Gabriel was baptized a little bit ago. He is here studying medicine to become a doctor. He does not speak Russian. His attendance was slacking off. Our branch has a pianist but no one leads the singing. Everyone does his own thing or does nothing. I knew Gabriel was a Nigerian (which meant he had music in his genes) and had sung in a choir. We called him into the Branch President's office and issued a call from the Lord to help our branch sing the songs of zion. I explained the importance music in bringing the spirit to our Sacrament meetings, the importance of choosing songs -- the right songs and of being there every Sunday. I wish everybody could have seen his face and felt his spirit --as I did, seeing the change that came over him.
He said he didn't know the technicalities of music -- standard beat patterns and measures, but he committed that he would do it if we would help him learn. I then turned to the branch president and asked if the members would be patient with Gabriel if he made mistakes. Of course the answer ... and the truth ... is that the members would reach out to him even more in love and appreciation for what he was attempting to do. So.....we have been learning.
Tonight before FHE was our second session. We chose three songs to work on: "I Need Thee Every Hour" (3/4), "Onward Christian Soldiers" (one he knows and really feels), and "We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet" (both 4/4 ) . After practice was FHE and he led the opening and closing song. Normally we don't applaud after singing hymns but tonight everyone in our home evening group felt the magnitude of his effort and the triumph of his success. Spontaneously the group burst out clapping. He was absolutely beaming! Gabriel is a new pioneer just learning the songs of zion.
Our next practice is scheduled for tomorrow. ; )
Ohhhhhh.....!
ReplyDeleteThis is another favorite part of the gospel to me!!!! To always be in a position to be taught and to stretch and grow, but sometimes to actually have something to teach and give in absolute LOVE and excitement for an others' success!!! I am experiencing these type of moments and they are sacred and precious!
ReplyDelete:)!!xoxo. and
ReplyDeleteahh yes, the blessings of callings. That's not my Dad singing. Nope. I remember,'no way'. He's not in choir. He's teaching choir. And transferring a 'testimony' of choir.
:)
Wishing YOU too, a happy conference when it comes next month. It was so short, short, today! You can anticipate it will be very good. Very family. Very Atonement and HG and revelation. Very good. (How do you say that in Russian?
the sad thing is though, Dad, that not understanding pres Hinkley's principle is not limited to the far reaches of the vineyard. When Kyle and I were in Westlake down South, Neither of us spoke in church, had callings or had any assignment to serve in any way for nearly three years - ok, Kyle was a home teacher . . . then we went straight into probation and couldn't get/do any of those things. It didn't make probation seem too effective . . .
ReplyDeleteIt's cute too see you, Dad, teaching how to serve in a way you really aren't too comfortable with yourself. But what an awesome experience to be able to share that with another! the joys of service in every way!!!