This term Andrew Wallace has begun songwriting classes among the Laarim young people at Kimatong school. His dream and prayer is that by the start of 2017 there will be there will be a series of Laarim songs, crafted by Laarim people, which will clearly tell the story of the Bible to anyone who listens to them.
In a community of oral learners, the potential of this project for increasing gospel interest and understanding is really significant.
Before the project started, Andrew shared “I can’t really anticipate how the lessons will be received, but my best guess is that the children will be shy at first and need a lot of encouragement. But, as we continue to meet I think their enthusiasm will grow. I can see in them that innate musicianship that exists within so many African cultures, yet they have been given so little opportunity to express it. I hope to give them that opportunity. My initial approach will involve reading a Bible story and discussing the main points and phrases. When we have identified these, we will try to craft a song using those words. As the melody and rhythm solidifies we can add in the drums and shakers and hopefully one of the local flutes if I can find someone who owns/plays one. I hope that the children will create one new song each week and can then teach it to the others in the morning devotions which I am continuing to organise at the school. Over 15-20 weeks the Bible stories will give the big picture of God’s work in the world, from Creation through to Jesus’ return.”
This is the result of the last two Friday morning’s work in the newly launched Laarim songwriting class at Kimatong school. Andrew comments “I’m so excited about the enthusiasm of these students in telling the story of the Bible through song. This song they have put together explains in simple terms Creation and the Fall.”
Please join with us and Andrew in praying that these young people would understand the words they have declared about their Creator. Pray that the words from scripture would dwell in their hearts and cause them to seek after Jesus.
“Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; Proclaim good tidings of his salvation from day to day.” Psalm 96:1-2
