For the Love of

We trust this film will give you hope & inspiration to move forward in bringing about a more just world. Please join us and thousands of others as we watch this film and take action.

WE CALLED THIS JOURNEY “FOR THE LOVE OF…”

"When I lead worship my hope is to draw people closer to God, and they inevitably encounter a God who cares deeply for the poor and loves his creation. Climate change is an issue that affects both," said Stephen Roach, one of the artists leading this effort. "I see creation as God’s art. If we worship him, and have this sense of reverence for what he’s made, then we need to be good stewards of creation.”

The film follows these artists on a learning journey from the comforts of their home congregations in the bible belt, to the historic Paris Climate Summit, where their preexisting views on climate change are challenged and transformed through meetings with world leaders, scientists and Christians from the global south.  On this trip they were transformed by the climate change realities being faced by our brothers and sisters all over the globe.

The film features pivotal moments between the artists and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson; Bishop Efraim Tendero, Secretary General of World Evangelical Alliance, representing 6 million evangelical Christians worldwide; and Filipino climate diplomat, Yeb Sano, whose devout Christian faith drives his work on these issues.

Reflecting on her climate change journey in the film, artist Sarah McMillan observed, "Most people that love God, if they could see it for what it really is—why wouldn’t they want to continue to take care of what he has made?”

Photo: Christian musicians William Matthews, Stephen Roach and Sarah and John Mark McMillan sing worship in Paris during the United Nations Climate Change Conference. (Brian Lightbody/Here Now via Micah Challenge)

The film is a project of Micah Challenge USA, a key Christian organization behind the Renew Our World campaign.

“Worship leaders play such an influential role in the life of the church,” said Jason Fileta, Director of Micah Challenge.

“These artists offer fellow Christians a powerful invitation to join them on a journey from climate change skeptics to learners, and from learners to advocates. Their example helps give people permission to look closer.”

[caption id="attachment_832" align="alignnone" width="960"] John Mark McMillan[/caption]

About John Mark McMillan

John Mark McMillan is well-known for writing the GMA Dove Award nominated Worship Song of the Year song “How He Loves” off his album The Medicine and has performed as a solo artist for over 10 years. “How He Loves” has been listed by Integrity Music as one of the 25 most influential worship songs in the past 25 years and still today ranks on CCLI’s Top 25 chart. The song is certified Gold and has been covered by David Crowder, Kim Walker-Smith, Kari Jobe, Flyleaf, Hillsong, Todd Agnew, Jared Anderson and many others. Last year, John Mark launched his own record label, Lionhawk Records, through which he released his latest full-length album Borderland. Borderland debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart and was on Billboard’s Top 200 last year.

About William Matthews

William Matthews is a worship leader, singer-songwriter, and recording artist apart of Bethel Music’s Artist Collective. He is featured on several Bethel Music albums, contributing songs such as “Ascend” ( Tides/Tides Live ), “Deep Cries Out” ( Be Lifted High ) and “Hope’s Anthem” ( Be Lifted High ). In 2011 William released his first solo album Hope’s Anthem full of dynamic songs of praise and declaration and adoration. William’s heart is to release creativity and joy through prophetic worship and to develop worship leaders who are devoted to a lifestyle of prayer and intercession. His leadership stirs greater freedom in the hearts of worshipers and his fellow leaders, and he demonstrates active risk-taking in worship as He faithfully pursues God’s voice.

About Stephen Roach

Stephen Roach is a worshiper, poet, percussionist, and songwriter. He and his wife, Sarah, are a part of Morningstar Ministries in Winston-Salem, where Stephen oversees the worship department. Stephen travels, leading worship and teaching on creativity and the pursuit of God. Stephen and Sarah are also involved with A Place for the Heart ministries, where they help lead monthly worship gatherings to release worship throughout the city and triad area. His instrumental band, Songs of Water, plays in churches, coffee houses, bars, and festivals. Stephen's passion is to explore the heart of our creative God and release the sounds of heaven to the church and to the world.

About Sarah McMillan

Sarah McMillan's passion for worship and the arts exploded in the late 1990s while touring North and South America with performance companies like Ben and Robin Pasley's "Enter the Worship Circle." After relocating to North Carolina in 2000, Sarah planned to develop her skills as a potter and songwriter. At the same time, she became involved in the flourishing community of worshipers and artists. She began to write and sing her own unique sound of sweet, folksy material. Sarah McMillan's folk compositions are intimate, accessible, and sincere. She and her husband, John Mark, live in Charlotte, NC with their three young children.

About Micah Challenge

Micah Challenge is a global Christian campaign to end extreme poverty. Inspired by scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, and covered in prayer we advocate for a more just world. Extreme poverty and hunger will not be overcome by securing more food, but by securing more justice. It is for this reason that we engage in transformational advocacy. In the US, Micah Challenge educates and inspires Christians to take action against extreme poverty and issues of global justice. Micah Challenge USA leads the Renew Our World campaign in the United States.