Is there a song which speaks to our times? Which song reflects the experience of the displaced, the oppressed and economically challenged in 2022 for whatever reason? Is there a song which calls the Christ-follower to respond?<\/p>\n Composed in 1965 by Sydney Carter, ‘When I Needed a Neighbour” asks a simple question. “When I needed a Neighbour – were you there? As we have watched images on our screens of the terrors of war in Europe, and witnessed displaced people with all the possessions they can carry including pets in suitcases and bags, crossing borders to seek safety and shelter, Carter’s song challenges our response.<\/p>\n A song calling for compassion, it is a reminder of the compassion of Christ who was asked, “And who is my neighbour”? (Luke 1:29). As one commentator<\/a> said about the song, “While Carter\u2019s plea for love and understanding amongst people has always been relevant \u2013 what subject could be more so? \u2013 there is also the paradox that at that unique time and place we are wont to call \u2018now\u2019, the need for compassion has always seemed greater than ever.”<\/p>\n A major feature of the Friday evening vesper service was the singing of Carter’s song by the congregation of gathered leaders becoming the choir. Led by song leaders J\u00f3hann E. J\u00f3hannsson (Treasurer, Norwegian Union Conference) and Vanesa Pizzuto (TED Associate Communication and Media director) and accompanied on the piano by Lidija Maletic (Lay representative, Slovenian Conference) and caught on camera by James Botha (Scottish Mission president), here is their rendition.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-24.jpg\")
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