On this past Monday, Dec. 3, 2007, HMCC’s Creative Worship Team hosted an AIDS benefit (in response to World AIDS Day—Dec. 1) at Sweetwater’s Café in downtown Ann Arbor. There was an amazing turnout -- the space was so packed, it was standing room only. Who knew that there could be such a connection between the arts and the AIDS crisis? But as the CWM team sang and played their hearts out—songs that ranged from John Mayer, to India Arie, to Shane and Shane and Starfield—people’s hearts were open to give to and contribute to the cause by supporting Dr. Steve Lee's HIV/AIDS work in Kenya, Africa.
Our church’s relationship with Dr. Steve Lee is currently our most effective means of addressing the HIV/AIDS crises. Dr. Steve Lee’s hospital in Kapsowar, Kenya was one of 4 hospitals in all of Kenya that received grant money to fund an HIV/AIDS clinic. Dr. Steve Lee's work involves an infant formula feeding program (to decrease transmission of HIV from mother-to-child breastfeeding) as well as a mobile clinic that reaches out to neighboring villages; funds are necessary in carrying these effective plans out.
Truly, we give thanks to God as we were able to raise close to a $1000 in just an hour and a half! People had the opportunity to give donations through purchasing the “Tea of the Day” at the Sweetwaters Café, or through purchasing AIDS awareness pins and keychains that were handcrafted by HIV/AIDS women from Kenya. Many thanks to all who were able to come out and contribute, to the Sweetwater’s Café for graciously allowing us to use their facility, and to the CWM team as they put a lot of hard work and effort into hosting the event!
The Power of Music to Spread the Gospel
This past Monday at the Sweetwater's AIDS Benefit, I was reminded of God's power of music in sharing the Gospel. Erica, a sister in our church and a member of the resources team, was facilitating the donations and purchases of pins and keychains, when she was approached by a woman named Fran. She was curious about our event and asked if we were a part of a particular group. Erica said that we were a local church on the UofM campus. As their conversations went on, the woman was sharing about about how she really enjoyed the music and how it was so powerful for her. When asked if she went to church, she said that she hadn't in a long time. She said she had a Bible with only the Old Testament because she was Jewish. She also said how various people in her family were Catholic, Buddhist, and how it was funny that she had been exposed to such a wide array of beliefs. Erica then had the courage to ask her if she was open to coming out to church and surprisingly, she said yes, and now there is a possibility that she'll come out sometime.
After hearing this story, I was so encouraged and blessed that God was able to use something so simple as music to bring a person closer to Christ. There's something so unique about music--the way it makes us feel, the way we interpret it, the way we share it with others--that really hits deep down within our souls. It strikes a certain chord that places us in tune with our sensual and spiritual selves. And for this woman, although she wasn't a Christian, there was something about our music, whether it was Christian or not, that triggered something in her heart.
This story really touched me because I knew that our Creative Worship team was faithfully doing our part in being good stewards of our gifts and talents to bring glory to God. For Fran and for other pre-Christians in our community, it is my prayer that this team will continue to think creatively and find new avenues to reach people through God's power of music.