In the middle of London, you can find a group of people singing their hearts out together while they try to heal them, too. This group called The Missing People Choir sings for lost loved ones, some who have disappeared decades ago and are yet to be found.
The Missing People Choir is composed of 30 different voices from every walk of life. But all the members share the tragic commonality of missing a loved one, many of which are children who have disappeared.
The mission of the choir is to raise awareness for the roughly 180,00 people who are reported missing in the UK every year. The choir was started back in 2014 by music producer James Hawkins, who wanted to create a space where people could find comfort with others who are grieving in the same way as them.
“There’s something about that communal singing together that has a healing power and property to it,” says James.
Peter Bowel is a member of the choir and he lost his son, Lee, back in 1988 when he went to a soccer match and never returned home. He was only 15 years old.
Before joining the choir, Peter was not a singer. But now he sings his heart out to his son.
“If he is in heaven then I just pray that he can hear us,” says Peter. “And he’ll know that we’re still thinking of him, that we still love him.”
Rosalyn can also relate to Peter and the loss that he has experienced. Her 14-year-old daughter, Alice, went missing in 2014. Rosalyn and her eldest daughter, Nina, make up two of the voices in The Missing People Choir.
Nina shares about how singing in the choir makes her feel closer with her younger sister, who had many musical talents.
“I feel like when I’m singing, I have that in common with her,” Nina says. “I can hear her voice. I can talk to her and say, ‘I’m really not as good as you are but, you know, I’m trying.’”
The Missing People Choir even performed one of the songs that Alice wrote when she was just 12 years old. Even though each member has suffered such tragic loss, there is comfort that they feel in their togetherness. When they unite their voices, they know that they are not alone.
Even in tragedy, we know that God will heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. And what a beautiful thing to see how this group is supporting one another and honoring the lives of those that they have lost.
Golden buzzer winner Barry D’Arcy returns to the Ireland’s Got Talent stage for a performance of ‘Wind Beneath My Wings.’
When we first met Barry, this ‘miracle man’ won over the audience and judges with his emotional backstory and incredible voice. At one time, Barry thought he might never walk again.
After suffering from a herniated disc, Barry awoke one day and fell flat on the floor. He did not have control of his legs. "I was paralysed from the waist down. They gave me a fifty-fifty chance of ever walking again, and I took it.”
But Barry overcame all of the odds to stand on the Ireland’s Got Talent stage. That’s when he belted out the iconic lyrics of the Elvis Presley song 'The Wonder of You.’ Judge Louis was so impressed with the performance that he pressed the golden buzzer, sending Barry straight through to the next round.
Now, Barry is back for a semi-final performance of the Bette Midler classic ‘Wind Beneath My Wings.’
“So I was the one with all the glory,
While you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.”
When the choir stepped in behind Barry, I knew this was going to be a moment to remember. Just listen as they all sing their hearts out to the beloved chorus.
“Did you ever know that you're my hero,
And everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
For you are the wind beneath my wings.”
Barry has certainly made an impression on this talent competition and I look forward to watching this man continue to shine.
29-year-old Filipino Rodelle Borja returned to the Ireland’s Got Talent stage for a powerful performance of ‘Always On My Mind.’
We first met this singer from the Philippines when he auditioned with ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ from Elvis Presley. Rodelle explained that he is a nurse living in Dublin.
He takes care of elderly patients and even sings for them every single day. But speaking doesn’t come easy for this young man. Rodelle told the cameras, “I applied for ‘Ireland’s Got Talent’ mainly because I want to inspire other people, especially all the stutterers around the world since I’m also a stutterer myself.”
This young man finds comfort in singing and it actually causes him to stutter less. Even when talking becomes difficult, Rodelle can turn to his vocal skills to communicate. His original audition earned tons of praise from the judges.
Now, Rodelle is competing in the semi-finals and he’s not holding back. Just listen as he belts out the iconic lyrics of ‘Always On My Mind’ from Willie Nelson.
“And maybe I didn't hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
I guess I never told you
I am so happy that you're mine
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind”
When Rodelle hit those high notes, I knew he was meant to be in this competition. What an inspiration to so many around the world to see this man overcome his stutter and continue to live out his dreams.
Police officer Lt. Austin Garrett shares an emotional final call after 25 years of service. This Chattanooga police officer has dedicated his life to serving the people of his community.
Now, he will be joining the Hamilton County office as the chief deputy. But in order to transition, he must first sign off for the final time with the Chattanooga Police Department.
His radio call was made extra special because his daughter, Haley, was the Hamilton County 911 Emergency Communications District Dispatcher on the other end of the radio.
This viral video shows both father and daughter during the emotional call. Before she even hears her dad, Haley starts to tear up. Then, she recites the sweetest words.
“You’ve been a mentor and great friend to many during your career. We all wish you well on your future endeavors. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. I love you, Daddy.”
As Lt. Garrett fights back the tears too, he makes one last remark. “Twenty-five years of service. I’ll be out of service a final time. Be careful. Don’t forget who you are.”
When the video was posted online, it quickly went viral with over half a million views. Lt. Garrett proudly served the Chattanooga Police Department and now, he is starting on a new path.
It’s obvious that he has touched a lot of lives during his 25 year tenure, especially that of his daughter’s. We all thank you for your service and wish you many more years of happiness.
Viral UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi delivers a near perfect routine to end her collegiate career.
This 21-year-old gymnast made headlines last year when her Michael Jackson-themed floor routine was shared all over the Internet.
Since that time, her unique routines have been the talk of the gymnastics circuit. Katelyn combines upbeat music with difficult moves to create the most entertaining floor routines.
Many of her recent performances have earned perfect 10 scores. Katelyn has also used her new platform to spread the message of positivity and body confidence.
Originally, this young talent had plans to compete at the Olympic level, but injuries to her shoulder and back, which eventually required surgery, forced her to step back. Katelyn’s course changed and she enrolled in college at UCLA and joined the Bruins gymnastics team.
Today, she is ending her collegiate career on a high note with another stunning floor routine at the NCAA Championships in Fort Worth, Texas.
With each move, I am more and more in awe of her talent and how she can pull of these seemingly impossible moves. Just when I think it can't get any better, Katelyn does something else, like a split drop, to leave us with our jaws on the floor.
Katelyn earned a near-perfect score of 9.950. This talented young woman has certainly made an impression as a college athlete.
Not only is she an amazing gymnast but she has also inspired countless girls around the world to follow their dreams with confidence. What a great role model for the younger generation!
Award-winning Christian group, Hillsong UNITED, perform their hit song ‘Good Grace’ live on ‘Good Morning America.’ This single is the first song from their newest album, People.
‘So don't let your heart be troubled
Hold your head up high
Don't fear no evil
Fix your eyes on this one truth
God is madly in love with you
So take courage
Hold on, be strong
Remember where our help comes from’
Hillsong UNITED is arguably one of the most popular Christian groups of the modern era.
Many of their inspirational worship ballads, such as ‘Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)’ and ‘So Will I (100 Billion X)’ are now staple songs in church services across the world.
Now, this Australian-based band is blessing us with another beautiful song of praise with ‘Good Grace.’ This powerful tune was written by Joel Houston and it’s been reaching hearts all across the globe.
‘Jesus, our redemption
Our salvation is in His blood
Jesus, light of heaven
Friend forever, His kingdom come’
These beautiful Christian ballads have become an anthem for the younger generation and the lyrics truly resonate with people from all walks of life.
The members of Hillsong UNITED always find the perfect words to give praise to His name. And I have a feeling this is going to be another song that will make waves across the world.
What a great reminder that the Lord is truly our light and our strength. With God by our side, there is nothing we cannot face. He gave us the keys to Heaven when He sent His only Son down to Earth to die for our sins.
That priceless gift is such a blessing that we give thanks for every single day. ‘Good Grace’ is the perfect way to sing of His glory.
It was a miracle captured on camera when these Good Samaritans rushed to save a blind man who fell onto the train tracks.
This blind commuter was walking near the platform at the Red Line’s Medical Center metro station in Bethesda, Maryland. As he used his cane to access the area, he fell off of the platform and right onto the tracks.
The next train was scheduled to arrive at the station in less than 60 seconds. Bystanders quickly took notice of the situation and rushed to pull the stranger to safety.
The video shows more and more people gathering by the tracks to band together and lift the man off the tracks. After he was safe on the platform, the blind man laid on the ground, obviously in shock.
Just seconds later, the train comes barreling down the tracks to stop at the platform. This was such a close call for the man but, thankfully, these Good Samaritans did not hesitate to help.
The unidentified man was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Once the video was posted online, it quickly became a viral sensation as people praised the quick-thinking strangers.
In this day and age, so many people are distracted by the world. It is a refreshing change to see strangers look up and help someone during their time of need.
I sure wish that we saw more stories like this in our news feed everyday. What did you think of these kind strangers and their heroic actions?
Actress Chrissy Metz shares the official music video for her single ‘I’m Standing With You.’
This inspirational song is featured on the soundtrack for the faith-based film, ‘Breakthrough.’
“We all got time's when we can't be strong
When it feels like, like all hope is gone
But I'm right here
Right here to lean on
I'll always be strong for you
And when you feeling broken
And it's seems like every door is closing
Want you to know that mine is always open”
‘Breakthrough’ is a true story based on the inspiring 2017 book from Joyce Smith titled ‘The Impossible: The Miraculous Story of a Mother’s Faith and Her Child’s Resurrection.’
The film stars Chrissy Metz as mother, Joyce Smith. The Smith family is rocked by tragedy when their adopted son, John, falls into an icy lake.
After 15 minutes in the water, doctors assumed that John would not make it. But Joyce had faith in God and prayed over her son’s body. That’s when the Lord granted a miracle and John was saved.
Today, Chrissy is sharing her powerful single ‘I’m Standing With You’ from the movie. ‘Breakthrough’ is in theaters now.
Joshua 1:5-6 “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.”
This Is Us actress Chrissy Metz talks prayer and her new faith-based film, Breakthrough on CBS Sunday Morning. Chrissy stars as Joyce Smith, a mother who is tested after tragedy nearly takes her child’s life.
At first, life is full of happiness for The Smith family but when their adopted son, John, falls through an icy lake, everything changes. John spent nearly 15 minutes in the water and all hope seemed to be lost.
First responders were convinced they would be making a recovery and not a rescue. In fact, John appeared lifeless after he was brought to the surface and doctors doubted if he would even make it through the night. But Joyce knew that God could produce miracles, so she started to pray over John’s body in the hospital.
Against all odds, the young boy’s heart started to beat again. John ended up making a full recovery after being pronounced dead. This inspiring story is based on Joyce Smith’s 2017 book ‘The Impossible: The Miraculous Story of a Mother’s Faith and Her Child’s Resurrection.’
Today, lead actress Chrissy Metz sits down with CBS Sunday Morning to discuss the power of prayer and the role it played in this inspiring film. She also opens up on accepting roles in Hollywood that don’t align with her convictions.
Chrissy is committed to choosing roles that positively impact her life and those around her. She wants to be sure that she is a good role model to young woman across the globe and I think she’s doing a wonderful job of inspiring and uplifting.
American Idol alums Maddie Poppe and Caleb Lee Hutchinson perform ‘A Whole New World’ during Disney night.
The pair met while competing on American Idol in 2018. Maddie ended up winning the competition with Caleb coming in as the runner up. Since that time, the two have developed a great friendship and they enjoy singing together.
Previously, the duo performed ‘You’ve Got A Friend In Me’ from the Disney film Toy Story. Today, Maddie and Caleb are back on the American Idol stage for another Disney classic from Aladdin.
“I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?”
Their vocal style lends perfectly to duets and there is clearly charisma between Maddie and Caleb. First, Caleb steps onto the stage and starts out the famous tune with his deep drawl. Then, Maddie appears from the side-stage and belts out the accompanying lyrics with her soulful vocals.
“A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming”
It’s so amazing to see these two back on the stage that started it all. American Idol can be a stressful competition, but Maddie and Caleb certainly found happiness during that time. As they sing ‘A Whole New World’ while holding hands, you can truly feel that they mean every single word.
I hope this unique duo continues to bless us with more performances together. Don’t you agree?
Country singer Ashley Campbell performs the song ‘Gentle On My Mind’ in honor of her late father, Glen Campbell.
Glen Campbell was a beloved country artist known all around the world for his musical talent. His songs, such as ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ and ‘Southern Nights’ earned him much praise.
He enjoyed a long career full of success and admiration. Sadly, the world lost this great artist in 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Now, Glen’s daughter, Ashley, is following in her father’s footsteps as a musician. Today, she’s backstage at the Grand Ole Opry to perform on of her dad’s most famous hits, ‘Gentle On My Mind.’
“It's knowing that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleeping bag
Rolled up and stashed behind your couch
And it's knowing I'm not shackled
By forgotten words and bonds
And the ink stains that are dried upon some line”
These words are so powerful and so iconic. Glen Campbell originally released the single in 1967 and it became an overnight success. He even won 2 Grammy awards that year for the popular song.
“That keeps you in the backroads
By the rivers of my memory
That keeps you ever gentle on my mind”
Even though Glen Campbell is no longer with us on Earth, his legacy continues to live on through his music. It’s so special to hear his own daughter sing such an important song for this legendary country artist.
Grandparents Dave and Marg earn a standing ovation with their jive audition on Britain’s Got Talent.
61-year-old Dave and 59-year-old Marg have been dancing together for three years. It all started when this married couple was given a gift certificate for dance lessons for Christmas.
It took a lot of coercing for Dave to agree, but finally the two went to Wolverhampton's Zig Zag Dance Factory. From that moment on, they’ve been a grooving duo.
Now, Dave and Marg are taking their talents all the way to the Britain’s Got Talent stage. "We have danced in competitions before but being in front of the judges and an audience, I just went blank. I can't even remember any of the comments! It was just an incredible experience," Dave said to Express And Star.
At first, they start off with a slow dance to ‘Something Stupid’ by Frank Sinatra. The judges look unimpressed as the couple sluggishly moves around the stage. But then, the music changes and Marg’s overcoat comes off to reveal a flashy red dress. The pair kicks it up a notch with a jive audition like no other.
The audience is instantly charmed by the two and judges start moving along to the beat. Dave and Marg easily earned 4 ‘yes’ votes from the judges and will move on to the next round of competition. Even Simon couldn’t resist standing for this lively dance audition.
What an incredible moment for these everyday market traders turned Latin dancers. Who else is looking forward to their next performance?
One soon-to-be-bride and her dying father shared a beautiful dance in place of the traditional engagement photos.
Growing up, Becky Carey always pictured dancing with her father at her wedding reception. In 2014, her dad, Tim Carey, was diagnosed with prostate and pancreatic cancer.
For years, he has been fighting the battle and Becky was optimistic that he would make it to her big day. But as her wedding date approached, Tim’s health began to drastically decline.
That’s when Becky made the decision to turn her engagement photo session into a photo shoot with her dad. She would put on her wedding dress and he would wear his Air Force uniform to capture some special moments.
One of those moments included a touching father-daughter dance between the two. They swayed along to Tim’s favorite song, ‘Unchained Melody’ as tears streamed down both of their faces.
"About halfway through the song, he started crying, so then, of course I started crying. I don’t know if he knew he wasn’t going to make it to the wedding day,” Becky said. Video and photographs show the duo dancing, laughing and whispering sweet words to one another.
Sadly, Tim passed away in his sleep before Becky’s nuptials. Even though he will not be at the wedding in person, Tim’s spirit will be right beside his daughter each step of the way.
Becky plans to play the video of their special dance during the reception and hopes she’ll be able to keep the tears at bay.
Country superstar George Strait performs his single ‘God And Country Music’ live at the 54th ACM Awards.
There’s something about country music and the gospel that fit together so perfectly. Nothing can compare to hearing an uplifting Christian song with a bluegrass backdrop.
Legendary country performer George Strait certainly agrees with this sentiment. The words of his latest song, from the album ‘Honky Tonk Time Machine,” remind us of the unique connection.
“God and country music,
They both showed you the truth
Seen the low of the valley
And the highs of the mountains too
Folded hands and guitar strings
Jukebox preachers and angels singing
Call you like they knew ya
Between the hell and hallelujah”
Today, George is performing this powerful single at the 54th Academy Of Country Music Awards show. With a guitar in his hand, this country icon belts out the words as members of the audience nod their head in agreement.
“God and country music are like whiskey and a prayer
Like Johnny Cash's arm around Billy Graham
God and country music
They both never change
You find 'em when you need 'em
Where you stand”
George Strait is one of the most beloved country artists of all-time. Time after time, his songs resonate with fans all over the world.
‘God And Country Music’ premiered during one of his ‘Strait to Vegas’ residency shows and, since that moment, people have rallied around the anthem. Everyone is in agreement, just like George sings, “there's two things still worth saving, God and country music.”
12-year-old Kerr James brought the crowd to their feet with his rendition of ‘Try A Little Tenderness’ on Britain’s Got Talent.
This song was first recorded in 1932, and multiple artists lent their voices to the tune. Some popular versions come from Bing Crosby and Ted Lewis. But it was Otis Redding’s soulful version of the song in 1966 that truly propelled it to popularity.
“You know she's waiting
Just anticipating
The thing that you'll never, never, never, never possess, yeah, yeah
But while she's there waiting
Without them try a little tenderness
That's all you got to do”
Today, young Kerr James is performing this iconic song and it’s definitely not what I expected from the 12-year-old.
Kerr is auditioning for the popular talent competition, Britain’s Got Talent. Even though he may be young, Kerr has been performing for years. This teen also writes his own songs and plays a variety of instruments.
When he stepped onto the stage, I was prepared for a modern song. I did not think this young boy would sing a soul song like ‘Try A Little Tenderness.’ But as soon as he started to belt out the powerful lyrics, everyone was blown away.
The judges have a look of shock and awe on their faces while the audience is cheering with excitement. And when he hit that high note at the end, I knew this wasn’t the last we would be seeing of Kerr James.
I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this rising star in the competition.
Salem Media, our partners, and affiliates use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, personalize site content, and deliver relevant video recommendations. By using this website and continuing to navigate, you consent to our use of such technologies and the sharing of video viewing activity with third-party partners in accordance with the Video Privacy Protection Act and other privacy laws.Privacy Policy
