Music & the Spoken Word was first broadcast in 1929 and is the longest continuous broadcast programme on air. It features the Tabernacle Choir and is a programme of inspirational music and thought. It is broadcast from Temple Square each Sunday at 4.30pm MST (11.30pm UK & Ireland)
In Northern Ireland, Lloyd Newell and his team filmed an episode of Music & the Spoken Word with Paralympic Gold Medal Winner Jason Smyth. Smyth, who lives just outside of Belfast with his wife Elise and their two daughters, is an example of running with faith.
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Jason, who has a visual impairment, is unbeaten in 15 years of Paralympic competition. Described by his peers as one of the most technically gifted sprinters alive, he has 20 championship gold medals, including six gold medals in the Paralympics, and has set world records in both the 100- and 200-metre races.
Newell said about interviewing Smyth, “I was so touched by his goodness and his warmth and his willingness to help us in any way he could.” His is a story about the power of faith. It is also a story of working hard to fulfill your dreams. Smyth was inspired by his high school teacher who invited him to run. That invitation changed the direction of his life. He reminds us that you can never underestimate the positive influence we can have on others. He further reminds us that, “Small daily steps forward lead to big victories!”
After the interview with Smyth, the crew was looking for a place to film the beautiful countryside of Northern Ireland. As they looked for just the right location, team director Terry Hritz, of Bonneville International said, “Let’s pull over, we’ve got to do it right here.” They pulled over in front of a farmhouse and Hritz knocked on the door and asked the family if they could film on their land. They said they would be happy to share their land to tell a story of inspiration and show the beauty of the land.
This episode with Jason will be broadcast on Sunday 18th September
You can watch or listen to this episode here: