A New Song

God's gentle, yet persistent touches of healing to a broken and wounded heart, --- mine, came through different avenues. One being the unique ministry of The Master's Chorale.

I did not know if I would ever be able to sing again. For 8 months my voice was silent and attempting to sing brought much sorrow and pain. Something deep inside was crushed and badly broken. During that time Will contacted me to invite me to be apart of the group. I could not even consider it in the beginning. Over a period of several months, we kept running into Will. At different stores, at First Baptist SLO, the post office, through phone calls and e-mails, he was everywhere with kindness and warmth, with care and the same invitation — I feel compelled by God to invite you to come and be a part of the ministry of The Master's Chorale.

After hearing The Master's Chorale's concert at Trinity Lutheran, my heart was so stirred by the wonderful music and the reflection of Jesus Christ in their faces while they sang. The thought of being in a group was terrifying and singing seemed like an impossibility, but I came for my first rehearsal on May 24, 2004. While singing the first song of the evening, the words from the sheet music pierced my heart.

No matter the storms that come my way, no matter the trials I may face, You promised that You would see me through. So I will trust in You.

The sound barely came from my lips as tears slipped off my face and dropped to my music. I knew that God was saying something personal to me and that I was supposed to be there.

For several rehearsals my singing was barely audible, but the words of the music, the sounds and harmonies and the presence of God in the music and in the group, were touching deep down in my soul. I wondered vaguely how I would explain to Will and to the others how I would not actually be able to sing to people, but that I could only come to the rehearsals! God was working there as well. An intimate support-group was praying for me and several came as I sang for the first time at the Farmer's Market in Atascadero. What a huge personal victory for me! The words of a song. Healer, Deliverer, Shield and Defense, Strong Tower and my best Friend, were the cry of my heart throughout that concert. Each successive concert was a milestone of sorts for me. Little baby steps for me.

I realized our goal was to sing God's message of love, hope and salvation to those who heard us, but I also realized that the message of those songs was for me, too. The hope that we sang for others was penetrating to my heart. For my soul to be touched by God's heart of compassion and grace as only music can reach to the deepest parts of our sorrow, confusion and pain, is a tribute to the powerful and effective gift of music and The Master's Chorale.

I am grateful for The Master's Chorale that ministers in unique ways that only God knows about, for Will's gentle encouragement to me to sing again, and the support and love of my husband and sons as I sing with a new song in my heart. May God alone be glorified through The Master's Chorale.

(Written by a TMC member, September 2004)