South Wales African Adventist Fellowship - Musical Extravaganze - Sabbath 23 June 2007

Hearts Touched at SWAAF Musical Extravaganza - Cardiff 23 June 2007 - by Theophilus Gokah

When Hamlet in Shakespeare said, "Just as the mirror-like surface of the lake gives form and pressure to its surroundings, it hides its own depths…" he was only confirming what God intended for His people, thus:

Music is of heavenly origin. There is great power in music…There is something peculiarly sacred in the human voice. Its harmony and its subdued and heaven-inspired pathos exceed every musical instrument. Vocal music is one of God's gifts to men, an instrument that cannot be surpassed or equalled when God's love abounds in the soul (E.G White, Voice of Speech and Songs: 424 - 425).

Gradually the music hall was filled with invitees and regular worshipers. It was a programme which departed from regular Sabbath worship patterns and by so doing gave meaning and purpose to the occasion. This was a music and worship concert, organised by the South Wales African Adventist Fellowship, that was aimed at bringing the gospel truth close to the hearts of people in Cardiff.

Testimonies like, "I will be the first Ugandan to be a member of Swaaf", "I love being a member of Swaaf", and "My heart is touched by what I have seen", were some of the comments on the lips of invitees. Featuring in the concert was Raffle's Inspiration from Bristol, Holy Family and For Christ from Reading, Chigbo Sisters from Newport, Emmanuel from London,Joyful Bells from Leeds, duet Stella and Chifundo from South Bristol, and other soloists.

Particularly inspiring were the performances of the younger artistes - Raffle's Inspiration, a violin trio, For Christ, a singing group and the Chigbo Sisters also a singing group. These talented young people reminded the congregation of the important role that youth have to play in contemporary society. The future of young people is a major concern of the church, mainstream society and government, and the performances of these particular musicians was a reminder and assurance that young people have a significant place in the Church today and an important role in healing societal wounds through music that binds the cords of friendship.

The key messages of Dr Lovemore Nganunu, a medical practitioner based in Scotland, and Richard Khumalo, reiterated the point that music can only heal the wounds of society if it brings people to Christ. Many forms of contemporary music, and even some so-called sacred music, can "make angels weep," said Dr Nganunu. "They are a disgrace to our institutions and to the church. They encourage pride of dress, pride of appearance, self-gratification, hilarity, and trifling."

Dr Nganunu went on to suggest that what is needed today is women and men who will build the walls of the church, the walls of society, and regenerate the walls of health and morality. Messages of health and morality in contemporary society are gradually fading away from the church. This Dr Nganunu partly attributes to the neglect of Bible study in homes.

It is the duty of Christians to show leadership if the walls of society are to be rebuilt as they were in the days of Nehemiah. However building the walls of the church and of society does not happen without opposition. There will be some people who will act ignorantly and recklessly to oppose the building of the walls of morality, walls of health, walls of truth and integrity. There will be others who by their destructive nature, acquired advertently or inadvertently, will make it impossible for the walls to be rebuilt. In spite of the hindrances though, the church today does have people like Nehemiah - men and women with vision who do not forget their roots - people of all talents, skills and gifts who are determined to rebuild the walls.