A Christian choir asked to perform at an inter-governmental meeting in Sudan in order to promote peace and goodwill have appeared on SAT-7 ARABIC for the second time.
Viewers of the first appearance by Sudan’s Candlelight choir deluged the channel with enthusiastic comments, delighted by the multiracial choir’s lilting praises.
Keep on Singing producer Andrew Gamal therefore had no hesitation in inviting them back to film a live episode of the programme and some special songs for Christmas. Andrew explained how Keep on Singing seeks to showcase different genres of Christian worship from across the Arab world and North Africa. This has the twin benefit of encouraging SAT-7’s widespread, multicultural audience and strengthening their unity in Christ.
Unity in diversity
The Candlelight choir is a perfect example of unity in diversity. Although there are many Christian choirs in Sudan, they believe they are the only choir with members drawn from Orthodox, Evangelical and Catholic churches. They are also multiracial, composed of African and Arab (Egyptian-Sudanese) members. Their repertoire includes varied music styles and songs from across the region and they write their own lyrics in the Juba Arabic of South Sudan. “We wanted something that belongs to our culture and reality,” Candlelight leader, Samar Boules, explained.
Sharing Christmas joy
An architect by day, Samar was one of four original members of the choir. It began ten years ago, after she travelled to Australia and witnessed the festive atmosphere and singing of Christmas carols there. “In Sudan there is no joy or celebration [at Christmas] outside church walls,”, she said. Keen to change that, she and some friends prepared for their first concert. It was while distributing fliyers advertising “carols by candlelight” that the choir got its name. The wording led people to think that the choir itself was called “Candlelight” – and it stuck.
Promoting peace
Candlelight are in high demand for Christmas and Easter concerts, for weddings, and even at national events. One of these was an important meeting of Egyptian, Ethiopian and Sudanese government representatives in Sudan. They came to discuss a controversial dam construction project that will control water supplies to the three countries. Samar explained that Candlelight was invited to perform “as part of the Sudanese role to keep peace between the conflicting parties”.
Their ability to promote harmony comes not only from the music, but their unity in Christ. “I like the diversity,” said choir member, Angi Ayoub.
We learn a lot from each other and support one another. We learn to love the Lord and praise Him without prejudice towards others.”
Pray:
- Give thanks for the witness of Candlelight Choir when it performs in Sudan and South Sudan. Pray that many will experience Jesus, “the light of the world”, through their joyful worship.
- Praise God for Candlelight’s example of unity in Christ. Pray that they will inspire others to look beyond ethnic and religious differences.
- Pray for viewers of Keep on Singing – especially isolated believers who receive strength from joining in its live praise and prayer each week.
- Civil war has ravaged South Sudan. Pray for an end to the violence, and that Christians will be peacemakers in their country.
- Ask that Christians facing increasing persecution in Sudan will receive deep encouragement from watching SAT-7’s programming.
- SAT-7 producers, like Andrew Gamal, seek to represent diverse cultures across the Arab world, so that all viewers can feel it is “their” channel. Pray they will be effective in this.
- Pray for the worship groups who appear on Keep on Singing. Ask that their experience of Christ will fuel their praise in fresh and inspiring ways.
- Pray that believers across Sudan and South Sudan would have a powerful revelation of Christ as Emmanuel – “God with us” – this month.