James Tughan shares his story of a near fatal heart attack and the resulting idea he had for an art installation that featured Hezekiah’s Tunnel… called “Thirst”. Like James, King Hezekiah almost died, but the Lord spared him giving him 15 more years of life. Hezekiah then built a tunnel from Jerusalem to the Gihon spring (the water supply) so that their enemies (Assyrians) wouldn’t be able to starve them out. This portable tunnel that works like a maze will be filled will images about drought and water. The hope is that when people prayerfully walk through the tunnel and experiencing the imagery, people can reflect on their own trauma and find understanding and healing through Jesus’ help. Glass and Stone Sculptor, Heidi Brannan also shares why she got involved in constructing the tunnel. The “Thirst” tour opening is planned for November 2024 at the Queen Elizabeth Center in Oakville, Ontario. http://portagesemaphore.ca

Matt Redman
2024 ushers in a significant milestone for one of the world’s most beloved hymns, “How Great Thou Art.” Marking the 75th anniversary of this cherished song written by Stuart K. Hine, a group of award-winning artists came together to celebrate and record a new version. The new version features a brand new verse written by Matt Redman and Mitch Wong to bring humanitarian aid in Eastern Europe. This special collaboration unites the voices of many of today’s top artists, featuring Chris Tomlin, Hillary Scott, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Matt Redman, Naomi Raine, Blessing Offor, Jon Reddick, TAYA, Brian and Jenn Johnson, Matt Maher, Pat Barrett, Benjamin William Hastings, Ryan Ellis, and Mitch Wong. Commissioned by the Stuart Hine Trust, Matt Redman and Mitch Wong crafted the new verse, offering a strikingly powerful addition to the timeless hymn while hoping to stir souls and bring critical help to those in need. “In the lyrics, we wanted to acknowledge the ‘broken, warring world’ we live in, but also to sing with hope and faith over that,” Matt Redman explains. “Worship isn’t meant to have an escapist mentality, where we ignore what’s going on around us in this fragile, fallen world. Instead, we can engage with these things, pray for, and acknowledge God’s ultimate kingdom rule and reign in the midst of them.” Produced by Matt Maher and Steve Marcia, with string arrangements by Tommee Profitt, this new recording was captured at Gold Pacific Studios in Los Angeles and the iconic RCA Studio B in Nashville. Being at RCA also established a poignant connection to the legendary Elvis Presley; harkening back to 1966 when Presley himself recorded his rendition in the very same RCA studio in Nashville. http://howgreatthouartofficial.com