With a desire to share the gospel through music, musician and composer Karen Stoeckert created Keep the Word, a scripture song ministry through which she uses her God-given talents to help others memorise the Bible.
“Music has proven to be one of the most effective methods of memorisation,” Karen explains. “When the inspired Word is connected with music, its truth is engraved deeply into the mind, ready to be recalled when needed.”
Karen says the inspiration for the name of her ministry came from the Bible.
“I was inspired by the words of David in Psalm 119:11, ‘The word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.’ Then the words of John in Revelation 3:10 spoke to me strongly, ‘Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I will keep thee from the hour of temptation,’” she says.
A culmination of decades of song writing, Karen says she felt powerfully convicted in 1991 to begin utilising the Word of God as inspired lyrics. Following this vision, Karen composed a large music portfolio, bringing together singer and musicians, and producing eight audio tapes with corresponding music books.
“This music was used in different localities and situations including children’s choirs in Australia, USA and Bangladesh, and as part of a home-schooling program based in North America,” she says.
In 2016, Karen began sourcing musicians and singers from around the world on a more professional level. Speaking of her song writing, she explains, “When I was sitting at the piano or even when driving, during my times of meditation, personal struggles and trials as well as praises and triumphs, I would be inspired to write melodies.”
Most recently, Keep the Word has released its first album entitled I Press On, featuring well-known international Christian vocalists including Ryan Day and Steve Sullivant, and Australian-local Sandra Entermann. Other tracks on the album include “Come unto Me” from Matthew 11:28-30, “Thoughts of Peace”, as spoken by Jeremiah 29:11-13, and “I Press On”, the title track based on Philippians 3:13,14.
“This CD will encourage you to press on with your hand in Jesus’ mighty hand, pressing upwards, towards the heavenly prize,” says Karen.
Karen’s music has encouraged countless individuals across the globe. Written and performed in a classical style with vocals, Karen says she is now working on a second album with a theme that embraces day-to-day life walking with Jesus. She also plans to write an album of scripture songs for children.
Karen lives with her husband Jim outside of the township of Gin Gin in Queensland.
For more information on Keep the Word ministry and their resources, visit keeptheword.org or their YouTube channel.
