On January 4, 2026, Selah Hymnody organized a worship evening centered on song, prayer, and confession of faith, under the theme “TURIRIMBE – TWATURE – DUSENGE: The Faith of the Saints of Old” (“Let Us Sing, Confess, and Pray the Faith of the Saints of Old”).

The gathering was hosted at Jesus Grace Church, whose leadership generously opened their doors and supported the event. We express our sincere gratitude for their hospitality and partnership.

Purpose and Vision

Within our ecclesial context, end-of-year worship events are frequent, yet not all remain anchored in the theological depth and biblical clarity that Christian worship requires. Rather than responding with critique alone, Selah Hymnody sought to offer a constructive alternative: a space where worship is shaped by Scripture, the historic faith of the Church, and reverence for Christ.

In this spirit, artists were invited not on the basis of strict theological labels, but because of their shared desire to honor God and serve the Church faithfully through music. Participants included Eddy, the Evangelical Friends Church worship team, El Malakay, Brightness, Aroma of Christ, and Pastor Claude.

Structure of the Evening

The program followed the redemptive storyline of Scripture, from creation to consummation. Short catechetical readings were used to connect the songs and guide the congregation through the themes of sin, grace, redemption, and hope.

Musically, the evening blended Selah Hymnody compositions, classical Kirundi hymns, and Swahili Wokovu hymns, all carefully selected to maintain a Christ-centered and congregational focus.

A Theological Highlight

The hymn Nitoleye emerged as a particularly meaningful moment of reflection. Its refrain articulates three foundational petitions of the Christian life:

These themes echo the biblical rhythm of forgiveness and repentance, sanctification, and glorification, and resonated deeply with many present.

Worship in Song and Movement

Dance was intentionally included as an expression of worship. Rooted both in African cultural practice and biblical precedent (Psalm 150:4), it served as a visible confession of praise, allowing the body to participate alongside voice and heart.

Closing Reflection

The evening also offered a gentle reminder of the importance of respecting the theological and lyrical progression of hymns. When sung as intended, hymns shape not only emotion but understanding, helping congregations worship with depth and clarity.

We thank God for a night marked by unity, reverence, and joy, and we pray that this gathering will continue to encourage biblically grounded and culturally faithful worship within the Church.