Music for Missionaries
I have some friends that are packing up to head off into a Muslim country to do mission work.
Sorry, can’t tell you who they are.
And can’t tell you where they’re going.
But I can tell you how you can help them. They want to collect a huge library of music that will get them through this difficult time of change. One of them has asked me to ask a favor of you:
I wanted to ask you a favor that might be fun for your readers to participate in and could be used for other folks as well. I want to create a compilation of good, encouraging, deep music for our life on the mission field. I have some music but it would be cool if folks could submit songs they loved when they were going through great growth, painful times, etc. in their faith. It would be like a soundtrack for real life believers. I know when we get to you-know-where we will NEED the body of Christ. I think this is one way the body of Christ could be with us in song and spirit. What do you think? We could get the list together and then make an itunes compilation. It might turn out to be huge but that’s good! We can then just choose songs a little at a time for purchase but will always have options for more.
So there ya have it. Leave a list of your best, and they will go from there.
i’ve never considered myself a missionary, hardly ever a man with a mission, even, but there is little music ever written that can lift my spirits like the adagio from Rodrigo’s ‘Concerto D’Aranjeux’, especially when done with a beautiful Spanish Guitar for the solo instrument. Being an instrumental and classical piece it is able to be played and enjoyed in Muslim countries – it has overtones of the Old Ottoman Empire from the days when Spain was under Moorish control.
I’d highly recommend a relatively unknown artist and her song ‘Never’ for a more modern piece – especially the latest remix.;-)
And just because it seems quite apropos – ‘Missionary Man’ by Eurythmics. Annie Lennox rox.
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That’s great! Tell them good luck from me, and may God watch over them! I’ve struggled a lot the past 2 years and these songs really helped me through the hard times. I hope they’ll mean something to them too, as they ment so much for me!
*flyleaf – Supernatural
*Krystal Meyers – In your hands, My freedom
*Barlowgirl – I believe in love, never alone, You led me
*Fireflight – wrapped in your arms
*Kim walker- How he loves
*Misty edwards – You wont relent
*Kari Jobe – Be still, you are for me, healer
*Vicky Beeching – Above all else, stronger than the storm
Mandy – I’ve listened to some of your songs and they are great! You truly are a good songwriter.
Blessings, Ida
Ida! Thank you for your kind words about my music. And your English is perfect.
I’m partial to Warren Barfield right now and while off his older, “Reach”, release – still love it:
Unleashed or Take My Life
Breathe in me – Michael W. Smith
You’ll get through this – Martina McBride
(The whole Mercy Project album is excellent for this
http://www.amazon.com/Mercy-Project-Darlene-Zschech/dp/B000051XVZ)
Anything by Nichole Nordeman – but that could be a personal preference
The songs that have been played the most on my ipod are:
We Cry Out – Kim Walker (played the most)
I am free – Newsboys
I am – Mark Schultz
Give me words to speak – Aaron Shust
God of this City – whichever artist they like
Hands and Feet – Audio Adrenaline
These Hands – Jeff Deyo
God Of This City – Bluetree
Days of Elijah – Robin Mark
and anything by Shane & Shane
caedmon’s call : “share the well” cd
robbie seay band : “give yourself away” cd
that’s it. no need to take any further comments, amanda. you’re done.
(seriously, hopes and prayers for your friends taking light into dark places.)
Anything by eastmountainsouth, David Crowder Band, Shawn McDonald, and Tyrone Wells.
I haven’t heard of eastmountainsouth… What sort of style?
Dang. That is so cool. I’ll be praying for them. Whoever they are or wherever they may be going.
Music-wise. Well I have about 100 suggestions…so let me narrow it down:
-How He Loves, Where You Go I Go, You Won’t Relent, All Consuming Fire :: Kim Walker & Jesus Culture. (pretty much anything from Kim Walker or Jesus Culture is amazing).
-Today :: Christian City Church
-Sweep Me Away :: Kari Jobe
-Planetshakers. Absolutely anything from Planetshakers. But the newest CD “Beautiful Saviour” is probably the best so far.
I’ll look through my iPod and see if I can come back with any more suggestions.
And you can let them know that if they are ever looking for someone to come help with their ministry, I’m totally in. haha. : )
HAHA indeed! They’re lurking here all day, so they’ll see your comment!
Just about anything by Misty Edwards, Kim Walker and Kari Jobe.
In Your Hands by Hillsong (oldie but goodie)
My Hope by Hillsong
When I Speak Your Name by Gateway
All I Need is You, Hillsong United
Healer, Planetshakers
Worth it All, Rita Springer
You are Still Holy, Rita Springer (This one brings me to tears almost every time)
I’m sure there are hundreds more…but there ya go.
The friend is the one who got me started on Misty Edwards. She’s gonna like your list.
man, she’s such a rockstar.
err…i mean…an anointed and poignant worship leader/songwriter. heh.
Sure. We gotcha.
And it wasn’t Misty Edwards – it was somebody else. Shoot me.
Mindy Smith.
Yes.
It was Mindy Smith. Dang. WHY did it take me so long to figure that out?
“I need a hurricane.”
I can just see a new ad for a mission organization… A rough looking person is standing and holding a cardboard sign that reads: “Will witness for music!”
The “Time” album by Third Day
The Solid Rock – Charlie Hall (Hymns, Passion CD)
Take My Life – Chris Tomlin (Hymns, Passion CD)
from the inside out – hillsongs united
sweetly broken – jeremy riddle
anything from the fee band
and disco.
Made me Glad – Hillsong/Travis Cottrell – giving Him thanks; remembering who He is to us
Dwelling Places – Miraim Webster – pouring forth your love to Him
In Christ Alone – Travis Cottrell – powerful song summarizing the Gospel
Jesus Saves – Travis Cottrell – reminder that it is Him alone
Everything – Tim Hughes – quieting your soul for Christ alone to reign
Lord, You’re Holy – Helen Baylor is one, but I’m not sure who the other artists are – calls out the Names of God!
Shout unto God – makes you want to get your praise on like no other
Natalie Merchant’s “Wonder” and “These are Days” are two songs that always life my spirits.
“Higher Love” by Steve Winwood.
Van Morrison’s “Whenever God Shines His Light”
The most recent uplifting Christian song I have heard is Lincoln Brewster’s “Today’s the Day”.
Jason Upton’s worship music is beyond compare. Truly. Also, have you heard Desert Song by Brooke Fraser, it’s very fitting for them!!
oh, forgot that one. yep he’s good too!
EastMountainSouth have incredibly smooth and melodic harmonies like Simon and Garfunkel, with just a guitar I believe- two vocalists (male and female)
So many good songs in the world. Mandy Smith? YES.
My three favorite artists for both lyrics and melody:
Sara Groves- any CD (all of them are INCREDIBLE)
Caedmon’s Call (I like their self-entitled one best, or 40 Acres)
Andrew Peterson (some may not like his nasally voice, but his lyrics are incredible. favorite album…The Far Country)
oops. I meant Mindy.
Dang.
Snort snort!
I didn’t see anything by Sean Feucht. You could pick any album of his and have a very uplifting listening experience.
I also think that Rick Pino’s “Mighty Warrior” is a take charge Holy Spirit kind of song.
Tomlin:
“I Will Rise”
“Amazing Grace”
Brooke Fraser/Hillsong:
“Lead Me to the Cross”
“CS Lewis Song”
Anything by Jason Upton, I especially like the album “Between Earth and Sky,” but the older version of “In the Silence” off “Open Up the Earth” is amazing.
Phil Wickham!
all of it is amazing…
And, in case your friends are reading: Thank you guys for following the call of Christ. It is not easy to take up your cross and FOLLOW JESUS, and yet you are doing just that! My prayer is that God’s favor shines upon you, and that you will experience utter joy and fulfillment in doing His will.
Rebecca St. James wrote a song called “Come Quickly Lord.” It’s pretty awesome.
Take My Life – Tomlin
More Than Hands – Sarah MacIntosh
Be Glorified – Sarah MacIntosh
How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
Hosanna – Brooke Fraser (or Starfields cover)
Reign In Us – Starfield
Take Me In – Kutless did a nice cover
Yahweh – Symphony In Red
Be Thou My Vision
Holy Roar – Christy Nockles
The Solid Rock
Everlasting God
Take Your Throne – YWAM Denver’s School of Worship
Red – anything
Monster Village – Quiet By 10
What Can I Do – Paul Baloche
Jesus, Lover Of My Soul – Passion worship band
Break Our Hearts – Passion
Fairest Lord Jesus – Passion – Hymns ancient & modern
In Christ Alone
Here Is Love – Redman
Better Is One Day – Redman
Facedown – Redman
We Are One In the Spirit – Mark Swayze Band
Lead Me To The Cross – Hillsong United
O Sacred Head Now Wounded – Fernando Ortega
Majesty (Here I Am) – Delirious?
Rescue – Desperation Band
Indescribable – Tomlin
I Stand Amazed – Tomlin
Grace Like Rain – Todd Agnew
It Is Well With My Soul
My Jesus I Love Thee – Brading
This is the current “short list” ha ha. Just a snippet of what’s on my iPod keeping me going through each day… and most of them have a history of being what I needed at a certain time. Others are new finds that are penetrating deeply right now.
How can we pray for these friends?
Thank you for this extensive list! You’ve got some great songs here.
How to pray?
They need a bit more $$. They need safe travels in a few months. They need their marriage protected and secure during the stress of training and moving. I’m sure they’ll be blessed to know you’re praying for them. Thank you. Deeply. Thank you!
Seriously, music is so encouraging and important to those on the field. Yay for this! Thanks Mandy!!!