Vagla Scripture Song Workshop—Ghana |
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| by Sue Hall and Paul Neeley | ||
| A workshop among Vagla Christians using an approach
to making new Christian songs with non-readers began hesitantly, then
grew in confidence. Scripture verses carried by a new melody in a
traditional Vagla song type were sung by one woman and then another.
“Suddenly the dream in our hearts of seeing Vaglas free to
worship the true God through their own music became reality…
Then it was the men’s turn, and soon everyone was up on their
feet dancing in a circle and improvising an accompaniment on any rattles
or drums available. They were so eager to sing and dance as people who
were uniquely both Christians and Vaglas.”
“Pastor Phillip, a Vagla blind man skilled in music of all kinds, testified to the power of these new songs made in traditional styles. ‘You can’t see my eyes because of these dark glasses, but when I started hearing these new songs tears came to my eyes. For many years, we could have used our music to worship God and each our people. Instead, the music has been used by the devil… The Vaglas have had the New Testament in their language for 20 years, yet the church has been slow to grow. ‘But now,’ said Pastor Phillip, ‘I really hear God’s words in these songs.’” |
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JAARS, Inc. PO Box 248 Waxhaw, NC 28173 |
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