carried.: Bearing the cross to a world in love with kingdoms Book

This book is a conversation.

It may seem to the reader that the conversation is between one man that makes his living as an independent Christian artist, and another man who serves God and loves teenagers as a youth pastor. If by living they mean way of life, then they are correct, as both have dedicated their lives to loving Jesus, loving the poor and hurting, and carrying the cross to a world in love with kingdoms. The reader is welcome in the conversation as well.

Following a trip to Africa together in February of 2009, Jeremy Willet (lead singer/songwriter for WILLET, International Relief and Development advocate and national speaker) and Justin Hanneken (husband, dad, youth pastor and national speaker) began the writing process for carried. The majority of this book has been written while both authors were in separate locations in the country (and the world) speaking, playing music, leading worship, coordinating mission projects and doing youth ministry.

Jeremy and Justin present the Gospel of Jesus, their testimonies and explore scriptures and statistics directly related to poverty in order to deliberately bring out themes such as materialism, patriotism, and consumerism. This is done in an effort to reveal the worldly kingdoms that we build up around us. The authors' perception on the rise of worship and social justice as taboo aspects within Christianity is illustrated through the recent death of a social worker in Ethiopia that both authors spent time with. Finally, the importance of building a relationship with one orphaned child as opposed to simply sending a check overseas or experiencing a one-time short term mission trip is discussed as the authors uncover several misconceptions to the fight on global poverty.

carried. is a special project because the authors' vow to remain accessible to the readers for online dialogue, prayer and conversation on carriedbook.com