Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3
“Since when were missionaries expected to sing?”
It’s a question we’ve all pondered this past month as we’ve repeatedly taken our places behind the mic. Whether visiting churches in gypsy villages or within the city limits…the question rarely fails to come with expectation…”Will you sing?”
We are a team of 7……with two strong-armed men
…and five grace-filled women
…with strength enough for the heaviest of manual labor
…yet gentle enough to cradle an orphan in our arms
..with ONE beautifully gifted vocalist
…and six suffering from a fear of microphones. J
And so we scramble to choose a culturally appropriate song…and usher Shannon towards the mic…in hopes her melody will drown our own. But as the words from Amazing Grace flow from our lips and the congregation joins in their native tongue…the Lord whispers…”My grace translates.”
Not knowing the history of our choir debut…one of our Bulgarian contacts sat us down to encourage us…
“Never think you are not making a difference, no matter what you are asked to do or how small your ministry seems. You may not think your presence is making a difference…but it was a group of missionaries…just like you…who I heard sing in front of my church as a little girl…and they changed my life forever. They loved God with all of their hearts…and I decided right then…”I want to love God like that.”
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me…
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
T’was Grace that taught…
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear…
the hour I first believed.
