Then in what Smith described as a "truly pinch-myself moment", the artists, which included Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Delirious? band mate Stu G, Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Michael W Smith and Darlene Zschech, began arriving in Scotland with a slew of great song ideas in tow.
Later on sessions at the famed Abbey Road studio in London and in Christian music's hometown in Nashville would feature fruitful collaborations with Chris Tomlin and a slew of genre-defining guest artists including Kirk Franklin, Amy Grant, Joel Houston Leeland Mooring, Christy Nockels, tobyMac and CeCe Winans.
While pairing well-respected artists together could've easily led to some gossip-worthy diva moments, that was hardly the case with CompassionArt. With the endgame, namely the four main charities and their individual charities they decided to support always in the forefront of their minds, the ideas flowed fast and freely.
"I love the team dynamic of CompassionArt. The common dream we have to reach out to the world's poor through this vision made for lots of inspiring moments in both the song writing stage and in the studio," says Redman. "One of my favourite moments was gathering around the piano with Martin, Israel, Tim and Paul and writing 'King of Wonders', a song which started off when Steven and I wrote together. It was a great memory-friendship, worship, music and compassion all blended into one."
The pervasive sense of community was also what resonated most with Baloche. "From beginning to end the CompassionArt project has felt like the heart of God expressed through music, friendship and charity," he says. "I've never experienced such a sense of unity as we spent the week writing songs and recording them for the benefit of others. I pray the church will get behind this as all the royalties will go to help the poorest of the poor."
Now with the 14-track album, CompassionArt, hitting store shelves and your favourite retailers on November 24, 2008, everyone who cares about the plight of the poor, suffering and disenfranchised can be a vital part of this landmark event, simply by purchasing the project.
One half of the proceeds over the songs' lifetimes will be divided among four charities. Through the work of India and Cambodia: Hand of Hope, relief and restoration will be offered for families caught up in Mumbai's sex trade and food and education will be provided to suffering children in Phnom Penh. With Brazil: Ray of Hope, a team gathers at the river to provide food, education, medical aid and everyday essentials to those in remote locations deep into the jungle. To rally against the trafficking of people, an ordinary group of activists with Stop the Traffik is a global movement with more than 1,000 member organisations in 50 countries. Finally, Uganda: Watoto helps restore hope to people whose lives are constantly marked with suffering. By providing creative life centres, Watato encourages artistic education and plans for a better future for all.
Together, these artists have discovered they can accomplish so much more, which is why the work of CompassionArt has been such a meaningful, life-long investment of their time.
"The recording process might be over, but the real work of CompassionArt has just begun," says Zschech. "Our heart and mission to relieve human suffering means for the rest of our lives we will live with our hearts fuelled in worship to have our lives poured out in service. I pray for continued wisdom and revelation, and for great grace and kindness, as justice makes a way for those who until now have only known grave suffering."
