Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, after a challenge by this civil rights leader, writes a song worth listening to (video below 0r here).

The title is “Sound (John Perkin’s Blues)” which is explained by Jon here.

You can stream from iLike here.

What do you think?

A very effective use of video clips and a Steven Curtis Chapman song which may work well for an American patriotic service or event.

Warning:  You may not stay dry-eyed for long while watching.

I received a call from Jay Leach in Southern California a few months ago.  Jay had been listening to his local Christian radio station and heard about Cross International’s work rescuing orphans in Africa and Guatemala, and was moved to call.

Jay and I had a great discussion.  As a professional guitarist, he has been on-call for the American Idol band for several seasons as a “utility man”, playing banjo, pedal steel, and other instruments.  He also has gigged with Dolly Parton and Albert Lee and has published arrangements with Mel Bay.

Jay is also a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, having been involved with churches in the SoCal area for many years and working with some premiere Christian musicians including Kirk Whalum, Abe Laboriel, Justo Almaria, Bill Cantos, and others.

I found him to be  a great guy, humble, possessing an infectious positive outlook and exuding the joy of the Lord through his musicianship.  As evidence, check out the video below (also viewable from his MySpace page).

God touched Jay’s heart regarding the needs of the poor.  He said, “What can I do to help?”

Lord, may You be pleased to increase his number.

Not sure whether to laugh or cry…

HT:  Ryan Flanigan, Reform Worship

Beautiful.

I’ve seen Keith & Kristin Getty present this, but this version by co-writer Townsend is new to me.

Great band, nice set, solid arrangement – not sure about the ball cap, though.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy provides this short video (also below) on what is being done by several charities to ready Haiti for the annual rainy season this year.

To see what Cross International has done in Haiti, go to: www.crossinternational.org/relief.

Prayer point:  Hurricane season is June-November.

He is risen, indeed.

And, by faith, so are we.

Music:  Come Awake by Matt Maher

This beautiful exercise by American composer Eric Whitacre shows the possibilities the web brings to choral conducting.

HT:  David Murray @ The Gospel Coalition blog

The Muppet reprises the Beethoven classic (below and here).

Please do not attempt this at home.