While they struggled to find a place, they also became misunderstood trying to explain it.  The funny thing is, I could hear them.  I witnessed how they played, sang, filmed, snapped photos, danced, acted, and painted in worship.  I saw something God-given in their art and even in their struggle.  

Maybe I saw it so clearly because I was one of them in my youth. I knew I could give them mentorship and belief. I could stand in their balconies and shout that I believed in them like Jesus did.  I am fully aware that He was where their gifting comes from.

When I started The D.I.V.E. Creative, I was determined to breathe life in their lifelessness and help build protection and progression over their gifts.  12 years and hundreds of students later, we are believing God’s delight and transition for even greater things coming.  

I’ve been asked many questions like “Why the arts?” and “Why do you pay attention to the ones who live and pulse with creative expression?” I am not asked these questions by non-believers.  I am asked primarily by Christians who have a difficult time thinking the arts can start revival.   

I have dared to believe that God is what I call a “5-day starter.”  For the first 5 days in Genesis, our God creates a pallet for humanity.  His wonder displays itself in art, form, color, sound, and music.  He steps back and the first utterance He has of the word ‘good’ is at what He himself creates.  All of His creation has never fallen away or questioned His Deity.  The moon and stars have never had a bad day and questioned the goodness of God.  The Word says the heavens tell of His wonders.  

I marinate in these thoughts when having conversations with God.  If God thought so much about creating before setting man inside it, does creativity have a power that can breathe life into a human’s soul? I started asking, “Can we change the world with the art we make?  Can we ask God for sons and lyrics that change the atmosphere we live in?” 

The answer the Lord gave me was a clear, “yes!”  When D.I.V.E. began, I did not realize God would bring me the Creatives and then start healing them in the process.  It’s a known fact that many great artists were ones whose works were made under duress and deep pain.  However, God created with no duress nor pain.  So, my next question is, “If we create best under pressure and pain, how much more can we be given when healed?”  

This is where I need your help.  I fully believe we are in a season of greater vision and greater reach!  Our first goal is to make D.I.V.E. into an online school –– to upload weekly content with ongoing tutorials and offer tools of engagement to further instruct, encourage and give holy value to.  

Our long-term goal is to acquire property and build a retreat center where Creatives find clear spaces to create and record –– a place to receive wise council, training, and hope.  I run week-long intensives 3 times a year and, after venue renting for 12 years, we long to have our own space. 

One cannot fail to see how the enemy has been using the music and film industry for his own benefit.  The enemy is not a creator of anything truly creative, but he can distort anything for his advantage.  I want to assist in giving it back to God! In order to do that, I believe we have to create spaces to throw life and renewal and BELIEF on Creatives.

Will you partner with Wearing Justice and help take the Dive Creative to the next level?

Bless you,

Rita Springer