THE GLORIOUS HYMNS OF ZION

One of the greatest blessings that has come our way from this mission is the privilege of being able to sing the songs of Zion with people who love to sing.  They sing their hearts out!  Many of them can't sing on tune, but it doesn't matter to them.  They sing anyway - and they sing loudly.  The chapel actually resounds with the joy of their praises.  Every ward and branch in the Church could learn a lesson from the humble Saints of Roatan.  We thought that today we would include a couple of our favorite hymns in hopes that it will stir your souls as they have stirred ours.

 

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

Hath often crossed me on my way

Who sued so humbly for relief

That I could never answer nay

I had not power to ask his name

Where to he went or whence he came

But there was something in his eye

That won my love, I knew not why

 

(Men carrying massive loads of wood for home fires or wares to sell is a very common sight)

I am a Child of God

And He has sent me here

Has given me an earthly home with parents kind and dear

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me; help me find the way

Teach me all that I must do to live with Him someday

 

(Camilla Flores - named after Pres. Kimball's wife - runs from person to person during Church and we all love her)

Because I have been given Much I Too Must Give

Because of Thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live

I shall divide my gifts from Thee with every brother that I see

That he too made be comforted

 

 

(The Alvarado family lives in this one-room shack where the floor has rotted away.  There are eight people) 

Earth With Her Ten Thousand Flowers

Air with all its beams and showers

Heaven's infinite expanse

Sea's resplendent countenance

All around and all above

Bear this record: God is love!

 

(The Lawson Rock condominium grounds are incredibly beautiful)

 Called To Serve Him, Heavenly King of Glory

Chose e'er to witness for His name

Far and wide we tell the Father's story;

Far and wide His love proclaim

 

(Elder Barba and Elder Dever are faithful missionaries always ready to spread the word)

 How Firm a Foundation

Ye Saints of the Lord is laid for His work in His excellent word

 

(The chapel in Coxen Hole)

 Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?

Have I helped anyone in need?  Have I cheered up that sad?

And made somebody glad? If not, have failed indeed.

 

(Olga Barrios de Fernandez was baptized on October 14, 2012)

 Love At Home

There is beauty all around when there's love at home.

Hate and envy ne'er annoy, when there's love at home.

 

(Belkis Madrid rocks her tiny baby in the sweltering heat of her one-room bunker)

 Oh, How Lovely Was the Morning

Radiant beamed the sun above.

Bees were humming, sweet birds singing

Music ringing through the grove.

(Early morning looking over Mahogony Bay Resort.  This is a private bay for Carnival Cruise lines)

 

Secret Prayer

There is an hour of peace and rest unmarred by earthly care

Where there before the Lord I go to kneel in secret prayer
 

(Sister Sorto, our Relief Society president, bows her head before sacrament meeting begins)

 Sweet Hour of Prayer

Sweet hour of prayer, that calls me from my world of care

 

(Roatan Branch.  October 21, 2012)

Shall the Youth of Zion Falter

In defending truth and right

While the enemy assaileth shall we shrink or shun the fight?

NO!

(The youth of Roatan)

We hope that this little blog brought a bit of joy into your lives like it has done for us.  These hymns are precious little sermons and prayers that have the power because of their melody to remain with us nearly forever.  We hope they stay with you today.