to admit it or not, we are bearing the affects of that.

I know I have.

The last few weeks my family has been preparing for a big, cross country move. Our dog had 8 puppies. My mom had an accident and a surgery. My brother had an accident as is now looking at a surgery. We have packing and cleaning. I'm trying to be part time [full time] house cleaner and coordinator helper. I'm trying to keep my business running administratively, shoot and edit weddings and redo the face of my branding.

Oh yeah, then, there's everything with RevMedia.

Trip planning. New blog launching. Dear World book promotions. Writing. Managing. Organizing. Non profit work. The Ashes to Beauty multi-media project. The Risk Love multi media project [on hold as we seek the right profilers]. The20. Oh, and book plans.

It is absolutely in_sane.

No one expects me to go above and beyond "normal" life. I know this.

Except for one thing:

It's my calling.

If I have to work two full time jobs, break my bank, live in a shack, and get 3 hours of sleep a night... rest assured...

I am going to live out my calling.

So then, we move past the "can or can't" sphere and into the "will and must".

Practically, how does this work?

I had to sit down and talk this out with God about 10 days ago. It looked something like this:

"God, I don't know how to make this work. I don't know how to do this anymore. I'm exhausted. I'm discouraged. I can't do it all. But I know I have to. Jesus, what do you want me to do?" [At this point I threw my hands up in the air and, yes, started crying.]

Interestingly enough, God doesn't want us to be at our wits end as we fulfill our calling. He doesn't make things unnecessarily difficult. But our calling is the one way that we become closet to God and therefore, everything we face amidst our calling is to push us and pull us toward Him.

If the challenges we face with our calling - schedule, budgets, finances, projects, etc. etc. etc. - pull us closer to Jesus, know for certain that He will give us the answers which we seek.

And He did for me, too.

I came up with a workable schedule. One that is short term, but workable.

Mornings I will work with and for my mom, packing and cleaning. After lunch, I'll take a short nap [coffee has been too hard on my system of late], and then work on RevMedia projects in the afternoon. Help with dinner, and business administration and editing into the late night will wrap up my day.

Easy?

Not hardly.

Doable?

Absolutely.

With a little bit of prioritization, you could fit in a personal project too. Maybe it won't be as insane as my life - maybe it will. Regardless of this, rest assured: God can make a way for you too.

I know figuring all this out by yourself can make it seem impossible. So tell you what: Believe like philanthropic art is your calling? Give me a ring. We'll schedule a time to sit down, chat about your life, and how you may be able to incorporate some of philanthropic project of some kind into your schedule.

You may be a writer. You may be a designer. You may be a photographer, painter, or other artist. Hear me when I say this: The schedule may say no, the talent may say hope, the ability may be limited, but all this aside...

I have In_Sane belief that you can do it.

You may not be able to do it alone. But with a little bit of help, with a few tips, I know you can.

If it's your calling, hold fast to that In_Sane belief.

It'll come about.

- Christina

[The offer in this post stands with weighty seriousness. If you need help in working out your life as a philanthropic artist, give me a call [360 713 8971], shoot me an email [info@theRevMediaProject.com], or send me a twitter or fb message. I promise you: I want to, and will help. If you ask.]

Join the Battle

2009-05-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

This is the beginning of a new series of animations that I am starting. Thought you guys might like to see!

-Aaron

World Changing Attempts

2009-05-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

[The following is an article I wrote about World Changing. While it is not a direct update for a project, or anything specific about RevMedia, I believe it has merit to the philanthropic lifestyle. I hope you enjoy. - Christina N Dickson]
____________________________

The alarm clock sounds. You roll over and hit the snooze button. Most begrudgingly your brain begins to come to that point between sleep and awake. By the time the snooze goes off again, you have awoken to the thoughts of another billion things on your to do list. Between work, school, chores, family, friends, and the rest of life, you plug away, hardly able to remember the last time you actually felt like you accomplished something. Then you get that twitter update from RevMedia, tell you about what projects the are working on with philan - however you spell that word - art. If it's not bad enough, they also challenge you to do something yourself. Yeah. Right. Not even Stephen Covey's 7 Habits will help you sort through life enough to get to that point.

It may seem like the above is a good description of your life. But to be completely honest, I wasn't imagining a bunch of random scenario's from your life. Truth be told, I was describing the circumstances of my own.

Wait. Aren't I, like, the head of RevMedia?

Actually...Yeah.

The last 6 weeks has found me w.a.y. in over my head. Pick any area of life and you will find it a really interesting place. My family is moving. My friends are starting relationships. My business [finally] is growing. My ministry gaining momentum. My health declining. My projects - while rewarding - are demanding. A littler of puppies and a family accident completes it all.

This to say, my time has been spent in and out of touching all those areas, and at the same time, I feel like I've touched none at all.

This is a pretty tough place to be for someone who wants to be a World Changer. In fact, life during these times seem more like a complex survival season of Lost than they do of impacting the world.

At this place, when you try, and try, and try to clear away the lists, to make time and room for "changing the world", it's a good time to re-center on something.

A World Changer is someone who has been made aware of their affecting power and consciously taken up the identity of an "influencer" in the world around them.

World Changing may at some point in time involve breaking out fellow believers in restricted countries, but in all honestly, the life of a disciplined World Changer is consistent. It is continuous. It starts where you are and it builds from there.

World Changing is simply the acknowledgment that you are an influencer - today, right now - and a commitment to influence your world for the good.

On one hand, this gives us all an incredible freedom - not to pine away for opportunities or abilities that may never come our way - rather to embrace a passionate, visionary lifestyle even as it involves doing dishes, packing boxes, taking portraits, or making plans. This idea gives hope to our desire of making our life count - even as we work at a hospital, study chemistry, or plan a wedding For in a these situations, we influence dozens, if not hundreds of people. What kind of World Changing are we attempting there?

The challenge is not entering a new World Changers lifestyle, but submitting it unto the life you are leading right now.

At some point, you may have been able to point a finger at me and accuse "that's easy for you to say". But today, as I lay aside my philanthropic projects to take care of my injured mom, and plan a photography class for ladies, it's not easy to say. It's not easy for me to say as I lay aside my desire for traveling this year in exchange for building roots in my business and ministry administration.

Attempts at World Changing are never easy - no matter where you are. It sounds more glamorous and impressive to say our World Changing took place in Africa as opposed to a conversation over dishwashing; but there is equal merit, reward, and responsibility in both. World Changers tale these moments and attempt to influence as best they can.

So here's the challenge: Influence someone today.

Make an attempt at World Changing.

We can try it together.

Roadbumps and Progress:

2009-05-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

The jet-lag is long gone, the bags unpacked, the images are key-worded, categorized and complete with basic edits...

And now the real work begins.

Wait...The images are shot, isn't the work done?

No, it has only just begun.

The focus now turns to lay-outs, graphic design, writing...and the task of narrowing down what the core of our message is all about. One can't even imagine all the road-bumps along the way. Computers dying and being out of commission for 5 weeks, one of the members of the team who is working on the project being in another foreign country for 4 weeks, trying to find the free, yes free, way to compile copious amounts of work among the various members of the team. As time passes and we get farther away from our time in Thailand, the fear of losing passion and momentum sets in. Life at home continues on and makes its demands.

Why do we choose to do this?

To expend our own resources for a project that no one asked us to do...no one but God.

We do it because God entrusted us with a vision, a piece of His heart that He wants revealed to the world. It's our responsibility and privilege to put our hands to this task and see it through to completion.

When in Thailand I came across a verse in Proverbs that took on a whole new meaning and we are applying it to this project. "The slothful man roasts not that which he took in hunting,; but the substance of a diligent man is precious." Proverbs 12.:27. We can go out and shoot the images, but not until we come home and prepare them to impact an audience and take them out into the world do they become precious. We must be stewards of the images that God gives us the opportunity to see and capture.

So computers are repaired, time is managed to the best of our ability, sleep is sacrificed for writing, the search for free networking options are explored. And through it all, God not only maintains the passion, but builds and deepens it. How could He more clearly stamp His approval on the project? We move ahead, making progress, carrying in our hands a precious story to be told.

- Hannah Brandau

Naming Project Unnamed: "Risk Love"

2009-04-28T19:08:00.001-07:00

This last weekend Jocelyn and I drove 7 hours from Portland to Wenatchee for a wedding. As a part of the drive [which we both, by the way, l.o.v.e.d], we talked about photography curriculum and Project Unnamed.

Only, by the time we came home, it was no longer Project Unnamed. It was Project: Risk Love.

Driving through the mountain passes of northern Washington, inspired by the view, the scenery, and the air [I guess?], God sent inspired brilliance. It was so incredibly refreshing, for this piece has been a lot about working through creativity rather than walking in it steadily. I think that God sends us through times like these - times that we have to push through getting something together - so that we will remember it is He who equips. We can have talent by the bucketloads and still not touch people's hearts. He is the one who sends the connection points of true visual communication.

Anyway, not only did we suddenly had a name, we had truly, the heart of what this piece is going to be about.

What does it mean to Risk Love?

Well, I guess you'll have to wait to find out.

Oh, and one final note: If you ever get stuck in the "uninspired" rut of project creation, Jocelyn and I both h.e.a.r.t.i.l.y. recommend a day trip which requires you to drive many hours during sunrise to sunset, and praise and worship music to enjoy the scenery by. Really - I give it my whole hearted endorsement! ;-)

Thanks for your prayers friends! Here's to all the Philanthropic Artists trying to make a difference in their world.

"Darkrooms"

2009-04-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Okay. Here is the scoop in all honesty:

Christina is a horrible editor.

Allow me to clarify.

I am capable. I understand the system. I know the process - or at least where to find the answers to my questions. It's all good in that department. That's not the problem.

The real problem with being an editor lies in my inability to close myself off to the world and step into the "Darkroom". I'm sure all my video and photographer friends know exactly what I am saying. This "Darkroom" phase is the time that you have pajama days more often than days that you get fully dressed [baring showers of course - we have to stay feeling good and sharp]. It's the time when you emerge from your "Darkroom" for water and meals and internet when you are about to go crazy. Some people love the editing process. And in all seriousness, I do too.

Except when it controls my life.

I'm finding that video editing is, of course, a bit different than photo editing. Especially as I am the solo editor for two projects. It's harder when you can't run ideas off people. Or show them what you have to get suggestions. Being new at the hardcore "Darkroom" process, I don't make any attempt to hide the fact that I'm not used to being able to multi-task when I need to be on creative edge. It's so much easier when you have a team around you than when you are on your own.

Last week I put together this piece. Two days later I was about to go i.n.s.a.n.e. And then I realized something: It's so much easier to be in the trenches and doing the work with the people you love and who are brilliant and who are in need. But doing things by yourself, it takes a different level of discipline, of devotion to your call.

I know many of you photographers, video people and the like, arent able to have a huge team to pull together projects like Ashes to Beauty or Risk Love. But should that stop you?

When you are passionate about your calling, nothing will stop you. Not even takin the high road and goin solo.

I promise.

Being and Doing

2009-04-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

The RevMedia team is synergizing and brainstorming, and has many good things in the works for the upcoming months. We are praying for direction in several areas, including how to best serve those in need of rescue, how to support developing Philanthropic Artists.

Our "Question of the Week" is this: How do you balance the "Be" of your life with the "Do" of your life? Each of our team members has wrestled with this question on an individual level, but what does this look like for the corporate culture of Revolutionary Media?

It may not be an easy question to answer, but it is one that shapes direction on the deepest level.

Stay tuned to catch RevMedia's growth and development. In the meantime, download this wallpaper, and think about how you live your life.

Blessings!

The RevMedia Team

Unnamed. Unsung. Unending Resolve.

2009-04-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

This shoot was super productive for Jocelyn and myself, but I must admit, it was a challenging one too. Honestly, when you try and complete a project based on 2.5 shoots, 2 planning sessions, a budget of $0, and half your cast of characters, it may be rewarding, but it isn't the easiest thing ever.

What happens when you know something is worthwhile, but the challenges facing it seem to overcome the good intentions? How do you keep holding on to a vision of dynamic impact when the world is against you?

You keep on holding on to Jesus. You rest secure in His control.

And you don't back down.

Ashes to Beauty Update Part III

2009-04-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

Project UnNamed

2009-04-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

Store Update

2009-04-12T22:04:00.001-07:00

So, we decided we'd like to make the switch over to a new site for the Revolutionary Media Store! In doing this, we will be able to offer a greater variety of awesome world changer gear, in more designs, and at better pricing. Exciting stuff!

Stop by and check it out: t-shirts, mouse pads, buttons, stickers and more. Previous designs, with a few new looks as well. Keep checking back as we continue to add more throughout the week.

Click Here

In the Field : Ashes to Beauty Video Update

2009-04-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

It's nitty. It's gritty. It's shaky.

It's the in the field video of the film shoot for Rev Media's Ashes to Beauty mulitmedia piece.

And just a warning: It may scare you.

;-)

Inspirational Website Forum

2009-04-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

We just opened up a discussion forum on our Facebook fan page!
head HERE to add your favorite websites to this inspirational list...

to be continued....

Calling all Wordsmiths!

2009-04-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Wanna glimpse into what goes on during a RevMedia project! Check out this video of Jocelyn and Christina's work for the Christian Family Adoptions piece on foster-adopt!

Now for the real news! RevMedia needs your help! We are currently brainstorming on a name for this piece on foster-adopt! We'd love any idea's from you fabulous artistic wordsmiths out there!

Blessings!

Ashes to Beatuy: Part I

2009-04-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

I spent the evening at Avonlea Acres, shooting portraits of Kathy, Vanessa, and Sadie for our Ashes to Beauty multimedia piece.

Kathy and I spent the most time together. She is an amazing and stalwart woman who is learning from mistakes, finding joy in her position as a child of God, and blossoming into a beautiful woman. At 4 months pregnant, Kathy is doing her best to learn what it is to be the mother that she knows she can be - and in the power of God.

I think few people could have the resilience she's had. When life falls apart and there's no where to go, when all hope seems lost...even there grace is found.

Kathy is a testament to that.

Ashes to Beauty : Big Idea

2009-04-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

Imagine This:

You are nineteen years old.
A former high school cheerleader and beauty queen.
Brought up in a Catholic family.
Straight A student in school.
Now on your own.
Managing a substance addiction.
And you get the news of your life: Pregnant.

Is it really possible? Is this really happening? Is it true that someone else's life is forming inside of you? You're not ready for this. You're just a kid yourself. But not anymore. Now you're also a Mom.

Imagine yourself in these shoes. Imagine that one test could change the direction of your life forever. Imagine how scared you would be to know your pregnancy isn't supported by those closest to you. Imagine how you would feel to suddenly be on your own, thrust into the "real" world, full of couch surfing and house hopping, paired with doctor's visits and maternity shopping.

Now, imagine a home for girls like you. A place where you could come - without judgment - to start afresh and begin a new life for you and your unborn child.

You don't have to imagine anymore. This place exists. And it is called Avonlea Acres.

RevMedia is honored to be a part of a new project that will raise support and awareness for a Christian ministry that strives to give unwed mothers the tools they need to be active, healthy, and productive mothers and members of society. Staffed with qualified individuals who come in to help these girls with finances, spiritual issues, schooling, and a plethora of other issues, Avonlea Acres seeks to give ordinary people something to believe in: Generation Change.

Unprepared mothers will raise children unprepared for the harsh reality of modern society. The affects of this are grave indeed - and we need only turn on the TV to see it.

Over the next 6 weeks, RevMedia is on a fast track to give Avonlea Acres, and the girls who live there, an additional tool for fund raising: a short documentary piece highlighting the program and the new life it's given to it's girls and their children.

Follow us document their story.

You'll believe in Ashes to Beauty too.

Portland Project!!!

2009-03-31T20:03:00.000-07:00

Philantropic Artists Back to Work!

2009-03-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

After a few months break, Jocelyn Edlin and Christina Dickson are back in the action! These two photographers are partnering together to produce a multi-media piece on the children who are in Christian Family Adoptions Foster-Adopt program. What is it like for these kids to have no one? What do their lives look like? How can a family really make a difference for a life?

This is what our piece will highlight for churches, corporate sponsors, and many individuals.

The next 6 weeks the two multi-media photographers will be hard at work to organize, edit, and publish this piece. Here's a glimpse at their planning session last friday in Portland.

Be sure to check out our video updates! We'll be posting every week!

"Is there anything more rewarding than using your art to help change lives?" - Christina Dickson

The New Faces with RevMedia!

2009-03-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

After a week and a half of interviews with a broad assortment and diversity of candidates, RevMedia has announced its interns for the Month of April, 2009!

We are very excited to be working with these newcomers and wanted to give you a glimpse of our new faces!

If you are interested in becoming a RevMedia intern, please contact info@theRevMediaProject.com for an interview.

New Rescue the Beauty Piece!

2009-03-26T15:13:00.001-07:00

What do you get with:

- 2 photographers
- 1 oganization
- 100s of people in need

?

A mulitmedia project for Rescue the Beauty.

Jocelyn Edlin and Christina Dickson are about to embark on a new journey to create a promotional piece investigating the issues that Oregon's foster children experience every single day of their lives. This piece is being created for Christian Family Adoption, Oregons premier christian foster advocacy group.

Check out the blog over the next few days for a video update on this project!

Rev_Media on Twitter

2009-03-25T10:46:00.001-07:00

We have finally done it! Revolutionary Media has joined the twitter revolution!!!

Follow Rev_Media on twitter and stay involved with the revolution of philanthropic artists around the country! You won't regret it!

RevMedia Needs You : Internship Position

2009-03-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

The day has come and the time is now.

Its only appropriate that just after the 1 year mark, Revolutionary Media is outgrowing its staff.

To be honest, RevMedia needs y.o.u.

I am opening a monthly internship opportunity for individuals who wants to be intrinsically a part of the Rescue the Beauty mission with Revolutionary Media.

And one of the coolest parts? There's even a weekly honorarium.

Here's what RevMedia needs:

Qualities:
- An individual who is passionate about Jesus and His work of redemption.
- An individual whose life is defined with the desire and outpouring of "See the Need and Be the Change."
- An individual who works well with other people
- An individual who is recommended by at least 2 people.
- An individual who is artistic, has good taste in music, and loves coffee. ;-)

Abilities:
- An individual who is self motivated and a competent tasker.
- An individual comfortable with writing and research.
- An individual who understands online network utility tools such as blogger, facebook, twitter, and skype.
- An individual who understands or is willing to learn about basic actions in photoshop and illustrator.
- An individual who can devote 1-2 hours daily to these tasks.

If you have been tagged in this note, I believe you may be someone who would find this position rewarding and a good experience.

Pray about it. There's nothing cooler than being a part of a vision larger than yourself. You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to be well known. You don't have to be a miracle child.

You just have to be sold out for Jesus, and dabble in a few other things.

;-)

If you feel this is something God may have you do, please email me : info@TheRevMediaProject.com.

From there, we'll set up a time to chat about specifically what the position would entail, and why you think God may be calling you to do. If you know someone who may find this a next step, please forward the note to them.

Sound good?

Let's get to it then.

- Christina

1 Year Anniversary Commemorative Wallpaper!!!

2009-03-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

Revolutionary Media continues to celebrate it's 1 year anniversary! To be a part of the celebration, download this wall paper, and pray that God continues to do His redemptive work with Rescue the Beauty Portland and Revolutionary Media!

Download here:

Happy 1st Birthday Burnside Underground and Dear World

2009-03-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a year.

One year since the launch of the Portland Rescue the Beauty Projects.

Words cannot express how the RevMedia team feels about this journey, and how grateful we are that you have loyally walked with us down that road.

This video is for you.

This product line is for you.

And may we celebrate many more birthdays together. Changing the world by proclaiming - through art - our message of redemption and hope in Rescue the Beauty.

- The RevMedia team

http://www.cafepress.com/Rev_Media

1 Year Anniversary

2009-02-27T14:23:00.001-08:00

Rescue the Beauty's 1 year anniversary is fast approaching. On March 9th, 2009, Revolutionary Media will commemorate the Portland projects, Burnside Underground and Dear World by launching a new Revolutionary Artists product line. We'll have the coolest gear to keep you actively supporting the philanthropic mission you love. All proceeds from these products will support the completion of our documentary - Burnside Underground.

T-shirts. Posters. Books. Journals. Bumper Stickers.

We're even launching a subscription "See the Need. Be the Change" podcast and wall papers to keep you informed about the non profits of the world who are actively engaged in Rescuing the Beauty all around them - and what you can do to support them.

Oh - and there's one more thing.

On March 9th, at midnight, RevMedia will be posting it's 1 Year Anniversary update. We're gonna let you know everything that's taken place in Revolutionary Media in one short year, and how blessed we've been that you would support us.

Follow us.

Buy gear.

Support the mission.

Support God's work of Rescue.

The end.

Thank you all for walking this journey with us. Let's keep going.

The Revolutionary Media Team
Creators of Rescue the Beauty

What Was it Like?

2009-02-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

So, what exactly was it like to hang out with homeless and befriend street kids? Catch a glimpse of what the RevMedia team experienced 10 months ago when they spent 6 weeks on the streets of Portland...

Opening Dear World

2009-01-31T17:22:00.000-08:00

In Our Hands

2009-01-31T13:12:00.000-08:00

Dear World is here.

The first published draft is in our hands.

We.are.so. excited.

Our "Dear World" Champion, Paul Gilmer with SDG Creative Group is taking the book to publishers. Be praying that the quality of our work and the message of our content will impact and draw publishers as much as it has all of us.

We'll put up the video of Laura, Aaron, Jocelyn and myself opening Dear World very soon!

Blessings!

Christina

Dear World Preview

2009-01-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

This video is for Aaron and Jocelyn.

We await.

World Changers.

Us.

Dear World.

- Laura and Christina

Restoring Grace in Thailand

2009-01-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

Revolutionary Media is proud to present A Rescue the Beauty Creative Sponsorship
Project Thailand: Restoring Grace

While the completion of Dear World is nearing, Revolutionary Media is once again picking up momentum for changing the world!

Inspired by the vision of a passionate photographer, Revolutionary Media is honored to sponsor Restoring Grace, a Rescue the Beauty Project in Thailand.

Hannah Brandau and Sarah Danaher are embarking on a dangerous quest into Thailand to document in book form the transforming work of Christ by one of the forerunners of sex-slave champions.

Child prostitution.

Sexual slavery.

Complete physical and emotional degradation.

It's not a thing of the past. In fact, in many places, it's a thriving, rampant industry. Take a trip to Bangkok, Thailand. In Thailand, this industry is a way of life, a cancer that is so widespread that it seems almost insurmountable to counteract. But a light shines in the darkness. A home called House of Grace exists for the sole purpose of rescuing girls out of prostitution and giving them a new beginning. Love and tender care is poured into them, and the faithfulness and grace of God is restoring them.

We need to be made aware. Not only of the problem, but of the incredible story of hope. And that is what this whole project is about. Revealing a ray of hope that is piercing through the pain and destruction and giving testimony to an awesome, redemptive God. Look into these girls eyes. Hear their stories and recognize the miracles that are occurring each and every day in their lives. Catch a glimpse of the face of God in the girls of Thailand.

Revolutionary Media has taken on creative sponsorship of this project. What does this mean? The Revolutionary Media team members will offer logistical, creative, and spiritual support on as many fronts as we can allow. Project organization. Graphics. Marketing. We can’t go with them to Thailand, but we can and will help them from home. Together we hope this Rescue the Beauty project will inform, inspire, and challenge people every where to confront the difficult and heartbreaking issues of our times.

Want to help? Subscribe to the project blog [at www.RestoringGraceProject.blogspot.com where Hannah and Sarah will be updating us about their adventures and what God is doing. Join their support network. Pray. Donate if you can. Send emails of encouragement. As these two girls dare to live on the edge of faith, let’s all support them as much as we can.

Here’s a need. Will you help be the change?

Revolutionary Media
www.TheRevMediaProject.com
www.TheRevMediaProject.blogspot.com

Dear World Goes to Blurb!!!

2009-01-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

After 10 months of toilsome labor, Dear World is in it's final drafting. We've sent it to blurb.com for self publishing and will be taking it to publishers around the country.

If you would like to help spread the word about Dear World, or have contacts in the publishing community, please let us know.

We are so excited about this next step in our project! Keep us in your prayers!

- Christina N Dickson
Director, Revolutionary Media

The Vision Continues

2008-10-18T14:24:00.001-07:00

The RevMedia book, "Dear World" is getting wrapped up by our graphic artist, Aaron Dodson. While the rest of us wait for its completion, we are hardly sitting idly by. No way. There are visions to impart, and stories to tell, even when life slows down a bit.

In between the Ecuador promotional for Global Encounters, and the upcoming New Zealand promotional for the Institute in Photographic Studies, we put together a sweet promotional for a conference in January. This World Changers conference brings together 35 or so 20-somethings who have been thrust into leadership positions for non-profits. They aren't individuals with simply potential to change the world - they are changing the world. And they are leading other world changers in this lifestyle.

September found Christina working with Rowan Gillson, Mandy Novotny, Laura Clawson, and Aaron Dodson. The promotional turned out fantastic - 6200 pictures later.

We hope that this promotional will inspire you to rethink the way you see life - and the affect you have on the people around you.

Blessings!

Life to Life Ministry

2008-09-04T21:51:00.001-07:00

The end of the Ecuador adventure has come.

It was a hard road. And the path was long.

But together, Laura, and I, and God made it through.

Along the way we discovered some beautiful stories. Met incredible people. And learned amazing life lessons.

We hope that you find this promotional video to be more than just a spot for Global Encounters. We hope that it completely transforms the way you see a life of ministry.

More than that, we hope that you can, from this day forward, begain a new adventure of life to life ministry.

Blessings in our amazing Jesus,

Christina and Laura

Foundationbs

2008-08-15T23:45:00.001-07:00

I believe :

love will change the world.

Its the only thing that has.

Its the only thing that will.

I believe:

Love will change the world

He is the only thing that has

He is the only thing that will.

Sea of Faces

2008-08-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

Today was another day for our team to join the ranks of kids at the primary school in Esmeralldas. When we arrived, we were greeted by hundreds of smiling and excited faces. I stepped out into the playground yard and was practically mobbed by two dozen kids calling out “Un photo! Un photo! Un photo!”

“Un Photo” began as a group of 5 friends who wanted their picture taken together, and quickly grew into a throng of fifty. I kept backing up and backing up to fit them all into the70mm frame, but they just kept moving toward me…a mass sea of beautiful Ecuadorian faces.

As I was out there, in that school courtyard taking pictures, I was bothered. It seemed like none of my photos were different. It felt like each picture was the same. Over and over again the pictures became, just more faces. One child’s face became one in a sea of faces.

When you are overseas, the fast paced and adventurous lifestyle is really exotic – for the first week. Then, after a little while, the “roughing it” lifestyle seems to cause all the people’s faces begin to look the same. And reaching out to one life looks exactly the same as reaching out to another life.

Why is that?

Because sometimes it is easy to believe that one life is just another life in the world.

Just another life.

But you know what? Along with the belief that a life is “just another life” is the accompanying belief that one life won’t make that big a difference in the world.

I don’t think that’s true.

Jesus said that He would go after those who were lost and had gone astray. This means that even those who are seemingly unlovely are those who have incredible value. I think in general, most Christians do believe this. But if if each person has value, then we aren’t just one life amongst the sea of faces in humanity.

We are unique. We are individuals. We are handcrafted by God.

We are called. We have purpose that belongs to no one else.

We affect change. We must play our part.

So why do so few of us live as though it were a deep conviction?

The sea of humanity exists to be sure. But in Christ, this sea dissolves and in Paul’s, words, “there is no Jew, nor Greek, nor Male, nor Female, nor Slave, nor Free”.

What is left when there is no racial, ethnic, status, and philosophical differences?

Just faces.

But behind these faces, is the incredible worth, indescribable value, and stunningly magnificent masterpieces of God:

The souls of His beloved.

If we believe that one soul has value, we must also believe that one soul will affect change.

Because one face sees another face.

And then one life touches another life.

After which one soul changes another soul. Then another. And another.

And it happens again. And again. And again..

So what if each of us walked through life acting upon this knowledge? What if, when we look into the eyes of the person we pass in the street, or acknowledge the carwash employee we pass by, or just kept on taking pictures of beautiful foreign children…

What would this world look like if we Christians remembered that in this life, we are not just a sea of faces?

What if, today, you didn’t just see a face?

What if, today, you looked into someone’s eyes?

What if you touched a life?

What if you changed a soul?

Maybe this is Home

2008-08-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

Maybe this is home…

Esmeraldas.

It’s a city in a third world country. Really. Full of intensely repulsive smells, wild animals, and dirt that would clog any air filter within days. Let alone its reputation for being a “dangerous” city by many Ecuadorians.

This is the place we arrived on Sunday.

The drive through the mountains was awesome. But as we came closer and closer to our destination I could tell it was going to be interesting. The faces of the people became darker and darker, and the air became more and more dirty and humid.

Our hotel is a ghetto like facility run by Christians. They have verses all over the walls on the inside and outside of the rooms. Aside from this, I don’t know what makes them Christian. Things are quite dirty. There are bugs everywhere. They turn off the air as soon as we leave the rooms. And we get towels enough for all of us only every other time they clean the room. This isn’t even referring to the bathroom stench that reeks to every part of our little room.

I wasn’t phased at the situation. I've traveled enough now to be chill at quite a bit. I was slightly uncomfortable to be sure, but I thought it would be a really interesting adventure more than anything else.

This was before we went out to the school where we’d be hosting another children’s program in the evening, and an English and character class in the mornings.

Monday night when we arrived at the school I was coming down with a cold. The humidity was horrible. The dirt in the air was clogging both my pores and my lungs in a painful way. We all arrived that evening and marched up the stairs to the materials room where we were greeted by the stench of vomit – where someone’s dinner hadn’t sat well with them. We walked around the mess on the floor to our room, but the smell became worse and worse – repugnant and strong.

The materials room was going to be synonymous with our studio – where we’d be working on our Global Encounters promo along with shooting the Children’s program and leaders.

I was hardly impressed.

It was practically a bedroom. An 8-x8 feet of space with a bed, a TV, a small desk area, and a bathroom. It was dirty everywhere. The materials were unorganized. The bathroom door didn’t stay shut so we had to secure it with a hair band.

It was, without a doubt, the most uncomfortable situation I had ever been in, with all of my life.

It only became worse when one of the other girls said cheerfully, “this is probably the school’s sick bay.”

Hardly my definition of a studio.

Here and now I confess my bad attitude. I was not happy with where things were. I wasn’t happy with the horrible condition of the bathroom, or the dirt on every single chair, or the dust that covered the desk. Was there nowhere I could be comfortable!

And it was in the moment that I was sulking about spending my evening there that I realized something. I was comparing this place to the comfort of my home. Only, I wasn’t comparing it to my real home…

My real home is exactly where Jesus calls me. Because wherever He calls me is wherever He will be. And my home is with Him.

So weather I am in a dirty bedroom, stench filled bathroom, or sickbay / studio, my home is wherever Jesus is.

It reminded me of that verse from Luke. There was a man pledging to Jesus an undying loyalty of following Him wherever He went. Instead of taking the man at His word, Jesus explained that He had nowhere to lay His head. No place of comfort. No place which resonated of the belonging of home.

I often wondered why Jesus said that. But now I realize the truth.

Many people feel the excitement of the seeming “glamour” of following Jesus wherever He went. But you know what? That motivation will hardly last you through the dirtiest, most reeking places on earth. It won’t keep you going after ministering through long days of sickness or exhaustion. Not even close.

The only thing that will propel someone to continue in the hard work of following after Jesus is the absolute and complete assurance that “home” is wherever He has called you – for in that calling is exactly where He will be.

It reminds me of that song from Switchfoot:

I’ve got my memories
Always inside of me
But I can’t go back
Back to how it was
I believe you now.
I’ve come too far.
No I can’t go back
Back to how it was.
Created for a place I’ve never known.
This is home.
Now I’m finally where I belong,
Where I belong
Yeah this is home.
I’ve been searching for a place of my own
Now I’ve found it maybe this is home.
Yeah this is home.
Belief over misery.
I’ve seen the enemy.
And I won’t go back
Back to how it was.
I’ve got my heart set
On what happens next
I’ve got my eyes wide
It’s not over yet
We need a miracle.
And we’re not alone.

Jesus will last me through any and every experience I will encounter across the globe: Because He, yes, Jesus…He is my home.

(Disclaimer: Please forgive the lack of grammar and technical elements to this note. It was written after we got back to our hotel at 1am on Wednesday morning. I thought it would be nice to post these random thoughts rather than nothing at all…)

PS - Keep praying for us as we work on the promo. We did another short interview today, have portraits for the final piece, and will continue our compiling...

2008-08-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe that we’ve been here for a week now. Its hard to believe that this week is already over.
Putting on the children’s program here in Quito has been one of those strange phenomenon’s. You know – where it feels as though we’ve been here for a month when really, its only been seven days.
Really. Its only been one week.
Its seems like we just landed in Quito and at the same time it seems we have been here for ages.
Today was the last day of the Children’s Program. The Magnum Opis. The All day-er.

Seven days ago we arrived with this monster of a task ahead of us, ready to conquer. Seven days ago I had no idea what to expect, about anything at all. Seven days ago I had no idea how much my heart would attach to 96 little faces from the Mountains of Ecuador.
"

This week has been a journey for me, but not in the way you would expect. I wasn’t teaching craft class or leading songs in large group or making sure that everything ran the way it should.

My job was to watch. To watch and record.
As one of the team photographers, I had the experience of being the ‘eyes’ of this body of Christ. What I saw was just that. The body of Christ. His very presence, here in Quito, working through our team to touch lives of all ages. Mine Included.

This week I watched love in action. I watched my teammates be challenged, and tried and stretched.

I watched 70 some kids from Quito memorize God’s word and hide it in their heart.

This week I watched 15 young people build crucial relationships to pass down God’s principles to the next generation.

And today, I watched as it all wrapped up and came to a close.
Week one it Quito- accomplished.

Goodbyes were said. Bandanas were signed…..and signed some more. As the kids were filtering out, saying their last goodbye’s I couldn’t help but notice the impact of love. These kids, who were once stoic on the first night were now beaming with joy -love brimming over.

Love makes a difference. It really does.

Tomorrow we leave for Esmeraldas, a city in Northern Ecuador. We leave behind Quito, just for a week-but at the same time, I feel we are leaving something more than that.
We are leaving Casa Del Padre, the faithful house on the Mountains.
We are leaving hours of planning, traveling and discussing.
We are leaving the congregation at the Church in Quito, the one that has so graciously opened its arms to us.
We are leaving 90 shining faces that left smiling every night this past week.
We are leaving a legacy.

7 days.
1 church.
96 kids.
5 colors.
15 Brave young people
7 translators.
1 amazing week

<>

Week 2 , Esmareldas here we come…..

- Laura Clawson

<>

Lives Touching Lives

2008-08-07T22:24:00.001-07:00

RevMedia is about seeing the need and being the change.

It starts out with me.

It extends to me touching another life.

It continues when the life that I touched reaches another life too.

And it expands when other lives see the deep and artistic stories that come out of those experiences.

When we first arrived in Quito, there was a group of people from the church here waiting to help us get settled in. They picked us up from the airport. When I approached the group, dragging my suitcase and huge equipment duffel, a boy looked at me, smiled, and asked if he could help me. I let him drag my equipment bag.

Little did I know that this boy - Santiago, or San - loves multimedia. I didn't know that he is going to school for multimedia in October. I didn't know that he would be such a fabulous photographer. I didn't know that he'd become such a dear friend. Santiago has watched, has inquired, has been inspired by Laura and I working on our Global Encounters promo. He's held our equipment, shot with our camera's, and read through our script. He's so excited to go into multimedia.

The coolest part about this? That God threw Santiago into our path so that we could show him what it is to pursue multimedia for the glory of God. Tomorrow, Laura and I are going to begin our interview filming for the promotional piece. Santiago is going to help us, and see how exactly we do what we do.

We covet your prayers...that tomorrow would be an inspired and anointed day of filming. By the hand and blessing of Jesus, this promo won't be simply a promo. It will be a piece of art and an amazing message for the glory of God.

Blessings!

Christina

Do Good Anyway

2008-08-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes meeting all these new people in all these new places makes my head hurt.
I’m just trying to remember new names and identify all new faces. Its hard.

Sometimes meeting all these new people in all these new places makes my heart hurt.
I’m just trying to live the way Jesus told me to and love in a likewise manner and so I connect. And then I have to leave. And a piece of my heart stays with them. Its hard.

I was thinking about this concept today as Christina and I visited an Orphanage in downtown Quito with the Global Encounters team.

The kids were so excited to see us. So ready to give hugs and laugh… and play around with our expensive cameras. Personally, I had an amazing time just kicking a soccer ball around with 9 little 8 year old's and sharing my cookie with a 3 year old.

Today I held many dirty hands.

Today, I shared smiles with beautiful faces.

Today I wondered if it hurt them more for me to come and love and leave than it would if I hadn’t come at all.

Today, I looked into to big brown eyes and knew the answer.

Its hard for me to get into circumstances as such and connect myself- really connect myself and then leave. Its hard for me to become vulnerable all over again and again and again. I don’t like it. Really, I don’t.
But today, playing with the kids- just laughing, and watching and holding them- it struck me.
Its always better- always- to love. To connect.

It hurts to connect and then leave.
But it hurts me more not to.
Those orphan kids might forget about me tomorrow.
But I gotta love anyway.
Its what Jesus did for me.
I can do no less.

"People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
People who really want help may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway."

Mother Teresa

p.s.
I finished the screenplay today.
Hazaa.

-Laura Clawson

Be a Major Change

2008-08-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening I caught a glimpse of God's reason for bringing me on this trip to Ecuador. Yes, it was to build a promotional video for Global Encounters. Yes, it was to get amazing portraits. Yes, it was to plan a missions media workshop.

But...

It was for something more too.

I am on this trip for me.

Have you ever had that feeling before? When you think you are going somewhere to give your all, and then God says, "not so fast...your going to get just as much as you are going to give..."

That, is an incredible feeling.

As we put together this promo, and build screenplay's and scripts, we've been talking about missions a lot. And real, Jesus like ministry. The idea that when you as a believer focus on Jesus, you will automatically begin to reach out to others; if you aren't reaching out, its really doubtful you know Jesus.

So, technically, all You have to actively pursue is knowing Jesus...and as a result, HE will be the one to change the world THROUGH you.

Have you ever thought about that?

You will be a MAJOR change to the world when You seek relationship with Jesus.

That is, in a word, awesome.

I don't know

2008-08-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

Today we sorted through technical stuff.

Today I am coming to realize that video is a lot more complicated than I had first thought.

Christina and I spent the better part of the day trying to figure out how to correctly get a digital workflow system for our Audio Visual down.
We wrote in 3 different notebook and a good 6 hours trying to discover the secret to digital decoding. In the end, we were slightly successful, figuring out the solution to at least one of the issues.

In the South American culture, many things are unpredictable. Times change, buses are late, people don’t show up, it rains and then ten minutes later the sun pops out. One of the most common answers to any question down here is “ I don’t know”

Now, my Spanish may not be so great but that’s one part of the Ecuadorian culture that I am catching onto rather quickly- the fact that I don’t know.

At first this frustrated me. Then it wore me out. But I am coming to realize that it’s ok if I don’t know.

I might not totally understand how to convert AVI files to DV files using the correct codec.

I might not totally understand how to sync pc and mac settings or transfer sufficient digital data via firewire.
I might not totally understand how to get the best in studio lighting or achieve the optimal FPP synchronization.

But one thing I am coming to understand…..
I don’t have to know everything.

I am coming to understand that life, not unlike this new video adventure of mine- is all about learning. And a lot of it is about not knowing.

Life- at least the lives of 2 certain artists trying hard to figure out complex media, let alone acquire some hot coffee using correct the correct Spanish-is about doing what we can to do what we can and then giving the rest up to the One who does.
Life is about admitting that I don’t know.

And personally,

I’m ok with it.

- Laura Clawson

I Held a Shoe Shiner's Hand Today

2008-08-03T20:22:00.001-07:00

This morning I met a shoe shiner.

His hands were rough. His face and hands soiled and dirty as though they had not been cleaned for months. His clothes were tattered and worn. His little box of shoe shining equipment was clutched tightly in his hands as though it were the most valuable possession he owned.

He was seven years old.

He had been shining shoes on the streets of Ecuador already for 3 years. His parents required him to bring home $5 every day. If he did not do this, he was beaten.

One of the Pastors allowed him to polish his shoes – even though the shoes were quite fine. He shined the shoes with the experience of someone who has known the work and is comfortable with it. When he was done, the Pastor handed him the change from his pocket.

His little brother was with him. His little brother was four. His face was haunted by a desperation that I have rarely seen on a child his age. He begged for money. Passionately. When I asked his name, he shook his head and turned away. He didn’t want to talk to me. He just wanted the money.

And as he turned away, I saw in his eyes a child who had been deeply wounded.

I had no change. I had no shoes that needed to be shined.

I had nothing to give him. And I didn’t even speak Spanish to communicate these things.

At the moment where I didn’t know what to do, the Pastor asked in Spanish if the boys would mind him praying for them. I don’t know if he gave them time to respond, but he put his hands on their heads, bent down, and prayed.

At first, I didn’t know if the moment was too intimate for me to become a part of. But I felt the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit. Slowly, I reached out and took the hand of the little four-year-old shoe shiner. At first, his hand was limp in mine. But then, as the Pastor continued praying, I gently stroked the dirty hand with my thumb. And I felt the little one slowly grip my fingers.

Jacob offered to pay for them to come to the children’s seminar. The seven year old wanted to come and was so excited. The four year old didn’t want anything to do with it.

But tonight, as we gathered the children into the chapel, there was no sign of the little street cleaner. And I have to wonder, why? Is it because he didn’t get his $5 and was beaten? Was it because his parents refused to grant him the freedom to take “charity?”

I don’t know.

Tonight I have been pondering what took place. My soul and spirit feels so burdened for these hurting little ones. And that is when I realized something. The Revolutionary Media slogan is “See the need, be the change.” Well, sometimes it’s a sacrifice to be the change. But you know what? Sometimes it’s even harder to know that you can’t be the change, but you still need to see the need.

Because Jesus…He saw the needs.

Of

The

Whole

World.

Sometimes, you can’t be a change until you are willing to see the needs. For when you see those needs, when you see them with both physical and spiritual eyes – that is when the fire is lit within you to be the change.

Perhaps seeing needs like that is a greater burden than being the change.

So the question is this:

If you want to change the world, will you bear the burden of its needs?

If your not willing to do this, there’s no way Jesus will use You to affect change as His hands and feet. For Jesus Himself bore the burden of the needs of the world – and He was willing to die for them.

Are you?

Today, I saw the needs of a four-year-old little boy. I couldn’t be any change in his life. Except in the tiny, and seemingly insignificant way of holding his hand. I don’t know if it affected him. And I probably never will. Honesty, I don’t even think that matters. Why? Because I wonder…

If Jesus saw his need, would He have held the little four-year-old shoe shiner’s hand too?

RevMedia Back to Changing the World

2008-08-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

Laura Clawson and Christina Dickson head out today for the international destination of Ecaudor! Traveling together as the media branch of Global Encounters, we two girls will be putting together multimedia promotionals, portraits for schools and churches, and other really sweet projects.

We'll keep you updated as the trip goes on this month! Keep us in your prayers!

Christina

Remember Revolutionary Media

2008-05-31T01:04:00.000-07:00

It has been a month since the last Revolutionary Media team members parted ways outside the Portland Airport. Since then, there has been a great deal of activity and struggle as our team adjusts back to every day life and continues to develop the mission of Revolutionary Media. Team members have gone back home but their hearts are still with the people they met during the project. In many respects, the project isn't over.

During the month of May, Jocelyn Edlin completed the organizing of the team's book, "Dear World". The book files have been sent off to Aaron Dodson for the completion of graphics and compositing. Caitlin Muir continues developing the script for our "Burnside Underground" docu-drama. And on the business front, I (Christina Dickson) have been searching for the perfect post studio that will partner with the Revolutionary Media team's vision for the long term.

Think that's all? Not a chance. There is an insane amount of work that's going into building the most visionary production group you've never heard of. Alongside these tasks, our team has been giving trip presentations, writing business plans, developing financial projections, and researching legal advice on how to set up our non-profit and business for maximum impact. We've also been setting up fundraiser projects for Burnside Underground post-production studio fees. Some products we hope to release this summer include Burnside Underground wristbands, calendars, t-shirts and posters.

Revolutionary Media has made plans to lay a solid foundation for upcoming projects and business. Our goal is to create impacting media of incredible artistic quality, and this takes time. We aren't interested in just making media. We want to make media that lingers and changes lives. The release of our first book, DVD, and promotional is tentatively planned for late fall. We appreciate all the prayers and support that each of our fans have given as we seek to see this project through.

In the months to follow, be sure to remember Burnside Underground. Don’t forget the stories from the streets that you’ve already heard. Don’t forget the lives you’ve caught a glimpse of. Don’t forget the people you may pass on the street.

Don't forget about Revolutionary Media.

Remember that we are the writers who help you know the words of the voiceless. Remember that we are the videographers who inspire you to reach out to the poor and friendless neighbors of your street. Remember that we are the photographers who give your eyes vision of hope for the lost.

Remember Revolutionary Media; the philanthropic artists you've never heard of.

...now back to your regularly scheduled programming...

2008-04-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a little bit over a week since our last post.

The remaining three Revolutionary Media members in Oregon have been busy, working late into the night like elves to get as much of post-production wrapped up as they can. The documentary is taking shape and we're proud to announce that we've gotten more work done than we thought possible. We're actually pretty convinced that it's a modern day miracle of sorts. God is good.

We hit the recording studio yesterday! Our musicians recorded the song they wrote exclusively for our film and we couldn't be happier with them. They are amazing.

The trio of Aaron, Christina and myself, headed to NE Portland yesterday. We were hitting the streets, not in search of homeless people, but for citizen's views on the gentrification of their neighborhood. Gentrification is a big word that sums up all that happens when an economically challenged area gets rebuilt--newer and better buildings, higher rent, new neighbors, safer streets while saying goodbye to the landmark renters, stores, and more flavorful neighbors. We soon discovered that gentrification is a politically charged word. Throw in some racial divisions and you had yourself a very interesting afternoon on the street.

The gentrification film was a small, independent project that we were asked to do by another media firm. It was also a chance for us to get our feet wet again. We had a wonderful afternoon, talking to baristas, shop owners, radicals, street women, and all sorts of the post-punk crowd who had begun to trickle into the neighborhood. Everyone had an opinion but it was hard to get them to feel comfortable sharing that opinion on camera. But we did and the short will be turned into the firm by the end of the week.

To all of you who are checking up on this blog: thank you for all of your support over the last two months. The project isn't over yet. Say a prayer or two for us when you think of us. And please, don't forget to love on the people around you.

--Caitlin Muir, Team Journalist

Day 43.

2008-04-22T20:08:00.001-07:00

I miss the Texans.

I do.

I miss Whitney’s gentle smile that fills me with peace. I miss her aura—the Jesus-child glow that comes from reveling in her Maker. I miss being filled with wonder whenever I talked to her. I miss exploring the old church with her, pretending we were detectives like little girls, and trying to find out what was in each room.

I miss Jake’s teasing that comes out of the blue and makes me crack up. I miss those funny looks we used to trade during tense situations that always made me smile on the inside. I miss always talking about how hungry we are and what kind of food we are craving. I miss laughing at his phobia of public toilets downtown.

I miss Taylor’s inquisitiveness, maddening though it may be at times. I miss being the “liberal” one of the group. I miss having someone right beside me who I know will have my back—no matter what part of town we are in. I miss praying with random people on the street with him. I miss arguing about which of us has a cooler family.

I miss the camaraderie. I miss inside jokes and secret smiles. I miss text messages from across the room. I miss talking side by side. I miss going out on the street. I miss hearing Jake tell me that he’s hungry. I miss hugs from Whitney. I miss laughing at stupid things with Taylor.

I miss my new “cousins”.

I hate the fact that they are so far away. I hate that I can’t see them. I hate that I don’t have their shoulders near by to cry on. I hate not being able to sit and hear Taylor worship from the depths of his heart. I hate not being able to see them face-to-face. I hate not seeing their expressions. I hate not being able to make Whitney smile from across the room. I hate not being able to feed them rice candy. I hate not seeing Jake randomly bust out gymnastic moves.

I love the way that they make me smile. I love the way they make me want to be like them. I love the way that they glow. I love the way they love. I love the way they gently remind me what life is really about. I love how they have more maturity and depth than a thousand other people I have met. I love how they are from Texas—a completely different culture—and yet, I still adore them. I love their cute accents that come out when they are tired. I love seeing Jesus in them. I love the way they poked fun at my own state and made me laugh at my tree-hugging ways. I love how they made me rethink some things in my life. I love the way God brought them into my life. I love that they are Scottish, just like me. I love that each of them possesses a delicate, fragile, beautiful heart that is not afraid to love. I love the way they aren’t afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves. I love the way they aren’t ashamed of their faith—their relationship with Christ. I love how they pray. I love the way they interact with each other. I love the way they take risks. I love how they are chill about life. I love how lovely they are. I love the poetry that is written in their eyes.

I just simply love them.

--Caitlin Muir, Team Journalist

Day 42.

2008-04-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

The members of Revolutionary Media met with the local branch of One Economy today. One Economy is an international company which is endeavoring to reach out to economically challenged people through the internet and education. They are also interested in contracting Revolutionary Media to provide content for their websites.

It’s an appealing proposition—having semi-steady media jobs betwixt projects would help us maintain funds and while sharpening our skill sets. Members of our group could work independently for the company or work together. It seems like a win-win situation for everyone involved.

No decision has been set about any form of involvement. Just pray for us as we seek wisdom in the matter.

-- Caitlin Muir, Team Journalist

Day 41.

2008-04-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

"At the end of our lives, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in.’

Hungry not only for bread-but hungry for love.

Naked not only for clothing-but naked of human dignity and respect.

Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks-but homeless because of rejection.

This is Christ in distressing disguise." -- Mother Teresa

Day 40.

2008-04-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

The Texan interns left today, taking with them a huge chunk of our hearts.

I don't think any of us ever expected that we'd grow as close as we did. Casual friendships turned into family bonds over the six weeks, forever changing the way that we look at each other. It is time to throw out the word intern, to banish it from our vocabulary. They are something much deeper and dearer than that. I don't know if the English language has the word I'm looking for. Maybe it's not something that you can really express verbally; maybe it's best left to be felt in the depths of a person's soul.

Whitney, Taylor, and Jake are unaware of the effect they have had on the team. They are oblivious to the lasting impact they've made on our lives. They are unaware that half the management team wants to be just like them when they "grow up". They are clueless to the challenge they've issued to us; inspiring us to grow closer in our relationships with other people and God. They just might be the most important people in Revolutionary Media.

--Caitlin Muir, Team Journalist

Day 39

2008-04-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Time was ticking and the sand in the hour glass was running out far too fast. The four interns had two days to finish putting the Rev Media promotional together, but that wasn’t enough time to finish it and make it the jaw-dropping production that they wanted it to be. The managers would be left to finish the promotional, but they already had enough on their plates with the actual docu -drama and book. That is why what happened next was a true answer to prayer.

Christina walked into the "White Room of Doom" (aka, our production studio) and announced that it would be fine with her family if Laura, Whitney, Taylor, and Jake stayed an extra week to finish the project up. Laura already knew that she wouldn’t be able to stay, because of things that she had going at home. Taylor, Whitney, and Jake ,however, immediately called their families to find out if it would be alright if they stayed for the extra time. They were shocked to find out that it would be fine with their families as long as they could transfer the flight for little enough money.

"It will probably cost at least two hundred dollars," Aaron and Christina explained.

Whitney’s heart sunk because she knew that ,if it cost too much, they would be heading home without having finished the task at hand. She pulled out her computer to check, all the while praying that God would confirm if He wanted them to stay by providing the flight and the money. He confirmed by allowing the transfer to be only twenty - one dollars for all three of them!

She quickly called her mom, only to find out that her family had extra money from a flight that her sister hadn’t been able to take, which meant that even the mere twenty - one dollars was covered! Whitney, Jake, and Taylor were overwhelmed with surprise and gratefulness as they headed into the next week to finish out the task that God had laid before them.
~*~

God is truly amazing and He really does answer prayer. He moves when His children allow Him to, when they don’t keep Him in a box, and when that happens, they are amazed at His goodness. I’ve always wanted to be part of a trip that has a definite ending point which, when that spot is reached, God extends to a later time, and on this trip I was. It’s a crazy wonderful feeling to be part of something that He is so free to move and to change things in - that He is the leader of. I would be involved with Rev Media again in whatever way the door is opened for the simple fact that God is not kept in a box and that the team is truly directed by His hand. I want to be where God is moving and I know that He is with this organization.

Written by Whitney Lindsey, Director's Assistant

Day 38

2008-04-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

My pastor often declares that "worship is a verb", after which he explains that the things we do in our everyday lives should be done as worship to our amazing Jesus. Being on the Rev Media team has opened my eyes to this truth in a whole new way. We are seeking to bless God with the most beautiful worship that we can through this project. In the process of capturing it, putting it together, and in the final outcome we are seeking to show even a small part of His heart and of our extreme devotion and adoration for Him. All too often Christians settle for second best when it comes to showing the love of God through art; Rev Media won’t settle for anything but the very best that we can give Him.
In his book "Into the Depths of God" Calvin Miller states that,"True praise of any sort is so passionate it leaves us weak when it is over. We love Him [Jesus] too much to stop painting Him, and yet we loathe ourselves because our small talents can’t make Him very real. But on we strive! We must do what we can - all we can -anything less would be blasphemy."
This is what Rev Media will continue to do. We will do all we can to show God’s heart and to give Him glory!

Written by Whitney Lindsey, Director's Assistant

Day 37.

2008-04-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sluggish. Hhmm. That is kind of how I feel right about now. Peaceful. That is another thing I’m feeling right about now: victorious. That is one reality that I cannot deny.

The sluggishness comes from my mental exhaustion. Overall, the work of the project is going well and there are only a few things that don’t seem in place: my ability to think clearly, my physical energy, and my internal clock. (Wow, is it off!) But these things have to be shaken, broken down and moved so that I become dependent on God to help me do the tasks assigned to me. After seeing God work faithfully in my own weaknesses and others around me, I realize that this place of weakness is most likely a good place to be. O Faithful God!

The peacefulness has come from situations on this trip where I had to rely on a Faithful God and He surprised me more than once with His extreme faithfulness. So right now, even with all the other "stuff" that needs to be done looming in my mind, I feel at peace because of a grounded trust. Trust is something that God continually works into our hearts day by day. Sometimes we think we can "conjur" up some kind of faith in God, but that faith is only a combination of confidence in ourselves, reckless radicalism, and a fear to actually just trust. People throw on this kind of faith and then start busying themselves with things to "do for God" because they are actually afraid to just sit and trust Him. Real faith is uncomfortable a lot of times because we can’t comfort ourselves with our own accomplishments. It’s the "Mary and Martha" story that plays out in our personal lives every day. Martha’s faith kept her busy with no time to be peaceful; but Mary’s faith made her to sit on the ground in an uncomfortable place but she had perfect peace in her place of simple trust. This simple trust in God brings about weird and wonderful kind of peace.

This reality of victory isn’t because our project is ahead of schedule. It isn’t because everyone on the team is having a fabulous week.. It isn’t because everything is "set in stone"–done. The realization of victory is felt, acknowledged and known because the realization of God’s hand working with us has been made evident to us day to day. When you are sure of God’s presence in something, you feel excited and confident that He is going to work His will in ways you may not be able to imagine. That doesn’t mean that you aren’t tired. That doesn’t mean that you are completely comfortable. And it doesn’t mean that you have no doubts at all. It simply means that your trust and confidence is in Something else, something you have put all of your faith into. And if the Something proves It’s trustworthiness time and again to you, then believing a promise of victory is easy to do.

Trusting in God to fight for us throughout this trip has revealed a picture of God’s faithfulness to us, because every time we called on Him, He came rushing to our rescue. Every time our pride got in the way of our goal, when we asked for humbleness, God poured it out abundantly. Every time our hearts were broken, when we asked Him to fix them, He did.

--Taylor Lindsey, Assistant Journalist.

Day 36.

2008-04-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Do you see these people? These beautiful artistic ragamuffins? They look so serious but underneath the somber expressions are hearts that beat for the lonely and unloved. They are my team and I adore them all. Let me introduce them to you.

Jocelyn is the one on the far left. She's an elegant photographer who recently came back from a trip to Cambodia. She does fashion photography most of the time but her heart is for the hurting and forgotten.

Caleb comes next in the lineup. He wants to be the next Mel Gibson in the world of directing. He's well on his way to making that dream become a reality. Look him up in a few years.

Laura is my tree-hugging, thrift-shopping, Portland-loving, latte-slinging sister from Minnesota. She's mind-boggling inspiring and humble to boot. She's Sierra Jensen come to life.

There's me. I missed the memo about wearing blue that day. I was too busy playing by a waterfall and planning out biographical sketches for "Dear World." I'm the resident writer.

Then there's Taylor, my assistant with a heart the size of Texas. He's a f.a.n.a.t.i.c. who loves Jesus and people. He's the guy you want by your side when gallavanting about the dark alleys of Portland.

Christina. The woman who followed the dream that God planted in her heart. She's the one who brought us all together. She's the one who encourages us to keep going and reminds us that God loves PEOPLE. She's amazing.

Aaron is our graphic designer who does amazing work. He can take simple words and make them artistic and incredibly beautiful. He likes to instigate tapioca ball wars. He's also a good shopping buddy (but don't tell him that I said that).

Whitney is the woman that I want to be when I finally grow up. Her love for Jesus fills her being and comes out through her eyes, smile, and the way she cares for people. Listening to her prayers is like eavesdropping on a private conversation between her and Jesus.

Last, but not least, is Jake. He's quiet but when he opens his mouth, something deep usually comes out. He's solid and he's another person who is sold out to Jesus. He also has a really mean aim with tapioca bubbles. He's pretty much flippin' sweet.

These are my people. These are the ones who I laugh/work/play with. These are the people who have helped draw me closer to Jesus through their examples. These are the people I have helped pry church windows open with when we were locked out of our base. These are the people who I have had tapioca ball wars with while driving down the road. These are the people who are moving to the deep rhythms of God's grace. These are the people who I have seen cry for the forgotten. These are the people I have seen Christ in. I love them.

This is Revolutionary Media.

See the need. Be the change.

--Caitlin Muir, Team Journalist

--Image Copyrighted 2008, Laura Clawson

Day 35.

2008-04-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

I always thought I had a pretty good heart.

But for some reason, my heart is broken tonight. My heart is broken and exposed, and I don't like the look of it. I see gooey black masses of pride, and I see hypocrisy, and I see all the things that I don't want to be.

So there comes an idea. I will take my heart and bring it out of it's cool dark corner where it has been festering and take it out on the streets of Portland. There I will put my heart on the sidewalk and feel what it is like to be out from the places that I call comfortable. So that is what I have done. For three weeks I tried to get inside the mind and emotions of a street kid and what they love and what they hate. I have seen things that have made my sheltered little mind shudder with horror. I have felt pain like the kind that comes from violently ended love. I have seen humanity in the light of the calloused, pompous and pharisetical snobs that we can so often be. I have never been so scared in all my life.

Scared you ask? Scared because I see the worst of all of it in my own life. I see the blond that covers her eyes so she doesn't see the street kid, I see the meth addicts' sagging eyes and glassy stare. I see that in me. And I am scared.

So here I sit looking at my heart again. There are little grits of sand and gravel from the concrete where my heart has been these last few weeks, there are spots of blood where it has been scraped and bruised. I am not sure what is better, the sleepy pride, or this ragged love-pain.
But then I open my Bible. I try to get a picture of the heart of Jesus. There on those thin paper pages a picture begins to appear of the heart of my Lord Jesus. Then I cry. I cry because I see what his heart looked like. I cry when I hear him say that he came for the least of these, those who need the doctor and not those who think they have it all together.

I cry because i ever asked the question, because I ever thought that apathy might be better. The heart of Jesus is so broken and torn, it is so dirty and bruised that it is misshapen and battered. He is my Lord, and that is what my heart should look like.

It is time I take my heart out of it's box and but it where my Lord put his. Right smack in the middle of the pain, need, tears, and the wounds.

Then will I live a life worth living.

Then will the air be worth breathing.

Then will my heart be worth keeping.

--- Aaron Dodson, Revolutionary Media, Media Coordinator

Day 34.

2008-04-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

I've been in a reflective mood this weekend. Perhaps it's the fact that this project is almost done, perhaps it's the fact that I know that this work God started will continue in my heart for a long time. It might be the result of being away from my team and the streets and simply having time to reflect.

Sometime this week, I saw a quote on poverty by Mother Teresa. I'm not Catholic but I do believe that this woman is a good example of what it means to love people. She was respected by people for a reason. Over the weekend, I've been reading a few more of her quotes. She puts such deep thoughts in simple words. These are some of my favorites:

"The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread."

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."

"Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty."

And here is the one that encapsulates the people and vision of Revolutionary Media:

There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect and the love and the devotion come in - that we do it to God, to Christ, and that's why we try to do it as beautifully as possible.

As you get ready to start your week, to go to work and get about your business, take the time to think on some of these things. Think about what minstry is. Pray about it. And then...do it.

Day 33.

2008-04-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

I went ice-skating at Lloyd Center tonight.

It wasn’t official documentary work but it was something deeper and worthwhile. It was about building relationships. It was about loving people.

A few weeks ago, Miranda, one of the subjects of the documentary, asked me and the crew if we wanted to go ice skating. As the weeks passed, it never really worked out for us to go. Miranda and I made it work tonight.

The story of our friendship is funny. When we first met, we didn’t exactly hit it off. I was down at the drop-in checking it out and she was there for the Bible study. I happened to sit down at her table and she was rightfully wary of another stranger popping in for a little bit. I was nervous and she was cautious. Conversation was halting at best.

Our first official interview was almost a month ago. This time, we bonded over books and stories of the street while sipping tea in the small café in Powells. The interview stretched into the night as we talked. The topics ranged from life on the street, drugs, and her childhood to her favorite stores, and of course, men. I felt sorry for Aaron who was transcribing faithfully on the other side of the table.

As we started to hang out with each other more, our friendship started to grow. I saw Miranda at the drop-in during the week and we’d talk. With each interview, we would learn more about the other. It was fun to get to know my sister in Christ.

When I went to the Easter retreat at Royal Ridges, Miranda was there with her daughter. It was like hanging out with an old friend. We hit the big swing together and later, shivered next to each other as we sat by a small fire, trying to get warm. Later that night, we sat at the roaring bonfire, lifting our hands as we worshiped God together.

So when we hit the ice tonight, it was great. None of our small group was any good at ice-skating but that didn’t stop us from trying. Watching four twenty-somethings hitting the ice was entertaining for the rest of the mall. The DJ loved us. We should have gotten an “A” for effort. Throughout the night, Miranda’s boyfriend kept muttering, “I can’t believe that I’m doing this.”

Someone once told me that all ministry entails is showing up. Another person told me that it’s loving people. I think it’s both. And if that is ministry, I think I can do it.

-- Caitlin Muir, Team Journalist

Day 32

2008-04-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

While Flipping though my journal this morning I found a letter that I forgot to tear out from one of the street kids, Sebastian Snow. I wasn’t necessarily looking for the letter, just sort of browsing the pages of the past weeks, remembering the moments. Trying to understand how I am going to function correctly after I go home. I flipped to his page and reread the letter that had stabbed my heart so many times already.

The letter, to me, is a cry. The story of a 16 year old boy in and out of mental facilities and now living on the street under the Morrison bridge. In chains to meth since he was nine. Nine. That’s one less than ten, one more than eight. Nine.

The letter, to me, is a memory. The time when Christina and Jocelyn and I walked the water front to get some portraits of the street kids. The day I went out, dead set on changing the world, but had my world changed instead. The day I learned to love past the makeup and smell, the booze and dope. The day the little boy with the desperately blue eyes looked into my soul and I realized why Jesus loves us so much.

The day by the water front was special to me because I saw a need. Even though I had been working with the homeless for two weeks already, it didn’t hit me until that day. The fact that truly, as cliché as it sounds ……what the world needs is love.

And that day, I felt that love. By maybe just asking Seb to write a letter. By maybe just asking a punk why he likes photography. By maybe just caring.

Just a little bit.

That day I felt that love because I finally allowed myself to feel it.

After Seb handed gave me the letter I walked down the boardwalk, away from the city, whispering life to the words he fiercely wrote in my book. That night I cried for Seb. I cried for all the Seb’s of Portland. That night I cried because of the Seb inside me.

That night, I cried for this day.

The day that I would have to leave, the going home day. Today is the day that I will leave my friends in Portland and go home and be the change in my own city, as painful as it may be. My Files are transferred, but my vision hasn’t . My bags are all packed up, but alas my heart is not. I think that part of me will always be here in Portland, here on the streets, under the bridges. These people, these smelly, dirty, beautiful people have changed me. This fact compels me. It moves me forward. I want to change the world. Really, I do. I want to travel and see the trees in Singapore, I want go to the deep south and cover Katrina. I want to move to India and photograph orphans. I want to continue to change and be changed.

I Maybe I will some day. For right now, though? I will be the change I wish to see in the world.

But I will start here.

In my own country. In my own town.

In my own heart.

What next you ask?

There is only one option.

Forward.

Written by Laura Clawson, photographer of all things deepandbeautiful

Day 31.

2008-04-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is really hard, you know? Sometimes it is really difficult to remember, recognize, or even sense that God’s hand is really on you. When working with the task at hand, knowing that God’s approval and love is on you is a necessity for the heart. At times, though, if the knowledge of God’s love and approval is not reaffirmed, the heart weakens and begins to faint.

The past few days had been one of those times. Because of unrestrained self-doubt, my heart began to feel faint. The simple tasks of the day were not imposing. The set goals were (and still are) large, but not intimidating. Only a simple, and yet piercing, question ate at my weakened heart, “am I really profitable for, and needed by, my team? Is God really using me in this project?”

I began praying with all the strength I had left. Still, the question thronged and I subconsciously began telling God that I needed Him to let me know what HE thought of me, and if He was really using me. Coming out of my room to work, I asked God to speak His word of encouragement to me through Christina. Christina and I had set a meeting, to go over some work I had done. The meting was a few moments after I prayed.

We went outside for the meeting and sat on the deck. It was cool outside, the sky completely overcast. Peaceful. I was about to start going over the work with her, but she recognized that something was bothering me. She began to speak words strait to my burdened heart. She brought up and spoke about things that had been living only in my subconscious, but things I knew were the root problem of my discouragement. As she began to bless me , my heart grew with confidence. My hope was restored. My passion was renewed. It was just one of those moments…when a Father kisses His child’s skinned knee after they fell off their bicycle, He speaks soothing words and then picks His child up and puts them back on their bicycle to try again.

My Father is good to me.

--Taylor Lindsey, Assistant Journalist

Post Production

2008-04-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

Post Production: gathering ideas for 'Dear World' ,and catching some much needed rest while waiting for a video to finish rendering

sneek peek

2008-04-09T22:23:00.000-07:00

Burnside Underground Teaser .1

2008-04-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

Being in the director's shoes of this upcoming docu-drama, it seems as though a few short weeks have evolved into a few years since our little team met together for the first time to begin this crazy dream of a project. From various sides of the country we came to bring what talents and abilities we had to offer in making up the incredible task-force you know as the "Rev-Media team". For most of us starting out our mission was to head-out and give of ourselves to ensure the success of this endeavor. In my opinion, the surprise element was within the dark wanting eyes of the people we encountered on the streets. How would we have known that this emptiness would speak volumes and fill our hearts with the ideas,creative inspiration and discerning spirit to go about diving into this deep subject.

We saw that trying to show the audience this world of the streets from the view we see all the time, would do very little and still leave all those unanswered misconceptions in the minds of the viewers. As we discussed strategy in story telling, we unanimously agreed to show the people from the inside out giving an honest chance to grasp what our team has seen almost on a daily basis for the past weeks. If it was your Grandfather or better yet if it was YOU on the street corner holding that "will work for food" sign, that might change the way you see these people. After being in post production for more than a week now we finally produced the teaser above to give a glimpse into what this project is really about. Some of these ideas have been touched on in this snippet of video, but rest assured this is only the beginning. We now press on in post production to fight our arch nemesis "Father Time" in this process that can most times determine the fate of a project.

2008-04-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

You never know when you could be someone’s life line.

It’s been five fast and crazy weeks during which time God has done the impossible - nine crazy twenty somethings have not only gathered footage for a docu-drama and book that will change the way people see the homeless, they have also found friends along the way - both in their team and with the kids on the streets.

Thinking back on this trip, on the footage taken and the friendships made, I remember what a good friend once told me. He said that "behind every face there’s a story". I think of Strawberry, Zimm, Kat, Dee, Daisy, Monique, Michelle,Sean, Leo, and all the rest, and of the stories they’ve shared with us.

I think of how it was supposed to be impossible for us to bond with them so fast, and yet we did. I think of how good God has been.

There are so many ways that I have changed since being on this trip and so many things that I will take home with me, but I think one of the most impacting is that I will never see people the same again. I pray that I will never pass a homeless person by without at least looking into his eyes and smiling at him, that I will never build a wall just because of the outward appearance of someone, that I will never see a friend who’s hurting and not reach out to them.

As I head home, I wonder if I’ll ever see any of these kids again. Will I ever know if the seeds that were sown sprouted and grew? I might find out someday, but maybe I won’t. Either way, there are two things that I can do: one is to keep standing in the gap for them in prayer; the other is to be aware of the Zimms, Strawberries, and Kats in my life every day. Whether that is a friend, a family member, someone on the streets or in another country, I can be constantly aware of the people God is sending me out as a life line to.

So, who is the Zimm in your life? Who is the one that Jesus wants to use you as a life line for? I assure you that there is at least one person, but , when you see the need, will you be willing to be the change?

--Whitney Lindsey, Assistant Production Manager

Day 29

2008-04-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

Post production. An interesting mix of feelings is aroused at the mention of this word. Post Production is the phase of the project in which our team sorts footage gathered, edits footage, makes the footage look good, and then polishes the footage to perfection. In one sense, a great battle is over and there is a feeling of victory. In another sense, technical and tedious work is before the team and, every now and then, boredom and drudgery are just as powerful enemies as physical danger and exhaustion on the streets. Of course, the thought of our fellowship breaking is completely heart wrenching and I can’t think about that right now..
Most of the Post Production work is being done in a room at the Dickson house which the team has affectionately termed “the White Room of Doom”. At the end of the day, a soft bed and dreams is all our minds can focus on. Eight desktops and laptops run constantly, and the silence of creative minds churning to create is interestingly loud.
Days like today seem like they have been few and far between. Days like this Sunday, when there is some work to be done, but everything is relaxed and there is time to think, these days I love.
I think part of me has fallen in love with this lifestyle of chasing and fighting for a goal along side brothers and sisters of the same heart. It is so strengthening to be a slave to righteousness if the slaves surrounding you work with the same heart, toward the same goal. This is the picture I see when I look at my teammates. I love this! This manifestation of God’s children being the church is beautiful to me.
Today is a good day. This life is a great battle. Our God is a Mighty God.

Day 28.

2008-04-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

Fearful snobbery is contagious.

It's far too easy to classify people, to put them in neat little boxes so we don't have to do anything else with them. It seems to be our way of maintaining our own preconceptions, our prejudices and our worldviews. By putting people at arm's distance, we keep ourself from being vulnerable and all possibility of being hurt.

We walk with our noses in the air, looking down at people when we take our eyes off our own reflection. The air we wear is one of pride. After all, we're following the American dream. We have houses, cars and the ladder of success is gripped firmly in our hands.

The homeless people aren't like us. That is what we tell ourselves as we walk past with our bundles of bags. We may pretend that we are better than them, we might even believe it in our heads. But inside our hearts, we are afraid of them. Afraid of the differences and afraid of the similarities that mark us. We are afraid that if we slip up we will become just like them.

So what are we? Are we truly better than them or are we just fearful snobs? We teach others by our behavior. We create rifts that don't need to be there.

Day 27

2008-04-05T16:17:00.001-07:00

[post production]

Day 26.

2008-04-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

You can't change people.

Throughout this project, that's something that I have been reminded of time and time again. No matter how much blood, sweat and tears that I put out, it is only through the work of God that a life is changed.

I am not God. Christina is not God. Aaron, Caleb, and the rest of the team are not God either. We can pour out our hearts to these people, empty our wallets buying them food, and spend our days listening to the cries of their heart. But we can do nothing. We are empty. We are only vessels that can be used by God for his glory. We are the hands and feet of Christ but we are still only human.

Tonight, as I drove back home from the drop-in, my heart wept. My eyes were dry but sobs were racking my heart. The pain was physical but it wouldn't stop. It wasn't that anything horrible happened but I was reminded of the hard life that my new friends live. I was reminded of the hurt that defines "normal" in their lives.

The meth-marks, whiskey-breath, pot-glazed smiles and swearing does not intimidate me. That stage is long over. It's the looks in their eyes that pierce my soul. The haunting looks of empty eyes seeking something to fill the glaring gap. The eyes that are tired of seeing so much sin and corruption. The lost gaze of someone looking to find home.

It's hard for me to see my friends without Jesus. Honestly, He's the only answer to all of their problems. He's the only one who can fix the shattered lives and put a balm on their blistered souls. His arms are the only ones where they will find shelter and refuge. It is only through Him that they can find the forgiveness and acceptance that they seek so desperately.

I wish there was a way that I could rewind time like a VHS. I wish I could mix lives like DJ's do records and make up a completely new song. I would cut away the pain, the hurt, the angst. In the darkest moments I would show them Jesus offering them a way out. He's always been there. They just haven't noticed him.

At this moment, all I can do is keep loving them until my last breath. I can keep caring, not letting my heart be overwhelmed, but keep drawing closer to Jesus so I can reflect his love to them. I don't want to be just "another Christian" in their life. Who wants to be spoken of with the contempt that reveals hurt and anger from the past? I want to be different. I want to be the one who cared. The one who kept on loving and the one who helped bring them running into Christ's arms of love.

The next time you see someone--it doesn't have to be a homeless person--look at them. Really look. Look at their eyes. See the pain in their souls. Start caring. Start being Jesus to them. Cast away the apathy, look past the tough facades, and please, love them.

Day 25.

2008-04-03T23:50:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of massive interviews. Taylor, Whitney and Laura all took turns being in front of the camera. The day was also full of running around to different locations and being flexible when one didn't work out. The group is learning the ropes and it's been beautiful to watch. There's something fascinating about seeing people catch a vision and run with it to the best of their abilities.

We finished the day off with a BBQ at a family member's house. It was a good chance for everyone to let their hair down and celebrate the goals they had met. The boys celebrated with a good old fashioned boxing match on the trampoline. The girls didn't.

Day 24.

2008-04-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

Production continued on the promo. Whitney, Laura, Jake and Taylor are in charge of it and so the rest of us are left at their beck and call whilst working on our own projects. Christina works hard on maintaining relationships and all the logistics. Caleb and Aaron spend long hours in front of their computers, dissecting angles and figuring out editing. I talk to people and write a lot.

Christina and I hit the Square this afternoon. At 2:15, the Square was devoid of any “street” people. There were people on their lunch breaks, fathers playing with their daughters, and young couples canoodling.

By 3:15 some of the regulars had begun to trickle in. The fire-dancers were practicing and the hackey-sack crowd was in full force, twisting and twirling. The people that I was there to meet never showed. It’s not a failure though. Just a setback in time. Tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities.

It’s time to just keep pressing on.

Day 23.

2008-04-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

It's disconcerting to be on the other side of the camera. Conducting an interview is easy. You connect with the interviewee, create a rapport and ask whatever millions of questions have been floating in the tiny galaxy of your mind. For the most part, you are the one in control. All the interviewee has to do is sit there and answer questions while the film crew makes sure that everything is going right with all the minute details.

I thought it would be easy to be the interviewee. I was wrong. It wasn't the HD camera or the sun reflection that got to me. It was the fact that it was MY intern on the other side of the interview, asking ME the questions. The role reversal was trippy. During the interview, my mind kept wandering back to the other side...had I prepared him fully? did the questions need to be tweaked? just how should the questions be phrased?

My hands are off the promo project. All I can do is consult and answer questions when they pop up. The "interns" have turned into "assistants" somewhere along the way. They've followed us, watched us, and hopefully, learned from us. Now it is their opportunity to get their hands messy in the actual film process. It's going to be great.

Day 22.

2008-03-31T15:52:00.004-07:00

LAST DAY OF SHOOTING

Revolutionary Media is proud to announce that they have finished the filming of Burnside Underground. Post-production and editing has begun…and the team is thrilled!