Issue 32 - March 2011

developing good practice encouraging innovation and creativity providing resources building and enhancing relationships Welcome Contents to this edition of the MMU newsletter. Courses for the Territorial Youth Band and Youth Choir were again held in Bournemouth in February. Publishing news These courses, now well established in our annual territorial calendar, were a great success with a The latest in publications here at MMU crowd of around 800 people attending the concert including an insight into publishing from at The Lighthouse, Poole. Andrew Blyth.

The Easter Music Course will again be held at Sunbury Court beginning on Monday 25th April Events led by Assistant Territorial Music Director Andrew Blyth. The week is once again over-subscribed. Encouraging news from Mansfield Band, students’ perspective on TYB/TYC 2011 and We also look forward to the ISB120 event in June. pictures from The Southern Youth Band trip Some members of MMU are involved in different to California, USA. ways to support this unique weekend. The interest from the UK Territory is matched by overwhelming interest from around the world, for what promises to be an international celebration. Developing good Full details of the weekend and listings of visiting Staff Band tours can be found on www.isb120.com. Details of forthcoming ‘120’ planned recordings are in this newsletter. practice Exploring vibrato. Application forms and details for Territorial Music school 2011 are now available from Kevin Ashman or from the MMU website. Please encourage young musicians from your corps to attend. (An application form is attached with this newsletter). Other Creative worship specialist Ira Thomas As always, I will be pleased to hear news from you, with regards to your music-making gives her account on West Midlands or a particular musical section within your corps, for inclusion in this publication. Divisional Musicians Councils, plus Derick Kane’s Rehearsal Report. Thank you again for all your interest and support to us here at the Music Ministries Unit, and please remember that we are here to support you too!

Derick Kane

Our thoughts and prayers reach out long time in driving. Some THQ staff could not go home because of to the nation of Japan at this time, difficulty with stopped railways in Tokyo. Some THQ staff already and even in writing this, words seem went out from Tokyo to help small activities for them. THQ have inadequate. I thought you would be ordered at least two divisions to work for people. The Japan Staff interested in a recent response to Band had planned to have a special practice yesterday (Saturday) Martin Tiplady (ISB), from Bandmaster but we decided to cancel it. Hajime Suzuki (Music Secretary/Japan Staff Bandmaster). We hear that so many people died and many cities were destroyed by the Tsunami. We can't know how we will recover from these He writes: circumstances. We have local corps where the Tsunami came, and ‘I was out from THQ to teach cadets wonder if our corps building, officers and comrades are well. We and staff 'singing classes' for the now really need prayer.’ commissioning service soon. It was a little after I started classes and then...Of course we stopped and If you wish to send a prayer or a message of support to Bandmaster went from our school and turned on the TV set. Even our mobile Suzuki he can be reached at the following email address: phone couldn't work, preventing us from calling and sending e-mails. Our Training Principal kindly drove me to Kiyose, taking a [email protected] The Assistant Territorial Music Director occasion. I realise that there is a huge amount of work involved to make these events happen but if done in the right way the Spirit will With a new year comes a fresh opportunity to energise and encourage always touch an open heart! I have also been involved in rehearsals our music groups. Sue and I were privileged to lead the Musicians’ with the Birmingham Citadel Band who are undertaking a tour of Weekend at Derby Central in February. The corps had not had a Canada at Easter. Please include the band on your prayer list as they weekend like this for a while but it was of great encouragement to us prepare for this tour. and to the many who attended. Bandmaster Alan Losh and Songster Leader Ian Hammond have sections that are blessed with numbers and Once again we are blessed in being able to publish an excellent resource musical ability and we pray that it will continue. It was also a real of brass and vocal music which hopefully will meet your needs. The blessing to see so many engaged in music ministry on a Sunday! selection includes emerging composers such as Noel Brooks and Roger Trigg along with more familiar names such as Erik Silfverberg and Noel We have also visited Southsea where we joined with the Southern Jones. The Sing to the Lord series continues to produce some beautiful Youth Band under the leadership that evening of Garry Lawrence from songs for our worship and I highly recommend the songs Morning Boscombe. What encouraged me was the support the division gave the Prayer (Stephen Poxon/Trevor Davis) and In a baby’s cry (Joy Webb). young people. The hall was full to bursting and the sense of excitement and joy came through – this always helps and the band rose to the Andrew Blyth Upcoming Publications from MMU

Triumph Series Twelve Scripture-based Songs March 2011 Volume 12 Draw me close to you March - Moreland 90 (Noel Jones) Everyone needs compassion (Mighty to save) Selection - The King (Erik Silfverberg) Give thanks to the Lord (Forever) Cornet Solo - All the ways God has shown Great big God (Howard Davies) He’s got the whole wide world Chorus arrangement - Oh how he loves you put this song into our hearts and me (Noel Brooks) Meekness and majesty Open the eyes of my heart The greatest day in history (Happy Day) There is none like you Who am I? (Friend of God) You are God in heaven (Let my words be few)

General Series Sing to the Lord (mixed voices) April 2011 Volume 18, part 2

Ein’ Feste Burg (Andrew Mackereth) March - Prayer Warriors UK (Nicholas Samuel) Morning Prayer (Trevor Davis/Poxon) Song Setting - The sweetest name I know Running with the shepherds (Jane Clarke, arr. Len (James Anderson) Ballantine) I know not why The joy of loving hearts (Kenneth Downie) (Nicholas Samuel/Webster Whittle) In a baby’s cry (Joy Webb) I love to sing (Phil Laeger/Blomberg) I will praise you (Leon Van Veen, arr. Andrew Blyth/Devos) Bless this house, O Lord (Harold Burgmayer/Jarvis) O little one sweet, O little one mild (John Martin/Scheidt)

Judd Street Collection Sing to the Lord March 2011 (children’s voices series) Volume 18 Battle Ready (Roger Trigg) Just like Juan! (Kevin Larsson) The very best (Kevin Larsson/Westwood) Variations on a celestial theme (Kenneth Downie) Walk with me (Gillian Pomering) God’s own child (Catherine Banister, Nick Parkhouse & Alan Williams) Dare to be a Daniel (Miller/Bliss) Father, Creator (Emma Pears, arr. Simon Gash) Mary did you know? (Buddy Greene, arr. Dean Jones/Lowry) We will rejoice (Anais Spencer & Matt Spencer) Able to save (Emma Davis/Bearcroft)

For enquires visit (W)sps-shop.com (T)+44 (0) 1933 445 445 (E)[email protected] Students’ perspective on TYB/TYC 2011

Why did you choose to come this year? If you have been before, what makes you keep returning? Kerry Sampson gives a vocal masterclass Eloise Peek (Norwich Citadel), TYB It is my first year and I chose to come to develop my playing and to make new friends. Also, I came to try and learn more about God’s involvement in my future.

Gareth Evans (Romford), TYB I had attended the final festival for the last two years as my brother had attended the course. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole concert so I thought I would give it a go myself.

Rebecca Scholes (Croydon Citadel), TYC I keep coming back each year as I love the music we sing and the subjects that have been chosen in our studies have always been relevant to me. Hannah Robson uses extended playing techniques during her solo in sirocco Is there any certain piece/song which has made an impact on you during the week? Which piece/song and why?

Lindsay Parkhouse (Croydon Citadel), TYC My favourite song this week has been very meaningful and I generally enjoyedMoment singing by it. moment . I like it because the words are Charlotte Johnson (Hadleigh Temple), TYC The song Moment by moment senior soldier in November, it sums really up spoke my thinking to me throughout at this time; the ‘Moment week. After by moment, becoming I give a all my life to you, Moment by moment, dedicate each thought to you’.

Gareth Evans (Romford), TYB Percussion section of TYB during rehearsal O magnum mysterium – Although we did not play it out in the final festival, during rehearsal it made me feel really at rest with God and I hope to have the opportunity to play it again someday. What will you take away from this week in spiritual terms? Leah Browning (Risca), TYB I will definitely remember the Ten Commandments in order. I think during the week I have renewed and refreshed my relationship with God and I feel so close to him. Staff member Gillian Pommering gives her take on the TYC course. Eve Woodrow (Norwich Citadel), TYB The main message which I will take away from the week is I have been privileged to attend TYC for the past 4 years on staff. that God has my life in control, and he has got it all planned The week’s programme is full and varied. Daily choir rehearsals, out for me. This is something which has really been made bible study and prayer are supplemented by various activities: this clear to me throughout the week. year we enjoyed a quiz night, disco, beach walk, talent night, chips on the terrace and learning a Busby Berkeley- routine Katie Stainer (Bristol Easton), TYC using band caps! I will remember to pray and to speak to God more. Particular highlights were visits from three guests. Fredrik Pahlsson, a Swedish Salvationist sensation, taught us to sing in an authentic Gospel style. His high energy and enthusiasm made for a productive and memorable afternoon. Regent Hall’s Kerry Sampson, newly appointed ISS deputy leader along with husband What was your particular highlight of the week? Nik Lester utilised their wealth of experience in the field of opera with a masterclass before thrilling us with an impromptu concert. Emily Shepherd (Enfield), TYC Learning gospel music with Fredrik Phålsson. It was a Special mention must go to three MMU staff who helped make different style of music, one which I found lively and the week such a success: Bernice Cuthbert for her meticulous fun! administration, Nik King for his unflappable expertise on the piano and Ira Thomas (Musical Director) for her continued vision, Matthew Frost (Norwich Citadel), TYB creativity and passion for this course for young people who want All of the hard work throughout the week paying off in to develop their musicianship, their army friendships and their the final festival. walk with God. (Ray Steadman-Allen) and the Triumph accompanying skills from their three Rehearsals of Peace (Eric Ball). The evening pianists that evening! was supported and ably compèred by Professor Philip Wilby. Back in Bristol, this time to visit the Bristol Staple Hill Band (Bandmaster report I always find it a privilege to visit corps Nathan James). How encouraging it was sections, and it was a pleasure to visit the to walk into the hall and hear the YP I have recently been involved in leading Maidenhead Band for two rehearsals. We Band playing so well. It was indeed, a rehearsals at Bristol Easton, Maidenhead, looked at several pieces including, Arise good introduction to band rehearsal. Regent Hall and Bristol Staple Hill. my soul arise (Dean Goffin), Canadian We rehearsed different styles of music Folk Song Suite (Morley Calvert), including, Motondo (Donald Osgood), Bristol Easton was in preparation for Power of the Cross (Paul Sharman) and Take Time (Kenneth Downie), Ein’ a ‘Friends of the band’ concert: a new Lightbringer (Martin Cordner). After Feste Burg (Andrew Mackereth), and initiative to contact and include former working extremely hard, there was a Vitae Aeternam (Paul Lovatt-Cooper). members, as well as friends from within welcome cup of tea at the end of rehearsal To finish the rehearsal we gave a run the corps. This was a very successful (a weekly ritual!) through of the beautiful meditation Here occasion, with the band supported by at the Cross (Ray Steadman-Allen). around 20 former players for a rehearsal Six stops on the Underground on the Saturday afternoon. The evening took me to my next rehearsal with the Thanks then to all leaders and members concert was given by the Bristol Easton Regent Hall Songsters (Songster Leader of these sections for making me so Band (Bandmaster Nathan Cole), whose Major John Martin). With a good start welcome, and the encouragement we items included Psalm of Thanks (Paul at 7:40pm, the songsters immediately found making music together. Sharman), Cry of the Celts (Peter sounded good as John ran them through Graham), accompanying myself in The a song for Sunday. I worked with the Next rehearsal stops: The East Midlands Better World (Norman Bearcroft) and songsters on several pieces including, Youth Band and Youth Chorus, (along Home on the Range (Erik Leidzen). The Grace Sufficient (Dick Krommenhoek), with Ira Thomas), then an evening with last part of the programme included those and Shout for Joy (Jim Anderson). The the Lurgan Band for a rehearsal prior to who had come along in the afternoon. songsters sang with a good sense of the ISB’s weekend visit. They joined to play Montreal Citadel style, sound and balance, and also sight- (Norman Audiore), In Quiet Pastures read well. Notable too were the fine Derick Kane Southern Youth Band trip to California

27th December - 5th January

Marching in the San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade

In concert at the Pasadena Tabernacle Army

Dr Stephen Cobb conducting the band at the Crystal Cathedral Melissa giving instruction on Beginners receiving individual the tenor horn tuition from John Hynd

Joan giving theory New Band instruction

session The present situation is that we at Mansfield and an now have a band of thirteen players epilogue. at Mansfield: six junior musicians and seven adults. Keith Lawson, who corps E v e n t u a l l y , acted as deputy and librarian, has taken In 1995, the Corps Leader at Kirkby in the great day came responsibility for the band but is committed Ashfield, Major Peter Pratt, asked Tom when they began ‘playing out’ once a to Sutton Corps on Sundays. Therefore, Hynd to form a YP band. month using easy hymn tune arrangements John travels over to conduct on Sundays as and folk songs for beginner band as band often as possible, and to a rehearsal every Tom, a former BM at Mansfield, was a tune book keys and range were still beyond month. It is not an ideal situation but we soldier at Kirkby. Tom asked his brother their ability. are praying for a permanent leader for the John, a retired bandsman at Birmingham band. Citadel, for some music and help so John As all band leaders know, progress was slow, went over once a fortnight to assist. As as most young people do not practise from Our numbers have been boosted by the Kirkby was John and Tom’s home corps, one week to the next, but improvement was arrival of new Corps Leaders Lieut. Kenny they were both pleased to have the gradually made. The young people were and Sarah Allan and their son Robert, who opportunity of putting something back into encouraged to attend the East Midlands all play. Leiut. Kenny, former BL at Bellshill the corps which had given them so much in Summer Schools and returned improved in Corps, steps in to conduct when Keith and their young impressionable years, musically playing and attitude. John are unable to be there. The band now and spiritually. plays more regularly on Sundays and has Their first experience of playing with other begun to accompany the singing on the About the same time, Captain Melissa bands came later that year when they joined easier tune book tunes. After five years Rocky (Clewlow) began teaching a group other YP bands at Nottingham Memorial of ups and downs, we now have a band at of learners at Mansfield and also asked Halls for a band training day with Band Mansfield. John for help. Because of the distance from leader David Daws and Hendon YP Band. Birmingham, the only way to do this was This would probably not have been achieved to put the two groups together at Mansfield All this may sound too easy but we also had without the willing co-operation of a team so in February 1996 the two groups came our disappointments. We were disappointed who, with no previous teaching experience, together for the first time. with the slow progress and also we found were willing to teach a structured course in it difficult to hold a few young people playing and theory to small groups. Much They began by dividing most rehearsals and eventually they left us. However we credit is due to them. Of course the results into three parts, theory groups, playing ‘pressed on believing’ and 2009 saw the were mixed. Some young people made groups, and playing together using basic, Birmingham YP Band pay a return visit to slow progress whilst others went on to take simple arrangements. The young people Mansfield. external exams and others are continuing worked on structured grade work in theory with the course. and practical. When possible, band training All these events helped to improve the days were introduced when a volunteer playing and enthusiasm of the band and We hope and pray that, by reading this catering group provided a meal and snacks gradually the young people began to mature article, others may be encouraged to etc. and time was given for games, assorted in all ways which was very encouraging. In start a beginner group. There will be DVDs of SA work using LINK, to Mr Bean, December 2009, regrettably, Kirkby Corps disappointments, but the rewards and a favourite. These days ended with parents was closed and the soldiers transferred to satisfaction of trying to serve God in this and friends joining us for a playing together Mansfield. way are far greater. Derick Kane in conversation with Andrew Blyth. A ‘behind the scenes’ look at our publishing

Q. How would you assess the current status of MMU The Territorial Music Council meets each month for the purpose publishing? of agreeing music for publication. I realise that leaders can choose and play any music they want to with the officer’s permission; It is generally in good health. Several pieces still arrive on my desk however, I feel that it is important for our music / lyrics to have from around world each week, with a number the official approval of The Salvation Army. I guess you could of new names coming through. There is also a good age range of describe it as a filtering system that gives our music integrity for a composers reflecting their own musical taste and compositional wider usage. style. We still maintain a level of publishing that is comparable to thirty years ago. Q. As a corps Bandmaster (Gainsbourough Corps) along with many who are using ‘functional’ music, do you think Q. Are new composers being published in our journals? you provide us with a wide and good choice? Yes! New names are coming through and being published. It is Note – I haven’t had these questions in advance!) A lot of corps important to remember that composition is comparable to many now meet on Sunday morning only and therefore require more gifts from God - they are there to be nurtured and developed. I functional music. We are getting music from composers who write always try to encourage where possible, remembering that this is for their own setting, so understand the process of writing music the composer’s own gift as such. There is a danger that we could for a specific purpose. I think there is a good balance of band and publish a work with a fair amount of ‘editorial’ preparation being vocal music with a range of ability level. I do welcome feedback made – this can give a false sense of security to the writer who from leaders regarding our publications. This said, let’s not always thinks that what he is doing is good enough. Ultimately we are a be looking for the next new piece – we do have a rich heritage of publishing house and not a university! Several people have made music to choose from! visits to THQ to have consultations with Dr Kenneth Downie on matters of composition which have proved to be an excellent help Q. Can you tell us a little about your involvement with the but these are just to point people in the right direction. preparation of the new song book?

Q. Are there any particular types of new compositions you General asked that a new song book be produced would like to see more of? in the next 4 to 5 years. Around 950 tunes will be included. Lieut.- Colonel Trevor Davis is co-ordinating the music and I We have a lot of music that is rhythmically driven and I would like am there to help and assist. The songs have been chosen by The to see more melodic and harmonically driven music. Hymn- tune General and the Song Book Council. The new tunes will need new arrangements would be nice to have. There are still around 900 arrangements and we look at all the existing tunes and assess each pieces for consideration, so a piece that says something different one. This is a huge task, which last time took over fifteen years! would be welcomed. A well-written march is more of a rare thing I am hoping (praying) that we meet The General’s deadline. We these days although I do acknowledge we have a fair amount of will do as professional a job as is possible on this new production. decent marches! As regards to vocal music, we have a need for faster, up tempo music, and will always welcome songs for the Children’s Voices Series. Q. How do you see the future of The Salvation Army publications? Q. Can you tell us the logic behind so many Judd Street Collection reprints? I can see a bright future if we can keep our music resources together (i.e. our bands and our songsters). There are more young Firstly, it was felt the Festival Series had run its course on a people involved in writing music than I have seen in my 20 years commercial and financial level. We were selling very few sets in in the music department. It is an important role for our bands and the latter stages. Having said that, we still believed that an advanced songsters to encourage this and to be open to new manuscripts journal was needed and necessary but just sold as separate pieces. being tried out in rehearsal. At the moment I would say things Trevor Caffull at SP&S has been tremendously supportive of all are going well, but we mustn’t rest on that alone. There are good that we have tried to do and I believe that the new format has points, and challenging points too, but I believe the future can be been justified by the sales figures that have been achieved. With sustainable and together, we can make it work. We will all need regards to the reprints of older music, this has been welcomed on to be encouragers and be thankful for the fact that today we are a number of levels including the larger A4 format which makes still a movement with a rich musical resource that is to be valued the music far easier to read. The reprints assist many bands that no and developed. longer have parts for certain pieces of music. Also, it reproduces older music in a quality updated production. My thanks to Andrew for his thoughts and insight into our music publishing. Thanks to him and his team for all they Q. Is the function of the Territorial Music Council still do from week to week to enhance and support the musical important, and indeed, necessary? life of our Territory. West Midlands Division

I always think it’s a great musically, ‘a little and often’ pity that music and the rehearsals will produce the arts are not represented most confident results, so on a divisional level as are it is a tribute to those who other units are (Childrens work with our young people Ministries, Adult and Family consistently, that they are Ministries and Alove). able to maintain this stamina These posts are obviously and ability. attributable to an age profile and maybe a representative The Sunday was a very Birmingham Citadel Band for the music and arts may full day with a total of four appear something of a meetings. This allowed great luxury. Therefore, resource opportunity to include many and support has to come of the musical sections, from the Territorial level and which was a huge blessing. this can make us all feel a We were spiritually led by little remote at times. Retired General and Mrs , who always It was therefore with much bring humour, affirmation Oldbury Timbrels delight that Dr Stephen and great love wherever Percussionist Sam Ellis Cobb and I were asked to they preside. be involved in the West Midlands Musicians’ Councils It is not enough just to be held at the Birmingham inward looking, and so the Conservatoire. The themes opportunity to bring two for each meeting were Salvation Army musicians Empower, Equip and from Nairobi (Benton Kioko Evangelise, and that is and Stanley Makau from exactly what the whole Quarry Road Corps, Kenya experience succeeded in East) to support them in achieving. their ministry was a great privilege. The weekend began on the Saturday with a day of So thank you to Major training for the young people Stephen White and all of the division. Around 60 who assisted him in this children (the youngest event. Holding Musicians’ Coventry Citadel Band being four years old) met Councils has so many at Cradleigh Heath Corps, benefits and encourages where they joined together us all. Exhausting, yes but as a band and a singing worthwhile? - Absolutely! group. It always gives me a Thank you from the Music real sense of amazement that Ministries Unit for including we ask our young people to us in this very encouraging spend all day learning new endeavour. music which we then present in the evening, often without Ira Thomas (Creative music. Educationally and worship specialist). Droitwich Spa Songsters

Contact Information: MMU is commited to helping and resourcing wherever possible. Please do not hestitate to get in contact with us.

Derick Kane Training & Development Specialist: 020 7367 4967 ([email protected]) Ira Thomas Creative Worship Specialist: 020 7367 4973 ([email protected]) Nik King Information & Resources Co-ordinator: 020 7367 4514 ([email protected])

de veloping good practice

developing good practice encouraging innovation and creativity providing resources building and enhancing

(in a musical way), are required to prescribed), but I do not think you can enhance our performance. put expression into the person. Music is Exploring reliant on innate responses. Excess in most cases isn’t a good thing. Similarly, in music, excess is not good How do we improve this area of Vibrato: either. So, with regards to vibrato, how musicality? much is too much, or how little is not Listen to good players and singers a musical effect consisting of a enough? • how they go from one note to another regular pulsating change of pitch. It • how they keep the note filled is used to add expression to vocal and Do most good players / singers • how they create a nuance in a phrase instrumental music. employ the art of vibrato? My answer is yes to that question. In Play and sing lots of melodic material to Vibrato is typically characterised in fact I think too much is better than too improve your sound-flow. terms of two factors: little! (but that is only my opinion). I appreciate that other people are entitled Think about the ‘spinning’ of the sound 1. The amount of pitch variation (extent to their viewpoint, however, music must – practice this at slow and fast speeds of vibrato). be made interesting to the listener. 2. And speed with which the pitch is So, am I in favour of vibrato in our varied (rate of vibrato). So what does vibrato do? playing/singing? 3. The ‘spinning’ of the sound. For me it allows the performer to use Yes I am, as stated already. Most the combination of both air flow and excellent performers use it. What we Much has been written and said about rate of vibrato to feed a note (i.e. help must learn to do however, is, control the use, or not, of vibrato in brass its full value). It aids the creation of a it within the music, use it to help our playing and in singing. Firstly, I would nuance within a phrase. That said, it performance and intrigue the listener. ask a question. Can a good speaker hold should remain an enhancement to your our attention without a) expression, b) sound, and not the substance. My view – ESSENTIAL – however, changes of pitch, c) varied emphasis? be careful with this most valuable If vibrato is an element of expressive asset. Ask then, the same question of a brass expression can you teach this? player or vocalist. You will probably I’m not sure you can. You can request agree with me, that the same elements vibrato on this note, that note (i.e.

Where will you be on 5th June? As part of the 120th Anniversary celebrations of the International support our leaders and international guests on this never to be Staff Band, all eight Staff Bands of The Salvation Army will take forgotten day! part in a spectacular March of Witness down The Mall in Central will arrive in the UK on Wednesday 25th London at 2pm on Sunday 5th June. May to commence their tour, while both the Chicago & Japan Staff Bands will tour the week before the big weekend. The full itinerary Some 250 Staff Band musicians from Amsterdam, Canada, Chicago, of each band can be found by visiting www.isb120.com Germany, Japan, Melbourne and New York will march with the ISB and together will perform a short concert in the forecourt of All eight Staff Bands will be in concert at different venues on Friday Buckingham Palace. 3rd June. The concert featuring the ISB and the New York Staff Band is already a sell-out, so please ensure you guarantee your Prior to the March of Witness, there will be plenty going on in St seat in Basingstoke, Chelmsford, Hadleigh, Maidenhead, Maidstone James’ Park around the bandstand. Make sure you are there to or Stowmarket. made the gospel freely available for all to receive without the Devotional - selected by Crystal Manners, requirement of the law. He believed that the Church should as part of her work experience within MMU. be one with Christ as the foundation: no geographical and ethnic divisions. So he encouraged the church in Ephesus to affirm her fellowship with the church in Jerusalem by sending Dr. Martin Luther her their offerings when the Jerusalem church was in need. King, Jr. was a man However, where there is a vision, there is also opposition. who saw into the As Paul wants to go and visit Jerusalem this time around, future and was able he is strongly warned by his fellow Christians about danger to visualise how awaiting him in Jerusalem. Out of genuine concern for his the world should well-being, they discourage him from going. But Paul doesn’t be. In his famous give in. The same Spirit who called him to be the missionary speech ‘I Have a to the Gentiles compels him to go to Jerusalem (20:22). As a Dream’, he shared captive to Christ with a strong vision that fuels him, he cares with his audience less for his life than for fulfilling the vision given to him. his unquenchable vision for America. Reading “I have a dream 2 Thessalonians 1:3 that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the 3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and content of their character. I have a dream today. . . I have a sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every and more, and the love all of you have for one another is hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will increasing. be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.” Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, you have always been with me in my Apostle Paul was also a dream-driven man. His vision was to life and now my future is in your hands. I praise you and reach all the nations with the gospel before the coming of thank you because you have taken total control of my life Christ. He wanted to see the Gentiles and the Jews joining and future. Thank you for hearing my prayer. Amen. in God’s kingdom side by side, putting aside their differences in custom, culture and language. He was convinced that God

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