Among many other things, our time in Africa was an experience filled with the hearing, producing and sharing of new music, songs and worship – in an incredibly diverse array of contexts.
Tracy wrote “Sunrise” as her ’symbol of reconciliation’ that all participants in Amahoro Gathering 2009 were asked to bring to Johannesburg, South Africa. These symbols were then shared during a special time of communion and worship towards the end of the conference with those participants we might have developed especially deep bonds with. One of those people for us was one of my (Seth) roommates at the Gathering from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With our friend Muhindo and the lyrics for "Sunrise" - our shared offering of hope and reconciliation
Muhindo is a 26 year-old leader who has attended every Amahoro Gathering. Muhindo has worked in caring for orphans and rehabilitating child soldiers and and now continues that work while also involving his considerable talents and language skills in the peace process in Uganda and near Goma, DRC, the epicenter of one of the world’s most war-ravaged and desperate places currently. We sang “Sunrise” with Muhindo in a shared hope (and humility) for his work, heart, perseverance and friendship.
The song is a psalm seeking the parts of God that create wholeness and lead to restoration for people who work with – or experience themselves – hunger, war, disease and the life of a refugee – the very kind of people we would encounter at Amahoro (and throughout South Africa and Burundi).
This video consists of a rough mix of the track recorded in the few weeks after The Restoration Project’s return to the United States. The video’s footage actually comes from our two weeks in Burundi following our two weeks in South Africa and the Amahoro Gathering. We hope you enjoy. I personally believe the song holds forth great promise to be an “Easter standard” for many communities of faith. Not that I’m biased or anything.
-Seth-
The specific stories behind many of the video clips will be shared in the coming weeks. Credits on the song should also include – Aaron Strumpel: Electric Guitar
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Sunrise
The Son rises for me to be peace
Peace breaks the fear
And it is for all
So everyone can know
It is for all
A way of peace and love
Jesus
He is a way of peace and love
He is a home for every refugee
A place to rest when we are running away
He washes us when our eyes have seen death
He is our love when we have none left to give
Jesus
