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Growing As A Harpist In The Church
Danielle Yuson: Dearest Brother Eduardo V. Manalo,
First, I would like to thank you for all you do for the Church, for your love and care that we members feel in so many ways. I remember when I was very young, sitting with my parents in worship services, I would listen to and try to sing along with the choir— even if I did not yet know the lyrics because I couldn’t read. When I was a little older, I became a CWS choir member. I even tried to teach myself how to play the keyboard, because I was inspired by the organists to learn.
As time went by, my love for both music and for my duty grew. One day, when I was 12 years old, my parents asked me if I would like to learn the harp—an instrument that is mentioned in the Bible. I immediately fell in love with the sound, the feeling of playing the strings, and how even simple tunes sounded beautiful on this instrument. Other than practicing in my own home, I did not have opportunities to perform or play anywhere else— I was also too shy to do so, to stand on stage on my own.
Many years later, as the Church was preparing for the Centennial Anniversary, I was invited to take part in an Oratorio for the Church. I did not know what an oratorio was, nor did I have proper experience in any orchestras. I was elated to know that there was an opportunity for me to use this talent for the Church.
I would never forget my first time visiting Central—seeing the Central Temple, all of the department buildings, the ministers, workers, and helpers hard at work. That was the moment I really began to understand how much work the Executive Minister and the Church Administration do to oversee the Church, and how much the Church has grown. It was such a blessing to see even just a fraction of the effort it takes to care for all of the brethren.
As we began rehearsals, I was able to meet other talented brethren from all over the world. We were united by our passion for music, our love for the Church, and our eagerness to use our talents to praise our Almighty God and heed the calling of the Church Administration. Through hours of hard work in rehearsals, I was able to make lifelong friends, to feel even more love of the brotherhood in the Church.
On July 27, 2014, I was blessed to witness a Special Worship Service led by you, our Executive Minister, in the Philippine Arena for the Centennial Anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. After we were inspired by the words of our Almighty God, we, The Iglesia Ni Cristo Symphony Orchestra, went on stage to perform the Church’s own oratorio, Ang Iglesia Ni Cristo Sa Mga Huling Araw.
It was such a blessing to perform on stage, not as one person, but as part of a whole. From vocalists to violinists, layers of instruments and voices united together, with a spiritual message that resounds in your heart— we all performed in unity to spread the message of our Almighty God’s love for the Church for the past century. That performance gave me a sense of belonging and purpose.
That, although I am not the best singer, dancer—or even speaker—Our Almighty God always has a place for me to praise Him, through these opportunities provided by the Church Administration. After this experience, I was inspired to restart my education in my instrument. I wanted to better myself as a harpist, to hone and improve my skills so I could offer them to the Church in any way.
Through the years and with God’s mercy, I attained both my Associates in Arts and Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance. The time and effort I put into mastering my instrument was not in vain, as the INC Symphony Orchestra was called to perform in various events all over the world. I was so blessed to take part in each performance. I was able to see the growth of the entire Church as we celebrated milestones all over the world, and bond with more brethren from different walks of life. With each opportunity, I feel so blessed and renewed in my faith, and ultimately so grateful that the Church Administration has activities such as these for us to take part in. Whenever we rehearse, and especially when we perform, we can always feel our Almighty God with us.
In my home district of Orange County, California, my fellow INC Symphony Orchestra members and I help organize instrumental musical events and activities, so that brethren with talents in these mediums also have opportunities to praise and perform through musical performance.
I may not be the best at expressing myself through words, which is why I am so passionate about instrumental performance. And although words will never feel enough, I hope these words can still convey my gratitude and appreciation for you. Thank you, Brother Eduardo Manalo, for the blessed moments as part of the Iglesia Ni Cristo Symphony Orchestra.
Thank you for your endless love, for everything you do for the Church, and for guiding all the members all over the world. It is our hope and prayer that our Almighty God is always with you and your family, and that He may always take care of you. Thank you for 16 years of dynamic and selfless leadership of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
We love you so much!
Your sister in Christ,
Sister Danielle C. Yuson
