The ISAF Gospel Choir was invited to attend the German Service Friday. They wanted us to sing two songs during the service. So the outgoing choir director and myself came up with the two songs. We were ready and anxious to see how the service would turn out. I had already anticipated staying for the whole service, but the other choir members had to go back to work.
As the service began, I noticed they were all speaking in German. I don't know many words in German except for Silent Night because the school choir had to sing that version, but that was back in 1982. Wow, a lot of years had passed since then! I digress. The Chaplain expressed his gratitude for the choir coming and all those good things, but it was in German. So a Lieutenant Colonel in the audience interpreted what he said for us. Then it was our time to sing. We sang, "Welcome Holy Spirit". Then the Chaplain began to speak. I couldn't understand a word, and then I heard it. He said, "Jesus". I couldn't believe my ears, but I lost count after hearing the name of Jesus for the fourth time. The Chaplain kept talking and showed a picture of Jesus embracing a man and another picture of people gathered around Jesus. He continued talking about Jesus, and I began to cry. The very name of Jesus rang clear, so clear I could feel His presence. Before you know it, it was our turn to sing another song. I got up and gave a testimony. This is what I said:
'I want you to understand why I am crying. I don't understand a word of what you are saying, but when I heard the name of Jesus, I knew what you were saying. In the Word it says, where two or three are gathered in my name... as I looked around the room men were crying and the choir members were crying. I know that God is here in the midst and that we are made to give Him praise. So let's praise Him in song right now as we sing "Open The Eyes Of My Heart". I could barely sing the song, but we all made it through. Then the Chaplain got his guitar and began singing "Amen" in English. He was filled with the Spirit and the congregation was rejoicing. It was wonderful.
Later on in the service, we found out it was the Chaplain's last service. This service was even more special because it was Communion Day. As we broke the bread and drank the blood of Christ, my soul rejoiced even more. I was in true fellowship with my brethren from another country in remembrance of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. What a glorious time we had!
After the service, a German General made remarks. He said, "I know that many Americans are fighting for freedom here, but today there is victory in my American brothers and sisters singing for freedom in Christ."
Many of the congregation came up to us and told us how more moving the service was by our singing. But they wanted us to know that we continued to pray in song. I asked them to explain. Their reply, "When you are singing it is a prayer to God as well, so we prayed even more today." I never thought of singing as a continued prayer like that before. I plan on attending their services again while here, and they have attended ours as well.
What I do know is, Jesus' name is a beautiful name in any language, and I still understand His name in any language as well.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
There's just something about that name
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