Martin Smith (Delirious) had an idea to head a campaign that was soon to become known as Compassionart. 12 talented and reputable Christian worship artists committed to writing 15 records in 5 days and giving them away. Writing a song to God is a very personal thing so can you imagine doing it with 11 other people without injury? And then to bypass all the legal jargon so that 100% of proceeds and royalties go to the people that need it in countries like Africa, India, Brazil, Cambodia. It happened in 2008.

I follow the work of Watoto with orphans in Africa pretty closely after some good friends of mine picked me up a leaflet @ missionsfest last year. It is exactly the type of organisation I would like to work with in the future and is one of the chosen causes of CompassionArt which is how I came across the campaign.

It doesn't matter what kind of music you are into or what your views are on contemporary praise songs. I have never liked Delerious or Michael W Smith but seeing their work on this campaign is inspiring and I have a new found respect for their work. Worship and Justice for the poor are 2 of the most influential aspects of modern theology, which makes modern worship leaders and campaigns like this one very relevant. We might not remember all the sermons that we hear but praise songs and their lyrics stick with us and projects like CompassionArt and the results of organisations like Watoto will leave lasting impressions.

The record is good and the message is golden. These artists are using their talents from God to further His kingdom and the reconciliation of humanity. It's something we can all strive for.