Lee University’s chapter of International Justice Mission welcomed the Art Music Justice Tour to the Conn Center Friday, Sept. 26.

The concert at Lee was one of the first of the cross-country tour, consisting of artists Sara Groves, Brandon Heath, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken and Charlie Peacock.

The tour’s purpose is to unite people to praise God, bring awareness of the injustices of the world and inspire people to make a positive difference, as well as benefit IJM and Food for the Hungry.

IJM is a human rights agency that fights to secure justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. There are 27 million children and adults around the world who are being oppressed by the bonds of slavery, sexual exploitation and violence. Food for the Hungry is a nonprofit organization that builds sustainable programs which help communities all over the world alleviate poverty, hunger and illnesses. Food for the Hungry is currently working in over 26 countries to meet spiritual and physical needs of those caught in suffering.

The concert ended up being a success. The Conn Center was packed with Lee students who were eager to learn more about how they can make a difference in the world.

Derek Webb and his wife Sandra McCracken helped kick off the show. Webb sang his timely song “A Savior on Capitol Hill.” With lyrics like: “And as long as the lobbyists are paying their bills/We’ve never had a savior on Capitol Hill” there were laughs, shouts of agreement and clapping from the crowd. Webb closed out his performance by introducing Brandon Heath. “What can I say he is so hot right now,” Webb said.

Heath took the stage and introduced himself as being from Nashville, Tenn. He shared that he accepted Christ as a teenager through the Young Life organization. He performed the hit song “Give me Your Eyes.” Heath also took time between songs to talk about love. “I need to be reminded daily that so many thing fail, but love never does. I think we should all learn from 1 Corinthians 13 and love better,” Heath said.

Charlie Peacock took a seat at a piano to perform the song “In the Light” which he wrote. Most people attribute the song as being written by DC Talk because they recorded it on their album Jesus Freak. The lyrics, “I wanna be in the light/As you are in the light/ I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens /Oh, Lord, be my light/And be my salvation/All I want is to be in the light” had the crowd passionately singing along.

When Sarah Groves went on stage to perform, she shared how she was in Washington, D.C. five years ago at an IJM conference. It was there that she met Elizabeth who was rescued by IJM workers. At age 15 Elizabeth was sold to sex traffickers in Southeast Asia, by a woman who posed as a family friend. Elizabeth held onto to her faith in God during her enslavement and kept praying for God to rescue her. Elizabeth clung to Psalm 10 and wrote it along with other Scripture verses all over the walls of her bedroom in the brothel.

Groves went on to say, “There are parts of God we won’t understand until we enter into the suffering of other people, whether that be across the world or right here in Cleveland, Tenn.”

Groves sang the song, “I Saw What I Saw.” During the performance there were images on the screen of her trip to Rwanda which helped inspire her to write the song.

“Your pain has changed me/Your dream inspires/Your face a memory/Your hope a fire/ Your courage asks me what I’m afraid of/ What I am made of/And what I know of love” are a few of the lyrics from the song.

Another highlight of the concert was the art on display in lobby. The pieces were produced by Lee students. The paintings all had to do with the theme of the night, helping those less fortunate, justice, and hope. One painting had the words, “There is always hope” written on it. Another picture was of a girl in chains.

The entire night was thought provoking. IJM Club President Kristina Weston said, “It is encouraging to see that the Lee chapter raised $ 200 selling T-shirts.” She is happy to know that more was raised during the offering.

IJM has been in existence at Lee for over four years. The club is directly affiliated with the IJM national organization.

Lee’s chapter of the club is founded upon the principles found in Isaiah 1:17, “Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” The club also holds fast to the view that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

The goals of the club are to bring awareness about the injustices of world, raise financial support and pray.

IJM plans on hosting a Three Worlds Dinner in November to raise money and awareness. Partakers in the event will have the opportunity to eat a meal that is similar to what those living in poverty-stricken nations eat every day.

“Being involved in IJM transformed my Lee experience from curious complacency to definitive action. I’m really excited about the concert and I hope that it will help fuel a growing passion on campus to battle injustice however we can, now and for the rest of our lives,” said Rachelle Barr, former IJM president.

For students and faculty who are looking to get more involved, IJM club meetings are held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Humanities Building, Room 103.

To learn more about the tour check out www.myspace.com/artmusicjustice.