Bringing Hope

Backstory

Mission Project Acts 2:39

Surprisingly, in 2015, I was asked to lead the prayer initiative for a big missional project at a very large church. Naturally I was completely blown away and felt there were far more people who were much better qualified for the task. Nevertheless, the Lord choose me so I prayed about it and gave it my all. On this occasion the Pastor selected Acts 2:39 as the theme scripture which says:

“For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Acts 2:39 (English Standard Version).

As I set up volunteers and prayer partners to bathe this project in prayer we decided to hold a 24 hour prayer vigil. As a result of this deep time with the Lord, God impressed some truths to me in a new way. This was my first experience with a project that in my mind was huge. Unquestionably I did not want to fail, disappoint the Lord, or let down those counting. Those that need the promise.

No Time to Play Church

As Christians, far too often we turn a blind eye to the needs of others. Many times those needs are basic, human needs and the least we can do is show compassion. Furthermore, folks we need to have skin in the game. I have a Pastor friend who often says some people are too “saved, sanctified, and petrified,” as they pat each other on the back and tell one another how they are such good Christians yet, they never serve each other or hurting people.

Often, from fear, lack of empathy, or just the unwillingness to leave their comfort zone, they turn a blind eye. It’s not okay. Pretending you don’t see a need doesn’t make it go away. I realize this is preachy but I don’t apologize. Unfortunately, I had the revelation myself that warming a pew, or church chair, and checking my church attendance box off is not enough. I am preaching to me too! There is a dying, hurting world that need us to see their need. As a result, I wanted to write a theme song for our mission conveying this message. Ultimately, this is how Bringing Hope was born.

Production Notes | Bringing Hope | Story Behind the Song

I am a fan of the Christian group Avalon. Particularly I love their older sound from the 1990’s. The soulful harmonies and soaring sweeps of Jana Long and Jody McBrayer are still on my play list. When my grandmother went home to be with the Lord, God revealed to me to share their song “I Don’t Wanna Go,” at her celebration service.

Initially influenced by the song “The Voice of Truth,” by Casting Crowns I was planning to have a similar musicality in the production yet I drifted to the sounds of Avalon. As a result, there are lots of vocal layers, a high energy chorus, and beautiful harmonies throughout the song.

Consequently, it amazes me what a computer can do these days. Every instrument in this production is midi or a modified, royalty free sample. Ultimately I hope you really enjoy the upbeat, pop tempo of this song. However my deeper desire is that you help another soul on this planet and bring them Hope through the gift of God’s Son.

Bringing Hope, from the Album Bigger Than Me © 2020 Judith Baker (ASCAP) | Publisher LeBaker Music (ASCAP) | Music, Lyrics, Background Vocals, Production and Sound Recording by Judith Baker | All Rights Reserved