This week’s Gathering ran deviated from the normal routine. Announcements filled the bulk of the beginning, and then this week’s special guests, Jenni & Tyler, performed and spoke for the remainder.
In 2004, Jenni and Tyler Somers met at college in Delaware. From then on, the two grew fond of each other and began their lifelong partnership as husband and wife.
Now based in Nashville with three little daughters, the two continue their musical journey with upstart label Residence Music. Today, the duo, appropriately called Jenni & Tyler, brought their story to Lipscomb.
The couple began their time at the Gathering with an introduction of how they fell in love. They proceeded to play a quirky tune called ‘One-Eyed Cat,’ telling of how Jenni had to leave her cat Stuart at her parents house because Tyler is allergic to the pet.
The tone of the Gathering became more serious as the duo explained their involvement with International Justice Mission (IJM), a human-rights organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking and slavery in the world.
“We really believe in what they do,” said Jenni, “and it’s not even as much about IJM as it is about what God is doing through IJM.”
They showed a video about a former fishing slave from Lake Volta, Ghana, named Gideon. Gideon and nine others were saved by IJM. Gideon has a brother that sadly wasn’t present during Gideon’s rescue, and is still in need of rescue.
“I love my brother, and he loves me too. I want you to rescue him like you rescued us.” Gideon said to IJM.
Jenni & Tyler found about organizations like IJM in college, and have been intrigued ever since. They find that these actions provide another domain for a relationship with God.
Tyler brought up a verse he read a while back: Jeremiah 22:16. He emphasized the importance of justice in relation to the Kingdom of God.
“There’s a direct connection between justice and actually knowing God,” Tyler stated. “Often, justice gets left aside. Mercy gets a lot of attention, but justice doesn’t.”
The duo then finished their time by playing one last song “Faint Not.” It fared as a perfect way to finish today’s chapel. Its chorus encourages a goal for all.
“Oh my soul, faint not, no.
Oh my soul, keep up , up,
In love, faint not.”
Photo by Anna Rogers