Cameroon Hymnal Initiative

Why the Work in Cameroon Has Been So Life Changing:

We've Made Each Other's Songs Our Own

“A song does not start as a global song. A song starts in a local setting, among a certain group of people with a specific culture. Global songs are not born global. Global songs become global when somebody else besides its authors and the people they represent, can make it his or her own. There is no global song which has not first been a local song; a song of the people. A Christian song begins in the heart of a believer. It becomes a global song when other believers make it their own.

A global song is witness to what God has done and is doing in the world. A global song enables persons to strengthen community and build relationships. Global song can give reality to the biblical understanding of unity. Singing another’s hymn helps each person realize anew that the faith is for all; that God’s grace is inclusive. The incarnational nature of the gospel comes alive as we see the Christ in each other’s songs. Using hymns from other cultures in worship challenges each person to mutual respect, mutual commitment, and mutual involvement in God’s mission.”

—from God’s Mission, God’s Song, by Joyce D. Sohl

Mitzi Scott of Houston, Texas, and Thèrese Nomo of Yaoundé, Cameroon, teach songs to a group of young girls prior to a song festival at First United Methodist Church, Douala, Cameroon.