2008 Woodie Awards
CHAPEL: Students use Spanish to echo God's voice
Joy Bacon, Editor in ChiefTuesday's chapel service could have appeared much like any of the previous bi-weekly services. Programs were available on a central table, speakers addressed the issue of God working in their lives and contemporary Christian worship music was integrated throughout the service. Students noticed one major difference, however, the moment they walked in the door.
The service was entirely in Spanish.
A worship team opened the service with Bienvenidos, or welcome, and a short prayer. The following music consisted of contemporary English worship songs that were already available in Spanish or that had been translated specifically for the service.
Senior Megan Carper delivered the main message of the service, which reflected the theme of "el eco de su voz," or being the voice of God to the world. Carper quoted James 2:14-17 to emphasize the need for a faith expressed through helping others who are in need.
"To be the echo of God's voice, we have to be disciples in spirit and in action," Carper said.
The theme was chosen by Carper and Instructor in Spanish Kim Hernandez as a way to reflect many students' motivations for studying Spanish. The song is part of the supplemental materials in the Spanish translation of "The Purpose Driven Life," a devotional book by Rick Warren.
"So many students want to use their Spanish skills for mission work," Hernandez said. "Every day we have the opportunity to serve God in a unique and meaningful way, whether that's here in Spokane or in another country."
Seniors Bethany Harmon and Bekah List added to the theme with examples from their own lives of living as daily examples of Christ.
Harmon taught English in Bolivia and worked with orphaned children. She also works with the Homework Helpers program, run through the Westminster House in Spokane's west central neighborhood.
Harmon said the most important thing in being an example of Christ's light was to see each day as an opportunity to serve others in a manner that glorifies God.
"I've made many friends through these programs, and they always remind me that to be faithful and humble in the opportunities I have to serve God is the most important if I want to be the 'echo of his voice,' even if sometimes the opportunities don't seem very big," Harmon said.
The service concluded with the theme song playing in conjunction with photos from various student mission trips and service projects, including work in Peru, Mexico and Africa. The final song, "Alabaré," or "I will praise," is a traditional Mexican worship song.
Dean of the chapel Terry McGonigal contacted Hernandez over the summer to ask her to organize the alternative-language program. An all-Spanish chapel has been held twice in the past as part of the Spanish for Christian Ministry course.
However, since that course is not offered until next fall, Hernandez contacted various students studying Spanish who she knew had experience leading worship.
Hernandez said the service provided a genuine worship experience for native Spanish-speaking international students, as well as an opportunity for other Spanish-studying students to experience a practical application of what they were learning in the classroom.
"Multiculturalism is such an important objective on our campus," Hernandez said. "It was a great way to show how you can come together as a community in so many different ways."
Contact Joy Bacon at joy.bacon@whitworthian.com.
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