"Labor of Love" raises funds and hope
What began as a simple method of fund raising for a mission trip to the Philippines has turned into quite the college ministry for freshman Katie Selby.
Selby, a biology and pre-med major, will be taking a two month medical mission trip to the Phillipine village of Butuan City and is using her gifts and passions to earn the money needed to get there.
Selby's "Labor of Love" began in December of last year as a non-profit project when she began to sew and knit clothing such as scarves, hats, gloves and handbags to earn money to support her trip.
Since then, she has seen an amazing response to her hand-made clothing, and has even created a website allowing visitors to see what pieces she has for sell and also order various items.
Selby says that she has wanted to get involved with medical missions, and upon searching for opportunities to serve, came across an opportunity overseas in the Philippines with the International Mission Board.
"They are poor, and it isn't because they aren't doing something about it," said Selby. "It's not a lack of resources that is the problem, but a lack of options."
She says that when she was searching for opportunities to serve, the trip to the Philippines was the only one available to her, but after learning more she now knows that this is where God wants her to go.
Selby's unique creations can be seen being worn by many across campus, and the new styles are not an SBU fashion alone.
In January, Selby took her pieces to an art show in Jefferson City, known as "Let Your Love Grow Tall." The event, which showcases artists and musicians, allowed Selby to tell her story and display her items and speak about her upcoming trip to the Philippines.
She plans to attend another similar event in March, but says that she is so blessed by the support on the SBU campus.
"There is no other way I would rather be making my things," said Selby. "I love that what I make is worn by other people, and for a good cause."
What started as a small project has given her the opportunity to minister to her fellow peers.
"I am not exactly sure where Labor of Love will go after the Philippines..." said Selby. "For right now, though, I would like to use whatever I can to tell people about the need there and maybe raise money for my trip along the way."
So far, Selby has raised nearly $300 from the sales of her pieces.
She encourages anyone interested in helping with her efforts to serve in the Philippines to donate monetarily or to purchase one of her clothing pieces at her website http://alaboroflove.tumblr.com/ or join her "Labor of Love" Facebook page. She can also be reached for orders at alabor_of_love@yahoo.com.
Angels and Airwaves discover LOVE
Greater love knows no band than this, than they who would give out their newest album for free.
Angles and Airwaves, the alternative rock band led by Blink-182 guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge released their third studio album "LOVE" Sunday, and as a Valentine's gift for their fans, they gave it away for free.
According to an interview in Entertainment Weekly, DeLonge stated that "I consider this, at this point, the pinnacle release of my life. There's nothing that I have put more effort, more time, more heart, and more stress into than this release."
Production on LOVE began in January of 2009, but due to DeLonge's former band Blink-182's reuniting and subsequent tour, completion was a slow process.
The album's original release date of Christmas 2009 was pushed back until Valentines Day. Due to what the band calls "corporate underwriting issues," the album is being released free of charge, and, according to DeLonge, "One hundred percent free of corporation."
From start to finish the album is a rush of driving rock music accompanied by computerized loops and drum beats.
The lyrics question the human emotions of love and desire, the feelings of betrayal and victory, and ideas of God and fate.
When asked about the movement of the songs, DeLonge states that "There's a lot of interludes and segues that draw you in and transition you to different levels of excitement."
A film adaptation of the album, also known as LOVE, is also in the works, and is slated for a theatrical release.
The film follows the story of an astronaut who is abandoned inside the International Space Station, and must watch as the Earth below him disappears. The film deals with the themes of personal discovery and realization found in the record.
When asked about going under financially without the aid of label or cost, DeLonge simply said "We personally went $500,000 in the hole on this album. But I believe music should be free."
A moving and driving album, Angels and Airwaves has taken a gamble with releasing this work without a record label and without a price tag, but DeLonge says "Artistically, I think this record has far exceeded anywhere I've been. So I'm just quietly anticipating Sunday's release and hoping for the best."
A free download of the album can be found on the social networking site that DeLonge co-founded, known as modlife.com, and also through www.angelsandairwaves.com
Angles and Airwaves, the alternative rock band led by Blink-182 guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge released their third studio album "LOVE" Sunday, and as a Valentine's gift for their fans, they gave it away for free.
According to an interview in Entertainment Weekly, DeLonge stated that "I consider this, at this point, the pinnacle release of my life. There's nothing that I have put more effort, more time, more heart, and more stress into than this release."
Production on LOVE began in January of 2009, but due to DeLonge's former band Blink-182's reuniting and subsequent tour, completion was a slow process.
The album's original release date of Christmas 2009 was pushed back until Valentines Day. Due to what the band calls "corporate underwriting issues," the album is being released free of charge, and, according to DeLonge, "One hundred percent free of corporation."
From start to finish the album is a rush of driving rock music accompanied by computerized loops and drum beats.
The lyrics question the human emotions of love and desire, the feelings of betrayal and victory, and ideas of God and fate.
When asked about the movement of the songs, DeLonge states that "There's a lot of interludes and segues that draw you in and transition you to different levels of excitement."
A film adaptation of the album, also known as LOVE, is also in the works, and is slated for a theatrical release.
The film follows the story of an astronaut who is abandoned inside the International Space Station, and must watch as the Earth below him disappears. The film deals with the themes of personal discovery and realization found in the record.
When asked about going under financially without the aid of label or cost, DeLonge simply said "We personally went $500,000 in the hole on this album. But I believe music should be free."
A moving and driving album, Angels and Airwaves has taken a gamble with releasing this work without a record label and without a price tag, but DeLonge says "Artistically, I think this record has far exceeded anywhere I've been. So I'm just quietly anticipating Sunday's release and hoping for the best."
A free download of the album can be found on the social networking site that DeLonge co-founded, known as modlife.com, and also through www.angelsandairwaves.com
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What a crazy week! New Omnibus will be out on Wednesday, February 24!
Brad
