Kirsty Evans, Worship Pastor at St Saviour’s Sunbury, has written an original song! We interviewed Kirsty to find out more about what inspired the song and whether she’s planning to write more.
1. What inspired you to write this song?
During lockdown, I have had more time to think about things and had been reminded of the importance of God’s protection and power.
I’ve taken the opportunity in this time to work at the foodbank during which I have been praying with people, hearing so many people in the midst of pain and suffering, which reminded me of my past pain and battles that I had, before someone told me about Jesus. This filled me with such gratitude and honour for God’s unconditional love and power, I decided to write a song about it.
2. Have you written songs before?
This is the first time I have written and recorded a song. I did write a song years ago (when I first found my faith) called ‘You are my Strength’ but never actually recorded it. I turned to it when I needed a boost of God’s mercy and faithfulness breathed into my failures. Some people are lucky enough to give their life to Jesus and their life is restored. It wasn’t like that for me, I had years and years of battling the enemy.
It was only a month after I moved from Norfolk to Sunbury, that God finally delivered me from my long term addiction battle – He is so gracious, He did it in my sleep, and from that moment the battle was gone, I was free!
3. What’s your musical background?
I am Grade 8 violin, piano and percussion. I used to attend a music school as a child every Saturday. I won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at a young age, but knew then, that wasn’t the path that inspired me. Back then, all you could study was classical music which wasn’t my passion. Its amazing now, the diverse range of musical studies, but it wasn’t like that then. I stopped playing for many years and picked it back up again when I found Jesus.
I enjoyed teaching music to the children as part of my class teacher duties. It's been wonderful discovering my passion for music again in the church. Prior to coming to Sunbury as the Worship Pastor, I led worship for 8 years at my church in Norfolk, encouraged and mentored by a wonderful friend who believed in me when I couldn’t do that myself.
4. What’s your favourite part of the song and why?
My favourite part of the song is the bridge (that’s the bit at the end of the song that changes). It's such a declaration of faith singing….”I believe in you Jesus”. It makes me feel proud and blessed singing those words. The song has a journey and a slight lament feel, but wrapped up by scripture based strength and healing power of God. The first two lines of all verses, come straight from scripture. I wanted the song to be Gods word breathed out by the spirit.
5. Will you be writing more songs?
Yes definitely. I would like to write a congregational song of victory, we can sing and declare to the heavenly realm in church.
6. What would you say to anyone who is thinking about songwriting?
I would say go for it! It's such an intimate, personal and healing process. Do bring Holy Spirit into the centre of your process. Be brave, take risks, wear your heart on your sleeve as people can relate to that. It can be a vulnerable process, but with God at your side, you could be writing the next anthem that’s sung round the world, breaking chains and restoring lives!
You can listen to the exclusive premiere this Friday at 10am on our YouTube Channel:
Do share the link with friends and family as we support our worship pastor take this exciting step of faith!