Capturing the hearts of many in the London area, 7th June marked an evening of music and testimony in a devotional by The Piano Guys: Jon Schmidt, Steven Sharp Nelson, Paul Anderson, and Al van der Beek. In the midst of their European Tour on Sunday evening they were greeted by a capacity audience of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and community friends in the Hyde Park Chapel on Exhibition Road, London.
- The Piano Guys at a fireside at the London Hyde Park Chapel on 7th June
- Piano Guys devotional at Hyde Park Chapel in London on 7th June
- Piano Guys Fireside at Hyde Park Chapel in London on 7th June
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Steven Sharp Nelson began the devotional with references to memorable British phrases with emphasis on one of his favourite, 'Mind the Gap', which became a theme for the night. He identified the challenge to shorten the spiritual gap between ourselves and the Saviour by aligning our lives with the will of God. “I have found the shortest distance between me and the Saviour is through good, uplifting music.”
Al van der Beek followed by recounting his story of forsaking pride by turning his heart to the teachings and beliefs he honoured as a young missionary. His change of heart came as he and his wife agreed to “Put both feet on the Lord’s side.” Together they determined, “Let’s do all the things we have been taught.”
Reflecting on his shyness, Paul Anderson shared that as they have humbled themselves before The Lord, He has turned their weaknesses into strengths, allowing mighty miracles to occur with their music and videos. He emphasised the power of prayer as he expressed the group’s need to shoot each of their videos within a 12-24 hour period. To accomplish their goal, The Piano Guys pray before, during and after each video shoot.
Representing the wives, accomplished violinist Julie Nelson told of her experience of being stranded in a backstage lift in Paris when she was expected to join The Piano Guys on stage. After experiencing a series of little personal miracles, she added, “After you do all you can do, the Lord steps in.”
Concluding the devotional, Jon Schmidt referenced Alma 37:36-37 from The Book of Mormon, a scripture that has guided The Piano Guys’ professional journey. He reiterated that there is no better way to Mind the Gap than to “Cry unto God for all thy support; yea let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest, let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let thy affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good. . .”
To the delight of the audience, a few songs were shared throughout the evening to illustrate their devotion and gratitude to God for their faith and for their gifts of music.