An Indonesian Idol
Knowing Nyopon’s dream to become a singer, Mustika, one of the staff members at the child development center, offered him the opportunity to join the “Idola Cilik” contest. Idola Cilik is a national children’s singing contest inspired by “American Idol.”
Continue Reading ›Jesus on American Idol
I’ve just gotta shout out an “Amen!”
For two weeks in a row now, the name of Jesus has been mentioned on American Idol.
Last week, Jason Castro sang Traveling Through with these lyrics:
We’ve all been crucified and they nailed Jesus to the tree
and when I’m born again you’re going to see a change in me.
Oh sweet Jesus if you’re out there, won’t you keep me close to you?
Shortly after, Dolly Parton performed her song, Jesus and Gravity.
I’ve got something lifting me up, something holding me down
something to give me wings and to keep my feet on the ground
‘cuz I’ve got all I need…I’ve got Jesus and gravity.
Wednesday night, if you watched the Idol Gives Back program, Mariah Carey sang:
He said He’d never forsake you or leave you alone.
Trust Him. Right here by my side.
Carry me home. Jesus!
And then they closed the show with the popular worship song, Shout to the Lord. Even though they replaced the name of Jesus with the word, “shepherd” in the first verse, they were still singing this song, written as a praise to our Creator:
Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty praise to the King!
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
at the sound of your name!
I’m not sure if there’s necessarily a spiritual “movement” taking place on America’s #1 rated television show, or if the program is just trying to appeal to a Christian audience to get them to donate to the causes they support. But the fact that millions are hearing the name of Jesus and hearing songs meant to worship Him, is amazing. Becky, one of my co-workers (and another regular contributor to this blog), reminded me of this verse in Philippians:
But what does it matter? The important thing is that
in every way, whether from false motives or true,
Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice.
-Philippians 1:18 (NIV)
Idol Gives Back
I’m a fan of American Idol. I’m an especially big fan this week.
Wednesday marks the second year that the Fox reality show takes a break from their regular programming to do something virtually unheard of on television these days — focus on something other than making money.
Idol Gives Back is an effort to raise awareness and funds for children in need around the world. Last year the event raised $76 million. This year they’re shooting for $100 million.
Whether or not Fox brings in the millions this week that they normally make on the show, the event probably does enough for their public image to make the monetary sacrifice well worth it.
Whatever their motivation, though, it’s refreshing to see the spotlight shining on those who truly need it but rarely get it — children in poverty.
Among the recipients are organizations like the Global Fund, Malaria No More, Children’s Health Fund, Children’s Defense Fund and Make It Right, Brad Pitt’s campaign to help New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina.
There will be celebrities. There will be music. There will be tears. Millions of viewers will undoubtedly be moved to donate. Some will likely be profoundly impacted by the stories they hear and the images they see. Hopefully many hearts will be softened towards the plight of children in poverty and people will do more than just give once … they will begin to get involved.
I’m just excited that for a couple hours this week, children in poverty will have a real voice. That’s really what Compassion is all about.
What do you think? Do you agree? Will you be watching?
While Compassion might not be featured on the show, we are working just as hard to fight for children in poverty. Here are a couple specific things you might like to know about:
Malaria: A Plague of the Poor
In recognition of World Malaria Day on April 25, Compassion has produced a new radio special.
AIDS
Compassion’s AIDS Initiative is focused on Africa. Yet HIV and AIDS are also significant threats to children outside of Africa and for that reason Compassion is also conducting HIV/AIDS work in non-African countries.
