On April 12, 2024, BYU Vocal Point released a new single and a music video in collaboration with the BYU Cougarettes. Featuring stunning cinematography, striking lighting, and dancing by the nationally renowned Cougarettes, the video reflects Vocal Point’s commitment to high quality productions. However, the most striking element of the video is the message it carries.
“Trenches” was originally written by Tauren Wells, a singer, songwriter, and pastor from Houston, Texas.
“I want to learn from the example of Jesus,” Wells says. “He actually climbs into the trenches with us. If you’re fighting cancer, he’s in the trenches with you. If you’re going through a divorce, he’s in the trenches with you. If you’re wrestling with your identity, he’s in the trenches. That is the reality of what we believe. It’s the God of all creation stepping into these dust-filled streets and walking with us. I really believe that this song’s going to minister to a lot of people who feel like they’ve been fighting alone.”
In the days leading up to the video release, members of Vocal Point shared how God has helped them through their personal trenches.
“I’ve had anxiety for my entire life and I’m currently experiencing some symptoms that include tics, where I make loud noises at random times,” Hyrum Jackson says in a Vocal Point Instagram post. “It can be frustrating and even embarrassing at times, but as I talk to other people that experience the same, I suddenly have more compassion for them. I’m able to connect with others in a more significant way, and in a very strange way I’ve come closer to God. These are my trenches, and I’ve felt God in the trenches with me.”
David Gaag, another member of the group said, “One of the trenches in my life was at the beginning of my mission [in Russia for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints].I had only been out for a month before my companion and I were arrested under false charges. We ended up being detained for 19 days before we were finally deported and released. Those were really dark and scary days for me. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. But through prayer I felt peace and comfort from God, and for me, that’s what ‘“Trenches’” is all about. It’s about reaching out to God and Him climbing in the trenches with us. And even though He doesn’t always immediately deliver us from our hard times, He does offer immediate peace and comfort to everyone who reaches out to Him.”
Everyone is going through something. Maybe your career isn’t turning out the way you hoped it would. Maybe you recently lost someone close to you. Maybe you’re struggling with your faith. But regardless of what burdens you carry, God will help you carry them. Watch Vocal Point and the Cougarettes’s new “Trenches” music video here to feel uplifted and inspired. If you have a friend or family member who could also use some encouragement, make sure to send it to them.
Hear stories from Vocal Point members Hyrum, David, and Christian on Instagram.
Take a look behind the scenes of “Trenches” production here.
