Song of Thanksgiving Like the Rolling Surge, the Ever-Flowing Waters

Diamond Jubilee Concert of Praise

　　The Diamond Jubilee Concert of Praise held on May 16 was the climax of the Diamond Jubilee celebration activities 2011 and was presented to God as our fragrant offering to express our deepest longings and gratitude to Him.

　　This concert was carefully planned so that each segment coherently flowed together. The performers were devoted to singing and playing the musical instruments the best they could while the congregation were immersed and touched again and again by each of the musical items.

　　It was the premier performance of Dr. Cainan Mui’s new song “A Prayer of Thanksgiving” which was the ultimate climax of the entire evening. The audience found this fresh new song both pleasing to the ears and uplifting to the spirit. The sound of the mega-choir formed by many church choirs was like a rolling surge and the ever-flowing waters so that the congregation experienced a closeness to God and their hearts were filled with thanksgiving and praise.

　　The mega-choir consists of about 250 members, representing 18 local Baptist churches together with the HKBTS’s joint choir. That evening when these choir members appeared at the back and one by one joined the procession to walk to the front of the sanctuary, our hearts were filled with indescribable excitement. In our hearts, this thrilling moment is stamped indelibly on our hearts and minds as a seal. It became a seal of the unity between HKBTS and local Baptist churches walking together whether the Seminary remains for another 60 years, 120 years or longer as we accept God’s call to walk shoulder to shoulder together in support of excellent theological education.

A Response from an Attendant

I have taken part in countless number of HKBTS’s concerts of praise.
Yet, this Diamond Jubilee Concert of Praise was most memorable.
I can see that tremendous effort had been put in its preparation …
I was touched not only that members of the Seminary and the Alumni Choir took time off their busy schedule to whole-heartedly practice singing a song of considerable difficulty.
I was especially moved by the outstanding performance of a number of music teachers, and the unforgettable singing of the mega-joint choir and the Sunshine Choir.
What touched me most was the participation of choirs from so many churches.
Although they put on their own church choir robes of many different colors, they sang as if with one voice.
This made me feel as if I had gazed in to a beautiful worship service in heaven …
I was really touched by this.
I think this is also a manifestation of unity in diversity!
Added to all this was, President Cho’s brief and concise narration …
This was indeed an evening that impressed me deeply!
May this singing in unison revolve around the throne of the Lord,
pleasing His heart!
And may our Heavenly Father continue to expand the Seminary’s boundary!

Margaret Choi (an alumna)