The criteria for applying for this grant were as follows: “The Inspiro “Alliance Grant” aims to help kickstart the creation of innovative art that helps see vibrant communities of Jesus followers (VCJF) among the least reached. The art created via Alliance Grant funding should help these communities of Jesus followers grow in new and/or meaningful ways, in their witness among their least-reached communities or in their expressions of gathered worship. The Alliance Grant is a way to enable Jesus-following artists to bring a vision to reality for the benefit of the church among the least reached. A by-product of grant-awarded projects will be to infuse innovative and inspirational ideas among Alliance artists.”
This year’s grant was themed to match one of OM’s four pillars – to sow broadly. Sowing broadly involves sharing the Good News in the power of the Spirit with as many people as possible in order that those whose hearts are tender might respond. Both of our artists awarded the grant are working on projects that sow broadly. We would like to feature these two artists on the blog so that you can learn more about them!
Our first artist is to introduce to you is Steven Chuchu! Steven is a musician who lives and works in Tanzania and has done much to ensure those in his area have culturally relevant hymns and worship songs. He also recently graduated from Incarnate. His grant project will focus on indigenous songwriting and recording collaborations with people living in the Mara region. These recordings can then be shared throughout Africa with the goal that their content would reach the hearts of many. Music has been and continues to be an effective tool for evangelism in Africa, and these recordings have the potential to get the Good News into many households through song.
You can listen to Steven’s existing music by visiting his Bandcamp page. In addition, check out this series of blog articles about Steven's music: here, here, and here. Check back soon for an update on how Steven's project in the Mara region is going!
