Michael W Smith, Darlene Zschech and Kari Jobe are just some of the artists featuring on a new album paying special tribute to Billy Graham.
My Hope: Songs Inspired By the Message and Mission of Billy Graham releases this October 15 from Capitol CMG.
It features 12 brand new recordings from a raft of top worship leaders. In addition to Smith, Zschech and Job, contributing artists include TobyMac, Israel Houghton, Newsboys and Amy Grant.
The tribute album coincides with an evangelistic outreach running across the US this October. My Hope America culminates in November, the same month as Graham's 95th birthday, and fans of the veteran evangelist will be inviting their friends and family around to their homes to hear a message of hope he has recorded specially for the outreach.
"We have been privileged to create this special album honouring Billy Graham, who's message has had a profound life changing influence in each of our lives and in the hearts of people throughout the entire world," says Peter York, President of Capitol CMG Label Group.
"Our sincere desire is that this collection of songs bring honour to Dr Graham and the cross of Christ that he has faithfully represented over his many years of ministry. This project was written and recorded out of great respect and appreciation for this incredible man and his message of hope to the world."
Each of the artists involved in the album has a special connection to Billy Graham and his incredible ministry.
Smith said everyone had come together out of "tremendous love and respect" for the evangelist.
"The impact he has had on all of us and the impact he has had on eternity is immeasurable. This is our attempt to pay honour to someone who has been an example, a mentor and an inspiration to all of us.
"I'm excited about the artists that are a part of the project and I'm excited about the thoughtfulness behind each of the songs. I think it truly is a collection of music that honours this great man."
Contributing artist Matthew West shares his life-changing connection with Reverend Graham.
"On a summer day in the Chicago suburbs in 1990, a thirteen year old kid was changing the channels on his TV, looking for a Cubs game. But instead of a baseball game that day, he found a Billy Graham crusade. That young boy was me, and I will never forget the day I asked Jesus into my heart and how God spoke to me through Billy Graham. Being a part of the 'My Hope' project is a real full circle moment for me, a chance to say through music what Reverend Graham's ministry has meant to me and so many others. Thank you Reverend Graham!"
