REVIEW OF:
THE CALL
BY FERN BATCHELOR
A few months ago, I was contacted by one of our
featured www.messianicmusic.com artists
about a Jewish believer who had just completed a CD compiled of original
Messianic songs. It was her first CD, and I was asked to give an ear to
it. I contacted Fern, and told her to send it to me. We receive many CD
releases from all over, and sometimes it is a while before I can give an
ear to all of them. I received "THE CALL", and decided
to open it right away. The cover caught my eye, and I felt that there
might be something special about it. Boy, was I right! This one has got
to be one of the most refreshing releases sent to me in a while.
All songs are written either by Fern, her husband
Brad, or both. They are all scripture based but what makes this release
unique, is the great style of songwriting that Fern and Brad employ. It
is obvious that there has been some good musical background in Fern and
Brad’s lives, as displayed in each unique song. Each song is written
not only to accommodate the scripture-based message, but seems to
capture the very emotion of the message portrayed. I have seen many
artists who have recorded songs based upon God’s word, however to
capture it’s meaning through the music transcends directly to the
heart.
There are many songs on "THE CALL"
that I wanted to give to you as a song sample, however I have chosen
three of my favorites. You’ll just have to get this release to hear
the full collection.
The first song sample is from the song entitled, "Everything
That Has Breath". Based on Deuteronomy 6:5, and Psalm 150, this
song calls us all to the reason that we exist. Praise Him with all of
your heart, mind, and soul, is the theme to this uplifting song. We are
to praise Him in all that we go through. In fact, the song proclaims
that Yeshua is the rock, and great King over all nations. This
harmonically driven song is well performed. So many artists attempt to
portray "bigger than life" musical productions, which is a
common trait in studio production. This song simply put, drives the
heart of the scripture that it is centered around. You will be left with
the desire to do just what the song proclaims. Praise Him!
The second song pick is entitled "The Quiet
Place". The song begins with a reminder of the noises we hear
in the hustle-bustle of the world that we live in. Based upon Psalms 27,
46, and 131, this song brings us to the "quiet place" only
provided by God and the beauty that He has created for us. I don’t
know about you, but much of the time I find myself running around almost
in circles, caught up in the busy pace of life. I forget to slow down
and enjoy the "quiet place". This song transforms the listener
to that quiet place. The beautiful melody delivered by the rich tonality
of Fern’s voice, completes this wonderful song. You will agree, I am
sure.
The third song sample is entitled "A Miracle
Happened There". Fern employs a wonderful recant of the Book of
Maccabees, along with words interwoven from the books of John, 2nd
Corinthians, and Matthew. The song makes the connection that just as the
Lord provided the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days after the
Temple was destroyed, there is also the miracle when we receive Yeshua.
The darkness in our hearts is filled with His light. "There is
none like Him! Who can compare?"
May you all be blessed with this refreshing
collection from Fern’s heart to yours! Order your copy right away. You
will be happy that you did!
BIOGRAPHY
Fern was raised in the Jewish faith, although
just in a cultural upbringing. Her father taught her that religion was
something only for the weak, who needed something to help them cope with
life. Fern struggled through life’s bumps in the worldly way. She
received Yeshua as Her Lord, wanting to find the peace that she had not
been able to find in the world. This came after she had seen a New Age
show claiming that the Christ had come and was waiting in the desert for
anyone who wanted to come to him. A friend pointed her toward Matthew
24:23-26. "At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is
the Christ!’ or, ’There he is! ’do not believe it! For false
Christs and false prophets will appear…to deceive even the elect…See,
I have told you this ahead of time. So, if anyone tells you ’There He
is!’, out in the desert’, do not go out;…do not believe it".
According to everything that she had been brought up to believe, Fern
realized that the ’elect’ spoken of was her. That very night, Fern
asked Yeshua into her heart.
She had been acquainted with a man named Brad,
who’s steadfastness in the Lord led her to fellowship in a
spirit-filled Church. She felt relieved to leave the Judiasm that she
had been raised with, only to find that the Pastor had a bigger Jewish
heart than she did! Through the Pastor’s encouragement and the healing
of the Lord, Fern began to return to the true roots of her faith. After
seeing the great change in her, Fern’s parents also came to know
Yeshua.
Brad and Fern married soon after and in time,
the Lord led them to a Messianic congregation located in Philadelphia.
Fern has since rediscovered her Jewishness, this time with Yeshua in her
heart. Fern leads worship in the congregation. Fern, Brad and son Teddy
live in Pennsylvania.
