Last month, we stood in awe of Larry Karpenko’s The Horizon; a glowing anthem of spiritual reflection and celestial hope. Now, he returns with something even more powerful: “Believe the Promise,” a heart-stirring composition created as a potential theme song for the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee. Over 60,000 young hearts from around the world could find themselves singing this modern-day psalm, and trust me, this is the kind of song that opens the floodgates of belief.
Larry Karpenko is a storyteller, a worship leader, and a former Pathfinder with a deep reverence for history, youth, and faith. His music it walks beside you and “Believe the Promise” does just that. released on June 27, it’s inspired by the ancient cry for deliverance from the Israelites and reimagined for today’s spiritual seekers. Now, hold on to your belief and let’s delve in to it.
“Believe the Promise” opens in quiet reverence. Delicate piano keys fall like sunlight through stained glass, establishing a sacred atmosphere. There’s something cinematic here, a nod to Broadway’s grandeur, yet with the intimacy of a quiet chapel morning. It’s inviting — a gentle hand extended to listeners, saying: “Come. Rest. Listen.”
As the first lines echo; “Believe the promise, trust God’s Word,” Larry’s vocals enter with calm assurance, wrapped in warmth. His tone is tender but confident, steady yet vulnerable. The kind of delivery that doesn’t just sing hope, it transfers it.
Lines like “Life may seem impossible, cries for hope unheard” land with particular depth, especially in a world where youth often feel unseen or overwhelmed. But the response is crystal clear: “But when we look upon His promise, He is faithful to see us through.” The message is direct, universal, and drenched in grace.
Larry doesn’t perform at us; he invites us in. His delivery is steeped in reverence and relationship, bridging generations with every note. I could hear the Pathfinder in him — the boy who once walked among tents, now writing anthems for the next generation to carry into their wilderness and wonder.
Musically, the production glows with that signature Christian/pop feel. It’s clean, heartfelt, and accessible. The arrangement builds patiently, with gentle strings and ambient layers supporting the vocals without crowding them. A soft crescendo lifts the song midway, giving space for the soul to rise. There’s even a subtle gospel undertone in the harmonies that adds depth to the emotional payoff.
Every instrumental choice feels purposeful — from the swelling chords to the rhythm that pulses like a heartbeat of faith. And when the final chorus hits, “In perfect time, say, ‘Yes, Lord; I believe’” — we were not just singing along. We were declaring.
In the end, “Believe the Promise” is a moment of stillness, a rush of light, and a call to remember the God who delivers. Whether you’re a Pathfinder preparing for Camporee or just a heart in need of hope, Larry Karpenko offers what he always does; melody with meaning, faith with feeling, and music that gently turns our eyes heavenward.
Listen to “Believe the Promise” on Spotify
Follow Larry Karpenko here for more information
