For such a time as this

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For such a time as this

May 3, 2020 by Marlene Bagnull

It’s been more than twenty years since Terri Gillespie (who I “just happened” to meet the first time I visited Beth Yeshua) encouraged me not to miss a concert Marty Goetz was giving. I’m so glad I listened. That evening was life-changing as I was drawn more deeply into God’s presence than I had ever experienced.

Since then I’ve had the joy of introducing Marty to hundreds of writers at the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. I’ve never forgotten the first year Marty came to Colorado. After the conference was over, one evening the staff and I literally sat on a mountaintop for more than an hour worshiping with Marty as his CD played in the car deck.

During the past seven weeks (or is it now eight?) that I’ve “sheltered in place” I’m so grateful for how I have again been blessed by Marty every Tuesday and Friday evening (7 pm CST) through his live “House of Worship” on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/martygoetz).

Dozens of Marty’s songs have become favorites through the years, but the new song Marty and his daughter, Misha, shared on Friday has touched me even more deeply. Marty writes:

Our Newest Song is Here! ‘Historic’ is the word many have used to describe this worldwide pandemic we have all experienced. In times of crisis and uncertainty, such as these, history has a way of turning ordinary people into extraordinary heroes. Every one of us has been called upon to make difficult and costly sacrifices. Still, there are those who have been on the frontlines in this battle against our invisible enemy – doctors, nurses, first responders, and the many people who have gone to work daily on our behalf, providing our essential needs. We are releasing this new song in honor of them. It tells the story of a young girl named Esther, who, at her time in history, was called upon to be a hero – saving the lives of her Jewish people. In that spirit, and in gratitude to all of you who have done what needed to be done, we hope you enjoy and are inspired by, ‘For Such a Time as This (Esther’s Song).’ Please like and share this new song & video with the heroes in your life!

See below for a story I wrote about how Marty’s music has impacted me. It was included in Changed – True Stories of Finding God through Christian Music (Standard Publishing, 2005).