Introductions
The proposal to record songs with words by General John Gowans originally came from Commissioner Arthur Thompson (Retired) (former Executive Officer of The International Staff Band). I was We are delighted by this CD featuring songs by John excited at the prospect and delighted to compile a list of tracks, Gowans. The songs bring back a wealth of memories with particular help from General John Larsson (Retired). for both of us. Gisèle was present at the creation of all of these lyrics, so was the first to see and be blessed by Although the intention of this recording is to provide a legacy what John had written. Hearing them again as recorded of songs, it is only a snapshot of the repertoire available and by The International Staff Songsters has been a moving reference is made of other ISS Gowans recordings later in this experience. booklet. I was the next to see most of the lyrics and can still recall The majority of the music included has been composed by the first impact of reading them. But by no means were General John Larsson; however, other composers have been all of John’s words destined to be Gowans and Larsson featured and my particular thanks go to Matt Woods and Neil songs; some of his best-loved words are sung to the Smith for sharing a new setting, by Mark Hayes, of You can’t traditional tune of Bethany, and composers Ivor Bosanko stop God from loving you, which was commissioned for the USA and Richard Phillips have also partnered with him. In Western Territory Youth Chorus this summer. addition, we are pleased that the CD features previously The ISS has always enjoyed singing General John Gowans’ published songs clad in new musical garb provided by beautiful poetry and our desire is that this CD will encourage Gavin Whitehouse and Mark Hayes. people to reflect on their spiritual experience; to be inspired to make a difference in the lives of others and through singing these May these songs bless and inspire. Thank you, words, to become part of the Gowans Legacy. International Staff Songsters. Dorothy Nancekievill Gisèle Gowans John Larsson International Staff Songster Leader Commissioner General (Retired) DOROTHY Dorothy was appointed leader of the ISS LIEUT-COLONEL Lieut-Colonel Paul Main has been an in 2003. She finds the role to be a great officer for 30 years. He served for 14 years NANCEKIEVILL privilege and responsibility and a wonderful PAUL MAIN as a Corps Officer at Liverpool Clubmoor, medium for communicating the Christian Connah’s Quay, Douglas – Isle of Man, Songster Leader message. She grew up in Glasgow, Scotland Executive officer followed by Wrexham. The past 16 years and attended Paisley, Parkhead and Govan have seen him serve as Divisional Director Corps (churches). Dorothy studied at the for Evangelism in South and Mid Wales, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Territorial Evangelism Secretary and Glasgow University, postgraduate study Divisional Commander in the Central South subsequently taking her to the South West Division. of England and Bristol Easton Corps. Following 15 months as the Assistant In January 2015, Dorothy was appointed Secretary for Personnel, Paul was appointed Head Teacher at Farringtons School in on 1 July 2016 to head up the Personnel Chislehurst, Kent, having previously been Service of the UK Territory with the Republic Director of Music at Wells Cathedral School of Ireland as the Secretary for Personnel. where she worked with many of the best This is a role that includes responsibility for young musicians and teachers from this and all employees, active and retired officers, other countries. She now attends Bromley the Overseas Services, Well-Being and Corps. counseling services and the Safeguarding Unit. He is also a director of The Salvation She has found it uplifting to be part of the Army Trustee Company and a member staff of Salvation Army national music of Cabinet (the senior leadership of The schools in the UK and the Western, Eastern Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland). and Southern Territories of the USA and has learnt a great deal from working with young Paul is married to Jenine who currently Salvationist musicians. Dorothy is married serves as the Divisional Commander in the to Gary and they have two sons, Matthew North London Division and has two married and David. children, Rebecca and Cameron, who both serve as local officers at Peterborough Citadel and Bromley Temple respectively.
Paul soldiers at Hendon, enjoys walking, gardening and Cadbury’s chocolate! THE INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS
The International Staff Songsters is The Salvation The style of the ISS spans a large range of Christian As a choir, the ISS is regarded as representatives In July 2015, the ISS were delighted to participate Army’s premier choir. Its mission is to give a clear music from contemporary to classical, spirituals of The Salvation Army in the international arena. in the ‘Boundless’ International Congress at the expression of the gospel of Jesus Christ through to traditional songs. Whatever the genre, the ISS Overseas visits have included the USA, Canada, O2 Arena, London, which celebrated the 150th music and to communicate his love in a vital and seek to praise and worship God through music Scandinavia and Estonia, Europe, Australia and anniversary of The Salvation Army. The CD attractive way. In March 2015, the ISS celebrated and to be effective communicators of the gospel. New Zealand, South Africa and Zimbabwe. In ministry is also a vital part of their outreach work its 35th anniversary, having been formed in 1980 July 2012, the ISS made its first visit to South and their recordings allow the ISS to widen their by General Arnold Brown, then International All members are Salvationists, active in their America – visiting Argentina and Uruguay – and ministry to listeners around the world. Leader of The Salvation Army, who challenged local Salvation Army corps, and come from many in June 2013 they visited Norway as guests of the the group to inspire people with the ‘heart songs’ different areas of employment. Their current Territory. In July 2016, the ISS was privileged to www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ISS of The Salvation Army. Leader since 2003, Dorothy Nancekievill, is make its first visit to Kenya, sharing in some of the passionate about vocal music in The Salvation many vibrant expressions of The Salvation Army Army and her desire is that the ISS should excite, in Nairobi and surrounding areas. challenge and inspire their listeners. I Believe Welcome the Light! In the Face of a Child Wonders Begin Words: John Gowans Words: John Gowans Words: John Gowans When the Lord Comes In Music: Henry Thomas Smart Music: Richard Phillips Music: John Larsson Words: John Gowans Arranged: Richard Phillips Music: John Larsson As light was born into a darkened stable, All the stars sang together I believe that God the Father The flickering flame lit up the face of God. On that first Christmas Day, Wonders begin when the Lord comes in! Can be seen in God the Son, A talking light to tell the truth we needed, And the stars are still singing: In the gentleness of Jesus A walking light with sandals simply shod. Can you hear what they say? Lord, we are waiting for thee, Love for all the world is shown. A shining light which made the angels shout. Angels join in the chorus, Waiting thy glory to see, Though men crucify their Saviour, No one, no thing could ever put it out. Maybe ten million strong. Boldly pleading for thy leading. And his tenderness rebuff, Can you make out the meaning Lord, we are waiting for thee, God is love, the cross is saying, Welcome the light! His every word is true. And the sense of their song? Waiting thy glory to see, Calvary is proof enough. Walk in the light and let him shine in you. Strong as the lion, gentle as the dove, God is hidden no more, All we’re needing comes from thee. I believe in transformation, Welcome the Christ, His name is love. He has spoken his mind; God can change the hearts of men, Wrapped the gift of his love Lord, we are waiting for thee, And refine the evil nature A word was born, a single word for beauty. In the stuff of mankind. Lord, we are waiting for thee, Till it glows with grace again. A whispered word before the child could speak; Now his nature is known: Wonders begin when the Lord comes in! Others may reject the weakling, A healing word pronouncing absolution; God is Love undefiled. Lord, we are waiting for thee! I believe he can be strong, A strengthening word, empowering the weak! And his love is revealed To the family of Jesus Peace-bringing word of God, of health, of joy, In the face of a child. Not by the skill of our hands, All God’s children may belong. God’s word is love brought by a little boy. Not by the cleverest plans, Shepherds too come to wander, Not by might, Lord, shall we fight, Lord. In a world of shifting values, We welcome you, the Christ of breathless beauty. Moved to tears by the scene Not by the skill of our hands, There are standards that remain, Come, teach our minds to think in wiser ways. Of a child in a manger: I believe that holy living Not by the cleverest plans, Invade our hearts with mercy and compassion. What on earth can it mean? We delight in thy commands. By God’s grace we may attain. Live in our lives, all days are Christmas days. And the wise come to worship, All would hear the Holy Spirit Accept our gifts, unwrap our pent-up powers. Go away with great joy. We’re going to sing a new song, If they listen to his voice, Show us your beauty, Christ, and make it ours! Have they learned a new lesson Glory and power belong Every Christian may be Christlike From this new little boy? And in liberty rejoice. Unto Jesus! Unto Jesus! We’re going to sing a new song, All the promises of Jesus Glory and power belong Are unchanged in every way, Unto Jesus, praise prolong! In my yesterdays I proved them, I believe them for today. We’re going to sing a new song, Still God gives his willing servant We’re going to sing a new song, Full equipment for the task; Power is found by those who seek it, Glory, glory! Hallelujah! Grace is given to those who ask. We’re going to sing a new song, We’re going to sing a new song, Alleluia! Glory, glory! We’re going to sing a new song, Someone Cares You Can’t Stop God from Loving You I am the Resurrection Glory and power belong Words: John Gowans Words: John Gowans and Romans 8: 38-39 From the musical Jesus Folk by John Gowans Unto Jesus! Unto Jesus! Music: John Larsson Music: Mark Hayes and John Larsson We’re going to sing a new song, Arrangement: Ray Steadman-Allen Words: John Gowans (John 11:25) Glory and power belong Transcribed for voices: Cliff Matthews Music: John Larsson Unto Jesus, praise prolong! You can’t stop rain from falling down, Prevent the sun from shining, Adapted: Richard Phillips Lord, we are waiting for thee, Do you sometimes feel that no one truly knows you, You can’t stop spring from coming in, Lord, we are waiting for thee, And that no one understands or really cares? Or winter from resigning, I am the resurrection and the life, Wonders begin when the Lord comes in! Through his people, God himself is close beside you, Or still the waves or stay the winds, He that believeth, Or keep the day from dawning, We’re going to sing a new song! And through them he plans to answer all your He that believeth in me, You can’t stop God from loving you, Though he were dead prayers. His love is new each morning. Yet shall he live, Someone cares, someone cares, You can’t stop ice from being cold, And whosever liveth and believeth in me Someone knows your deepest need, You can’t stop fire from burning, Shall never die, shall never die. Your burden shares; Or hold the tide that’s going out, Someone cares, someone cares, Delay its sure returning, I am the resurrection and the life, How Much More God himself will hear the whisper of your prayers. Or halt the progress of the years, He that believeth in me, Words: John Gowans The flight of fame or fashion, Music: John Larsson Though he were dead, Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling, You can’t stop God from loving you, Yet shall he live. Who is careless of our loneliness and pain, His nature is compassion. If human hearts are often tender, Through the ministry of men he gives his healing, For I’m convinced that neither death nor life, And human minds can pity know, In their dedicated hands brings hope again. If human love is touched with splendour, Nor angels nor demons, Neither the present nor the future, And human hands compassion show: Nor any powers, Neither height nor depth, Then how much more shall God our Father Nor anything else in all creation In love forgive, in love forgive! Can separate us from the love of God Then how much more shall God our Father In Jesus Christ. Our wants supply, and none deny! You can’t stop God from loving you If sometimes men can live for others, Though you may disobey him, And sometimes give where gifts are spurned, You can’t stop God from loving you, If sometimes treat their foes as brothers, However you disobey him; And love where love is not returned: From love like this no power on earth The human heart can sever, If men will often share their gladness, You can’t stop God from loving you, If men respond when children cry, Not God – not now, nor ever, If men can feel each other’s sadness, Each other’s tears attempt to dry: Not God, not now, His love’s forever! His Provision Adoration, Thanksgiving and Praise They Shall Come from the East Moment by Moment Words: John Gowans Words: John Gowans Words: John Gowans Words: John Gowans Music: Ivor Bosanko Music: Gavin Whitehouse Music: John Larsson Music: John Larsson
At the moment of my weakness, For the mighty moving of thy Spirit They shall come from the east, We will not brag of battles won, When my need for power is plain, In our hearts and minds from day to day, They shall come from the west, And sudden saints we’ll never be, And my own strength is exhausted once again, For the gentle soothing of thy Spirit, And sit down in the kingdom of God; But in the power of Jesus’ name Then my Lord has made provision When our fears had filled us with dismay: Both the rich and the poor We claim a daily victory. For the day of my despair, The despised, the distressed, We adore thee, And his precious Holy Spirit They’ll sit down in the kingdom of God. Moment by moment and day after day. And we thank thee, Hears my prayer, my prayer, And none will ask what they have been Claiming his grace we shall walk in his way. And we praise thee, heavenly Father. Then my Lord has made provision Provided that their robes are clean; Till at the last we shall hear Jesus say: We adore thee, For the day of my despair, They shall come from the east Victory is won! Servant, well done! And we thank thee, And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer. They shall come from the west, And we praise thee, heavenly Father, And sit down in the kingdom of God. Nothing of worth is quickly gained, As we pray. Holy Spirit! Promised Presence fall on me. And without tears no prize is won, Holy Spirit! Make me all I long to be. They shall come from the east If Heaven seems a world away, Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit! For the kindly chiding of thy Spirit They shall come from the west, At least the journey is begun. Give your power to me, O Holy Spirit. When we thought to find an easier way, And sit down in the kingdom of God; For the gracious guiding of thy Spirit, To be met by their Father and welcomed and blessed, We often fail, and sometimes fall, When the darkness falls around me, And the strength we needed to obey: And sit down in the kingdom of God. But Christ is gentle with the weak, When bewildered and afraid, The black, the white, the dark, the fair, And pardon may be found by all, When I feel the most deserted and betrayed, For the tender stirring of thy Spirit Your colour will not matter there; However frequently they seek. Then my every need is answered Who recalled us when we went astray, They shall come from the east, By God’s providential care, The persistent spurring of thy Spirit, They shall come from the west, And his precious Holy Spirit When we hesitated on the way: And sit down in the kingdom of God. Hears my prayer, my prayer, Then my every need is answered They shall come from the east, By God’s providential care, They shall come from the west, And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer. And sit down in the kingdom of God; Out of great tribulation to triumph and rest Nothing now can rob God’s servant They’ll sit down in the kingdom of God. Of the peace that he bequeaths, From every tribe and every race, Nothing take away the strength his presence breathes. All men as brothers shall embrace; Of the everlasting arms of Love I’m daily made aware They shall come from the east, And his precious Holy Spirit They shall come from the west. Hears my prayer, my prayer, And sit down in the kingdom of God. Of the everlasting arms of Love I’m daily made aware And his precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer. We Have a Gospel They Need Christ To be like Jesus I’ll Not Turn Back Words: John Gowans Words: John Gowans Words: John Gowans Words: John Gowans Music: John Larsson Music: John Larsson Music: John Larsson Music: John Larsson
We have a gospel that matches the hour, There are people hurting in the world out there. Ambitions clamour to control my mind, If crosses come, if it should cost me dearly We have discovered the true source of power! They need you, they need me, they need Christ. And pleasing prospects I see, To be the servant of my Servant Lord; Man is a weakling, but he can be strong, There are children crying and no one to care, But first and foremost in my heart I find If darkness falls around the path of duty, Choosing the right and refusing the wrong. They need you, they need me, they need Christ. A nobler purpose for me: And men despise the Saviour I’ve adored: Man has no meaning, no purpose, no soul, And they’ll go on hurting in the world out there, Till he discovers that God is his goal. And they’ll go on dying, drowning in despair, To be like Jesus! I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost; This is the gospel that claims all our powers! And they’ll go on crying, that’s unless we care! This hope possesses me, I’m called to live to love and save the lost. This is good news for this age of ours. They need you, they need me, they need Christ. In every thought and deed, I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost; This is my aim, my creed; I’m called to live to love and save the lost. This age of ours is turbulent, affluent, There are people living who would rather die. To be like Jesus! glorious and great. They need you, they need me, they need Christ. This hope possesses me, If doors should close then other doors will open, What gospel does the world need, what truth, And their Christian neighbours simply pass them by! His Spirit helping me, The Word of God can never be contained. what creed? They need you, they need me, they need Christ. Like him I’ll be. His love cannot be finally frustrated, This age of ours, enlightened but frightened, There are people sitting by a silent phone, By narrow minds or prison bars restrained. is in a desperate state! People cold and hungry, people left alone, In every field of life I have high hopes, What new thing have we to say to this our day? Suicides for reasons that remain unknown. And for achievement aspire, If tears should fall, if I am called to suffer, Have we a gospel to give to our day? They need you, they need me, they need Christ. But this ambition holds the highest place, If all I love men should deface, defame, Where are the prophets, and what do they say? And burns within me like fire: I’ll not deny the One that I have followed, There’s the prostitute and there’s the prisoner too. Nor be ashamed to bear my Master’s name. This age of ours makes pleasure its treasure, They need you, they need me, they need Christ. Whatever I may lose, I mean to win and greed its progress bars. There’s the skid-row fella who won’t look at you. Some faint resemblance to Christ. What gospel does the world need, what truth, They need you, they need me, they need Christ. For this alone I’ll work, for this I’ll pray, what creed? The compulsive gambler dreaming of his yacht, All other aims sacrifice: This age of ours is gleaning for meaning And the lad that’s stealing just to get his ‘shot’, among the distant stars. And the girl that’s pregnant and pretends she’s not. What new thing have we to say to this our day? They need you, they need me, they need Christ. Have we a gospel to give to our day? Where are the prophets, and what do they say? There are runaways who want a place to go. They need you, they need me, they need Christ. There are alcoholics who don’t seem to know. They need you, they need me, they need Christ. There are godless people who have lost their way, And they need God’s love, but they’re afraid to say. If we close our eyes perhaps they’ll go away Without you, without me, without Christ.
They need you, they need me, they need Christ. Love Cannot Fail Words: John Gowans Music: John Larsson For More... Cleanliness is next to If I could understand the hidden mysteries of life, But I will give the love of God, Godliness If I could know the secrets all men seek, The all-embracing love of God, So This Is It...My Day For Living If I could know the reason why the world is what it is, But I will give the love of God, Why every human being is unique... Love cannot, Everywhere Love cannot, The Power Unless I knew the love of God, Love cannot fail! The all-embracing love of God, Hundreds and Thousands Unless I knew the love of God Love is patient, Love is always kind, The Power and the Glory I would know nothing. Love is never jealous or rude, Never selfish, slow to take offence, If you want it, it’s yours If I could hold the wealth of all the world Never cruel or crude. So This Is It...My Day For Living Within my hands, Love can take no pleasure in other men’s sins, Love always delights in the truth, Possess the priceless treasures of the earth, In this quiet moment If all the precious things Love believes all things, love endures all things, That men have prized belonged to me, Through troubles and travail, In the Army And lovely things of unimagined worth... All else may fall or fade, Love cannot fail! Limitless Grace Unless I had the love of God... Heart Songs I would have nothing There’s no other Name If I should spend my strength Introducing...The International Staff Songsters To build a better world than this, And spoke of brotherhood with every breath, Transformation If I should give my goods Good News To feed the children of the poor, And for my faith would die a martyr’s death... What does the Spirit say Marching as to war Unless I gave the love of God.. I would give nothing. You can’t stop God from loving you But I will give the love of God, On Reflection The all-embracing love of God, But I will give the love of God, You don’t have to be clever Love cannot fail, love cannot fail, Introducing...The International Staff Songsters Personnel
Dorothy Nancekievill Lieut-Colonel Paul Main ISS Leader Executive Officer
Emma-Joy Owen Tamsin Launn jannette Edmands Christine Thomas Susan Turner Lesley Nicholson Rob Moye Ross Mercer Nick Hampton Ryan Northwood Soprano Soprano Soprano Alto Alto Alto Tenor Tenor Tenor Tenor Enfield Regent Hall Hendon Staines Boscombe Birminghan Citadel Stowmarket Staines Staines Leicester South Librarian
Gemma Hinchliffe Hazel Launn Rachel Gray Juliet Parker Emma davis Deborah Jenkins Elaine Heaven Kevin Sandford Kelvin Mercer Cliff Matthews Soprano Soprano Soprano Soprano Soprano Alto Alto Tenor Bass Bass Boscombe Bedford Congress Hall Regent Hall Ipswich Citadel Chatham Reading Central Oxford Staines Bexleyheath Gloucester Secretary
Hilary Bromage Fiona Mercer Rosemary Ruth Unwin Margaret Launn Melanie Ellis Richard McIntosh Karl Westwood Kevin Fenton-Herring Simon Turner Soprano Soprano Steadman-Allen Alto Alto Alto Bass Bass Bass Bass Boscombe Southampton Soprano Alton Bedford Congress Hall Coventry City Chelmsford Citadel Regent Hall Regent Hall Staines Treasurer Sholing Chatham Sergeant/Business Manager Sergeant
Technical Team Nicola Babb – Regent Hall Penny Babb – Regent Hall Ann Stewart – Regent Hall Richard Phillips Andrew Shires Chris Carter Piano Percussion Bass Guitar Kettering Citadel Gainsborough Citadel Hadleigh Temple A Gowans Legacy
DOCTRINES THE HOLY SPIRIT I Believe -3.45- His Provision -5.25- Adoration, Thanksgiving THE BIRTH OF CHRIST and Praise -3.01- Welcome the Light -5.45- In the Face of a Child -4.42- THE LIFE TO COME They Shall Come from THE LIFE AND PURPOSE OF JESUS the East -3.44- Wonders Begin When the Moment by Moment -4.04- Lord Comes In -2.38- How Much More -4.02- Someone Cares -4.02- RESPONSE You Can’t Stop God from We Have a Gospel -3.45- Loving You -3.34- They Need Christ -5.09- To be like Jesus -5.11- DEATH AND RESURRECTION I’ll Not Turn Back -4.19- I am the Resurrection -2.41- Love Cannot Fail -5.55-
Executive Producer: Trevor Caffull Production Manager: Nicki Tonge Producer: Melissa Dee Project Coordinator: Mari Malm Mørkved Engineer: Adam Goldsmith Artwork and Design: Mango Graphic Design Post-Production: Melissa Dee With thanks to Lauren Elliott
Recorded by World of Sound at All Saints’ Church, East Finchley, 13 & 14 May 2016
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/iss @internationalstaffsongsters