Much like Grant’s songs from her past two albums, singer/songwriter Sara Groves’ music has definitely been informed by her advocacy. In fact, the majority of her songs from her recent effort, Tell Me What You Know (INO), were inspired by her work with International Justice Mission (internationaljusticemission.com) and serve as a creative medium to tell stories of hope in seemingly hopeless situations.

“The work of IJM has inspired me beyond words,” Groves says. “These friends go into the places where courage is required, against all odds, because it’s the right thing to do.”

One story in particular, the plight of a human trafficking survivor named Elizabeth still inspires her because of the girl’s stalwart faith under the worst of circumstances.

“Her faith-filled testimony stood in stark contrast to my life as a spiritual consumer,” Groves offers. “Now she’s 23, a college graduate and translator and an incredible reason for continuing this rescue work.” When Groves hasn’t been speaking about IJM, she’s been helping raise support. She recently organized a banquet in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area where she lives and is also working with Charlie Peacock to produce a concert “experience” that will include other artists and visual arts presentations to “communicate the hope of what God is doing through His people.

“To me, this is the Good News coming to life,” Groves shares. “We hope to develop something creative and inspiring that you have to experience to understand!”

They Say You Want a Revolution

It’s been said again and again that “worship is a lifestyle.” It’s not simply raising your hands while singing a Chris Tomlin song at a Sunday morning worship service. Point taken.

But Hillsong United’s Joel Houston wanted to explore that idea a step further in light of social justice. “We must live out a worship life that goes beyond the confession of our lips,” Houston says. “It will work when we as the Church take up the call to act on the opportunities we all have every day to love our neighbors—near and far. It doesn’t matter where you live or what you have. There are no excuses.”

While most Christians would agree wholeheartedly, it’s not always easy to know how to get started. So Houston, along with the rest of Hillsong United, decided to act. The result, TheIHeartRevolution: With Hearts As One (Integrity), a CD that focus on compassion and social justice, releases this month. A companion DVD will follow in June. Houston is also working on plans to develop an online community to be used as a portal for education about social justice issues, part of the vision for TheIHeart Revolution.

“We want to direct people on ways to help by inspiring them with stories,” Houston says. “It’ll also be a place to share our experiences and challenges. But ultimately, it’s about people taking up the challenge to live their lives for others rather than themselves.”