There’s a familiar voice helping raise awareness of students’ First Amendment rights in schools: Michael Tait of the award-winning Christian band the Newsboys.
He’s been voicing video and radio promotions raising awareness of “Bring Your Bible to School Day,” the Focus-sponsored, student-led event taking place next Thursday, Oct. 6. (You might have heard him talk about the issue if you’re a listener of K-LOVE, WAY-FM, or Christian channels on Internet radio and satellite radio. He’s even appeared on our recent broadcast highlighting the event!) Here’s one of his video spots:
Not only that, but the Newsboys are encouraging students to share God’s hope by partnering with us on an exciting giveaway that gives fans a chance to win a free trip for four to hear the Newsboys LIVE in concert in Dallas, Texas!
The main prize winner will receive a trip for four (the winner and three guests) that includes: round trip coach airfare for four; tickets to the concert; hotel room for one night; and some travel-related expenses. Additionally, five runners-up will receive an autographed Newsboys CD and t-shirt and 50 “Bring Your Bible” wristbands to share with friends.
This isn’t the first time the Newboys have worked with us to raise awareness of this special opportunity for students to share the love of God. Last year they also helped spread the word of our event.
I’m happy to report that our efforts are bearing fruit! God has favored our efforts to grow “Bring Your Bible to School” since its 2014 debut. An estimated 8,000 students participated in the event during its inaugural year; an impressive 155,000 students brought their Bibles to school last year; and this year we expect an incredible 300,000 students to express their faith!
The Newsboys have also allowed us to share clips from their song, “Guilty,” to help raise awareness of the issue and event. For the millions of Christian students who feel the cultural pressure to hide their faith during school hours, the song’s lyrics can surely help encourage them:
If saying I believe is out of line
If I’m judged cause I’m gonna give my life
To show the world the love that fills me
Then I want to be Guilty
I’ll rise up and honor you
I’ll testify to all the good you do
Cause your Grace and your Mercy have overtaken me
(You can watch the entire video online.)
On our end, I’m pleased to share that Focus on the Family will be running a commercial to promote “Bring Your Bible to School Day” starting Friday on Fox News Channel. It encourages students to let their light shine, as Matthew 5:16 says. Here’s the ad we’re running:
I hope you’ll join Focus on the Family and the Newsboys in helping spread the word about “Bring Your Bible to School Day.” Please share our webpage (www.bringyourbible.org); my previous blog post, “Why are Schools Banning Bible Verses?”; and use our official hashtag, #BringYourBible, when posting on social media.
And of course – please encourage the students in your life to lead an event in their school or to participate if their school is already registered. With the possibility of winning a free trip to see the Newsboys in concert, the benefits to participating in “Bring Your Bible to School Day” are multiplied!
To sign up for “Bring Your Bible to School Day” and be automatically entered in the giveaway, go to www.focusonthefamily.com/bringyourbible. At the link you’ll also be able to read the official giveaway rules.
I’d like to hear from you: do you know someone who has participated in “Bring Your Bible to School Day”? How was their experience? And for you Newsboys fans: What’s your favorite song? Let me know in the comments section, below.
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