Jillian and Ryan, accompanists for the choir from Danang International Fellowship!In 1911, the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church reached the shores of Danang, Vietnam (then called Tourane, controlled by the French) with the Gospel. Beginning with a church, then a small Bible school, then reaching out to the northern and southern parts of the country, the message of Jesus spread through this small country of Southeast Asia.
This past week, the Tin Lanh Church (C&MA) celebrated 100 years of ministry in Danang. At the largest Tin Lanh church of the city, on Ong Ich Kiem Street, two days of services and activities marked the event. On Wednesday night, the Vietnamese church invited our international fellowship to sing (in English). This is no small honor. The Tin Lanh church is noted for their large choirs of excellent skill. Our international church (Danang International Church--or DIF) is about 50 folks strong. About half signed up to sing, including seven children (of course, 5 of those were Brewers!).
The building was packed with hundreds of worshippers. We sang "Prince of Peace" by Michael W. Smith. It is a stirring song of praise, in which men's and women's parts divide into separate harmonizing verses. In the evening program that included about four large choirs and several solo/duet songs, we wanted add our heartfelt gratitude for what the Lord has done here. The response was astounding. The normally stoic, conservative, quiet church was filled with the rustle of whispering as we took the platform. There were smiles everywhere and people clapped with us as they read the translated lyrics on the screens up front. We are told it is the first time a western church group has sung there.
I feel as though our family has taken part in an historic occasion. Our girls sang with abandon. Jillian played drums for the group.
The following night, Jillian and I returned to the church to sing with a choir of more than 100 voices to sing (in Vietnamese) "The Holy City." We had been practicing for a few months now. What a great blessing! The service lasted over 3 hours with more than 30 responding to the invitation.
100 years ago, a seed was planted. The roots have spread far and wide and fruit continues to come forth. So glad to be here to work in the vineyard!
