"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established."

This proverb, in many ways, aptly describes the album you now hold in your hands. In 1979, in the face of overwhelming criticism, Bob Dylan suddenly began to perform exclusively from a new repertoire of personal, deeply felt and downright sanctified music. The following year, I witnessed Bob Dylan perform these fiery songs. The echoes of that evening can be heard on this album today. For, somewhere between here and there, I was slowly overtaken by the thought -- and later the undeniable obligation -- to entrust these songs to the gospel community and it's finest singers.

Soon, support would be provided in loyal friends, knowledgeable advisors, a vision shared by a hometown team, and the guiding hand of an able producer. Ultimately, one-by-one, the mission would inspire each of these exceptional artists, Bob Dylan included. The results are contained herein.

"I guess He's always been calling me," Dylan once said. "Of course, how would I have ever known that? That it was Jesus calling me. But God's got his own purpose and time for everything. He knew when I would respond to His call." This collection of recordings is another answer to that call.

Jeffrey Gaskill