Mercyme makes history as I Can Only Imagine surpasses 1 million downloads

Once again MercyMe has made history as their massive multi-format single “I Can Only Imagine” recently surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain.

Simultaneously, their last studio record, All That Is Within Me, received RIAA Gold certification, continuing to place MercyMe in the unique position of having had all of their studio recordings receive gold or platinum status. MercyMe will release The Generous Mr Lovewell on May 4.

Jeff Moseley, president of INO Records, surprised MercyMe on the Rock & Worship Roadshow last week with plaques commemorating both honours, saying, “This award is a testament to the fact that a song can change the world. Selling one million downloads is an achievement that is unprecedented in Christian music and I couldn't be happier for the guys.”

Written by lead singer Bart Millard as his father was suffering from terminal cancer, MercyMe had what seemed like overnight success with "I Can Only Imagine”, when after topping the Christian radio charts, hit #4 on the mainstream Adult Contemporary charts and top 25 on Pop/CHR and Hot AC charts.

"Once again it is overwhelming to see the success that a song which is so personal to me has touched so many lives,” says MercyMe’s Bart Millard. “We are honoured that our fans continue to buy our records and support our ministry. God has been way too good to us!"

The award-winning and multi-platinum selling band will also perform on the GMA Dove Awards this week, which Millard is co-hosting, while they prepare for the launch of their seventh album The Generous Mr Lovewell. Their current single “All Of Creation” continues to dominate the radio charts continuing it’s reign at No 1 on Billboard's Christian AC Monitored and Indicator charts, while landing at No 2 on Soft AC/Inspo and No 11 on CHR.
News
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.

The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 

Today in the UK we celebrate Christmas and the period around it with many familiar traditions and activities. There is an understandable assumption that we have always done things this way. However, celebrating Christmas has a long and complex history and things change over time. 

Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country
Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country

The cardinal has spoken out against the excesses of the Maduro government.