What makes your soul sing? Maybe you have never thought to put words to the experience of the soaring, lifting, and filling of the soul. Or maybe you are not able to put words to the feeling of the passion and joy that wells up in you when your soul sings. Since its beginning in […]

What makes your soul sing? Maybe you have never thought to put words to the experience of the soaring, lifting, and filling of the soul. Or maybe you are not able to put words to the feeling of the passion and joy that wells up in you when your soul sings.

Since its beginning in rural Sweden, How Great Thou Art has been sung in church worship services, in cars, and probably the occasional shower, for 75 years. The writer of the first two verses of How Great Thou Art, describes his soul singing as he acknowledges the magnificence of God’s creation, and the artistry of the divine Creator.

Ellyeanna Jubinar’s soul also sings as she spends time in the natural beauty which surrounds her in Sabah, Malaysia. Sabah is home to a vast expanse of tropical jungle astonishingly rich in flora and fauna. The natural sights are truly overwhelming, from the oaks and conifers in the mountains, to lowland rainforest and mangrove swamps that hug the coast. Ellyeanna was raised in a home which taught her to recognise the wonders of the natural world and God’s glorious acts of creation. The God whose power is displayed throughout the universe, reminds Ellyanna of his presence even in the mundane of her everyday life.

As a young person, Ellyeanna reflected on the overwhelming immensity of God’s work in her life. She desperately wished to serve the church and share God’s grace and love with others, but was incredibly shy and lacked confidence. At the age of 13, wanting to overcome her nervousness and fear of public speaking, Ellyeanna began training as a worship leader. She had been encouraged by the church leadership who had noticed a gift in her that had not yet been given the space to flourish.

Once given the position of worship leader and carer of the spiritual formation and nourishment of the congregation, Ellyeanna was required to choose music for worship that is faithful to the teaching of Scripture. Therefore, since taking on the role of worship leader, Ellyeanna has maintained a growing personal walk with Jesus through committed Bible study, prayer and personal learning. In her preparation as worship leader, Ellyeanna is also growing in her own faith.

Music is a beautiful gift from God which enhances our worship life. Music can be liturgy, it can be prayer, it can convey truths of God into deep levels of subconsciousness, or simply celebrate God’s act of grace. Ellyeanna admits that, as she leads worship for the gathered community and the Holy Spirit places the love and grace-filled words from Scripture into Ellyeanna’s heart, she sometimes cries as her soul sings.

Formerly a timid young person, Ellyanna is now confidently serving the Protestant Church in Sabah as an Accounting Clerk, having been given the encouragement and opportunities to be aware of God’s gracious actions in her life.

This story was also published in the December 2024 edition of Border Crossings, the magazine of LCA International Mission.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Malaysia (Sabah) at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/malaysia-sabah/