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| HYMNS FROM ASIA |
| by Joyce D. Sohl |
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Asia
was the first “mission field” of the 18th century
European Protestant missionary movement. Indian, Chinese,
Filipino, and Korean Christians learned the hymns of missionaries.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that indigenous hymns
began to emerge. Many hymns reflect the people’s suffering
through colonization, occupation, war, and natural disasters.
This
prayer for the unity of North and South Korea expresses a
longing for reconciliation.
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Come now, O Prince of Peace, make us one body,
Refrain: come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.
Come now, O God of love, make us one body,
Refrain
Come now and set us free, O God our Savior,
Refrain: come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile all nations.
Come, Hope of unity, make us one body,
Refrain |
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Geonyong Lee, Korea
Paraphrase, Marion Pope
© Geonyong Lee |
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| From Vietnam comes a poignant hymn offering to be partners with God in making a new world. |
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We’ve packed for the journey the pride of our youth;
we’ve packed for the journey our destiny’s pain.
We offer to God, Spirit Guide,
our two hands now to build a new world.
Refrain:
We come from four corners of the earth.
O Lord, from all villages we come,
Pilgrims journeying forth to be in the house of God,
in the house of God.
We’ve packed for the journey the suff’ring of all;
we’ve packed for the journey the lot of the poor.
We offer to God, Spirit Guide,
our two hands now to build a new world. |
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Trad. Vietnamese hymn
English paraphrase, S T Kimbrough, Jr.
English para © 2000 General Board of
Global Ministries, GBGMusik |
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| Two prayer-songs for the people of Asia: |
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In the lands of Asia, people are oppressed;
many cry for justice, begging for some solace.
Refrain:
O God, let your mission fill your children’s vision,
to heal the suffering and help the struggling.
In the lands of Asia, tears fall on dry faces;
children, men and women, hungry, dying, hopeless.
In the lands of Asia, fear and terror reign
people long for true peace in the light of your face. |
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Salvador T. Martinez, Philippines
© Salvador T. Martinez |
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Come, O Jesus Christ, make your dwelling with us.
We shall be watchful through the night;
we’ll wait with hope for your Day to dawn.
Come, set us free, all our trust is in you;
now, O Jesus Christ, make your dwelling with us. |
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Bart Shaha, Bangladesh
English trans., unknown
© Bart Shaha
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