Reviewed by Ian Whitwood

This 10-track album of original songs featuring vocals from several well-known figures in Scottish Christian music like Yvonne and David Lyon, Steph Macleod and Lins Honeyman covers themes that reflect the desperation of modern day believers in the worldwide Church as well as their hope in a faithful and unchanging God. "O Wounded Church Arise" expresses the hopes and desires of partner organisation Open Doors and their supporters, with choral harmonies and Pete Harvey's cello solo adding depth and feeling to the message that Christ's "wounds have power to heal." Yvonne and David Lyon's co-written composition "Hope" showcases Yvonne's beautiful singing and piano playing and highlights the hurts and the hopes of persecuted Christians. Seonaid Aitken's fiddle playing creates atmosphere on "Let Your Love Enfold" as Steph Macleod sings "I trust you God/Where else can I go?" The album's opener "I Will Hope" is the standout track with accordion, guitars, percussion and fiddle combining in a rousing anthem that sums up the predicament posed in many of the album's tracks, but also the necessary stance for the true believer. This album is the perfect companion for those of us who are committed to praying for the persecuted Church.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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