Rob Wilson - An Aboriginal Leader

 Suicide it whispers lies 

lets break them ties and start rebuilding
I got a dream to see a smile on the face of the youth today in reservations
Time to pray for the church today that's hating preaching condemnation
We want to see restoration, revelation,  Lord we waiting
It's hard to reach these people hurt by residential schools and slave plantations
I know your faithful Lord I know you're in control
So I sing a song of freedom like Martin Luther king it's from the soul

(Excerpt from the song "I Have a Dream" by Aboriginal Canadian Artist, Fresh I.E.)

Some years back now, I happened to hear that a Winnipeg Hip Hop Artist named Fresh I.E. ( Fresh In Eternity) had been nominated for a Grammy award for Best Album in the Rock Gospel category - a first ever for a Canadian Hip Hop artist of any kind.

I decided I should check out the Album called Red Letterz , a collections of songs that had come from a life of hard times on the streets of the inner city. This may sound similar to a lot of other Hip Hop albums that came out before and during this time but this was different. Not only did it have the heart, the grit , the lyrics and the beats - it had hope.

The Album title refers to the fairly common practice of many Bibles to print Jesus' words in red... and herein lies the distinction of this true gangster's story - the words of Jesus Christ had changed His life.

It didn't take long for me to realize why this album had been virtually plucked out of no where ( no offense Winnipeg ;) and hurdled onto the Grammy stage. Every track was amazing and for me it remains one of my favourite Hip Hop albums of all time - period .

As I learned a bit more about Rob Wilson, the man known as Fresh I.E., I became even more impressed with what he had overcome and how he was so passionate about helping other youth overcome their challenges too.


According to Aboriginal Peoples Choice,  "Fresh spends 7 months of the year travelling to Inner Cities, Reserves and communities all over the world to reach out and inspire the youth of today. When Fresh is not travelling he can usually can be found at his home church where he is a Youth Pastor ministering to the youth of his city to pursue God and live out their dreams."

http://aboriginalpeopleschoice.com/artists/fresh-ie/

Here you can also find his personal story and testimony which I will post below. After that I have put in the lyrics (as best I can)  to one of Rob's newest songs, I Have a Dream  - its an amazing song with poignant lyrics - check it out!

BIO

The distress of a blind man changed the life of Rob Wilson forever. Standing on a busy street by himself, Wilson quietly pulled the blind man out of harms way. Later on that same day, the blind man somehow ended up sleeping on the front steps to Wilson's house. At the time, Wilson was in his own state of distress. Waist-deep into illicit crime and substance abuse. The question many people ask is how did the blind man find him? And the answer to the question is, there isn't one. But the one thing Wilson was sure of from that night, was God is real. And that God talking to him, sending him a sign, showing him that he was walking blind through life and headed for disaster. The rest is history. Fast-forward a decade, Rob Wilson is now better know as "Fresh I.E." (Fresh In Eternity). Since God transformed his life and revealed to him his purpose, Wilson has achieved musical accolades and approval far beyond his wildest dreams. In 2003 he became the first ever Canadian hip-hop artist nominated for a Grammy Award (Red Letterz) and followed that up in 2005 with a subsequent Grammy-nod (Truth Is Fallin In Tha Streetz). With all of the recognition and awards you might say Rob "Fresh I.E." Wilson's career has reached a pinnacle... Wrong. That was only the beginning. In 2000, Wilson had a vision of a centre with four doors. One pointing North, others to the South, East and West. A resting place to help young people get off the streets, teaching them the arts of music, drama and The Gospel of Jesus Christ. That dream has yet to be realized, but in the meantime he's grateful for the following accolades. From them he feels he's gaining the respect and authority he needs to teach others to reach for a higher purpose through music.

I Have a Dream ( lyrics by Rob Wilson)

Verse 1

I got a dream one day we will open up our eyes remove the blinds and really see now
We can't stand by watch the young die mothers cry daddy's gone in the streets we be now
(There's so much pain inside) can we be released cause we keep on balling
Need to eat plus those kids on the block got those rocks in their socks that moneys calling
So much temptation they facing little kids they get deceived
I'm trying to lead em to a life in Christ let them dreams they can achieve
Them blessings they can receive they aint got to do them dirty deeds
They aint got to sell their bodies on the street to live and breath and get that cheese
We living in evil days where pedophiles prey on little children
Suicide it whispers lies lets break them ties and start rebuilding
I got a dream to see a smile on the face of the youth today in reservations
Time to pray for the church today that's hating preaching condemnation
We want to see restoration revelation Lord we waiting
It's hard to reach these people hurt by residential schools and slave plantations
I know your faithful Lord I know you're in control
So I sing a song of freedom like Martin Luther king it's from the soul

Chorus

Because I got dreams that kids will be redeemed dreams of hearing a child sing songs to the King
Dreams of reaching the world with a simple song even if it helps one soul move on
Got so many dreams a young girls self esteem a thugs fight to live and get a prostitute on her feet
This is my dream cause I been redeemed got give back what the Lord has done for me I have a dream

Verse 2

No limit to the things you can do get Christ get crunk I pray you
Rip mics speak life to the people who lost their life they wait for you
They seeking inspiration cant see past they desperation
So they got to life fast quick dash for the cash or its back in granny's basement
Can we make it to the promise land that's grand and filled with milk and honey?
Or we going to stay trapped in a system that got us lusting after money
Many men died so we can dream they marched up and down the streets with dreams
A place where we serve the phenes and kill each other over cream nah!
We got to get a grip lockjaw get raw get ready for in corruption
A lot of rappers from back in the day prophesied we heading for self destruction
Why can't we see the signs were to busy living that sinful life
To be living in prison and giving our seeds a reason to live this life
I give you life give you Christ give you the maker of darkness and light
Bid you to enter His gates like winter don't wait the storm could come tonight
It will be alright close your eyes and dream let your voice be heard
Put that hustle down player pick up the word

Chorus

Because I got dreams that kids will be redeemed dreams of hearing a child sing songs to the King
Dreams of reaching the world with a simple song even if it helps one soul move on
Got so many dreams a young girls self esteem a thugs fight to live and get a prostitute on her feet
This is my dream cause I been redeemed got give back what the Lord has done for me I have a dream

To Save a Life - Movie Review

This is a powerful movie that deals with bullying, teen suicide, and teen pregnancy as well as hypocrisy in the Church and yes, even youth groups. These topics seem to be at the forefront of the lives of teens these days.

 It is surprisingly realistic. The writer obviously had great insights into both the high school world and the church world.

I highly recommend that teens, parents of teens and anyone works with or mentors teens  see this movie! I showed it to a group of 14 youth and young adults ( Christian and non) and while, at first, some of them were quite skeptical , there were was soon intense attention paid to what was happening.. tears, laughter and an amazing message were all experienced.. After the movie everyone agreed that it was very well done and had a very powerful message that is so relevant for today’s youth.

You can check out a trailer and more at this link:   http://tosavealifemovie.com/ 

Some things you should know about this movie:

This is a Christian production, but unlike some others in the past, it is very well done.With great filming, great acting, storyline and character development – this movie is not at all cheesy or corny – seriously! No, SERIOUSLY!

Although a Christian production, it is not too preachy. I think the values and message of this movie would be enjoyed by and would benefit  all people, religious or otherwise.

Although the movie is ripe with Christianity, I don’t think someone would fully understand how to be redeemed ( spiritually speaking) just from watching this movie. A great answer to this is to give a short, clear Gospel message at the end.

In an attempt to be somewhat authentic, there are a few minor swear words in the movie as well as a scene suggesting that sex is about to take place. This is all done in the context of the character learning what is godly and what is not.

I have been able to find this movie at Blockbuster for rental or purchase as well as Amazon and other online sites.

Just a note on some other very well done faith-based movies:

Fireproof – a very realistic story of the somewhat overwhelming challenges faced in marriage.

Soul Surfer – the true story of Bethany Hamilton , now a pro surfer, who lost her arm in a shark attack and has inspired many many youth and others.