I recently posted a picture with the band and Bono with a caption highlighting our involvement with the ONE Campaign on the band's Facebook page. It drew quite a few responses.
Here's mine.
I've found the debate surrounding our support of the One Campaign fascinating. I know anything I say in explanation will only draw more ire from those so inclined. However, i will say this... I believe in an all encompassing approach to how we as Christians, citizens, and human beings respond to those living in poverty around the world. I don't think we can do enough. We should be using our voices, our time, our talent, and our resources to help. We have a biblical mandate to do so.
We know that we'll take some shots from Christians by lending our voice to an organization that is as far reaching as ONE. But, you know what, it's worth it! The One Campaign is a vehicle for us to stand side by side with people with whom we might think we have little in common. In doing so, we unite our voices to say that the poor in this world deserve a fighting chance. Along the way, we just might discover that we have more in common with the people outside of our church walls than we realized. How can we minister to our neighbors if we hold them in contempt? I'm not saying that we justify sinful behavior. But, I would politely say that I remain grateful that God has forgiven mine.
Third Day has and continues to support the work of Christian relief organizations like World Vision and Habitat for Humanity. We each support grassroots missionary work as well, and our music is filled with worshipful and evangelical lyrics. I find the comments regarding our involvement with the ONE Campaign to be off subject. Why would someone get seemingly more disturbed about us taking a photo with Bono, a fellow believer, or lending our voice to be advocates for the poor than the fact that millions of innocent people are living in extreme poverty?
Tai Anderson
Third Day
