DESCRIPTION:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/join-us-as-we-journey-to-elim/x/3760154

The Problem

Many young lives in the US (especially within the ages of 14-25) are in desperate need.

According to xxxchurch.com 90% of 8-16 year olds have viewed pornography online -- 80% of 5-17 year olds have claimed to have had multiple hard-core exposures. Modern day research has shown that such material has been attributed to the objectification of women, earlier onset of first sexual intercourse, and is directly linked to negative or traumatic emotional responses (We all know the list of negative consequences is much longer than mentioned).

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reveals 91% of the women surveyed on college campuses have attempted to control their weight through dieting. This reveals the immense social pressure to emphasize external rather than internal beauty. Sadly, 86% show some forms of an eating disorder by age 20.

According to psychcentral.com suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among people ages 15-24 and the 2nd leading cause of death in college students ages 20-24.

With the current divorce rate in the USA roughly around 50% a large amount of individuals between 14- 25 are growing up in broken homes. According to Focus on the Family, such homes predispose children and young adults to addiction and crime. More often than not, these individuals suffer from psychological distress. They also tend to carry emotional scars even into adulthood.

At the end of the day, this young generation is lost and confused. They are looking for life in all the wrong places. They are looking for rest but don't know where to find it.

Someone needs to tell them to look to Jesus....

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" -- Jesus (Matt. 11 v28)

The Solution

TheElimArrival is determined to help this hurting generation find the rest Jesus promised to those who follow Him. Our goal is to share our songs and stories born out of our walk with Jesus. Having struggled with many of the issues they struggle with, as well as regularly serving the youth of our local church (The Well), we know how necessary it is for them to hear the transforming message of His love.

Without the rest and peace of Jesus governing their hearts and minds it will be very difficult to create a redeemed future for their own lives, future families and communities.

We have decided to name this place of rest -- "ELIM". Having just crossed the Red Sea, the Israelites found themselves in the harsh wilderness yet again. ELIM provided the necessary rest God's people needed. It housed 12 wells and 70 palm trees. Just like the Israelites, so many in this young generation are lost in a spiritual wilderness. We desire to help guide them to the spiritual rest in Jesus. This is the meaning of "TheElimArrival" - This phrase defines us and articulates our mission.

"If you diligently heed to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you...For I am the Lord who heals you." Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters." -- Exodus 15:26-27 NKJV

We aim to spend this upcoming summer (2013) to tour and raise the necessary capital to produce and release our first official offering. We hope this product will enable all of us to start this journey to ELIM together.

Those who choose to support us will be able to be part of the entire production process via FB, Twitter, Website and Blog until our official release sometime in early 2014. Our blog will also feature sermon Clips/ Testimonies/Live Performances and Song Stories.

Our Main Offering ($25) will provide:

Physical and Digital copy of our first official EP
EBook with the lyrics and chords to each song on the EP
Your name on the physical CD package
EBook authored by our Pastor (Ajai Prakash) - "The Underground Tentmakers" - Available immediately after the close of our campaign
EBook from a member of our congregation (Troy Langos) "Growing UP"- Available immediately after the close of our campaign

With a few more $s anything from dinner ($100) to a live show ($500) in your living room become a possibility.
Expected time of music release: Early 2014

If we meet our goal WE WILL ADD STRETCH GOALS (more songs on the record and/or the booking of a local performing arts center for a release event ).

PLEASE stay updated as we embark on this journey together.

Here is the break down of the $5000 we need.

55% will go towards Recording, Producing and Mixing/Mastering
20% CD Duplication/Marketing/Mailing/Promotion
20% Transportation Costs between Iowa & Nashville
5% Indiegogo fees (given we meet our funding goal)