2007 Schools of Christian Mission
SING ACROSS THE WALLS!
(2007 SOCM Theme)“I’m gonna live so God can use me” is the opening line and title of an African American spiritual.
As women in mission who have a PURPOSE which we strive to fulfill, we have sung the songs of mission for over a century. Songs of justice, love, mercy, and freedom have changed so many situations of hopelessness. Lyrics to “Battle Hymn of The Republic” were written by Julia Ward Howe to resists slavery. Fanny Crosby wrote, “Rescue the Perishing” as she worked with the poor of New York City in the late 1900s and shaped the church’s understanding of mission. Martin Luther King led the people in singing “We Shall Overcome!,” and now freedom movements throughout the world lean on that song for hope.
This year’s mission studies on Mission & Music, Israel/Palestine, and Globalization, present opportunities to continue the legacy of justice and freedom. We will struggle as we confront our feelings- joy for some of us as walls or barriers are going up in some part of the world, or for others, sadness and despair as walls are being erected.
How do we sing across the walls? Walls isolate and separate for economic, social, political and/ or religious purposes. What can a song do? Bring hope and give courage. The African American spiritual, “I’m gonna live so God can use me,” repeats after every verse, “Anywhere Lord, Anytime”
We, too, are called to sing a song of hope and freedom across walls. Jesus Christ sets us free to be whole persons. We sing for the freedom of all people, not just ourselves. We sing of the Good News that God loves everyone and invites the most unexpected people to the feast. We sing the songs of hope that have the power to bring down walls of hatred and injustice. Sing across the walls!
Let our song be…
I’m gonna live so God can use me
I’m gonna work so God can use me
I’m gonna pray so God can use me
I’m gonna sing so God can use me
Anywhere Lord, Anytime!