The following article was written by Józsa Bertalan, 3rd year student at the Protestant Theological Institute, Cluj, Romania, and a member of Brian Johnston’s choir.

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Singing with heart and soul

On the 28th of October, 2012 the Male Choir of the Protestant Theological Institute had a short trip to Várkudu for sharing the gospel through music and offering the joy of it to the whole congregation gathered there. It was the 120th anniversary of the Reformed Church of this small village.

Since my earliest childhood we have sung a lot in my family praising our Lord through hymns and songs. That is why singing and music in itself is one of my greatest pleasures. The beautiful harmonies and the wonderful community that we share through music are just two characteristics of many that people can express and feel during a choir’s singing. The feelings and spiritual nourishment that we gain through singing cannot be expressed in words especially when we perform in various congregations and communities. Obviously, the benefits of music are revealed in a more profound way when it is done for serving our Lord and praising Him as our Redeemer.

Brian Johnston with first tenors

I believe that this is the main goal of the Male Choir in our institute and the reason why the choir is still working and existing. The gifts we’ve gotten from God must be multiplied in our daily lives. And this is one example of God’s good works, in that we can share our talents with those who we are able to connect with. At the same time it is inevitable not to mention Brian Johnston, our conductor, who gives all his effort towards this mission. His musicality and also the high level that he requires and supplies is also one of the factors which helps this choir to thrive. We also give thanks to the many Canadians who support his work through “Share the Gift of Music in Romania.”

The feedback of our singing in Várkudu was definitely positive. In my opinion, I believe that we have reached our goal when the song which we sing is not just a simple composition, is not just a music score that we have to carry, but is a lifestyle and way of thinking which is revealed on our faces. When this happens and the people observe and react accordingly then we can say that our mission through song has been fulfilled.

I finish my short summary with a line from an old Irish Blessing which we often sing at the end of a service, wishing all of you many blessings.

“May God hold you in the palm of His hand!”