MTC #247 - To Our Presbyterian Friends in Texas

So this is about the time where many people come up to me at church and elsewhere and ask "So, are you getting songs ready for General Conference?" To which I reply, "Yep! We are indeed." I haven't taken the time to count how many songs we're working on, but it's probably around 20 or so. And we're humbled and excited to sing each of one of them.

But, while we prepare for General Conference, we continue to do our weekly broadcast and today's was sort of special as we sang one of the songs in particular to a Presbyterian congregation in Texas. Why them, you ask? Well, awhile back, Mack Wilberg was approached by a friend in this congregation (someone he had worked with musically) who said that their pastor way dying from cancer and wondered if he could write a song for him set to the words of one of his favorite poem collections called "The Temple", by George Herbert.  Mack agreed and when finished, a song titled "The Call" had been composed. We were able to sing that song, today, and while we did, we knew that the congregation in Texas was especially tuning in. I thought how great it was that while "The Call" certainly influenced all who may have heard it today (and in the coming days), it was ultimately intended for "the one"--a faithful man of a different faith who's days are short and who has found renewed faith and peace through this song.

Christ's ministry and focus was always on "the one"--each of us, individually, who needs the gospel and who needs to feel the personal and redeeming love of the Savior and of our Heavenly Father.

The other great thing about the broadcast today was that a friend of mine, who joined the choir this year, got a text from the person who baptized him (at age 18) saying that he had come to listen and watch today's Music & the Spoken Word program. It's always great to to sing each Sunday knowing that someone you know personally is there watching--and I'm sure in this case, it was especially so, for my friend.

More next week as I share my thoughts on singing in Conference.

Until then, may God be with you.