Dan Bate
Dan Bate
UK & Republic of Ireland Territory
Since being very young, I have always appreciated and been encouraged by the way the Salvation Army uses music to bring others to faith in brave and new ways. Because of this, I’ve always been excited about the prospect of adding my own small part to the rich musical legacy. I picked up a guitar at nine years old and I never looked back. I have been lucky enough to minister through music across the UK and abroad for several years. I enjoy being a member of Meraki, a five-piece worship group made up of my best friends, but I also enjoy supporting many other fantastic Salvation Army musicians, artists, and choirs. One of the most fulfilling parts of my musical faith journey has been to meet with many Spirit-filled young people at various summer schools, youth councils, and territorial events. Over lockdown, I have been able to keep praising the Lord at home in my small bedroom studio. As well as writing a few songs and disturbing my neighbours with Sunday recordings, my wife and I have recorded a short album of our favourite songs to raise some money for The Big Collection.
In You Alone
Over lockdown, I have found it difficult to engage in worship, as the social element of sharing in worship with others has always been centrally important to me. However, I have found this time has allowed me to engage with God in a more personal sense. Instead of using worship opportunities to connect with others musically, returning to just playing guitar in my bedroom has allowed me to connect with God on a personal level. I wrote In You Alone a few years ago and never shared it with anyone. It is a personal conversation with God that I often return to when I am struggling for direction and find myself doubting if God is speaking into these difficult situations we are living through. We live in dark and uncertain times but as the song says, “I know that there are prayers that haven’t been answered yet. And I know that there are answers I might not ever get. But I will trust Your promise, and I promise not to forget to put my trust in You and You alone.”
He's My Guide
He's My Guide
