Luis Palau Project LLC

Release Date: March 15^th 2019

Reviewed by: Jonathan Andre

Matt Redman– Always Grace (Original Soundtrack) [feat. Jaci Velasquez] – Single (iTunes/Amazon mp3)

Track Listing:

1. Always Grace (feat. Jaci Velasquez)

I have always admired the tenacity of which Matt Redman delivers his music over the years. Such emotion and power that I’ve seen over the years with his music, that I have come to respect and admire one of today’s most influential worship leaders of both today and yesterday, as songs like ‘Blessed Be Your Name’, ‘Once Again’, ‘Dancing Generation’, ‘Holy Moment’, ‘Let My Words Be Few’, ‘The Father’s Song’, ‘The Heart of Worship’ and ‘Undignified’, to name a few; have all shaped the worship music landscape into what it currently is today. While Matt may not be as popular now in the worship music industry (leave that to global worship movements like Bethel Music and Jesus Culture to be popular now), he still keeps chugging along, releasing albums every few years apart.

Here we are now in 2019, and Matt has unveiled another powerful emotive worship song, this time featuring pop-Latin/CCM songstress Jaci Velasquez, titled ‘Always Grace’, the song being the exclusive theme song of the forthcoming faith-based movie PALAU, based upon the life and ministry of evangelist Luis Palau. As released in a press release via Christian site HALLELS, we are met with the story of Luis, and how the song by Matt Redman (which was actually written and performed in 2015 at a Passion live event) fits right into Luis’ story. As I’m going to transcribe the story verbatim according to what is on HALLELS.com, we are met with a man full of hunger for sharing the gospel, impacting the church and people on a global scale.

After his father passes away at age 10, the lives of Luis Palau and his family are changed forever. Within a few years of his father’s death, Luis, his siblings, and his mother are left nearly destitute due to poor financial management of his father’s estate by his relatives. Luis is forced to discontinue his education at an elite boarding school in Argentina and provide for his family as they slip into poverty. In the years that follow, Luis devotes his life to God, begins preaching, launches a radio show and, ultimately, is invited to the United States to study and become a missionary. His decision to study in the United States is not easy, and he must leave his mother and four sisters in Argentina to follow in faith what God has called him to do. During seminary school, Luis is encouraged to plant churches and teach. Yet, since he was a child, God gave him a vision of bringing the good news of Jesus to people across the globe. To eventually fulfill this vision, he must overcome many challenges, including personal impatience and doubts with what seemed to be an enduring process while God was teaching, molding and grooming him. Luis learns to stand firm in the plans God has before him while contending with serious threats to his safety as he began evangelizing in South America amidst violent political turmoil.

An unexpected encounter with Billy Graham would bring about the launch of Luis Palau’s global ministry at a level only God could ordain. Built upon his unwavering belief that the teachings of the Bible and a relationship with God are the foundation of life, Luis presents the GOOD NEWS to millions. From the most influential business and political leaders to everyday people, an unprecedented number of lives are changed. The path is not always easy, but remaining dedicated to the vision God placed in his heart along with his consistent message of hope and love, Luis Palau impacts the world. This is a true story of a man who was born in a small town in Argentina, committed his whole life to the works of the Lord and embarked on an incredible journey becoming one of the greatest evangelists in history. The legacy of Luis Palau and what God can do with a willing heart will inspire people of faith for generations. 

‘Always Grace’ is a reminder for us that grace is readily available whenever we need it- no questions asked, and is a fitting song to showcase the beliefs and thoughts of Luis during a time where it may have felt that the easy option were to give up. While the movie hasn’t released in cinemas yet, there is a trailer out, as well as Luis Palau himself sharing what he wants people to get when they do see the movie. As for me? Until I eagerly and patiently wait until the movie comes out, I’ll listen to the song by Matt, and remember that if God can impact a little boy all these years ago with a passion to see people come to the Lord, then nothing is beyond His reach. Well done Matt for such a powerful and emotive track, can’t wait for the movie to release, whenever that may be!

Score: 4.5/5

RIYL: Tim Hughes, Soul Survivor, Passion, Chris Tomlin