‘They Need Christ’ - 2020 version

A reimagination of the Gowans/Larsson song ‘They Need Christ’ for 2020, with new words by Kevin Sims.
The images featured show The Salvation Army's response to the coronavirus pandemic around the world, and illustrate the movement's continued compulsion to put faith in God into action.
Download at vimeo.com/SalvationArmyIHQ/TheyNeedChrist
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Words: John Gowans (verses 2-4 adapted by Kevin Sims)
Music: John Larsson
Vocal: Jooles Tostevin-Hobbs
Piano: Amanda Batt
Video: Joseph Halliday

[@RitaCavanagh]

I'm preparing a service for our local Uniting church in Orbost, Australia and I included the video of the original version. Yesterday, I played this 2020 version for a friend, who will be helping with music for the other hymns and she asked me to include this version as well. It's a Share Sunday service, so similar to the Red Shield, focusing on social services. We both felt that we didn't need a sermon with the hymns we'll sing, they're all a sermon in themselves.

[@gladysford3151]

I am sure we referred to this song some time ago. I truly feel all of you are helping some of these people every day. God is using you all in many ways

[@ianfpayne5639]

Kevin, wow, I am preparing for Sunday using Ezekiel 37 - cant see the screen for tears - thanks for your gift and ministry - 'wake up this mighty Army' breathe into us all your Spirit, so we can bring Christ and stand a 'Mighty Army'

[@dianehill1928]

So moving, a beautiful song, wonderful message!!

[@danielbisko3496]

Nice song, but can you please also publicise original version. The original deserves to be public too. Please

[@twoimse]

Double thumb up on that right there!!!
Apparently, I am going to be playing devil's advocate here.
I saw the original musical back in 1985, at The International Youths Councils. The musical was called Man Mark II. This was one of G&L's most brilliant collaborations. It was so brilliant, that even today 37 years later, I have some of the tunes playing in my head. I watch the videos for the song "If Crosses Come", multiple times through the years. These songs, kept just as they were written, are songs that really touch the hearts, and move people into action. There was nothing needed to 'perk' them up.
So why did somebody have to come along, and turn this song into essentially what would be known as a 'woke' song? I believe that the extra stanzas put onto this song literally broke the original character of what G&L presented in creating this song.

[@janetsimmons9803]

Thank you for the true reminder, we all need.

[@Wwguy2]

Thank you for this powerful and moving viideo. What a great picture of our response to God’s love to others. God bless The Salvation Army worldwide!

[@joelalojepan5734]

Amen. God bless the Salvation Army.

[@hopeanozie5842]

That was beautiful ❤️. Thank you SA

[@josephberlin6401]

Amen. Lovely song

[@mgb3068]

Thanks for this.

[@corrystorm4503]

Prachtig!