It's only a few days before the documentary project begins and already there's a noticeable high level of excitement within Revolutionary Media. Crew members are scattered across the country and are ready for their rendezvous in Portland.
 
Some of them are nervous. It's understandable. They've never done anything like this. Creating a documentary is hard work; full of long nights, empty coffee pots, brain power, prayer, sweat, and a little bit of luck. They haven't entered the crazy world of media yet. They stand at the doorway, looking in and wondering what their experience will be like. Wondering what they'll be like once post-production has wrapped up.
 
Others feel the familiar pulse of adrenaline rushing in their veins. They have worked with crews before, are comfortable with their media form, and know that whatever happens, God will take care of them. There is no question with that. Theirs is a tried and true path. But the excitement still lingers, a feeling akin to stepping onto a favorite roller coaster, knowing you'll be scared but still come through safely.
 
There is no such thing as an unaffected person working with media, the arts, or the written word. When your work is to tell the stories of other people, to capture the micro-expressions of their soul, a little piece of them is given to you. In turn, a little piece of yourself is given to them. Each of you shapes the other; giving and receiving information and lives, sharing and listening.  You can't walk away from something like that without being impacted. It's just not possible.
 
The Interns are coming to learn; they dream of working with the visual and written arts, telling stories and exposing truth. For those of us who are experienced in our field, the burden is ours to help train them in those chosen fields. It feels different to be on the other side of an internship.
 
In the days that come, please remember the team in your prayers. Pray for strength, encouragement, and the sweet unity that comes from Christ.

- Written by Caitlin Muir, Revolutionary Media Team Journalist

Kenya.

The name conjures up images of Africa; the blazing orange sun over the Serengeti, majestic lions in the tall grass and the smiling faces of the vibrant African people. But not all is well in Kenya. War in neighboring countries has started to take its toll on the people. AIDS has left millions of young children orphans. Young girls are sold as sex slaves and discarded just as easily. This is the face of Africa that we don’t want to see. It’s broken, bruised and bleeding. It doesn’t need a band-aid; it needs tender care, rest and restoration. It needs people to be the hands of Christ.

But all too often, we forget the compassion that Christ called us to have when he said to “Love your neighbors as yourself” (Mt. 22:39). We leave it to the celebrities and the relief agencies to bring hope, forgetting that they might not have it either. We’ll turn the channel when news of the need is shown. We think that someone else will take care of it while we sit back and try to find meaning to our disillusioned lives. In the eyes of the world, we have it all and yet we’re still empty and searching for more.

Revolutionary Media is taking a bold step to change the lives of youth at home and abroad. We’re traveling to Kenya this spring to document the stories of hope that stand out against this bleak background. We’re putting names and faces to the needs and showing how everyone can make a difference. Instead of painting the picture darker, we want to show the rays of light and show you what is being done to change the plights of the Kenyans. We want to challenge you to reach out to your neighbors and transform the world that you live in.

In the weeks and months to come, you will find out more about this project. You will meet the creative team of photographers, writers and videographers who are taking up the challenge to share stories of life and hope.

While we’re in Africa, website readers can follow along. You’ll meet average Kenyan citizens who are doing something to stop the pain in their country and you’ll meet the people they serve. Exclusive photographs will let you soak in the scenery and see what living conditions are like for these people. Video clips will let allow you to see behind the scenes of the documentary—to hear the voices of the children and see life through their eyes. Not every story we will share will have a happy ending. But each story will show beauty in the tragedy. The stories will touch your heart and change the way that you see the world. Viewers will be empowered with the knowledge of how they can help—at home and abroad.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Let us develop a kind of dangerous unselfishness.” It’s time to start caring again. It’s time to shake off the apathy and do something. Join us as we endeavor to change the world.