BY OUR LOVE is at this stage a mere thought and a plan. to progressively be put into action. We exist to use our talents, abilities and creativity to fashion what we have in our hands into beautiful things you can purchase, take home and love, knowing that the money you have parted with is being devoted solely towards loving and helping others. We believe we should be people who are known for, and by our love. not just saying the words, not just talking about helping people, but actually doing it. In the words of DC Talk, Love is a Verb…and honestly, who can debate the solid theology of 90's Christian Rock slash Rap.

I’m a school teacher. For the last few years I’ve been teaching in all girls schools, teaching Christian Studies, PE and even a bit of Year 8 Dance. I cant dance. In dealing with teenage girls on a day to day basis I’ve come to realise kids don’t tend to easily believe they can make a difference. Or they don’t know how. And so they don’t even bother trying. (Of course I’m generalising here, but this is in my experience teaching everyday schoolkids)

So I had this idea about a year ago when I was at my last school but didn’t have the time or resources to get it happening, but now at my new school there’s a bunch of girls super keen to be involved. I want to start a group in school, called By Our Love, to enable kids to be a part of something where they give their time and effort and creativity (give of themselves) for the sake of others. In the schools I’ve taught in, it’s often pretty easy for the kids to just get their parents to sign a cheque and that’s their contribution to charity fundraisers. I want to encourage my students to actually give of themselves. Sacrificing themselves a little bit for the sake of others. Practicing putting others first. Providing an avenue for them to do this and at the same time use their creativity and gifts and abilities. And hopefully discover or grow closer to Jesus in the process. We want to sell their artwork, shirts displaying their artwork, accessories etc that they make themselves (only excellent quality of course) to their friends and family, at the markets (again, giving of their time) and hopefully on the net. All the profit would be donated to organisations that they would like to support, such as To Write Love On Her Arms, Show Hope, Compassion, Teen Challenge.

So I spose I would appreciate any help or ideas anyone could contribute in how to go about doing this – anything from production of t-shirts to designing a website, knowledge about how to set up an online payment system, or volunteering to come into school and hang out with the girls and encourage them from the inside. This is my idea.

That they would know who we are by our love…