Here’s an awesome project that has just been completed, OMF International and Keith and Kristyn Getty reworking an old hymn, “Facing a Task Unfinished”:
On Sunday, 21 February 2016, thousands of churches and organisations on every continent will join together in song, in many languages, to sing the hymn, “Facing a Task Unfinished” as part of a united effort to draw attention to the imperative need for gospel messengers to go worldwide.
Alongside OMF are the internationally acclaimed hymn writers Keith & Kristyn Getty. Together we announced the global event back in Autumn 2015 and have been inviting churches to join since then.
Facing a Task Unfinished was originally written by Frank Houghton in response to a bold move of faith by the China Inland Mission (CIM, now OMF).
In 1927, darkness fell over China and its missionaries suffered persecution. Half of the overall missions community left permanently. Still, in 1929, the CIM issued a call to prayer for 200 new workers. Two years later, 203 workers set sail for China to plant the seeds of the Gospel. Today mission experts believe China to be the greatest example for growth of Christianity in the history of the world – an estimated 80 – 130 million people now follow Christ in China.
Last year, OMF International celebrated its 150th anniversary and invited Keith and Kristyn Getty to re-visit Houghton’s much loved and still timely hymn. The Gettys have been delighted to be part of introducing this anthem for Christian missionaries to a new generation.
The song will be the title track of Keith & Kristyn’s upcoming album (June 2016) and international tours. All composing and publishing royalties from the song are being directed back into the work of OMF in facing the unfinished task among East Asia’s peoples.
Here’s an embed of the music. You should recognise the tune as Aurelia (The Church’s One Foundation).
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