A must read to all Tacsfonnites Take Me As I Am Sunday, August 28, 2016 “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 HCSB He was a natural talent who never had a singing lesson. Yet Ira Sankey, born on this day in 1840, was blessed with a booming voice that first attracted attention while just a teenager, singing in his church choir. After joining the US army, he often was asked to lead singing for their services. He had no intention of a career in music. Then, in 1870, he attended the services of evangelist D. L. Moody. The quality of singing at those services was poor, but everything changed when Sankey was asked to lead. This began a partnership with Moody that lasted for thirty years. Infused with a passion for the Gospel, Sankey realized the power of music. He constantly was sensitive to find music that could “guide the inquiring souls to Jesus Christ.” He brought countless songs to light through his publishing and composing efforts. ...