Carrying the Torch
The Church was born on Resurrection morning
Our Lord Jesus Christ had just conquered death
Carrying the torch of the Gospel
The disciples scattered north, south, east, and west.
Peter used the keys to unlock the message
To the Jews and to Cornelius' gentile home
Apostle Paul preached to free men and in chains
Through shipwreck, torture, and death at Rome.
CHORUS
On whose shoulders do you stand?
Holding the torch in your hand?
The testimony has passed to you and me
On whose shoulders do you stand?
Andrew and Phillip took God's love to Scythia
To Armenia, Thaddeus and Nathaniel followed His call
Thomas and Matthew shown light to India's darkened land
In Jerusalem, James spilled his blood by the wall
Didn't John compel us to study?
Was his disciple, Iraneus faithful to the end?
And it is no surprise, Ignatius gave his life
Along with Polycarp his aged and fearless friend.
CHORUS
Can't you see north Africa glowing
With Ciprian and Tertullian's zeal ablaze?
While Clement was exiled to the Crimea
And drowned with an anchor in the foggy haze.
Patrick and Columba claimed the north land
Chrysostom dug deep to keep truth pure
Cyril and Methodius faced the Barbarians
With the written word, faithful and sure
With the Word of God, their hearts so pure.
Francis taught us how to keep life simple
That silent testimonies are lived out loud
Clair with the sisters in their poverty
Were wealthier than the lady leisure crowd
John Climacus climbed up his ladder
A'Kempis imitated Christ, unknown and all alone
Brother Lawrence spent his days washing dishes
Fenelon watered seeds that he had sown.
CHORUS
Peter the Hermit awakened all the masses.
Richard the Lion marched close behind
In the north a new day was dawning
Vladimir brought sight to the blind.
Wesley took us out of darkened traditions
And to a place where grace cancels debt
Count Zinzendorf trained a new generation
Ambassadors that heaven won't forget.
CHORUS
Finney and Moody brought the rain of revival
And Watchman Nee whispered through iron doors
Rich,(Mullins) singing in the clouds, Keith,(Green) before the throne and bowed
Ofisch and Mieluta at heaven's shores.
And Bartholomew's candle burns in solitude
Surrounded by the enemies of our Lord
Still Prester John's letters go unanswered
How long will our mission be ignored?
CHORUS
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