Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Accent (02/21/13)
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TITLE: Missions: You Can Go There | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dan Wilson
02/28/13 -
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The internet provides an opportunity to spread the gospel around the world. Just in my lifetime the methodology of spreading the good news as changed dramatically. As a young boy I can remember missionaries coming to church and showing the labors of their work with small square transparency slides framed with white cardboard stacked in a round carousel. They would narrate the occasion and name those in the slide. We would laugh when a slide appeared upside down or sideways. The missionaries would always sing a favorite song or two in the native language where they were serving.
As the years progressed so did the equipment the missionaries used to present their ministries. The slides were replaced with reel to reel films. Many times the missionaries would take turns narrating the events on the films. The primary and junior age children enjoyed missionaries who would wear the native clothing, play the instruments of that area and sing the gospel songs and chorus in that particular language. As a junior age child it was fun to have the missionaries teach us a chorus in Spanish, Zulu, Portuguese, or some other language.
The computer age has provided the missionaries with the tools to present breath-taking presentations that fifteen years earlier one could only dream about. How exciting to watch and listen to a missionary’s recording of an actual church service, vacation bible school activity or a personal testimony. It brings the mission field to the church.
Now the internet allows the individual to travel to the missionary and their ministry. The internet also allows a person to watch a live or recorded worship service in another country. Recently I was able to view a worship service from a famous church in London, England. Though I was watching at 4:00 a.m. it was their 11:00 a.m. service. The majestic pipe organ accompanying the congregational singing of familiar hymns was overwhelming. Listening to the British read Psalm 103 in the King James Version was a blessing to behold. The minister delivered his sermon in an elegant, dignified manner so characteristic of the English.
Later that same morning I traveled via the internet to a small church located in Oradea, Romania. Though I do not know the Romanian language, I could sing along with the congregation because I was familiar with the melody of the various gospel songs. Truly music is a universal language. What a blessing to hear the Romanian Christians sing “Love Lifted Me” with such enthusiasm they would drown out the small spinet piano.
The highlight of the music portion of the service was when a young teenager played a trumpet solo accompanied by the piano. The brilliant tones of the song echoed throughout the auditorium. As the pianist modulated into a higher key, the young man apparently asked the congregation to join him on the last verse. One cannot describe the emotion as they robustly sang the last verse of “How Great Thou Art.” Knowing the hardship these Christians had to endure for so long and to finally be able to freely worship their Saviour and express themselves was just unbelievable.
Just to see and hear the fulfilling of the Great Commission in action in a foreign country, one cannot imagine the glory it will be when we jointly praise the King of Kings in Heaven.
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I did notice a tiny typo as instead of has. I think if this story doesn't rank as high as you hope it might be that the rating criteria of how well does it fit the topic might pull the as score down a bit.
You did a great job with the other judging criteria. The beginning was interesting and I felt transported to another place. Your ending wrapped everything up and left me with a good feeling. I think your message of how God has used technology to unite his people is a good one. I truly enjoyed this well written piece and look forward to more of your work.
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