Thursday 24 October 2013

Australia’s Darlene Zschech this week joins Amy Grant, Michael W Smith, Newsboys, tobyMac and six other major Christian acts to honor American evangelist Billy Graham.

Over the past 75 years, Dr Graham has preached the Gospel to more people in ‘live’ audiences than anyone else in history – nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories including Australia. He’s reached millions more through radio, television, video, film, and webcasts.

To honor Dr Graham, America’s Capital Christian Music Group has released a 12-track concept album titled My Hope. It’s a collection of songs inspired by Billy’s message and mission.

Each of the artists included in the project has a special connection to Billy Graham.

One of these is tobyMac who last week won the GMA Dove Award for Artist Of The Year. He’s re-recorded his song City On Our Knees with grabs of Graham’s preaching.

toby says that over the past 20 years he’s performed at Billy Graham Festivals and personally seen people thousands of people from all walks of life make their way down metal bleachers and concrete stairs, weaving through dense crowds and booming noise to accept an open invitation to follow Jesus.

“I’m privileged to have a lot of history with Dr Graham. I’ve played many of his Crusades with dc Talk and as a solo artist.

“There’s not a better feeling for an artist that wants to turn people’s eyes towards God than to walk on stage and just be able to perform his music. Because a lot of times it’s on us to perform our music and share a little. But if I can just do my music and have Billy Graham sharing that’s the best it gets! All of a sudden you feel so confident in your gifting because you know Billy Graham’s going to follow you up with a message of hope,” toby adds.

Billy Graham turns 95 on November 7.

Listen to this week’s TRAA music news below.