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FAITHFUL ONE BRIAN DOERKSEN

The release of Faithful One, the album marks 30 years of songwriting & recording for me. It’s been a journey filled with every emotion, from the ecstatic joy of creating and connecting with God to the dark days of disorientation when creative projects collapsed or when tragic news arrived uninvited. It some ways, this project and my public songwriting and recording life began on Sunday Oct 1, 1989. I was the 23-year-old worship pastor of the Vineyard congregation in Langley, B.C. Canada. We had decided to record a live ‘evening of worship’ featuring original songs written by Andy Park, Craig Musseau and myself backed by our church worship band. As we met to pray a few hours before the event I had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit. I collapsed on the floor because of the intensity of what felt like electricity coursing through my body. My initial thought was that God had come with the fire of judgment. After a few minutes, I realized that the fire and power I was experiencing was pure love. I eventually got off the floor and we proceeded singing through our prepared set list. The result was a Langley Vineyard live recorded album released on cassette called ‘Changed By Your Glory.’ (Anybody out there remember cassettes? How the tape would sometimes unspool and a pencil could wind it back in?) We planned on manufacturing about 500 cassettes for members of our church, but somehow a few copies found their way beyond our local area and the requests started coming in. We realized that we needed to re-release the album as a CD. ‘Changed By Your Glory’ eventually sold over 70,000 units (with no marketing, record label or social media) and was the primary way that people were introduced to my earliest songs like ‘I lift my eyes up’, ‘Refiner’s Fire’ and ‘Faithful One.’ Now 30 years later I’m still singing those songs and I’m so grateful to say after a few years hiatus I’m writing new songs again. In some ways, I’m a different person now. (Joyce affectionally calls me ‘husband # 5’ because of the various phases of life that we have passed through in our 35 years of marriage including raising our 6 precious children with the ongoing challenges and delights of supporting our 2 special needs sons who are now young adults.) Yet my heart is still the same. I want to sing emotionally honest songs that convey my love and lament to God, the joys and struggles of life, and to do so in a musical style that is mother tongue to me. I hope that this collection will bring back good memories and also communicate something fresh.

THE FAITHFUL ONE

Gratefully, Brian Doerksen

In a season of history where albums are no longer the focus in the music world, I send this out with this hope; that this collection would be a blessing and encouragement to you on your journey of faith. May you know how deeply you are loved by God, and how grateful I am that some of my songs have been a part of your journey.

This album is not a complete ‘best of’ album because it’s possible that your favourite song of mine didn’t make this collection. I tried to balance it with some of my personal favourites while also keeping in mind the songs of mine that seem to have best served my audience. Some songs are missing because we just ran out of space (You can only fit just under 80 mins of music on a CD!) I decided not to include any songs from my 2017 album Grateful because I hope you will get Grateful and hear those songs in their original flow and song sequence. And even though I think that project contains some of my best songs – it’s far too early to tell whether any of those songs will become legacy songs for me. My Christmas album is not represented either – I’m super excited about the dozen new Christmas songs I’ve written and recorded but including any of those songs didn’t quite make sense, though I was tempted to use the Christmas Edition of ‘Hope of the nations’ for this collection but in the end decided to keep that version exclusively on my Christmas album.

Philip Janz, my producer, and I have really enjoyed working on some renewed versions of several of my legacy songs. I also included a song recorded by the band I’m proud to be a part of; The SHIYR Poets. We have released 3 Volumes of new folk-rock settings of the Psalms. In the years where I lost my words and stopping writing original songs (2010 – 2015) the Poets were a lifeline to me. I came very close to including the Poet’s new setting of Psalm 24 (Carry A Blessing) on this album because I love it so much, but in the end decided that I needed to keep this album focused on some of my legacy songs. I really do hope, if you haven’t already done so, that you will take the time to listen to all the volumes in our ‘Songs For The Journey’ series. There really is nothing like singing the Psalms.

E STORY

I LIFT MY EYES UP FAITHFUL ONE COME NOW IS THE TIME TO WO HOW LONG (PSALM 13) ENTER THE REST OF GOD IT IS WELL YOU S TODAY HOPE OF THE NATIONS STAY (ORPHANâ€™S SONG) HALLELUJ

RSHIP CREATION CALLS THE RIVER SHINE LIGHT THE FIRE AGAIN REFINERâ€™S FIRE AH (YOUR LOVE IS AMAZING) ETERNITY

I lift my eyes up, to the mountains Where does my help come from? My help comes from You Maker of heaven, Creator of the earth Oh how I need you Lord You are my only hope You’re my only prayer So I will wait for you To come and rescue me Come and give me life Lead Vocal: Brian Doerksen Guest Vocalist: Stephanie Esau Drums: Philip Janz Bass: Matt Weeks Nylon, Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Brian Thiessen Glass Flute, Dulcimer, Ocarina: Boris Sichon Keyboards, Piano, Penny Whistle, Vocals: Philip Janz Violin: Calvin Dyck Violin: Samuel Tsui Violin: Beth Nickel String Arrangement: Philip Janz

Faithful one, so unchanging Ageless one, you’re my rock of peace Lord of all I depend on you I call out to you, again and again I call out to you, again and again You are my rock in times of trouble You lift me up when I fall down All through the storm Your love is, the anchor My hope is in You alone Lead Vocal, Olson Acoustic Guitar: Brian Doerksen Guest Vocalist: Kathryn Scott Drums: Philip Janz Bass: Matt Weeks Electric Guitars: Brian Thiessen Pan Flute, Duduk, Ocean Drum: Boris Sichon Keyboards, Vocals: Philip Janz Violin: Calvin Dyck Violin: Samuel Tsui Violin: Beth Nickel String Arrangement: Philip Janz

Come, now is the time to worship Come, now is the time to give your heart Come, just as you are to worship Come, just as you are before your God Come One day every tongue will confess You are God One day every knee will bow Still the greatest treasure remains for those Who gladly choose You now Willingly we choose to surrender our lives Willingly our knees will bow With all our heart, soul, mind and strength We gladly choose you now

I have felt the wind blow Whispering Your name I have seen your tears fall When I watch the rain How could I say there is no God When all around creation calls A singing bird, a mighty tree The vast expanse of open sea Gazing at a bird in flight Soaring through the air Lying down beneath the stars I feel Your presence there I love to stand at ocean’s shore And feel the thundering breakers roar To walk through golden fields of grain ‘Neath endless blue, horizon’s frame Listening to a river run Watering the earth Fragrance of a rose in bloom A new-born’s cry at birth I believe I believe I believe

To the river I am going Bringing sins I cannot bear Come and cleanse me, come forgive me Lord I need to meet you there Precious Jesus, I am ready To surrender every care Take my hand now, lead me closer Lord I need to meet you there In these waters, healing mercy Flows with freedom from despair I am going, to that river Lord I need to meet you there Come and join us, in the river Come find life beyond compare He is calling, He is waiting Jesus longs to meet you there

HOW LONG (PSALM 13) ADAPTED BY BRIAN DOERKSEN, STEVE MITCHINSON, KAREN MITCHINSON, DAPHNE RADEMAKER ©2002 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music/ASCAP From the ‘The SHIYR Poets’ release ‘Songs For The Journey Volume 2’ Visit www.theshiyrpoets.com for more information and several albums of new settings of the Psalms

How long O Lord, will You forget me How long O Lord Will You look the other way How long O Lord Must I wrestle with my thoughts And everyday Have such sorrow in my heart Look on me and answer O God my Father Bring light to my darkness Before they see me fall But I trust In Your unfailing love Yes my heart will rejoice Still I sing of Your unfailing love You have been good You will be good to me

ENTER THE REST OF GOD BRIAN DOERKSEN Inspired by Matthew 11:28-30 The Message © 2010 Integrity Worship Music/ASCAP and Shining Rose Songs (adm by Integrity Worship Music)/ASCAP CCLI 5754391 Scripture taken from The Message © 1993,1994,1995,1996 ,2000,2001,2002 Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. From the Integrity Music release ‘LEVEL GROUND’

Are you tired Worn out and empty Is your soul Weary Have you tried Releasing your burdens Do you feel the weight Of worry I am the rest you need I am the prince of Peace Enter the rest of God Come to me Burdens will fly away Walk with me Learn the unforced rhythms of grace Come to me Burdens will fly away Walk with me Learn the unforced rhythms Live the unforced rhythms of grace

When peace like a river Attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul Though Satan should buffet Though trials should come Let blessed assurance control That Christ hath regarded My helpless estate And hath shed His own blood for my soul It is well With my soul It is well, It is well with my soul Redeemed, O the bliss Of this glorious thought My sin, not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross And I bear it no more Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, O my soul

And Lord, haste the day When my faith shall be sight The clouds be rolled back as a scroll The trump shall resound And the Lord shall descend Even so, it is well with my soul It is well (It is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul Lead Vocal, Olson Acoustic Guitar: Brian Doerksen Guest Vocalist: Harry Doerksen Drums: Philip Janz Bass: Matt Weeks Electric & Hi Strung Guitars: Brian Thiessen Piano, Vocals: Philip Janz Violin: Calvin Dyck Violin: Samuel Tsui Viola: Beth Nickel Cello: Sue Round String Arrangement: Philip Janz

YOU SHINE

LIGHT THE FIRE AGAIN

BRIAN DOERKSEN

Why should I fear man When You made the heavens Why should I be afraid When You put the stars in place

Don’t let my love grow cold I’m calling out, light the fire again Don’t let my vision die I’m calling out, light the fire again

Why should I loose heart When I know how great you are Why should I give up When Your plans are full of love

You know my heart, my deeds I’m calling out, light the fire again I need your discipline I’m calling out, light the fire again

In this world we will have trouble But You have overcome the world

I am here to buy gold Refined in the fire Naked and poor Wretched and blind I come

You shine Brighter than the brightest star Your love Purer than the purest heart You shine Filling us with courage and strength To follow You Lead Vocal: Brian Doerksen Guest Vocalist: Teresa Trask Drums: Philip Janz Bass: Matt Weeks Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Brian Thiessen Piano, Keyboards, Vocals: Philip Janz Violin: Calvin Dyck Violin: Samuel Tsui Violin: Beth Nickel Cello: Sue Round String Arrangement: Philip Janz

Clothe me in white, So I won’t be ashamed Lord light the fire again

Purify my heart, let me be as gold And precious silver Purify my heart, let me be as gold Pure gold Refiner’s fire, my heart’s one desire Is to be holy Set apart for you Lord I choose to be holy Set apart for You my Master Ready to do Your will Purify my heart, cleanse me from within And make me holy Purify my heart, cleanse me from my sin Deep within Ready to worship Ready to follow Ready to do Your will

Today I choose to follow You Today I choose to give my ‘yes’ to You Today I choose to hear your voice and live Today I choose to follow You As for me and my house We will serve You As for me and my house We will spend our lives on You Today Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father Eternal King, Lord of Hosts, willingly we follow today

Jesus, hope of the nations Jesus, comfort for all who mourn You are the source Of heaven’s hope on earth Jesus, light in the darkness Jesus, truth in each circumstance You are the source Of heaven’s light on earth In history, You lived and died You broke the chains, You rose to life You are the hope, living in us You are the Rock, in whom we trust You are the light Shining for all the world to see You rose from the dead, conquering fear Our Prince of Peace, drawing us near Jesus our hope, living for all who will receive Lord we believe

Will you hold me in Your arms As I rest on Your knee Won’t You tell me my favorite story I was an orphan, You adopted me As I listen to Your voice The blessing surrounds me I know I’m Yours, I’m so glad You found me I was an orphan You adopted me Wrap Your strong arms around me This is my peace Father, stay close by me Stay As I look in Your eyes I see such kindness Nothing in the world is anything like this I was an orphan You adopted me

Wrap Your strong arms around me This is my peace Father, stay close by me Stay (Instrumental) Wrap Your strong arms around me This is my peace Abba, stay close by me Stay Lead Vocal, Gibson 1943 Southerner Acoustic Guitar: Brian Doerksen Guest Vocalist: Brenda Janz Drums: Philip Janz Bass: Matt Weeks Electric Guitars: Brian Thiessen Rhodes, Vocals: Philip Janz Violin: Calvin Dyck Violin: Samuel Tsui Viola: Beth Nickel String Arrangement: Philip Janz

Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Your love makes me sing Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Your love makes me sing Your love is amazing, steady and unchanging Your love is a mountain, firm beneath my feet Your love is a mystery, how you gently lift me When I am surrounded, your love carries me Your love is surprising, I can feel it rising All the joy that’s growing deep inside of me Every time I see you All your goodness shines through And I can feel this God song, rising up in me

I will be yours, You will be mine Together in eternity Our hearts of love will be entwined Together in eternity Forever in eternity No more tears of pain, in our eyes No more fear or shame For we will be with You Yes we will be with You Lead Vocal: Brian Doerksen Guest Vocalist: Daphne Rademaker Additional Guest Vocalist: Brenda Janz Drums: Philip Janz Bass: Matt Weeks Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Brian Thiessen Piano, Keyboards, Vocals: Philip Janz

My parents Harry Doerksen & Agnes Unger Doerksen for the gift of life. Dad, having you sing ‘It Is Well’ with me on this album is so special. (A reprise of our duet of ‘It Is Well’ originally on my first album with Integrity in 2002 – YOU SHINE.) I’m so proud of who you are, and that you are still singing strong in your 80’s, and I’m so grateful to know that you are proud of me. Even more importantly, I’ve always known that I am loved by you regardless of success or failure. Thank you for being a faithful man and husband, father, grandfather and one who constantly encourages all who provide leadership with music and song. Special thanks to you and Mom for having the foresight to purchase our home on five acres in 1969 – it feels so good to continue on this same piece of land and home 50 years later. Mom, I miss you every day. On Nov 14, 2013, your mortal body slipped the bonds of earth as you entered the ‘cloud of witnesses’. I don’t know how this works but often I still feel you with me, praying for me (as you always did) and cheering me on. This album, and my commitment to singing the Psalms with The SHIYR Poets, is for you. I am who I am because of both of you. Joyce – my precious wife and partner of 35 years. We met at MEI in grade 8 when our lockers were side by side, but it was at our current home among friends that long weekend in May 1981 that we fell in love (when we were all of 15 years old!) As I wrote in ‘Side by side’, my surprise song for you at the ‘Grateful’ listening party ... “You’re still the one for me; you remained by my side through my questioning nights ... Side by side, that’s how our love will last.” Thank you for every single day and all the ways we share our lives.

THANK YOU

Our 4 daughters, Rachel, Esther, Joy & Mercy for your love, support and the way you bring love and laughter into the heart of our family, and for all the ways you care for each other.

Philip Janz – This project feels full circle. Here we are again. Very special thanks for your skill, your heart and really going the extra mile song after song to get it right. You are an amazing and gifted human being!

Our son-in-law Luke Vandevert. What a gift to have you ‘marry in’ to our family. Thanks for all the ways you are helping us in our calling and just being yourself in our family. It feels like you have always been part of us.

Brian Thiessen – all the guitars, all the years of friendship, and making music together. Your solos on ‘I lift my eyes up’ and ‘Stay’ – what a gentle ‘wow’! There are no words to say how much emotion is packed into the way you play. Thankfully we’re not quite done yet . . . there’s always going to be one more hill to chase up.

Our sons Benjamin & Isaiah. You can’t read these words because of Fragile X Syndrome, but I hope you know how precious you are and how much your special presence means in our family. Isaiah, thank you for joyful energy and affection . . . though sometimes I get a tad jealous when you smother your mother with kisses.

THANK

Teresa Trask – thank you for lending your powerful & distinctive voice to the new version of ‘You Shine’, for your friendship and for being such a vital part of The SHIYR Poets. Joyce and I love and respect who you are and what you are doing for women in recovery with www.Lifehaven.ca Kathryn Scott – I remember our first meeting in 1997. It was such a joy to encourage and mentor you in that season. Then you started writing songs that have gone all over the world. I was grateful that you sang with me on the ‘You Shine’ version of ‘Faithful One’ in Dublin. And now to have your voice once again on this new version of ‘Faithful One’ means so much to me. It’s Fandableedozy! (Is this fun word in the official ‘Northern Irish’ dictionary or is it simply a Kathryn word?) Brenda Janz – I remember our first meeting; in Hong Kong with Jackie Pullinger in 1990. Thank you for joining me once again on Stay. Your voice carries so much.

Stef Esau – I respect and love the creative work you and Nate are doing as www.Coalmontband.com Thank you for singing on ‘I lift my eyes up’. Your voice floats and emotes. The way you sing ‘sky’ at the end of the ad-lib interlude is one of my favourite moments of this album.

Markus Frehner – HOLY GOD was one of my favourite artwork packages; designed with your distinctive visual feel and style. To have you design Faithful One and to do it together in Wädenswil, Switzerland is a real gift to me. Thank you for your hospitality and amazing design.

Daphne Rademaker – You were the first person to say hello the first time Joyce and I walked into the Langley Vineyard not knowing a soul in the summer of 1985. Your greeting and subsequently finding out I was a budding musician with a heart for worship set some of this in motion. And now having you sing once again on Eternity feels right and beautifully full circle after you sang on the first recorded version on Jesus Alone back in 1991.

Lastly, reaching back to the early years I need to thank:

Calvin Dyck, Samuel Tsui & Beth Nickel – Thank you for your artistry, skill and passion. There is nothing like real violins on a recording. Matt Weeks – In my books you are the world’s best bass player. The parts you come up! What else to say; I’m super grateful that you play on my albums and join in our concerts in Europe. Boris Sichon – Thanks for adding your magical touch to ‘I Lift My Eyes Up’ and more. The SHIYR Poets – Thank you for letting me share our setting of Psalm 13 on this album, and for all the ways you helped carry me through the years of losing my words.

Andy Park – for having the heart to welcome me at the Langley Vineyard, mentor me and then release me into leadership. I’m thankful we have been able to reconnect. Doug & Suzie Watts – thank you for your pastor’s heart for Joyce and me in the Langley Vineyard years. And thank you for the financial risks you took on creative projects like my Father’s House album. Gary Best – for having faith for me and advocating for me as a young man with a calling. I hope you feel that your risk paid off, most of all I hope you know how grateful I am.

Produced by: Philip Janz for Authentic Productions Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by: Philip Janz at Hi Tyme Studios, Mission, BC Designed by: Markus Frehner Photography by: Markus Frehner

CREDITS