PROGRAM NOTE
The song (S.A.S.B. 5) featured in this arrangement was specifically chosen to bring comfort and assurance to those impacted by the COVID-19 virus in 2020. In a time where many have missed coming together for corporate worship, or gathering in other ways, one verse speaks of being “lonely and sad, from friends apart,” an experience shared by so many during this difficult time. No matter the circumstances of life we must face, the songwriter assures us that God will be there to meet our every need. May this song remind listeners of that reality.
1. Be not dismayed whate’er betide, 2. Lonely and sad, from friends apart,
God will take care of you! God will take care of you!
Beneath his wings of love abide, He will give peace to your aching heart,
God will take care of you! God will take care of you!
God will take care of you, 3. No matter what may be the test,
Through every day o’er the way! God will take care of you!
He will take care of you; Lean, weary one, upon his breast,
God will take care of you! God will take care of you!
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Major Ken Smith has served in corps ministry and on training college staff in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Wellington, New Zealand. Subsequent appointments at THQ in Toronto included almost ten years in the editorial department and five years as Assistant Territorial Music Secretary. During this time, he also served in the Canadian Staff Band, including seven years as deputy bandmaster. A skilled arranger and composer, Ken’s music is featured by Salvation Army bands and choral groups throughout the Army world. After almost thirty-five years of active ministry, Ken and his wife Beverley will retire on January 1, 2021, following their final appointment as corps officers at their home corps of North Toronto Community Church. They will be living in Stoney Creek, Ontario, and look forward to spending more time with family as health and time permit.