CDP-69  THE MERCY PROJECT

rt for art's sake is fine. Music for music's sake is dandy. But art or music created for the sole purpose of helping others is truly beautiful.

Such is the case with The Mercy Project, a musical expression of hope and celebration to benefit Mercy Ministries of America, a non-profit organization that shelters and helps troubled girls and young women. Conceived in the hearts of Jeff and Gayla Borders, gifted Nashville songwriters first introduced to Mercy Ministries at a Point of Grace concert, The Mercy Project brings together some of the finest voices on the music scene today-Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Donna Summer, Point of Grace, to name just a few-to share their musical vision of mercy. The result is a collection of songs steeped in forgiveness, acceptance, hope and the irresistible, relentless love of God.

Balanced and lyrically rich, this project opens with Darlene Zschech's "Kiss of Heaven," a standout, almost anthemic declaration of "the embrace, the kiss of heaven" that leaves one changed forever. Zschech's exuberant, wor-shipful interpretation of such uplifting lyrics is practically contagious.

Michelle Tumes' near-Cyndi Lauper-like version of "Sanctuary," written by the Borders, and originally recorded by Grover Levy, is a perfect fit for this collection: "Once I thought that I was drowning in the wake of all my doubt/As I slipped from sight, my heart was pounding, 'til your mercy pulled me out." It's a change of pace for Tumes and a relevant message.

Undoubtedly, the beautifully orchestrated "Inside Out" by April McLean tells the painful stories of many of the young women who come to Mercy Ministries, and the "One tenderly looking on with eyes of love... He's looking through my lies, looking through my sin/He who knew me from the start sees my heart from the inside, inside out."

Jill Phillips' "Love Is Relentless" continues the theme of unconditional love, but shifts gears into a driving pop-country style. And if you've got a beating heart in your chest, the Lisa Bevill and Erin O'Donnell duet "Heart-strings" will tug at yours, so get out the tissue beforehand.

As if the fact that all proceeds from the album benefit Mercy Ministries wasn't enough to make you whip out your wallet, the songs here stand on their own, encouraging and reassuring us all in times of trouble that God's mercy is greater than the world is wide. -- Melissa Riddle (c) 2000 CCM Communications, Inc. -- 

Track Listings