Updating…On Sunday, February 15, 2009 an overflow capacity audience gathered at Atlanta First Baptist for the debut event of the SONG of a LIFETIME tour. The two-hour program featured inspiring stories behind some of gospel music’s most loved songs along with the Atlanta First Baptist Choir and Orchestra, The Hoppers, The Squire Parsons Trio, Jim Brady, Phil Cross and Crossing, Mitchel Jon, Mallory Ledford, and Greg Day. It was indescribable as Mosie Lister, Squire Parsons, Phil Cross, Paula Stefanovich, Dennis Jernigan, and Greg & Chuck Day shared the stories behind ‘Till the Storm Passes By, Beulah Land, I Am Redeemed, Yes I Am, Jerusalem, Who Can Satisfy My Soul Like You, and Midnight Cry. As the great song says, “Heaven came down and glory filled” our souls!
This event was a labor of love presented by Phil Cross and Rodney Brooks and was produced by Barry Edwards. It was captured on video by InTouch Ministries, the world-wide outreach of Dr. Charles Stanley. Dr. Stanley says, “When I first heard Phil cast his vision for “Song of A Lifetime” over a year ago, I knew then that this would be an opportunity like none other to share the Gospel using the most effective tool possible in gospel music…the songwriters themselves! It was such a blessing to hear the wonderful stories from these precious servants of God reassuring us of His continued faithfulness in our lives.”
Rodney Brooks worship pastor of Atlanta First Baptist says, “Sunday night was one of the most unique, exciting and inspirational experiences I’ve had in 30 years of music ministry. Most of the songs we heard and performed Sunday night have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. But after hearing from the heart of the writers, I will never listen to these songs the same again. Our entire congregation was overwhelmed with the power of the Gospel through music and testimony! Praise God for the faithfulness of men and women who have been called out by God to pen inspiration into great songs of encouragement, strength and faith”.
Phil Cross shares, “I am absolutely amazed to witness God doing something bigger than me. I’m grateful and honored to have partnered with such champions of the faith as Dr. Charles Stanley and Rodney Brooks of Atlanta First Baptist. With their commitment and enthusiasm, God granted us an awesome, anointed night. I’m not exactly sure what to do with all of these blessings but I’m confident SONG of a LIFETIME is a God thing that must be done His way. I’m thrilled for the music I love most and inspired to continue sharing the Gospel of Gospel Music. It’s exciting to present today’s Gospel Music in a way demonstrating it’s relevance in our contemporary culture”.
