Buy your NOT TODAY tickets ... today!

If you are a movie goer and tonight is the night you want to head to the theaters to hand over a lot of your hard earned money - then make your money count!

How many times have you bought tickets to a movie where you were entertained and someone's life was saved?

Me? Can't think of one time.

Today is different. Today you can make a difference. Today you can buy tickets to see the new movie hitting select theaters titled Not Today. The proceeds from this film, by Friends Media, a ministry of Friends Church in Yorba Linda, California go towards changing the actual lives of Dalit people in India.

Here is a quote from the movie website:

Working in partnership with the Dalit Freedom Network, Friends Church has made a $20 million commitment to build 200 schools for Dalit children. With education, young Dalits gain an understanding that we are all created equally and can live purpose-filled lives. According to Dr. Joseph D'souza, the International President of the Dalit Freedom Network:

"For three thousand years, one dominant religion branded more than one fourth of our nation's population as sub-human—nearly three hundred million people known by many as Dalits. Historically, any interaction between this alienated group and the mainstream has been met with harsh penalties, even violence. Separatism has been the accepted norm. It puts our nation in league with South Africa's old apartheid and some of the worst systems of slavery in the world."

Can one movie change everything in India? No. But what if that one movie could open the eyes of millions and challenge them to join in this meaningful fight? "There is a longing in the human heart for freedom," says Pastor Cork. "It is a universal longing."

NOT TODAY is a powerful reminder and call to action. If not today, then when?

Some amazing people have lent their voices to this movie and this cause. Listen to this video from Kari Jobe, one of the industry's premier worship leaders (currently on tour with Chris Tomlin).

If you're ready to hit the theaters tonight or this weekend here is some information. Unfortunately the film is very few starting locations (US only - CA, CO, FL, GA, MD, OH, OR, TN, TX, VA,WA). Check out the movie website for opportunities to bring it to your church, community or city.

If I haven't convinced you yet, or you live far from anywhere playing the movie (like me) you can still make a difference. Watch this video from the cast of Not Today to see what you can do today! A two minute video to change lives.

Because if Not Today, then when?

"None of us are free if one of us is enslaved"

Our ladies bible study is collecting diapers, blankets and cash for a Christian organization that rescues babies abandoned at local dumps in Nairobi. Can you imagine the place of desperation you'd have to be in to leave a baby at a dump? I realized I have no real idea what other mothers around the world have to deal with.  I worry about my kids getting cavities.

I also felt the same conviction while reading A Year of Biblical Womanhood recently.  I know about a few issues going on around the world because they are in the news.  What other issues am I missing? Personally, I need to become more aware of global issues and social justice.  The author of the above named book, spent the month of July in her experiment to focus on fair-trade products, the inequality of women worldwide and a trip to Bolivia with World Vision.  (Chapter 10, A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans.) 

If you haven`t read this book yet, you need to.  But if nothing else, borrow it from a friend, or your local library and read this chapter.  It is eye-opening.

I mean, my family gives money to Samaritan`s Purse and World Vision and Compassion Canada.  We also support an organization that helps women find meaningful skills to run a business in Africa.  But even with all that I still have no idea what some women and girls are really facing around the world.  And truthfully, I can't