Three Songs

“I’m about to burst with song (because of what you have done for me); 

I can’t keep quiet about you.  God, my God, I cannot thank you enough." 

Psalm 30: 11-12  (TM)

FIRST SONG

When I was growing up we had hymnals at church and sang the same songs over and over; to the point where 30 years later I still remember those old hymns.  They carry an emotional link for me to Cuba and to God.  On Saturday after we arrived, the church is Remedios had their Senior Adult Celebration.  This trio was practicing in the storage room.  The hymn brought a wave of emotion and tears to my eyes.  

The Old Rugged Cross

SECOND SONG

On the second day of Youth Camp,  the young people headed to La Habana Vieja (Old Habana) in the afternoon to take in the sights.

At the Plaza de Armas,  where tourists go looking for old books and memorabilia, Pastor Alexis came across a trio of musicians.  Yes, they knew Christian songs and would play them.

So, right there in the Plaza, in the midst of tourists and vendors, 30+ young people worshiped God with songs.  A beautiful sight.  More beautiful than any old book, memorabilia or building. 

THIRD SONG

Without knowing that the authors grew up in a town near Remedios, Yudilen chose one of their songs as the theme for Youth Camp.  We sang it at camp, translated it to English and sang it some more.  We sang it so many times in that it’s stuck in my head. The last day when we said our goodbyes, everyone came on stage and sang it one last time.

Cleanse my heart and fill my cup,

Heal my wounds and make me whole

I give you all of my heart

Guide me, show me, I want to be more like you.

 - Rachel