Global Mission Fellows Amanda Chng and Yvonne Agduyeng are given Bibles by a leader of Ruferkirche in Germany.
By Yvonne Agduyeng
I need a reason to sing. I need to know that you’re still holding the whole world in your hands. I need a reason to sing.
The sweet melody of All Sons and Daughters’ “Reason to Sing” has been on constant repeat since I have been in Germany. Being surrounded by so much history and beauty, I know that I am privileged to be here. On the other hand, however, I cannot help but think about the circumstances in which I am in Germany in the first place. The heartbreaking effects of violence and power – on women, men, and children – it begs the question, is there a reason to sing?
I live in the neighborhood of Höchst in Frankfurt. Nicknamed as “Altstadt,” meaning Old Town, the streets are lined with traditional German houses on pebbled streets with a modest 1,200 year-old Catholic Church on the block. I mean, I live behind a castle! But when I look out my window, I also see the old hotel that has been converted to a temporary housing unit for refugees. And now I notice the constant wave of residents as some move to permanent housing and new refugees move in from Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Ghana, and many others.
In the midst of this, I have slowly been introduced to what the church is doing to help. My placement as a Global Mission Fellow is at the International and Migrant Ministries. Specifically, I’m working with Ruferkirche, a Methodist church in Frankfurt-Höchst. One of the ministries that Ruferkirche provides is a language class. And perhaps it is obvious but knowing German in Germany is crucial.
Along with the language class, the church is also offering brass instrument lessons – yes, music! The beautiful part about music is that the melodies and cadences can be understood, appreciated, and learned in a short time. During brass band last week, as I listened to the ear-piercing sounds that came from my trombone along with the high screeching of the trumpets played by Syrian refugees, we simply just laughed together and enjoyed the ridiculousness of our “band.” But it was our band and it was a moment in which I thought to myself, “this is the reason I sing.”
Being part of this ministry brings a whole new meaning for me when the Psalmist writes, “Praise with a blast on the trumpet, praise by strumming soft strings; Praise God with castanets and dance, praise God with banjo and flute; Praise God with cymbals and a big bass drum, praise God with fiddles and mandolin. Let every living, breathing creature praise God! Hallelujah!” (Psalm 150).
It is this kind of praise that goes beyond culture, language, and even religion. It is a reminder that we are partners with God who interest is in the world and not just in Christians alone.
I need a reason to sing. I need to know that you’re still holding the whole world in your hands. That is a reason to sing.
I look forward to writing more about my experience in Frankfurt. Please do not hesitate to contact me – I would love to hear from you! I would not be here without the support of the local church and I take seriously my role as a missionary in connecting the local church to mission.
Yvonne Agduyeng is a Global Mission Fellow serving in Frankfurt, Germany. You can contact Yvonne at yagduyeng@umcmission.org. If you would like to support Yvonne, you can send your financial gift as a check with the memo indicating: Advance #3022237.
