A few months ago, I was contacted by one of our featured www.messianicmusic.com artists about a Jewish believer who had just completed a CD compiled of original Messianic songs. It was her first CD, and I was asked to give an ear to it. I contacted Fern, and told her to send it to me. We receive many CD releases from all over, and sometimes it is a while before I can give an ear to all of them. I received "THE CALL", and decided to open it right away. The cover caught my eye, and I felt that there might be something special about it. Boy, was I right! This one has got to be one of the most refreshing releases sent to me in a while.

All songs are written either by Fern, her husband Brad, or both. They are all scripture based, but what makes this release unique is the great style of songwriting that Fern and Brad employ. It is obvious that there has been some good musical background in Fern and Brad's lives, as displayed in each unique song. Each song is written not only to accommodate the scripture-based message, but seems to capture the very emotion of the message portrayed. I have seen many artists who have recorded songs based upon God's word, however to capture its meaning through the music transcends directly to the heart.

There are many songs on "THE CALL" that I wanted to give to you as a song sample; however, I have chosen three of my favorites. You'll just have to get this release to hear the full collection.

The first song sample is from the song entitled, "Everything That Has Breath". Based on Deuteronomy 6:5, and Psalm 150, this song calls us all to the reason that we exist. Praise Him with all of your heart, mind, and soul, is the theme to this uplifting song. We are to praise Him in all that we go through. In fact, the song proclaims that Yeshua is the Rock, and great King over all nations. This harmonically driven song is well performed. So many artists attempt to portray "bigger than life" musical productions, which is a common trait in studio production. This song simply put, drives the heart of the scripture that it is centered around. You will be left with the desire to do just what the song proclaims. Praise Him!

The second song pick is entitled "The Quiet Place". The song begins with a reminder of the noises we hear in the hustle-bustle of the world that we live in. Based upon Psalms 27, 46, and 131, this song brings us to the "quiet place" only provided by God and the beauty that He has created for us. I don't know about you, but much of the time I find myself running around almost in circles, caught up in the busy pace of life. I forget to slow down and enjoy the "quiet place". This song transports the listener to that quiet place. The beautiful melody, delivered by the rich tonality of Fern's voice, completes this wonderful song. You will agree, I am sure.

The third song sample is entitled "A Miracle Happened There". Fern employs a wonderful recounting of the Book of Maccabees, along with words interwoven from the books of John, 2 Corinthians, and Matthew. The song makes the connection that just as the Lord provided the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days after the Temple was destroyed, there is also the miracle when we receive Yeshua. The darkness in our hearts is filled with His light. "There is none like Him! Who can compare?"

May you all be blessed with this refreshing collection from Fern's heart to yours! Order your copy right away. You will be happy that you did!

BIOGRAPHY - Fern was raised in the Jewish faith, although just in a cultural upbringing. Her father taught her that religion was something only for the weak, who needed something to help them cope with life. Fern struggled through life's bumps in the worldly way. She received Yeshua as Her Lord, wanting to find the peace that she had not been able to find in the world. This came after she had seen a New Age show claiming that the Messiah had come and was waiting in the desert for anyone who wanted to come to him. A friend pointed her toward Matthew 24:23-26. "At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!' or, ‘There he is! ' do not believe it! For false Christs and false prophets will appear…to deceive even the elect…See, I have told you this ahead of time. So, if anyone tells you ‘There He is, out in the desert', do not go out;…do not believe it". According to everything that she had been brought up to believe, Fern realized that the ‘elect' spoken of was her. That very night, Fern asked Yeshua into her heart.

She had been acquainted with a man named Brad, whose steadfastness in the Lord led her to fellowship in a spirit-filled Church. She felt relieved to leave the Judiasm that she had been raised with, only to find that the Pastor had a bigger Jewish heart than she did! Through the Pastor's encouragement and the healing of the Lord, Fern began to return to the true roots of her faith. After seeing the great change in her, Fern's parents also came to know Yeshua.

Brad and Fern married soon after and in time, the Lord led them to a Messianic congregation located in Philadelphia. Fern continues to rediscover her Jewishness, this time with Yeshua in her heart. Fern leads worship in the congregation.

Fern, Brad and son Teddy live in Pennsylvania.

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A Review of "The Call" by Lynne Albertson

of The Messianic Times

The Call, Fern Batchelor's first album, is a family affair. It includes songs written by Fern and collaborations with her husband, Brad, as well as background vocals by brother Mark Shapiro and his wife, Chris.

Fern says the concept for the title song, "The Call" came while Brad was designing and installing stained-glass windows for their congregation's new sanctuary.

He noticed a message in the symbols of his designs: a Star of David, flanked by a shofar and a dove; a menorah between a chai (abundant life) and the Two Tablets of Stone.

When read from left to right, the symbols said, "Calling Israel to receive the Spirit and abundant life through the light of His Word". Fern sensed an anointing on this concept and the celebratory song was based on the windows' message: "From the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the call to Yisrael is heard: come to life in the Spirit, life abundant through the light of the Living Word".

The 14 songs on this CD reflect the joyful journey of Fern embracing her Jewish heritage after a pastor greeted her as a daughter of Abraham when she came to the Lord in 1982. Scripture backs her lyrics, and the simple melodic strains lend an Israeli folk sound to portions of this album, reminiscent of early Liberated Wailing Wall albums, the musical outreach arm of Jews for Jesus.

Songs such as "Sabbath Rest", taken from the traditional Shabbat evening service, and "A Miracle Happened There", based on the book of the Maccabees, reveal the depth of Fern's Jewishness.

"Everything That Has Breath" is a joyously uplifting praise song. In "The Quiet Place", flowing streams, birdsong and a lilting flute reflect the story behind the song.

My favorite, "Candle in the Night", is a simple, worshipful love song to Yeshua.

The chorus says it all: "In wonder I watched, and with natural ease, love grew.... and I'll never love another as I love You".

The Call is a strong testimony to our restoration in the Lord.

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