What can artists and musicians do about chronic poverty and exploitation? That’s a question Liz Mannchen of YWAM Herrnhut, Germany asked herself.
Liz and other artists from YWAM Herrnhut had been deeply moved by their visits to countries like Ethiopia. They met orphans and heard about women trapped in the sex trade. They wanted to do something about it. “Music is the talent God gave me,” Liz realized. “Art is the biggest tool to reach our generation.”
She and several YWAM friends formed a musical group called Liz and the Lions. The band has teamed up with a YWAM arts ministry called Pick a Pocket. Together, they are working to raise awareness of sex trafficking and injustice in areas of extreme poverty.
The group came to London in 2012 to participate in outreaches. At one of the events, where the band collaborated with a church, over 100 people came up to accept Christ. “It was a group effort of all the music and creativity,” said band member Joshua Goins. “People were inspired to go further with God.”
The band’s latest album is called Learning to be Dangerous. This name came about because Liz was learning about chasing after things that scared her but were good. She was learning about taking risks. “I want to be surrounded by people like lions. I want to be fierce, crazy and wild,” Liz explained. “I want to be surrounded by people who will push me towards Jesus.”
While in London, the members of Liz and the Lions were interviewed about their music and their mission. To watch the video, click here.